How to see the Android version on a Samsung phone: a detailed guide

Find out the version Android on a smartphone Samsung may be needed in a variety of situations: before installing an application, checking game compatibility, updating firmware or diagnosing problems. Despite the apparent simplicity of the task, many users encounter difficulties - especially if the interface One UI has been updated and the menus have been rearranged. In this article, we will look at all the current ways to check the OS version, including hidden methods for experienced users.

It is important to understand that the version Android and the shell version One UI are not the same thing. For example, on your Galaxy S23 there may be Android 14, but with a shell One UI 6.1. We'll show you how to check both settings, and also explain why settings sometimes show incomplete data. If you have never updated your smartphone or bought it secondhand, this information will help you avoid problems with app compatibility.

1. Standard method: through the “Settings” menu

The most reliable and universal method is to use the built-in settings menu. It works on all models, from budget ones to flagship ones. The instructions are relevant for Samsung, from budget Galaxy A to flagship Galaxy S And Z Fold. The instructions are relevant for One UI 5.0 and newer, but are also suitable for older versions with minor changes.

To find out the version Android:

1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select Phone information (or About phone on some models).
3. Tap on Software information.
4. In the section Android version you will see the current OS version (for example, Android 14).
5. The shell version will be indicated below One UI (for example, One UI 6.1).

On some devices the path may be slightly different. For example, on Galaxy Tab tablets the item is called Information about tablet, and on older models (Galaxy J, Galaxy Note 8 and earlier) the menu may look like About the device → Software information.

Check if the system settings are hidden (sometimes viruses do this)

Restart the phone - sometimes the interface is glitchy

Update One UI to the latest version (if available)

Try alternative methods (see below)-->

⚠️ Attention: If the menu Software information only displays the version One UI, but not the version Android, this may mean that the device has custom firmware installed or it has undergone an unofficial update. In this case, use the methods from the following sections.

2. Alternative way: through “Developer Options”

This method is suitable for experienced users who already have activated Developer mode. It is useful if the standard settings menu is not available due to a crash or if you want to get extended information about the system.

How to check the version Android via developer options:

1. Open Settings → Phone information → Software information.
2. Find the item Number builds and tap on it 7 times in a rowuntil a notification appears You have become a developer!.
3. Return to the main menu Settings - a new section will appear there Developer options (usually at the bottom of the list).
4. Open it and find the block Android version or Software information.

Here, in addition to the OS version, you will see additional data:

• 📱 Kernel version (for example, 4.19.113)
• 🔧 Build number (for example, TP1A.220624.014)
• 🛠️ BandBase version (for models with support 5G)

3. Using USSD codes to check the version

Few people know, but Samsung there are hidden service codes that allow you to quickly get information about the firmware without navigate through the menu. This method works even if the touch screen is partially faulty or the interface is frozen. One UI stuck

Enter in the application Phone (as if you are going to make a call) one of the following codes:

• 📞 *#1234# - will show the version AP (main firmware), CP (modem) and CSC (regional settings).
• 📞 *#0011# - will display information about the modem and version Android at the top part of the screen.
• 📞 *#9900# — will display the system log, where the OS version will be indicated in the first lines.

After entering the code, a service menu with technical data will appear on the screen. Look for the lines:

• AP SW Version — firmware version (for example, A525FXXU4CVI6)
• Android Version — OS version. (for example 13)
• Baseband Version - modem version

⚠️ Attention: Do not enter random service codes found on the Internet! Some of them (#0#, *#7353#) can reset settings or run hardware tests, which will lead to data loss or overheating of the device.

What to do if the code does not work?

If nothing happens after entering the code, check:

1. There are no spaces or extra characters (the code must be entered without asterisks at the beginning/end, if they are not specified).

2. Is the service mode blocked by the operator (codes are disabled on some firmware from mobile providers).

3. Has the firmware been updated recently - sometimes the codes change after the update.

4. Checking the version through applications from Google Play

If standard methods did not work or you want to get the most detailed information about the system, you can use third-party utilities. They will not only show the version Android, but also provide data about hardware, sensors and even hidden functions Samsung.

Top 3 proven applications for analyzing the OS version:

Application	What it shows	Link (name in Play Market)
CPU-Z	Android version, kernels, processor architecture, information about RAM	CPU-Z (developer CPUID)
AIDA64	Full device specification, including version One UI, firmware build date and regional settings CSC	AIDA64 (developer FinalWire Ltd)
DevCheck	Android version, API level, information about root access and battery status	DevCheck Hardware and System Info

How to use these applications:

• 📲 Download and install any of the listed applications from Google Play.
• 🔍 Open it and go to section System (or About system).
• 📋 Find the lines Android Version, Build Number and One UI Version.

Through the phone settings

I use USSD codes

I install special applications

I don’t know, I’ve never checked -->

The advantage of this method is that applications often show up Android security version (for example, 2026-05-05), which cannot be seen in the standard settings. This is critical if you check the device before purchasing it in person - an outdated security version may mean that the phone has not been updated for a long time and is vulnerable to viruses.

5. switched off or locked phone

There are different situations: the phone is dead and won’t turn on, the screen is broken, or you bought the device second-hand, but it is locked with a pattern key. In such cases, standard methods will not work, but there are workarounds.

Ways to check the version on a non-working device:

• 🔋 Via charging: Connect your phone to the charger. On some models, when charging, a logo with the version is displayed. Android. Samsung When charging, the version logo is displayed One UI (For example, Powered by One UI 5.1).
• 🖥️ Via a computer: Connect your phone to a PC with the app installed Samsung Smart Switch. The device information will indicate the Android version.
• 📦 By the box: On the original packaging Samsung sometimes the pre-installed OS version is indicated (relevant for new devices).

If the phone is locked, but turns on:

• 📱 On the lock screen, swipe down to open the notification panel.
• 🔍 Tap on the icon Settings (gear) - on some firmware this opens the menu without unlocking.
• 📋 Go to Phone informationas described in the first section.

⚠️ Attention: If you buy Samsung by hand and the seller refuses to show the version Android, this is a reason to be wary. Perhaps the device has unofficial firmware installed or is on the operator’s blacklist (for example, after theft).

6. Why is it important to know the version of Android on Samsung

Many users underestimate the importance of the operating system version until they encounter problems with it. depends:

• 🔒 Security: Old versions (for example, Android 9 and below) do not receive security updates, which makes them vulnerable to viruses and hacker attacks.
• 🎮 Compatibility with games: Popular games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile require Android 10+. On older versions they either will not start or will slow down.
• 📱 Application operation: Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) and instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) are gradually abandoning support for old OS.
• 🔄 Update option: Knowing the current version, you can check whether new updates are available for your model through Samsung Smart Switch.

In addition, version Android affects:

• 📶 Quality of mobile network operation (starting with Android 12 improved 5G support).
• 🔋 Optimization of energy consumption (in Android 13+ added features to extend battery life).
• 🎨 Interface design (for example, One UI 5.0 brought a new notification panel).

7. data-i="223">When checking the version

When checking the version Android users often make typical mistakes that lead to incorrect conclusions. Let's look at the most common ones.

Error 1: They confuse the version of One UI and Android

It may be written on the screen One UI 4.1, but this is not the Android version! To find out the real OS version, see the line Android version —it is usually located below.

Error 2: They think that the latest version of One UI = the latest version of Android

This is not so. For example, Galaxy S20 received One UI 5.1, but remained on Android 13, and did not update to Android 14. Samsung often ports the functions of the new shell to older versions of the OS.

Error 3: They ignore the security version

Even if you have Android 12, but the security version is from 2022. year, your phone is vulnerable. Check it in the settings or through applications like AIDA64.

Error 4: They trust data from “About phone” on custom firmware

If your Samsung was flashed unofficially (for example, through Odín), the data in the settings can be falsified. In this case, use applications or. USSD codes.

How to distinguish original firmware from custom one?

Original firmware Samsung always has letters in the assembly number XXU (Europe), XXS (Korea) or XXA (Asia). If you see unfamiliar designations (for example, LINEAGE), this is custom firmware.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to update Android on Samsung if the manufacturer no longer supports the model?

Yes, but unofficially. There are custom firmwares like LineageOS or Pixel Experiencethat port new versions of Android to older devices. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader, which voids the warranty and can lead to unstable operation of the phone.

Why does the settings display the Android version, but no updates?

This may mean that:

• Your model has reached the end of its support period (for example, Galaxy S9 stopped receiving updates after Android 12).
• The update has not yet been released for your region (check via Smart Switch on a PC).
• The device is blocked by the operator (for example, phones from MTS or Beeline sometimes receive updates later).

How to find out which version of Android was originally on the phone?

This information can be found:

• On the official website Samsung in the support section for your model.
• In documents that came with the phone (if it is new).
• Through service centers Samsung —they can check by serial number.

What to do if the version of Android on Samsung is too old for the desired application?

Options solutions:

• Try to find an older version of the application on sites like APKMirror (but this is not safe!).
• Use alternative apps with similar functions.
• Update your phone via Smart Switch or contact service center for flashing.

Can the Android version affect the quality of photos?

Yes, but indirectly. New versions of the OS optimize the performance of the processor and camera. For example, HDR processing has been improved, and support has been added. format Android 12+ HDR processing has been improved, and Android 13 added format support AVIF for photographs. However, the hardware itself (sensor, lens) is more important - even the old one will not take better photographs. "Settings" Android 14 old Galaxy A10 won't take better pictures Galaxy S23 on Android 11.