Did you buy a used smartphone Huawei or simply forgot what version of the operating system is on your device? You may need to check compatibility with an application, prepare for an update, or troubleshoot problems - in any case, knowing the exact version Android (or HarmonyOS on newer models) is critical. Devices Huawei have their own characteristics: starting from 2020, the company is actively transferring smartphones to its own firmware, and older models still run on a modified Android shell EMUI.

In this article we will look 5 reliable ways find out the OS version on Huawei —from standard settings menus to hidden engineering codes. You will learn how to distinguish EMUI from HarmonyOS, where to look for information about the firmware build, and why sometimes the system does not show the version of Android that you expect. And if your phone doesn’t turn on, we have a solution for this case too!

1. Standard method: through the “About phone” menu

The simplest and most universal method is to look into the system settings. It works on all Huawei models, regardless of the firmware version (even on the oldest Huawei P9 or Mate 10). Here are the 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 a section About phone (on some versions EMUI it may be called System → About phone).
  3. Click on the line Software information or Version information.

Here you will see:

  • 📱 Phone model (for example, HUAWEI P40 Pro or HUAWEI nova 9 SE).
  • 🤖 EMUI version (if it's Android) or HarmonyOS (for example, EMUI 12.0.1 or HarmonyOS 3.0.0).
  • 🔍 Android version (if it is not HarmonyOS) - can be indicated as Android 10 or hidden behind the build number.

☑️ What to check in the "About phone" menu

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Attention: On devices with HarmonyOS (for example, Huawei Mate 50 Pro or P60) the line with the Android version may be completely absent - the system is built on the Android kernel, but. is officially positioned as a separate OS.

2. How to distinguish EMUI from HarmonyOS: key features

Since 2021 Huawei is actively replacing Android with its own HarmonyOS (especially flagships and new models).Externally, the interfaces are similar, but there are several ways to distinguish them:

Sign EMUI (Android) HarmonyOS
Logo in settings Android icon (robot) or inscription EMUI Logo HarmonyOS (wave) or abstract figure)
Name in "About phone" EMUI version + Android version Only HarmonyOS without mentioning Android
Google services Can be installed (on models before 2019) Absent (replaced by Huawei Mobile Services)
App Store AppGallery + installation option Google Play Only AppGallery without official Google support

🔎 Hint: If in the menu Settings → Applications you see Google Play Market or YouTube - you are definitely EMUI on based on Android. On HarmonyOS these applications are not preinstalled (although some users manage to install them manually).

📊 What OS is on your Huawei?
EMUI (Android)
HarmonyOS
I don’t know, I want to know
Other firmware

3. Hidden engineering codes: quick access to information

If the settings menu is not available (for example, due to system failure), you can use service codes. They work even on a locked screen (if emergency call access is enabled).

Open the application Phone and enter one of the codes:

  • 📞 ##4636## - will open a menu Testing, where the Android version will be indicated in the section Information about the phone .
  • 📞 ##2846579## —engineering menu (on some models Huawei shows the firmware version).
  • 📞 *#06# —will show IMEI, but in some firmware the software version is also displayed nearby.

⚠️ Attention: Not all codes work on HarmonyOSFor example, ##4636## may give an error or redirect to standard settings. Also avoid entering random combinations - some engineering codes can reset settings or damage the system.

What to do if the code does not work?

If nothing happens after entering the code, check:

- Correct typing (the * and # symbols must be in place).

- No spaces or extra characters.

- On some models Huawei the engineering menu is disabled by the manufacturer. In this case, only the method through the settings or connecting to. PC.

4. Using third-party applications

If standard methods do not provide complete information (for example, they do not show the Android version on HarmonyOS), you can use specialized utilities. They will not only show the OS version, but also provide information about the hardware, kernel and firmware build.

Top 3 apps to check:

  • 📊 CPU-Z - shows the Android version, processor model, information about RAM and storage. You can download it from AppGallery or from the official website.
  • 🛠️ DevCheck - a more advanced utility with data about firmware, charging battery and sensors.
  • 🔍 AIDA64 —a professional diagnostic tool that shows even hidden system parameters.

📌 Important: On HarmonyOS some applications (for example, CPU-Z) can detect the Android version as 10.0 or 11.0, even if the interface is fully compliant HarmonyOS 2.0/3.0. This is due to the fact that the system is built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), but with deep modification.

💡

If you download the APK file of the application not from AppGallery, be sure to check it for viruses through service VirusTotal. On devices without Google Play, the risk of picking up malware is higher.

5. Checking the Android version through a computer (ADB)

If the phone does not turn on or is stuck on the logo, but responds to connecting to a PC, you can find out the OS version via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires minimal technical skills.

Instructions:

  1. Download and install ADB drivers for Huawei (or use universal from Google).
  2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB (enable USB debugging in the developer options if the device is working).
  3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release

This command will display the Android version (for example, 10 or 11). data-i="176">(especially with EMUI or HarmonyOS, use:

adb shell getprop ro.build.version.emui

⚠️ Attention: On some models Huawei (especially with HarmonyOS) USB debugging may be disabled by default. To enable it, you need to:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone.
  2. click on Build number 7 times (a notification “You have become a developer” will appear).
  3. Go back to Settings → System → Developer options and enable USB debugging.
💡

ADB is the only way to find out the OS version on a non-working phone, if it is detected by the computer. But for this, USB debugging must be enabled IN ADVANCE.

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

If the smartphone Huawei does not respond to the power button, but is charging (indicators are on), try the following methods:

Method 1: Recovery Mode

  1. Turn off the phone (if it is stuck - hold down the power button for 10+ seconds).
  2. Hold the combination Volume Up + Power and hold for 5-10 seconds until the logo appears Huawei.
  3. Release the buttons - the menu should open eRecovery or Fastboot.

The OS version is usually not shown in the recovery menu, but here you can:

  • 🔄 Reset the settings to factory settings (if the phone is buggy).
  • 📥 Update the firmware via Huawei HiSuite (if you have access to PC).

Method 2: Box or sticker under the battery

On some models (for example, Huawei P30 Lite or Y6 2019) information about the pre-installed version of Android is indicated:

  • 📦 On sticker on the box (next to the IMEI).
  • 🔋 Under the removable battery (if the model supports battery replacement).

⚠️ Attention: If you disassemble the phone to check the sticker, do it carefully - on new models Huawei batteries are often glued, and damage to them will cost you guarantees.

7. Frequent errors and myths about Android versions on Huawei

When checking the OS version, users often encounter misunderstandings. Let's look at the most common ones:

Myth 1: “HarmonyOS is the same Android, just recolored.”

🔹 Reality: HarmonyOS really uses the Android kernel (at least in the first versions), but has its own architecture, API and resource distribution system. Applications for Android can work on HarmonyOS, but not always correctly.

Myth 2: “If the settings say Android 10, then it is an outdated system.”

🔹 Reality: On HarmonyOS The Android version in the settings may be displayed as 10.0 or 11.0, but the interface and capabilities correspond to HarmonyOS 2.0/3.0. This is not an error - just a display of the base platform.

Myth 3: “All Huawei smartphones after 2020 are on HarmonyOS”

🔹 Reality: Even in 2023–2026, some budget models (for example, Huawei Y7a or Y6p) came out with EMUI based on Android. The flagships (Mate 50, P60) switched to HarmonyOS first.

💡

To find out exactly what OS is on your model, check the official device page on the website Huawei. The characteristics always indicate: EMUI (Android) or HarmonyOS.

🔹 Why is there no Android version in the settings on my Huawei P40 Pro?

Your smartphone runs on HarmonyOS, which does not display the Android version in the interface. However, the base platform can be built on Android 10/11 (this can be seen through engineering codes or ADB).

🔹 Is it possible to update EMUI to HarmonyOS?

Officially Huawei does not provide such an option. HarmonyOS installed only for new models or through closed beta apps (for example, for Mate 30 or P40 in China). Self-firmware may void the warranty.

🔹 How can I find out which maximum version of Android is supported by my Huawei?

Check the list of updates for your model on the website Huawei or in the application HiCare. For example, Huawei P30 Pro was officially updated to EMUI 12 (Android 10), and Mate 20 Pro to EMUI 13 (Android 11).

🔹 Why does the application show the version of Android 9, but in the settings - EMUI 10?

This is normal: EMUI 10 works on Android 10and not Android 9. The application probably reads the kernel data incorrectly. For accuracy, use ADB or official settings.

🔹 Is it possible to rollback HarmonyOS back to EMUI (Android)?

Technically possible, but highly not recommended. This requires unlocking the bootloader, which will void the warranty and may result in unstable operation. In addition, Huawei does not provide official firmware for rollback.