Many users are faced with a situation where they need to find out exactly what version of the operating system is installed on their device. This may be necessary to install compatible applications, find solutions to technical problems, or just out of curiosity. Modern shells from manufacturers often hide basic information, making it less accessible to the average user.
In this article we will analyze all the available ways to obtain complete data about your gadget. You will learn to find hidden sections, use engineering codes and use special tools for diagnostics. Precise identification Software versions are the first step to competent management of your smartphone.
We will consider not only standard methods through the menu, but also advanced techniques for those who want to know everything about their device. The information is relevant for most modern models, but the interface may vary slightly depending on the brand.
Standard method through system settings
The simplest and safest method is to use the built-in interface of the operating system. The path to information is usually standardized, although the names of the items may vary. You do not need to install third-party software or connect a cable to your computer.
Go to the main menu and find the icon Settings. Next, the algorithm of actions depends on the manufacturer of your device. In pure Android, as well as on Motorola, Nokia and Xiaomi smartphones (with MIUI/HyperOS shell), you need to scroll to the very bottom of the list and select About phone or About device.
In the menu that opens, look for the line Android version. The numbers shown there (for example, 12, 13 or 14) indicate the major version of the system. Often the level of the security patch is indicated next to it, which indicates the freshness of the security updates.
On Samsung devices with the One UI shell, the logic is slightly different. After entering Settings you need to scroll down the screen to the very end and click on the item Phone information. Then select Software information —this is where the current version Android and the version of the One UI shell will be indicated.
- 📱 On pure Android: Settings → System → About phone.
- 📱 On Samsung: Settings → Phone information → Software information.
- 📱 On Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Settings → About phone.
- 📱 On Huawei/Honor: Settings → System → About phone.
If you cannot find the “About phone” item, use the search bar at the top of the settings menu by entering the word “version” or “about”.
Using search and voice assistants
If the settings menu seems confusing to you or the smartphone manufacturer has greatly changed the structure of the sections, you can use the built-in search. This is relevant for devices with Android 9 and later, where the search functionality by settings works most effectively.
Open the application Settings. At the top of the screen, as a rule, there is a line with a magnifying glass or the inscription “Search”. Enter the query “Android version” or simply “Android” there. The system itself will offer the transition to the desired section, regardless of what it is called in your firmware.
An alternative option is to use a voice assistant Google Assistant. Activate it with the phrase “Ok Google” or by long pressing the power button (if configured). Say the command: “What version of android do I have?” The assistant will either voice a response or open the corresponding settings page.
⚠️ Attention: The voice assistant may not work if the device is offline or if the system language is different from the voice input language. In such cases, it is better to use a manual search.
This method is especially useful when the system interface is completely changed by a custom shell, and standard navigation paths do not work. Keyword search ignores the visual structure of the menu and accesses the settings database directly.
Checking through the hidden menu and codes
For more advanced users or in situations where the standard menu is not available (for example, when the interface freezes), there are special codes. Entering these combinations in the application Phone (dialer) opens the service menus.
Dial on the keyboard ##4636##. On many devices (especially with pure Android or similar shells), the menu Testwill immediately open. Select Phone information (Phone information). Not only the OS version will be indicated there, but also many technical parameters of the radio module and network.
Samsung devices have their own unique code: *#1234#. It opens the software version menu, which displays the version of the PDA, CSC and modem. This is critically important when flashing the device, as it allows you to ensure compliance between regions and versions.
##4636## — Universal testing code
*#1234# — Code for Samsung
#0# — Engineering menu (Samsung)It is worth noting that on modern versions of Android Manufacturers often block access to these codes or redirect them to the standard settings menu. This is done for security purposes so that inexperienced users do not accidentally change critical network parameters.
What to do if the code does not work?
If entering the code does not lead to any result, then your firmware manufacturer has blocked this function. This is normal for many modern models from Xiaomi, Realme and other brands. In this case, use only standard settings or third-party applications.
Detailed diagnostics using applications
When built-in tools are not enough and information about the hardware, system kernel or precise assembly is needed, specialized utilities come to the rescue. They read data directly from system files, providing the most complete picture.
One of the most popular tools is the application AIDA64. After installation and launch, go to the Operating system (Operating System) section. Here you will see not only the Android version, but also the name of the codebase, API level, processor architecture and the amount of available RAM.
Another powerful tool is CPU-Z. The tab Device contains comprehensive information about the platform. This is useful if you want to find out if your phone is a fake, since applications often see real hardware, even if it is “spoofed” by software in the settings.
- 🔍 AIDA64 - provides a detailed report on all components.
- 🔍 CPU-Z - focuses on the processor and sensors, but also shows the OS.
- 🔍 Device Info HW - specializes in cameras and screens, but shows the kernel version.
- 🔍 Droid Hardware Info —shows the exact names of the SoC components.
Using third-party applications has the advantage of being able to save a report or send it to a specialist for diagnostics. In addition, they show uptime (working time since last reboot), which is useful when looking for reasons for battery drain.
Third-party applications like AIDA64 show the real hardware platform, which helps identify re-flashed Chinese copies of flagships.
Using USB and ADB debugging
For developers and enthusiasts, the most accurate method is to use the command through the debugging interface ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and having the drivers installed.
First you need to activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and click on Build number7 times in a row. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, return to the settings menu, find the section For developers and turn on the toggle switch USB debugging.
Connect the phone to the PC with a cable. On your computer, in the command line (terminal), enter the following command:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.releaseThis command will only return the version number (for example, 13). If you need more detailed information, including the name of the codebase, use:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.codenameThe ADB method is universal and works even if the phone screen is broken (provided you have previously installed debugging), allowing you to retrieve the data remotely. This is a professional tool that does not require visual contact with the device interface.
⚠️ Attention: When you connect the phone to the computer for the first time, a request for debugging permission will appear on the smartphone screen. You must check the box “Always allow from this computer” and click “OK”, otherwise the commands will not be executed.
Comparison of versions and correspondence table
Often users know only the digital designation, but have no idea what code name is behind this version. Google named Android versions after sweets until version 10, after which it switched to simple numbering.
Understanding the differences between versions is important for game and app compatibility. Some apps require a minimum API level that corresponds to a certain version of the system.
| Android version | Code name | Release year | API level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | Pie | 2018 | 28 |
| 10 | 10 | 2019 | 29 |
| 11 | 11 | 2020 | 30 |
| 12 | 12 | 2021 | 31 |
| 13 | 13 | 2022 | 33 |
| 14 | 14 | 2023 | 34 |
Knowledge of the API level (Application Programming Interface) helps to understand why old applications may not run on new devices, or vice versa, why new games are not installed on an old phone. Each new version adds new security features and changes the way background processes work.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to change the Android version without flashing it?
No, the operating system version is “hardwired” in the software provision of the device. You can change the number in the settings only by obtaining root access and editing system files, but this will only be a visual substitution; it will not add functionality to the new version. For a real update, you need to wait for the official OTA update or install custom firmware.
Why do I have Android 11, and my friend has Android 13 on the same phone?
It depends on the region of sale and the manufacturer's policy. Smartphones often receive updates in waves. It is also possible that your friend received the update through his carrier earlier, or he manually updated the device while you turned off auto-update.
How do I know if my phone supports Android 14?
Officially, this information can only be found on the manufacturer's website in the support section for your model. If there are no updates in the settings, most likely the manufacturer does not plan to release a new version of the OS for your device due to hardware limitations or the end of the support period.
Does the Android version affect the speed?
Yes, newer versions are often better optimized, but they also require more powerful hardware. On older devices, installing a new version of Android may lead to slower performance, as new functions consume more processor and memory resources.