How to accurately determine the Android version on your smartphone: from simple to complex

Have you ever encountered a situation where you needed to find out the exact version Android on your device, but did not know where to look? Perhaps you wanted to install an application with special software requirements, check compatibility with a new game, or just out of curiosity. The operating system version is a key parameter that affects the performance, security and functionality of your gadget.

In this article we will look at all possible ways to determine the platform Android —from basic methods through the settings menu to advanced techniques using ADB and specialized utilities. You will learn not only how to find the system version, but also how to correctly interpret the received data: what numbers like Android 13 or API 33mean, how manufacturers' shells differ from "pure" Android, and why sometimes the device receives updates later than other models.

We will pay special attention to common mistakes that users make when checking the OS version. For example, many people confuse the firmware version from the manufacturer (MIUI 14, One UI 5.1) with the version of the platform itself Android. We will teach you to distinguish between these concepts and explain why this is important for the correct operation of the device.

1. The fastest way: through the main phone settings

Let's start with the simplest and most universal method that works on 99% of devices running Android. This method does not require installing additional applications or connecting to a computer - just a few clicks in the menu.

The instructions are relevant for all modern versions of the system, starting from Android 8.0 Oreo and higher. On older devices, the path may differ slightly, but the general logic remains the same. Here's what you need to do:

1. Open the application Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down the list and select About phone (on some devices it may called About device or Information about phone).
3. In the menu that opens, find the line Android version —the current version of your operating system will be indicated here system.

For example, you can see inscriptions like Android 14, Android 13 (TIAMAT) or Android 12L. The last letter or word in brackets indicates the code name of the version or its modification for certain types of devices (for example, 12L - version for folding smartphones and tablets).

Check if the "About phone" item is hidden in the advanced settings|

Update the firmware if the menu looks outdated|

Try an alternative method through "Developer Options"|

Make sure that you have enough rights (on work phones, access may be limited)-->

On some devices, especially from Chinese manufacturers (Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo), the version Android may be hidden deeper. In this case, after going to About phone tap several times on the line with the build number (MIUI Version, Build number etc.) to unlock Developer options. Then return to the main settings menu - a new item will appear there For developers, where the version will be indicated at the very bottom Android.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with corporate firmware (for example, Samsung Knox or devices issued by the company to employees), access to information about the OS version may be limited by the administrator. In this case, try using the methods from the following sections.

2. method: through the Developer Options application

If the standard method did not work or you want to get more detailed information about the system, you can use the hidden menu for developers. This method is suitable for advanced users and allows you to find out not only the version Android, but also other technical data, such as the build number or kernel version.

Here's how to activate and use it. menu:

• 📱 Go to Settings → About phone.
• 🔍 Find the line Build number (or Build number, MIUI Version etc.).
• 👆 Tap on this line 7 times in a row. After several clicks, a notification will appear indicating that you have become a developer.
• 🔙 Return to the main settings menu - a new item will appear there For Developers (or Developer Options).
• 📊 Open this menu and scroll down to the block Software Information or Android Version.

Here you will see extended information, including:

• Android version (for example, 14)
• Level API (for example, 34 - this corresponds to Android 14)
• Build number (for example, TP1A.220624.014)
• Kernel version (for example, 4.19.157)

Level API is a numeric identifier that is used by developers applications. For example, API 33 corresponds to Android 13, and API 34 corresponds to Android 14This information can be useful if you are checking the compatibility of an application with your device.

Only when problems arise|

Everyone month|

Once every six months|

Never checked -->

3. Using third-party applications for detailed diagnostics

If you need not only the version Android, but also other technical information about the device, you can use specialized applications. They provide data in a convenient form and often show information that is difficult to find in standard settings.

Here are the top 3 applications for determining the version Android and other system parameters:

Let's take a closer look at how to use AIDA64 one of the most powerful tools:

1. Download and install the application from Google Play.
2. Open AIDA64 and go to the tab Android.
3. In the block OS version you will see:
   • Android version (for example, 14)
   • API level (for example, 34)
   • Build date (for example, Mon Oct 2 12:34:56 CST 2023)
   • Security version (for example, 2023-11-05)

The application also shows which shell is used on your device. For example, on smartphones Samsung it will be One UI, on Xiaomi — MIUI, and on Google Pixel - pure Android without add-ons. This is important to consider, since shells can affect the appearance of the interface and the availability of some functions.

4. Advanced method: using ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

If you are an experienced user or developer, you can find out the version Android using the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). installing special drivers, but it allows you to get the most accurate information, including hidden system parameters.

Here are step-by-step guide:

1. Download and install ADB on your computer:
   • For Windows: Platform Tools from Google
   • For macOS/Linux: use a package manager (for example, brew install android-platform-tools)
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone:
   • Go to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times by Build number.
   • Return to Settings → System → For developers.
   • Activate the option USB Debugging.

adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release

adb shell getprop ro.build.version.sdk

Using ADB you can get other useful information:

• 📱 Device model: adb shell getprop ro.product.model
• 🏷️ Manufacturer: adb shell getprop ro.product.manufacturer
• 🔧 Firmware version: adb shell getprop ro.build.display.id

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB requires caution. Do not change system parameters if you are not sure of their purpose. Incorrect commands can lead to malfunctions of the device.

5. Determining the Android version through the recovery menu

In rare cases when the phone does not turn on normally (for example, stuck on the logo or got into bootloop), the version Android can be found through the recovery menu (Recovery Mode). This method is suitable for diagnosing faulty devices or before flashing the firmware.

Instructions for logging in Recovery and checking the version:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery. It depends on the manufacturer:
   • Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby
   • Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Power + Volume Up
   • Google Pixel: Power + Volume Down
   • OnePlus: Power + Volume Down

If your device has a stock recovery from the manufacturer, version information Android may be missing. In this case, try connecting to the phone via ADB in sideload and run the command:

adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release

This will work even if the phone does not boot in normal mode, but it has USB debugging enabled.

6 How. distinguish the Android version from the manufacturer's firmware version

One of the most common mistakes is to confuse the version Android with the version of the proprietary shell from the manufacturer. For example, on phones Samsung you can see One UI 6.0, but on Xiaomi — MIUI 14. are directly related to the version Android!

Here is how to correctly interpret this data:

To avoid confusion, remember a simple rule:

• 🔢 The number after the shell name (for example, MIUI 14) is the firmware version from the manufacturer.
• 🤖 The number with the inscription "Android" (for example, Android 13) is the platform version from Google.

For example, if your Redmi Note 12 is indicated MIUI 14, this does not mean that you Android 14at the time of release MIUI 14 this shell was working on the base. data-i="236">. To find out the exact platform version, always look at the line labeled Android 13. To find out the exact platform version, always look at the line that says Android or Android version.

⚠️ Attention: Manufacturers sometimes update their shells without changing the Android version. data-i="240">and One UI 5.1 And One UI 6.0 can work on the same version of Android, but with different functions. This is normal practice, since shells add their own features on top of the standard system.

7. Checking the Android version through a computer (without root)

If your phone is connected to a computer, version Android can be found out without installing additional apps. This method works on Windows, macOS and Linux and does not require root access.

Here are two methods:

Method 1: Through Windows Explorer

1. Connect the phone to the computer via a USB cable.
2. Select mode File transfer (MTP) on your phone.
3. Open This computer (or My computer) on your PC.
4. Find your device in the list of connected drives.
5. Right-click on the phone icon and select Properties.
6. Go to the tab Equipment and click Properties for your device.
7. In the window that opens there will be a line with the version Android (for example, Android 13).

Method 2: Through the device manager

1. Connect the phone to the computer.
2. Open Device Manager (click Win + X and select the appropriate item).
3. Expand the list Portable devices or Other devices.
4. Find your phone in the list, right-click and select Properties.
5. Go to the tab Information and in the drop-down menu select Device description.
6. In some cases there will be version indicated Android.

These methods do not always work 100%, as it depends on the drivers and phone model. If the information is not displayed, use ADB or one of the applications described earlier.

8. Frequent questions and errors when determining the Android version

Even in such a simple way. In fact, how to check the version Android, users often encounter difficulties. Let's look at the most common questions and errors.

Question 1: On my phone it says Android 10, but on Google Play some applications say that it is required Android 11+. Why?

Answer: This may be due to several reasons:

• 📱 The manufacturer has not updated the version. Android in the system information after the upgrade.
• 🔒 The device has not been certified by Google for the new version (often happens on Chinese firmware).
• 📦 The application checks not only the Android version, but also the API level or specific functions that are not on your device.

To check real version, use the method with ADB or application AIDA64.

Question 2: Is it possible to update Android if the manufacturer has stopped releasing updates?

Answer: Yes, but this requires experience and may lead to loss of warranty Options:

• 🔄 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 📲 Use the project GrapheneOS to improve security.
• ⚠️ Please note that not all functions may work correctly, and some applications (for example, banking) will refuse to run on uncertified firmware.

Question 3: What do the letters after the Android version mean (for example, Android 13 (Tiramisu))?

Answer: These are the version code names that Google uses during development. They are in alphabetical order and are named after desserts:

• Android 10 — Quince Tart (unofficial, since Google abandoned public code names)
• Android 11 — Red Velvet Cake
• Android 12 — Snow Cone
• Android 13 — Tiramisu
• Android 14 — Upside Down Cake

These names are used by developers, but they are usually not displayed in the final version for users.

Question 4: Why does my new phone have an old version of Android?

Answer: This may be due to:

• 📦 The device was in stock and was released a long time ago, but is sold as new.
• 🏭 The manufacturer has not yet released an update for your model (especially relevant for budget smartphones).
• 🌍 The phone is intended for another region, where updates are released later.

Check on the manufacturer's official website whether an update is planned for your model.

Question 5: How find out which version of Android will be next on my phone?

Answer: Unfortunately, manufacturers rarely announce specific release dates for updates. However, you can:

• 🔍 Follow news on sites like XDA Developers or 9to5Google.
• 📅 Check the roadmap for updates on the brand's official website (for example, Samsung publishes update schedule for your devices).
• 🤖 Participate in beta testing of a new version of Android (if your device is supported).