The version of the Android operating system determines not only the available functions of your smartphone, but also compatibility with applications, the ability to install security updates, and even the performance of the device. Many users are faced with the need to find out the current version of the OS - be it to install new software, diagnose problems, or prepare for an update. However, the interfaces of different manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.) may differ significantly, which complicates the search for the necessary information.

In this article we will analyze all current ways to check the Android versionincluding hidden menus for experienced users and universal methods that work even on outdated devices. You'll learn exactly where to look for firmware information, how to decipher symbols like "Android 13 (TI)" and why two versions are sometimes displayed at the same time. And for those who are planning an update, we have prepared a unique table of compatibility of popular models with the latest OS versions.

1. The standard method is through the phone settings

The simplest and most universal method is to use the built-in settings menu. This method works on 99% of devices, regardless of the brand and version of Android. The instructions are relevant for smartphones Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi/POCO, Honor, Realme, Google Pixel and others.

Action algorithm:

  • 📱 Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the menu applications).
  • 🔍 Scroll down and find the section About phone (on some devices it may be called About device, Phone information or System settings).
  • 📋 In the menu that opens, tap on the item Software information or Version Android.
  • 🔢 Here you will see a line Android version with a number (for example, Android 14) and sometimes additional information about the assembly (for example, SP1A.210812.016).

On devices Samsung the path may be slightly different: Settings → Device maintenance → Phone information → Android version. Xiaomi sometimes you need to first click All parameters in the upper right corner of the settings.

Use search in settings (magnifying glass icon)

Check the "System" section → "Advanced"

Reboot the phone and try again

Refer to the instructions for the specific models-->

⚠️ Attention: On some custom firmware (for example LineageOS or MIUI Global), the Android version may not be displayed correctly. In this case, use alternative methods from the following sections.

2. A quick way through the search bar. settings

If you don't want to dig through the menu, use the built-in search function. This method will save time and is suitable for users who do not remember the exact path to the desired settings.

How to do this:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. At the top of the screen, find the search field (magnifying glass icon) and enter the query: android version.
  3. The system will automatically prompt you to go to the section with information about the OS version.

This method is especially convenient on devices with a heavily modified interface, for example, on Huawei with a shell EMUI or Oppo with ColorOS, where standard paths can be hidden under several layers of menus.

Once a month

Only before updating

I’ve never checked

I don’t know how to do it-->

Interesting fact: on some devices Google Pixel when you enter a request android version in the search for settings, the system additionally shows the date of the last security update - useful information for assessing the relevance of your protection smartphone.

3. Using the code for the engineering menu

For experienced users, there is a way to check the Android version via engineering menu. This method works on most devices, but requires caution - it is not recommended to change other parameters in this menu without special knowledge.

Instructions:

  1. Open the application Phone (dialer).
  2. Enter the combination: 
    ##4636##
  3. In the menu that opens, select item Phone information.
  4. Scroll down to the block Android OS version —the current version will be indicated here.

On some devices (for example, Samsung) instead of this code, the combination #1234# or #0*#may work. If the engineering menu does not open, this means that the manufacturer has blocked access to it.

⚠️ Attention: Not all combinations work on modern devices due to security restrictions. data-i="115">and newer, the engineering menu may not be available without developer rights. Google Pixel 7 and newer engineering menu may not be available without developer rights.
What else can you find out in the engineering menu?

In the engineering menu (##4636##), in addition to the Android version, detailed information is available about:

- Battery status (temperature, charge level, voltage)

- Networks (signal, connection type, IMEI)

- Dates of last firmware updates

- Hardware characteristics (processor, memory)

Caution: changing the parameters here may lead to unstable operation of the device!

4. Checking the version through the "Developer Options" application

If your device has mode. developerenabled, you can find out the Android version through this menu. This method is useful for those who are already fine-tuning their smartphone.

How to enable and use:

  • 🔧 Go to Settings → About phone → Build number.
  • 👆 Tap on Build number 7 times in a row until the notification “You have become a developer” appears.
  • 🔙 Return to the main settings menu - a new section will appear there For developers.
  • 📊 Open it and find the item Android version or Software information.

This menu also displays MIUI version (for Xiaomi), One UI (for Samsung) or another manufacturer's shell. This is useful if you need to find out not only the Android version, but also the version of the proprietary firmware.

💡

If the "For Developers" section is not displayed after 7 clicks, try rebooting the phone. On some devices Huawei you need to enter a PIN code to activate. mode.

5. Alternative methods: through applications and ADB

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to major changes in the firmware), you can use third-party tools or the command line.

Method 1: Diagnostic applications

Install one of these applications from Google Play:

  • 📊 CPU-Z - shows the Android version in the section System.
  • 🔍 AIDA64 - detailed information in the block Android.
  • 📱 DevCheck - convenient interface with the section System.

Method 2: ADB commands (for advanced users)

If you have access to a computer with ADB driversinstalled, run:

adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release

This command will return the current version of Android (for example, 13For more information). use:

adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patch

—will show the date of the latest security patch.

⚠️ Attention: Using ADB requires the mode to be enabled Debugging by software. USB in the developer settings. Unprepared use of commands can lead to malfunctions of the device.

6. How to decipher Android version designations

The Android version number is not just a number. It hides the update history, security level and application compatibility. Let's take a look at what the different designations mean.

Android version Code name Release date Features
Android 14 Upside Down Cake October 2023 Improved privacy, Ultra HDR support, optimized for foldable devices
Android 13 Tiramisu August 2022 New notification permissions, improved multitasking, Bluetooth LE Audio support
Android 12/12L Snow Cone October 2021 Material You design, tablet improvements, new camera API
Android 11 Red Velvet Cake September 2020 One-time app permissions, built-in screen recording, improved notification control
Android 10 Android Q September 2019 Dark theme at the system level, navigation gestures, improved privacy

If you see two versions in the phone information (for example, Android 13 (MIUI 14)), this means:

  • 📌 The first digit is the version basic Android (from Google).
  • 📌 The second part (in brackets) is the version manufacturer's shell (MIUI for Xiaomi, One UI for Samsung etc.).

For example, Android 12 (One UI 4.1) means that the device has Android 12 with shell One UI version 4.1 from Samsung. This is important to consider when searching for firmware or checking compatibility with applications.

💡

The shell version (MIUI, One UI, etc.) can affect the availability of functions even with the same version of Android. For example, Android 13 may not support gestures that are available on Android 13 with the same OS version. 7. Compatibility of devices with the latest versions of Android Xiaomi on Android 13 may not support gestures that are on Google Pixel with the same OS version.

7. Compatibility of devices with the latest versions of Android

Not all smartphones support the latest versions of Android. Manufacturers typically provide updates within 2-4 years of the device's release. Below are updated materials on popular brands.

Brand Model (example) Last supported version of Android Support period (years)
Google Pixel Pixel 6/7/8 Android 14 (and above) 5+
Samsung Galaxy S22/S23 Android 14 (One UI 6.1) 4
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 Android 13 (MIUI 14) 2–3
OnePlus OnePlus 11 Android 14 (OxygenOS 14) 3–4
Realme Realme 10 Pro+ Android 13 (Realme UI 4.0) 2

If your device is older than 3-4 years, there is a high probability that it will not receive new versions of Android. However, manufacturers sometimes release security patches even for outdated models. To find out if an update is available for your smartphone:

  1. Go to Settings → Software update.
  2. Click Check updates.
  3. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions.
⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware (for example, through LineageOS) may allow you to update Android on older devices, but this will void the warranty and may cause unstable operation.

8. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When checking the Android version, users often encounter typical problems. Let's look at the most common of them and how to solve them.

Error 1: Android version is not displayed

If there is no information about the OS version in the settings:

  • 🔄 Reboot the device - sometimes this solves the display problem.
  • 🔍 Use search in settings (see section 2).
  • 📱 Install a third-party application for diagnostics (for example, CPU-Z).

Error 2: An outdated version is displayed

If you are sure that updated the smartphone, but the settings are still the old version:

  • 🔄 Force check for updates in Settings → Software update.
  • 📡 Make sure the device is connected to the Internet (preferably via Wi-Fi).
  • 🔧 Reset the application cache Settings (in Settings → Applications → Settings → Memory → Clear cache).

Error 3: Version mismatch in different menus

Sometimes Settings and Engineering menu Different versions are displayed. This may mean:

  • 📌 Custom firmware is installed, which displays information incorrectly.
  • 📌 A failure occurred during the last update (it is recommended to reinstall the firmware).
  • 📌 The version in the engineering menu is real kernel version, and in the settings - shell version.
💡

If after the update the smartphone starts to slow down, try clearing the cache through Recovery mode (press Power + Volume up when turning it on).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

🔹 Why is my phone not updated to the latest version of Android?

Manufacturers support updates only for relatively new models (usually no older than 2-4 years). If your device was released a long time ago, it may not. get new OS versions. However, security patches are sometimes released for outdated smartphones. Check the brand's official website to clarify the update policy.

🔹 What to do if the Android version in the settings does not match the real one?

This may happen due to custom firmware or update failures. To find out the real version:

  1. Use the ADB command: adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release.
  2. Install the application AIDA64 and check the section Android.
  3. Reset the phone to factory settings (make a backup copy first!).
🔹 How to find the Android version if the phone is not turns on?

If the device does not respond to the power button, but is charging (the indicator is on), try:

  • 🔌 Connect the phone to charging and wait for the splash screen with the Android version to appear (on some models it is displayed while charging).
  • 🔧 Turn on Recovery mode (press Power + Volume up) - sometimes the OS version is indicated there.
  • 📦 Look at the phone box - sometimes the pre-installed one is indicated there version.

If the phone is completely faulty, the Android version can only be found out by the device model (by searching for specifications on the Internet).

🔹 Is it possible to update Android on unofficially supported devices?

Yes, but this requires experience and is risky Options:

  • 📌 Installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience etc.).
  • 📌 Using tools like Magisk to modify the system.

⚠️ Risks: loss of warranty, unstable operation, problems with security. Recommended only for experienced users.

🔹 Why do some applications stop working after updating Android?

This can happen for several reasons:

  • 📌 The application does not support the new version of Android (check compatibility in Google Play).
  • 📌 Reset permissions - go to Settings → Applications and configure access again.
  • 📌 Clear the cache of the problematic application or reinstall it.

If the problem persists, contact the application developer - an update may be required software.