Users smartphones Huawei are often faced with the need to clarify the exact version of the operating system. This is required not only out of curiosity, but also to install compatible applications, search for drivers or diagnose software failures. The interface EMUI or HarmonyOS can hide the basic version Android behind several levels of menus, which confuses beginners.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the existing ways to obtain this information: from the standard settings menu to the use of hidden engineering codes. You will learn to distinguish the shell version from the system kernel version and understand why this data can differ on the same device.
Knowing the exact software build is critical when contacting a service center or when trying to get root access. Incorrect version identification can lead to the installation of incompatible software, which can lead to data loss or disruption of the bootloader bootloader.
Standard method through the settings menu
The most obvious and safest method is to use the standard system interface. The path may differ slightly depending on which version of the shell EMUI or HarmonyOS is installed on your device. In most modern models Huawei system information is hidden at the very bottom of the list of parameters.
First, open the application Settings on the main screen or in the list of all apps. Scroll down the list to the very end and find the item About phone. By clicking on it, you will be taken to a section with general information about your gadget, including model, build number and serial number.
It is important here to read the fine print carefully. Often the version Android is indicated on a separate line under the model name or version EMUI. For example, you might see "EMUI Version 12.0" and just below it is "Android 10 Version." This means that the twelfth version of the manufacturer's proprietary shell is installed on top of the tenth version of Android.
⚠️ Attention: On some new devices with the shell HarmonyOS the "Android Version" line may be missing altogether. This is not a bug, but a feature of the system architecture, where Google services are replaced by the company's own developments, although the kernel remains compatible with Android applications.
If the "About phone" menu does not have an explicit indication of the Android version, try to find the item Software information inside the same section. Sometimes developers group firmware information separately from hardware specifications. It is also worth checking the section System in the main settings menu, since in some updates the logic of the location of items was changed for the convenience of users.
Using the engineering menu and USSD codes
For more advanced users who find the standard menu insufficiently informative, there is access to hidden diagnostic tools. The engineering menu allows you to see technical details that are usually hidden from the eyes of the average smartphone owner. It is accessed through a set of special combinations of characters in the phone.
Open the application Phone (dialer) and enter the code ##2846579##. This is a universal code for devices Huaweithat should automatically open the ProjectMenu. If the code does not work, try an alternative option ##4636##, which is standard for the Android platform, but may be blocked by the manufacturer on some models.
In the menu that opens, select Software version or Software Version. Here you will see a detailed breakdown of the system components. You are interested in the line Android Version. Also here, the version of the baseband (Baseband) and the version of the kernel (Kernel) are often indicated, which is useful for in-depth diagnosis of problems with communication or stability of operation.
What to do if the code does not work?
If when entering the code nothing happens or the message "Code is invalid" appears, then the manufacturer has blocked access to the engineering menu in your firmware version. This often occurs on devices purchased from official dealers in Europe or Russia. In this case, use third-party applications from the list below.
Be careful when navigating inside the engineering menu. Changing parameters in sections Single Test or Background Settings without understanding their purpose may lead to incorrect operation of the communication modules or camera. Your goal is only to view information; it is better to avoid any actions with the “Set” or “Write” buttons unless absolutely necessary.
Checking through third-party applications
If the built-in system tools for some reason do not display the necessary data or the interface seems too confusing, specialized utilities from the application store will come to the rescue. These apps read system files directly and display information in a convenient, structured form.
One of the most popular and reliable tools is the application CPU-Z. After installation and launch, go to the Device or Systèmetab. The field Android Version will indicate the exact digital version of the operating system. The advantage of this method is that the application also shows the processor architecture, number of cores and amount of RAM.
Another great option is the utility AIDA64. It provides an even more detailed report, including information on sensors, battery and component temperatures. In the section Android you will find not only the OS version, but also the API level, which is important for developers and advanced users who install specific software.
- 📱 CPU-Z - an easy and fast tool for basic information about the hardware and system.
- 🛠️ AIDA64 - a professional harvester with the most detailed technical data.
- 🔍 Device Info HW is a specialized application that is perfect for checking the compatibility of cameras and codecs.
The use of third-party software requires permission to access device data. Modern versions of Android strictly control these rights, so the app may ask for confirmation when you first launch it. This is a normal practice required to read system logs.
Before installing diagnostic applications, always check the last update date in Google Play or AppGallery. Outdated versions of apps may incorrectly determine the parameters of new smartphone models released this year.
Differences between the version of Android and EMUI
Many users confuse the version of the operating system Android and the version of the user shell EMUI. These are fundamentally different concepts, although they are closely related. Understanding this difference will help you avoid mistakes when searching for instructions and firmware on the Internet.
Android is a basic operating system developed by Google. She is responsible for the kernel, memory management, basic drivers and security. The Android version changes less frequently and determines global app compatibility. For example, some new games require a minimum of Android 11, regardless of which shell is on top.
EMUI (or HarmonyOS) is an add-on created by engineers Huawei. It changes the visual style, adds proprietary features, utilities for battery optimization, control gestures and interface features. The EMUI version can be updated more frequently than the Android version, bringing new features without changing the base core of the system.
| EMUI version | Basic Android version | Characteristic features |
|---|---|---|
| EMUI 9.0 / 9.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Classic design, Google support services |
| EMUI 10.0 / 10.1 | Android 10 | Dark theme, improved privacy, magic buttons |
| EMUI 11 | Android 10 | New widgets, Always On Display style, improved multi-screen |
| EMUI 12 | Android 10 (kernel) | HarmonyOS style design, new control panels, no GMS on new models |
As can be seen from the table, the same version of Android can be used in different versions of EMUI. This allows the manufacturer to extend the life of devices by adding new interface functions without completely reworking the low-level part of the system. Therefore, when you are looking for the answer to the question “what version of Android”, focus on the number after the word Android, and not on the large EMUI version number.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and version numbering may change with the release of new updates. If you see a discrepancy between the data in the table and on your device, check the information in the official support section on the manufacturer's website or in the software update menu.
The EMUI version is responsible for the appearance and additional functions, and the Android version is for compatibility with applications and the security of the system core. When searching for firmware, always indicate both versions.
Viewing the version through Recovery mode
There is a way to find out the system version even if the smartphone does not boot in normal mode or the screen is locked. To do this, use recovery mode Recovery. This method is useful when you need to check the version before resetting or flashing.
To enter this mode, turn off your smartphone completely. Then hold down the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the logo Huaweiappears, then release the Power button, but continue to hold the volume down until the recovery menu appears. On some models, you may need to connect a USB cable to the computer to enter this mode.
In the Recovery menu, control is performed using the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button (select). Navigation can be difficult if you are inexperienced, so proceed with caution. You need to find an item that may be called Version or simply displayed on the main screen of this menu.
The complete assembly line will be listed here, including the model number, region (CUST) and software version. Often the format looks like ALP-AL00 9.1.0.300(C432E5R1P5). Deciphering these codes is difficult for the average user, but the presence of numbers 9.1 or 10.0 at the beginning of the line indicates the EMUI version, which indirectly indicates the Android version.
☑️ Entering Recovery Mode
Exit Recovery mode by selecting item Reboot or Restart. Do not select item Wipe Dataif you do not plan to completely reset the device, as this will delete all your personal files, photos and contacts without the possibility of recovery.
Automatic update and check for relevance
Often the question “how to see the version” arises from the desire to update to the latest available release. The system Huawei has a built-in update checking mechanism that not only shows the current version, but also offers to install a new one if it is available for your model and region.
Go to Settings → System and updates → Software update. Click the button Search for updates. The system will contact the server and compare the version you have installed with the latest available one. If you are using the current version, the system will report: “You are using the latest version.”
In the same menu you can view the history updates. There is often a list of changes (changelog), which details what bugs have been fixed and what features have been added in the new build. This helps you understand whether it’s worth the time to download and install the update, especially if it takes up several gigabytes.
Make sure that before checking for updates you have the Internet turned on, preferably via Wi-Fi, so as not to waste mobile data. It is also recommended to have a battery charge of at least 50%, since the verification process and possible download may require significant power consumption.
Why is the Android version not updated to the latest?
Smartphone manufacturers, including Huawei, adapt new versions of Android to their devices. This process takes time to test and optimize the EMUI interface. Often, older models do not receive major Android updates (for example, from 10 to 11), but continue to receive security updates and new features as part of the current version of EMUI. This is due to hardware limitations and device support policies.
Does the phone region affect the available software version?
Yes, it does critically. Firmware is released for specific regions (Europe, Russia, China, Global version). A phone purchased in China may not see updates for the European region and vice versa. Trying to change the region using software methods (changing CUST) is difficult and risky, and can lead to loss of warranty and inoperability of banking applications.
Is it possible to downgrade the Android version on Huawei?
Technically, this is possible through the eRecovery or HiSuite mode on a computer, but it is highly not recommended for ordinary users. Rolling back a version (downgrade) often requires a complete wipe of the data, and in some cases it can block the bootloader or lead to a bricked device due to incompatible memory partitions.
Where can I find the firmware build number?
The Build Number is located in the same "About phone" menu as the Android version. It looks like a long set of numbers and letters. It is this number that technical support needs to identify the specific state of your software, since within one version of Android there can be dozens of different builds with different fixes.
What is a beta version of EMUI and is it worth installing?
Beta versions are test builds available through the Member Center application. They contain new features before others, but can be unstable, have bugs, and drain your battery quickly. You should only install them on a secondary device if you are preparing a detailed review for developers.