Modern Huawei smartphones run on the Android operating system, but a proprietary shell EMUI or HarmonyOSis installed on top of it. This creates some confusion for users who are trying to find standard menu items familiar from other brands. Knowing the exact firmware version is critical for application compatibility, receiving security updates, and proper functionality.
The verification process does not require connecting to a computer or using third-party software. All the necessary information is hidden deep in the system settings, access to which is open by default. However, the path to this data may differ slightly depending on the model of your device and the year of its manufacture.
Standard method through the settings menu
The most obvious and reliable method is to use the built-in system configuration section. The interface Huawei is intuitive, but the names of the items may vary. You will need to open the application Settingswhich looks like a gear on the desktop or in the notification shade.
At the top of the list of options there is often an “About phone” or “System” block. This is where the passport data of your gadget is stored. By clicking on this item, you will see summary information about the processor, the amount of RAM and, most importantly, about the software.
Pay attention to the line EMUI Version. The numbers in this field indicate the shell version, but do not always directly indicate the Android kernel version. For example, EMUI 10 is based on Android 10, while EMUI 11 is based on Android 10 or 11 depending on the region. For detailed information, you need to click on the line with or go to the “Software Information” subsection.
⚠️ Attention: On some models with a pre-installed HarmonyOS system, the “Android Version” line may be absent or show the value 10, since the new OS is a development of the ecosystem, but remains compatible with applications Android.
If you cannot find the “About phone” item in the main settings menu, use the search bar at the top of the screen and enter the query “Version” or “About phone.”
Using engineering code for diagnostics
For a deeper check, which is often used by service engineers, there is a special USSD code. This method allows you to instantly call up the hidden service menu, bypassing long transitions through settings. It works on most brand devices, even if the interface has been changed by the user.
Open the application Phone (dialer) and go to the dialing tab. Enter the combination ##2846579##. Immediately after entering the last grid, the ProjectMenu should open. This is a specialized section for testing equipment and viewing system information.
In the list that opens, select the item (Information of board) or a similar section called “Board Information”. Next, go to Software version. A detailed table of data will be displayed here, including the version of the base Android, the CUST build number and the preload version.
- 📱 This method does not require an Internet connection.
- 🔒 The menu can be accessed even when the screen is locked (if allowed in the security settings).
- ⚙️ Here you can see not only the OS version, but also the serial number of the board.
☑️ Check through the engineering menu
Differences between Android, EMUI and HarmonyOS
Users often confuse the version of the operating system and the version of the user interface. Understanding this difference helps you correctly look for setup or troubleshooting instructions. Huawei uses its own add-on, which significantly changes the visual style and operating logic of standard Android.
The table below shows the correspondence between popular versions of the EMUI shell and basic versions of Android. This will help you understand which core is hidden under the beautiful interface of your smartphone.
| Shell version | Basic Android version | Release year | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMUI 9 | Android 9 (Pie) | 2018 | GPU Turbo 2.0, simplified interface |
| EMUI 10 | Android 10 | 2019 | Dark theme, Daily Journal mode |
| EMUI 11 | Android 10/11 | 2020 | Improved multitasking, new gestures |
| HarmonyOS 2.0 | Android 10 (compatible) | 2021 | Distributed architecture, super device |
| HarmonyOS 3.0/4.0 | Android 12/13 (compatibility) | 2022-2023 | Increased security, service widgets |
It is worth noting that with the release HarmonyOS the company began to move away from direct reference to Android version numbers in the public interface. The system is positioned as an independent platform, although technically it still retains the Linux kernel and Android libraries for running APK files.
Why do the version numbers not match?
Shell manufacturers often implement the functions of new versions of Android in their updates before the official OS version from Google is released, or, conversely, delay the kernel update, changing only the interface.
Checking through the developer menu
If standard methods for some reason do not provide a complete picture, you can activate the hidden section for developers. This mode is intended for debugging applications, but also contains comprehensive technical information about the system.
To activate, you need to go to Settings → System and updates → About phone. Find the line Build number and quickly click on it 7 times in a row. After several clicks, a counter will appear, and at the end the message “You have become a developer.”
Now return to the menu System and updates. A new item will appear at the very bottom of the list For developers. Once there, scroll down the list to the “Debugging” block. At the very top of this section, information about the platform version and SDK number is often duplicated.
⚠️ Attention: Do not change the settings in the developer menu if you are not sure of their purpose. Disabling processes or changing animations can lead to unstable operation of the interface.
Third-party identification applications
When built-in tools are unavailable or the interface is damaged, utilities from the application store come to the rescue. They read system files build.prop and display information in a convenient graphical form. This is especially true for flashed devices.
One of the most popular tools is the application AIDA64 or CPU-Z. After installation and launch, go to the System or Devicetab. In the field Android Version the exact number will be indicated, and in the field SDK the number of the development kit corresponding to the OS version.
Such apps also show the processor temperature, core load and the actual amount of available RAM. This makes them a universal tool not only for checking the version, but also for general diagnostics of the condition of the smartphone before purchasing a used device.
Third-party applications provide the most accurate data on modified firmware, where the manufacturer could hide the original version of Android in the settings.
What to do if the version is not updated
Users often check the version in order to update to the latest available. If the menu indicates that you have the latest version installed, but you know about the release of new software, the problem may be with regional restrictions or manual update management.
Checking for updates is done manually through the item System and updates → Software update → Checking for updates. Make sure that the smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi, as update packages can weigh several gigabytes.
Sometimes the update does not arrive “over the air” due to a change in region or an unlocked bootloader. In such cases, the only way to change the Android version is to use a computer and a app Huawei HiSuite to force installation of the latest firmware.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface and the availability of items may change with the release of new versions of EMUI and HarmonyOS. If you do not find the described path, check the current menu structure in the official user manual for your specific model.
Before any firmware update, be sure to back up your contacts and photos to the cloud or to your computer to avoid data loss in the event of a failure.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible roll back the Android version to an older one?
Officially, Huawei does not support system downgrade (rollback) through the settings menu. You can return to the old version only through Recovery mode using a computer and special software, but this may lead to loss of warranty and data.
Does the Android version affect the operation of banking applications?
Yes, many banking applications require a minimum version of Android (for example, at least 8.0 or 9.0) to ensure transaction security. It is also important to have Google certificates, which may not be available on new Huaweis.
Why is Android 10 written in the settings, but a different version is written in applications?
This is due to the way application developers read data from the system. Some utilities see the real kernel, others see the SDK version, which is emulated by the EMUI or HarmonyOS shell for compatibility.
How to find the exact release date of the firmware?
In the “About phone” section, the compilation date is often indicated next to the build number. This information can also be found in the engineering menu by code ##2846579## in the software version information section.