Knowing the version Android on your smartphone is a key point when installing applications, updating firmware or diagnosing problems. The compatibility of apps, the availability of new functions, and even the security of the device depend on this. For example, older versions of the OS (below Android 10) do not support modern encryption standards, and some applications (like WhatsApp or Google Pay) require a minimum version to work.

In this article you will find all current ways to check the Android version, including hidden menus for technicians and alternative methods for devices with damaged screens. We will also explain how it differs OS version from security patch level —this is often confused, although both parameters are critically important. If your phone does not turn on or is stuck on the logo, here is a solution for such cases.

1. Standard method: through the “Settings” menu

The simplest and most universal method is to use the built-in settings of the smartphone. It works on all devices, from Samsung Galaxy S5 (2014) to the latest Google Pixel 8, regardless of the shell (One UI, MIUI, ColorOS etc.). The interface may be slightly different, but the logic is the same.

Here are step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Scroll down and select item About phone (on some devices - About device or Phone information).
  3. Click on Software information (or Software information).
  4. Look for the lines:
    • 📱 Android version — for example, Android 14.
    • 🛡️ Security patch level — for example, May 5, 2026.
    • 🔄 MIUI/One UI/ColorOS version is the manufacturer's proprietary shell.

On some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi or Realme) the Android version can be hidden behind an additional tap on the line MIUI version or Build number several times in a row. This activates the developer mode, where complete information is displayed.

Device model (for example, SM-A525F)

Android version (for example, 13)

Security patch level (for example, April 1, 2026)

Shell version (for example, One UI 5.1)

Build number (for example, TP1A.220624.014)

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2. Through USSD codes: a quick way without a menu

If your touch screen does not work or you prefer commands, you can find out the Android version using secret codes. These combinations work on 90% of devices, but some manufacturers (for example, Huawei or Oppo) can block them.

Here are the universal codes:

  • 📞 ##4636## - will open menu Testing, where in the section Information about the phone there will be a line Android OS version.
  • 🔢 #0# —on some Samsung shows the version at the top of the screen.
  • 🛠️ ##2664## — sensor test, but the firmware version may be displayed in the logs.

How to enter codes:

  1. Open the application Phone.
  2. Go to the tab Dialing a number.
  3. Enter the code (without spaces) and press the call button.
⚠️ Attention: Do not enter random codes from the Internet - some (for example, ##7780##) can reset the settings to factory settings. Use only. verified combinations from official sources.

Through the "Settings" menu

Using USSD codes

Through the "Developer Options" application

I don’t know, never checked

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3. Using applications: for technical specialists

If you need detailed information about the firmware (for example, build number, kernel version or processor architecture), standard methods are not enough. In this case, third-party utilities will help. They are also useful if you have one. data-i="113">(for example, custom firmware (For example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

Top 3 applications for checking the Android version:

Application Features Link (Google Play)
CPU-Z Shows Android version, processor architecture, RAM and storage information. Suitable for diagnosing hardware. com.cpuid.cpu_z
AIDA64 The most detailed application: OS version, security patches, bootloader information and even temperature. batteries. com.finalwire.aida64
DevCheck Convenient interface divided into "Hardware" and "System". Shows the version Build Number and Security Patch. flar2.devcheck

How to use:

  1. Install any of the applications from Google Play.
  2. Open section System or OS.
  3. Look for the lines Android Version, API Level and Security Patch.
💡

If you often work with firmware, add a widget DevCheck to the main screen - it shows key system parameters in real time.

4. Android version vs. security patch: what is the difference?

Many users confuse Android version (for example, Android 13) with security patch level (for example, June 5, 2026). things:

  • 📦 Android version —main firmware (12, 13, 14, etc.) Determines functionality and compatibility with. applications.
  • 🛡️ Security patch —monthly updates that close vulnerabilities. Can be updated regardless of the OS version.

Example: yours Samsung Galaxy A52 works on Android 13, but the latest security patch is February 1, 2026. This means that:

  • You have functionality Android 13 with all its features.
  • But since February 2026, critical security patches have not been installed.

Why is this important?

  • 🔓 Security: Outdated patches make the device vulnerable to viruses and hacker attacks.
  • 📱 Compatibility: Some applications (for example, banking) require a patch no older than 3-6 months.
  • 🔄 Updates: If the patch is fresh, but the Android version is old (for example, Android 10), the manufacturer no longer supports your model.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with custom firmware (for example LineageOS), security patches can be updated separately from the Android version. Check both parameters!
How to check if your phone supports new patches?

If the latest security patch is older than 12 months, the manufacturer has most likely stopped supporting. The exception is flagship models (for example, Samsung Galaxy S or Google Pixel), which receive updates up to 4-5 years old. To find out exactly the update policy, check the official website of the brand for your device model.

5 How to find the Android version if. the phone does not turn on?

If the smartphone does not respond to the power button or is stuck on the logo, standard methods will not work. In such cases, there are several alternative methods:

Method 1: Through Recovery mode

On most Android devices, you can go to recovery mode (Recovery Mode, where it is displayed Firmware version Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Press the button combination:
    • 📱 Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby (or Home on older models).
    • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Power + Volume up.
    • 📱 Google Pixel: Power + Volume Down, then select Recovery Mode.
  • In the menu Recovery look for the line Android version or Build number.

    • Method 2: Through a computer (ADB or Fastboot)

    If you have access to a PC, you can connect your phone via USB and use the tools ADB or Fastboot. This requires preliminary configuration, but provides the most accurate information.

    Commands to check:

    adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release # Android version

    adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch # Security patch
    

    fastboot getvar all # Complete information about the firmware (works in Fastboot mode)

    If you have never used ADB, this method is not for you - it is better to contact a service center.

    💡

    If the phone does not turn on, but responds to charging (the indicator is on), try holding down the power button for 20-30 seconds - sometimes this helps get out of the frozen state.

    6. Where else can you see the Android version?

    In addition to standard methods, the OS version can be displayed in unexpected places. Here's where else you can find it:

    • 📄 Phone box: The sticker with the serial number sometimes indicates the firmware version at the time of sale (relevant for new devices).
    • 🛒 Receipt or warranty coupon: In some stores they show the software version when selling.
    • 🔧 Developer menu: If it is activated, the Android version is displayed in the section OS version.
    • 🌐 Manufacturer's website: Enter your phone model in the search on the official website - there may be information about the latest supported version.

    For example, on iPhone the iOS version can be seen in iTunes when connected to a PC. There is no analogue for Android, but some brands (for example, Samsung) offer proprietary diagnostic software:

    • 🖥️ Samsung Smart Switch —shows the software version when the phone is connected to a computer.
    • 🖥️ Xiaomi PC Suite —displays information about the firmware in the Device.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Android version

    🔍 Why does the settings show Android 12, but applications say that I have Android 11?

    This can happen for two reasons:

    1. Manufacturer's shell: Some brands (for example, Xiaomi or Oppo) modify the Android version, and third-party applications detect it incorrectly. Check the version via Settings → About phone —this is the most accurate source.
    2. Custom firmware: If you installed unofficial software (for example, LineageOS), some applications may read data incorrectly. Use AIDA64 to check.
    ⚙️ How to update Android if the version is outdated?

    The process depends on the manufacturer:

    • 📱 Official update: Go in Settings → Software update and press Check for updates. If an update is available, follow the instructions on the screen.
    • 🔧 Manual firmware: For advanced users - download the firmware from the official website (for example, samfw.com for Samsung) and install via Odin or Fastboot.
    • ⚠️ Custom firmware: You can install LineageOS or Pixel Experience, but this voids the warranty and requires unlocking the bootloader.
    ⚠️ Attention: Before updating, make a backup copy of your data - if it fails, the device may turn into a “brick.”
    📱 Is it possible to roll back the Android version back?

    Technically yes, but it is risky:

    • 🔄 Official rollback: Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung) allow you to return to the previous version after Smart Switch, but only within 7 days after updates.
    • 🛠️ Unofficial rollback: Requires unlocking the bootloader and installing the old firmware via Odin/Fastboot. May result in data loss or device locking.

    On most devices, rollback is blocked by security policy. For example, Google Pixel after updating to Android 14 will not allow you to return to Android 13 without resetting to factory settings.

    🛡️ What to do if the security patch is outdated and there are no updates?

    If the manufacturer has stopped supporting your model, there are several options:

    • 🔒 Install custom firmware: For example, LineageOS or GrapheneOS —they receive regular security patches.
    • 🛡️ Use an antivirus: Applications like Malwarebytes or Bitdefender partially compensate for the lack of updates.
    • 📱 Limit usage: Do not install applications from unknown sources and do not connect to public Wi-Fi without a VPN.

    If the phone is older than 3-4 years, consider buying a new one - outdated devices become a target for hackers.

    🔧 How to find the Android version on a tablet?

    On tablets (for example, Samsung Galaxy Tab or Lenovo Tab) the process is no different from smartphones:

    1. Open Settings.
    2. Go to About tablet or Device information.
    3. Click on Software information.

    If you have a tablet on Android Go (for example Nokia 1), the OS version may be displayed how Android 12 (Go edition).