The modern tablet computer market is oversaturated with devices of various form factors and price categories. The user can purchase a budget model from a little-known Chinese brand or a flagship one Galaxy Tab from Samsung, but sooner or later the question of software will arise. Operating system version is a critical parameter that determines compatibility with applications, the level of security and available interface functions.
Many device owners are faced with a situation where the store stated one thing, but after purchase it turns out that the firmware is outdated or does not correspond to the description at all. This is especially true when purchasing used equipment or devices from AliExpress. Android is constantly updated, and the difference between version 10 and version 13 can be colossal in terms of performance and data protection.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the legitimate ways to check the installed OS. You will learn not only how to find the treasured numbers in the menu, but also how to identify a fake if the manufacturer decides to cheat. We will touch on verification methods through the engineering menu, connecting to a computer and using specialized software.
Standard verification method through the settings menu
The most obvious and accessible way to find out information about the system is to look into the settings of the device itself. The interface Android may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell, but the logic remains the same for all devices. You do not need additional apps or a network connection.
First, open the main menu and find the gear icon. In the list that opens, you need to scroll down the screen to the very end. There is usually a section About tablet or About device. In some cases, for example on tablets Lenovo or Xiaomi, this information may be hidden inside the subsection General information.
After going to this section you will see a list of characteristics: model, build number, amount of RAM. We are interested in the string Android version. Often the build number is indicated next to it, for example RP1A.200720.012. This is an important technical identifier that helps determine the exact release date of the firmware.
Interesting fact: on many devices, when you press the line with the Android version multiple times (5-7 times), an Easter egg is launched - an animation corresponding to the code name of this version (for example, a cake for Android 10 or a snowy mountain for Android 12). This is not just entertainment, but a way to quickly make sure that the system responds to commands correctly.
⚠️ Attention: If when you click on the Android version nothing happens or an error message appears, this may indicate that the firmware has been modified by third-party developers or is unlicensed.
The standard path through the settings is the most reliable method for serial devices, but it can be blocked on custom firmware of budget tablets.
Using the engineering menu and USSD codes
If the standard settings menu does not give a complete picture or the interface is blocked, you can use the hidden capabilities of the system. The engineering menu is intended for service centers, but is also available to ordinary users for diagnostics. To enter, special combinations of characters are used, entered through the “Phone” or “Dialer” application.
There is no universal code, since each manufacturer MediaTek, Qualcomm or Exynos uses its own commands. However, there are a few common options that are worth trying. Enter one of the following codes in the dialing field and press the call button:
- 📞
##4636##— opens the testing menu, where the software version is often duplicated in the “Phone Information” section. - 📞
*#1234#—a popular command for processor-based devices MediaTek, shows the version of AP, CP and kernel. - 📞
##8255##— launches GTalk Service Monitor service tool, useful for diagnosing network settings.
After entering the code, a service menu with technical data should appear on the screen. Look for lines Build number or Android Version. Be careful: changing settings in this menu (especially in sections Radio Information or Network Settings) may lead to loss of connection or unstable operation of the device.
On tablets without a SIM card, the Dialer application may not be available. In this case, you can install any third-party dialer from the application store or use a terminal emulator, which will be discussed below.
What to do if the codes do not work?
If entering the codes does not cause a reaction, the manufacturer may have disabled this function at the firmware level. Try installing the Secret Codes application to access hidden menus through a graphical interface.
Checking through a computer connection (ADB)
For advanced users who need the most accurate information, the method using USB debugging is ideal. This method allows you to obtain data directly from system logs, which cannot be faked through a regular interface. You will need a computer, a USB cable and installed drivers ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
First you need to activate developer mode on the tablet. Go to Settings → About tablet and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, return to the main settings menu. There will be a new section For developers.
Inside this section, find the switch USB Debugging and activate it. Connect the tablet to the computer with a cable. A prompt will appear on your device's screen to allow debugging - be sure to confirm by tapping "OK" or "Allow."
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.releaseThis command will display a blank Android version number (for example, 11 or 12). To obtain more detailed information about the assembly, use the command:
adb shell getprop ro.build.dateThis method is indispensable when flashing devices or buying used equipment when there are doubts about the seller’s honesty. The computer sees the device at the hardware level, and it is almost impossible to deceive it by replacing the line in the “About phone” menu.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and item names may change depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer’s skin. If you do not find the “For Developers” item, check the official documentation for your tablet model.
☑️ Preparing for testing via ADB
Analysis using third-party utilities
If you don’t want to mess around with settings and cables, help specialized applications will come from the store Google Play. There are many free utilities that collect comprehensive information about the hardware and software of the device. They often show data hidden from the eyes of the average user.
One of the most popular and reliable apps is CPU-Z or AIDA64. After installation and launch, the application automatically scans the system. We are interested in the tab System or OS. It will indicate not only the Android version, but also the API level, codebase name and security patch date.
Another powerful tool is the application Device Info HW. It is able to show the real characteristics of the screen and sensor, which helps to identify counterfeit tablets that have inflated parameters in the settings. If the utility shows that you have Android 10, but the settings say Android 13, this is an obvious fake.
The advantage of such apps is their clarity. The data is presented in the form of convenient tables and graphs. In addition, many of them allow you to save the report to a text file, which is convenient for sending to technical support if problems arise.
How to recognize a fake and modified firmware
The electronics market is flooded with devices that pretend to be flagships, but are not. Fraudsters often reflash old tablets, changing the information in the file build.propso that the latest version of Android is displayed in the menu. However, hardware is more difficult to deceive than software.
The first sign of a fake is a discrepancy between the performance and the declared characteristics. If the tablet supposedly works on Android 13, but the interface is terribly slow and applications crash, this is a reason to be wary. Modern versions of the OS require certain resources that older processors cannot provide.
The second sign is the lack of updates. Go to the section System update. If the tablet is positioned as new, but the date of the last update is in 2018, most likely the firmware is old and the numbers in the menu are drawn. Original devices from Samsung, Lenovo or Xiaomi regularly receive security packages.
The third way to check is to try to install an application that requires a new OS version. Try downloading a app from the store that requires at least Android 12. If the system writes “Incompatible with your device,” although 12 or 13 is indicated in the settings, then the version has been replaced.
| Verification parameter | Original firmware | Modified (Fake) |
|---|---|---|
| Menu “About tablet” | Corresponds to the release date | Indicates a new version on old hardware |
| Applications work | Stable, no crashes | Common compatibility errors |
| AIDA64 data | Coincides with the settings | Shows the real old version |
| Security patch | Current (current year) | Outdated (2-3 years ago) |
Pay attention to the “Security Patch” date. This is the most honest indicator of the system's relevance, which scammers most often forget to fake.
Solving common problems when determining the version
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the system displays information incorrectly or the fields in the menu are empty. This could be due to a software glitch, failed update, or corrupted system files. In such cases, standard methods may not work.
If there is a dash or “Unknown” in the “Android Version” item, try clearing the cache of the “Settings” application. To do this, go to Applications → All applications → Settings → Memory → Clear cache. After the reboot, the data should be pulled up from the system files correctly.
In cases where the tablet was rooted (superuser rights were obtained Root), some system Utilities may block read access to the assembly version for security reasons. Check for applications like Magisk or SuperSU. If they exist, the information may be hidden intentionally.
The most radical, but effective method is resetting to factory settings. This will delete all user data and return the tablet to its original state, in which the firmware should display honestly. Before doing this, be sure to back up your important files.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting to factory settings deletes all photos, contacts and applications from the tablet's internal memory. Be sure to save important data to a memory card or to the cloud before starting the procedure.
If software methods give conflicting results, the most reliable way is to visually check the interface and check through utilities like AIDA64.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is there only one version of Android in the settings, but in applications is written differently?
This may happen because the specific application has not yet been optimized for your version of the system, or the system has a custom shell installed that masks the real version of the kernel. It is also possible that the system update was not completed correctly.
Is it possible to find out the Android version if the tablet does not turn on?
If the device does not boot into the system, it is impossible to find out the version programmatically. However, often information about the firmware version (Build Number) is indicated on a sticker under the back cover or on the original box of the device.
Does the Android version affect the speed of the tablet?
Yes, directly. New versions of Android require a more powerful processor and more RAM. Installing a fresh OS on old hardware often leads to slowdowns, while a light version can work faster.
What is a build number and why do you need it?
The build number is a unique identifier of a specific firmware version released by the manufacturer. It is needed to accurately identify updates and diagnose problems in service centers, since the Android version (for example, 11.0) can have dozens of different builds.
Is it safe to use applications to check characteristics?
Yes, if you download them from the official store Google Play. Popular utilities like CPU-Z or AIDA64 only read information and do not have the rights to make changes to the system, so they are completely safe.