Smartphone owners are often faced with the need to find out accurate information about the software of their device. This may be required when installing specific applications, diagnosing compatibility problems, or before the firmware update procedure. Kernel version and the build number are critical parameters that determine the functionality of the gadget.
Unfortunately, shell manufacturers often hide this information at different menu levels or disguise it under marketing names. For example, a user may see a beautiful animation with a MIUI or One UIlogo, but not understand what kind of base Android the system is based on. In this material, we will analyze all available methods for obtaining this data - from simple settings to advanced engineering codes.
Knowing the exact build number helps to avoid installing incompatible software, which can lead to unstable operation of the device. In addition, this information is necessary when contacting technical support or when searching for solutions on specialized forums.
Checking through the standard settings menu
The most obvious and safest way to find out the operating system version is to look in the settings section of your smartphone. The interface may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but the logic of the location of the items remains the same for most devices based on Android.
You need to open the main menu and find the gear-shaped icon. Further, the path may vary: on a pure Android this is usually the “System” or “About phone” item, while in shells from Samsung or Xiaomi the information is often placed at the very bottom of the list of settings.
After going to the “About phone” section, you will see a list of characteristics. Look for the line with the name Android version. By clicking on it several times, you can launch a hidden Easter egg - a mini-game or animation corresponding to the code name of this version of the system.
In some cases, especially on older models, the version number may be hidden inside the “Software Information” or “Software Information” item. The date of the security update and the kernel build number are also usually indicated there.
⚠️ Attention: On some custom firmware, the version number in the menu may be changed by modders and may not correspond to the actual system base. For an accurate diagnosis, use the methods below.
If you cannot find the “About phone” item, use the settings search. Enter the word “Version” or “About device” in the search bar at the top of the settings screen.
Using the engineering menu and USSD codes
For deeper diagnostics, there are special service codes that provide access to hidden sections of the system. These tools are intended for engineers and testers, but can also be useful for ordinary users to obtain technical information.
To use this method, open the Phone application and enter a special combination of characters. The universal code for many devices is ##4636##. After entering the last asterisk, the menu should open automatically, without the need to press the call button.
In the list that opens, select “Phone Information”. This displays detailed information about the radio module, network status and, what is important for us, software versions. Look for fields Android Version and Build Number.
It is worth noting that on modern smartphones with updated shells, access to the engineering menu is often blocked by the manufacturer for security reasons. If the code does not work, try alternative combinations specific to your brand:
- 📱 For devices Samsung:
#1234#or#12580*369# - 📱 For smartphones Xiaomi:
##6484##(CIT menu) - 📱 For Sony:
##7378423## - 📱 Universal test:
#0#
Viewing information through the “For Developers” menu
If standard methods do not give the full picture, you can activate extended debug menu. This section contains many technical parameters useful for advanced users and application developers.
Activation occurs through the “About phone” menu. You need to find the “Build Number” item and quickly click on it 7 times in a row. The system will issue a notification that you have become a developer. After this, a new section “For Developers” will appear in the main settings.
This menu contains a huge number of settings, but we are interested in general information. Scroll down the list to the Debugging or Monitoring block. Information about the kernel version and the base system is often duplicated here, and the operation status is also displayed ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
Be careful when changing the settings in this section. Unnecessarily enabling USB debugging functions or changing animations can lead to unstable interface operation or conflicts with banking applications.
Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging☑️ Activating developer mode
Concordance table of Android versions and code names
Google traditionally assigns a candy-related code name to each major version of its operating system. Although this tradition was partially hidden in public marketing policy, these names are still relevant in the system code and among enthusiasts.
Knowing the code name helps you quickly navigate the documentation and developer forums. Below is a version correspondence table that will help you identify the age of your system.
| Android version | Code name | Release year | API level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 9 | Pie | 2018 | 28 |
| Android 10 | Quince Tart (Q) | 2019 | 29 |
| Android 11 | Red Velvet Cake | 2020 | 30 |
| Android 12 | Snow Cone | 2021 | 31 |
| Android 13 | Tiramisu | 2022 | 33 |
Please note that the API level (Application Programming) Interface) is a more precise identifier for developers than just a version number. Some applications require a minimum API level to work correctly.
Android version codenames help quickly determine the generation of the system, even if the digital version number is not obvious in the interface.
Use of third-party applications and utilities
When the built-in system tools are not informative enough, specialized utilities from store Google Play. These applications collect comprehensive information about the hardware and software of the device.
One of the most popular tools is the application CPU-Z or AIDA64. Once installed and launched, they automatically scan the system and display a detailed report. The “System” or “OS” tab contains data on the kernel version, processor architecture and exact assembly.
The advantage of such utilities is that they show not only the Android version, but also the temperature of the components, core frequency and battery status. This makes them indispensable for comprehensive diagnostics of a smartphone before buying a used device or selling it.
⚠️ Attention: Download diagnostic utilities only from the official Google Play store. Third-party sites may distribute modified versions of apps with embedded malicious code.
Another reliable option is the application Device Info HW. It is especially useful for verifying the authenticity of the display and camera, but also does a great job of displaying the firmware version.
Why do apps show different data?
Sometimes third-party utilities read data from system prop.build files, which can be modified by the manufacturer to mask the real characteristics of the device.
Advanced method: check via ADB
For users with access to a computer and basic command line skills, the most reliable method is to use the debug bridge ADB. This method allows you to obtain information directly from the system, bypassing the graphical interface.
First, you need to enable USB debugging in the “For Developers” menu on your smartphone and connect it to your PC. Then, with the platform-tools package installed, run the command in a terminal or command line.
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.releaseThis command will print out the exact Android version number. To get the build number, use the command adb shell getprop ro.build.display.id. This method is indispensable when the phone screen is broken or the sensor does not work, but the system boots.
You can also get a complete list of all system properties by running the command adb shell getprop. The output will be voluminous, so it is recommended to redirect it to a text file for easy analysis.
Before connecting to a computer, make sure that ADB drivers are installed on your smartphone. For many brands, they are included in the universal Google USB Driver.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is my Android not updated to the latest version?
Smartphone manufacturers limit device support by time. Typically, flagships receive updates within 2-3 years, and budget models - 1-2 years. Also, the update may not arrive due to regional features or custom firmware.
Is it possible to downgrade the Android version?
Officially, this option is not provided. Rolling back to an older version requires unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery and manually flashing the system image, which voids the warranty and carries the risk of data loss.
Does the Android version affect the speed of the phone?
Yes, new versions are optimized for modern hardware, but on older devices they may run slower due to increased resource requirements. Sometimes the latest version contains bugs that slow down the interface.
What is a build number and why do you need it?
Build Number is a unique identifier of a specific firmware version released by the manufacturer. It is needed to accurately identify software when searching for patches, drivers, or contacting a service center.
Is it safe to use engineering codes?
Viewing information through codes is safe. However, changing the settings in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose can lead to loss of communication, incorrect operation of the sensor, or resetting the network settings.