How to find out your API on Android: a complete guide

Understanding the API (Application Programming Interface) layer is a fundamental skill for any mobile app developer or enthusiast looking to dive deeper into the ecosystem. Android. It is this numeric identifier that determines which system functions and classes are available for use at a particular time on your device. When you are wondering how to find out your API on Android, you are essentially looking for the key to the compatibility of your software with the hardware of a smartphone or tablet.

Knowing the exact meaning of the API allows you not only to correctly configure emulators and development environments, but also to understand why certain applications refuse to run on older devices. Platform version is just a beautiful marketing name, such like "Pie" or "Oreo", while the API is a rigid technical standard that the compiler is guided by. In today's fragmented market, where hundreds of models coexist simultaneously, this parameter becomes critical to ensure stable operation of the software.

There are several proven ways to obtain this information, ranging from simple visual checks in the menu to the use of advanced debugging tools. The digital API code is unchanged for a specific OS version, even if the device manufacturer has released a security update. We will look at each method in detail so that you can choose the one that is most convenient for you your situation, whether you have root access or work with a clean factory device.

Defining the API through system settings

The most obvious, but not always direct, way to obtain information about the system is through the standard menu of the device. Users often confuse the build number, kernel version and API level, but in pure Android this data is often hidden behind several layers of the interface. To find the necessary data, you need to go to the Settings → About phone → Software informationsection. The Android version is usually displayed here, which then needs to be compared with the correspondence table.

However, on devices with modified shells from Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei, the path may differ. Sometimes you need to click several times on the "Kernel Version" or "Build Number" item to activate the hidden developer menu, which may contain more technical information. User interface Different manufacturers often hide technical details for the sake of minimalism, so you may not see the direct API number there without third-party utilities.

⚠️ Attention: Don't try change values in hidden engineering menus that open after clicking on the software version. This may lead to unstable operation of the system or loss of warranty.

If you do not find a direct number, use widgets on the desktop. Many manufacturers allow you to add a System Information widget that displays technical data, including API level, directly on your home screen. This is a quick way to monitor without diving deep into the menu.

Using identifier applications

The most reliable and fastest way for most users is to install a specialized application from the store Google Play. apps like CPU-Z, AIDA64 or Device Info HW read data directly from system files and display them in a convenient form. You don't need to be a coding expert to understand the interface of such tools, as they provide structured information.

After installing the application, you need to open the section usually called "Device" or "System". There will be a line "API Level" or "SDK Version" containing the number you are looking for. Data accuracyThe data provided by these applications is usually 100%, since they make the same system calls as the operating system.

• 📱 CPU-Z: A classic tool that shows not only the API, but also detailed information about the processor and sensors.
• 🔍 AIDA64: A professional diagnostic tool with support for data output in text format.
• 🛠 DevCheck: A convenient application with a minimalistic design, ideal for quickly checking the API level.

Data security in this case there is no threat, since applications do not request access to personal files or contacts. They only read static parameters of hardware and software.

Checking through the menu for developers

For more advanced users who have already activated developer mode, there is a built-in way to obtain detailed information. The debug menu contains sections dedicated to running processes and memory usage, where the SDK number often appears. To activate this mode, you need to click on “Build number” 7 times in the “About phone” section.

Inside the developer menu, find the item “Running services” or “Process stats”. While there may not be a direct "API Level" line there, you will see a version of the platform that can be easily converted. Moreover, in some versions Android technical information about the assembly is displayed at the top of the developer menu.

Using this method is preferable if you do not want to install third-party software. System settings always up to date and does not require an Internet connection to download advertisements or database updates. This is a “clean” way to obtain information.

⚠️ Attention: Enabling developer mode provides access to functions, changing which may disrupt the operation of the device. Do not change animation settings or process limits if you do not understand their purpose.

Using the ADB command line

For professional developers and testers, the gold standard is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method allows you to obtain accurate information about the system by connecting the device to a computer. You will need to install drivers for your device and platform tools SDK Platform-Tools on your PC.

After connecting your smartphone via USB and enabling USB debugging, enter the command adb shell getprop ro.build.version.sdkin the command line of your computer. The system will respond with one number, which is the API level. This is the most reliable method, since it queries system properties directly, bypassing any graphical interfaces.

adb shell getprop ro.build.version.sdk

You can also get complete information about the system, including the codename version, with the command adb shell getprop. In a huge list of strings you need to find ro.build.version.sdk. Command line gives access to hundreds of parameters that are hidden from the average user, which makes this tool indispensable for debugging.

If ADB does not see the device, make sure that the correct drivers are installed on your computer. Often the problem lies precisely in the lack of drivers for a specific manufacturer, especially for Chinese brands. Use the original cable for connection, as charging-only cables do not transfer data.

What to do if ADB does not work?

Make sure USB debugging is enabled on your phone. Check if the file transfer mode (MTP) is selected when connecting to the PC. Try a different USB port or cable. Restart the ADB server with the command adb kill-server and adb start-server.

Android version and API correspondence table

Often it is enough to know the operating system version to understand the API level. Below is a compliance table that will help you quickly navigate. Application compatibility directly depends on whether the API required by the developer falls within the range supported by your OS version.

Android version	Code name	API level	Market share (approximately)
Android 14	Upside Down Cake	34	Growing
Android 13	Tiramisu	33	High
Android 12	Snow Cone	31-32	High
Android 11	Red Velvet Cake	30	Average
Android 10	Quince Tart	29	Decreasing

Please note that some versions of Android have two levels of API (for example, Android 12), which is due to the release of intermediate updates that add new functions without changing the major version of the OS. Application Developers you must take this into account when testing to ensure stable operation on all subversions.

Knowing this table is useful not only for development, but also for understanding what applications you can install. If the description of the app in the store states “Requires Android 11 (API 30)”, then it simply will not install on a device with API 29. This is a protection mechanism against running code that uses functions unknown to the system.

Getting an API through app code

If you are creating an application and need to programmatically determine the API level of the device on which it is running, use the class Build.VERSION. This is a standard approach in the development environment Android Studio. The code must be written in Java or Kotlin and will be executed at runtime.

To get the value, use a static field SDK_INT. This value can be used for conditional logic, for example, to enable a certain feature only on new versions of the system. API versions are a better practice instead of being tightly tied to the OS version. for older versions Dynamic check API versions are a best practice instead of being strictly tied to the OS version.

int apiLevel = android.os.Build.VERSION.SDK_INT;
if (apiLevel >= android.os.Build.VERSION_CODES.TIRAMISU) {
// Code for Android 13 and higher
} else {
// Code for old versions
}

Using constants VERSION_CODES makes the code more readable than using "magic numbers". Instead of writing `if (apiLevel >= 33)`, it is better to write `if (apiLevel >= VERSION_CODES.TIRAMISU)`. This reduces the likelihood of errors when maintaining the project.

• ✅ Use Build.VERSION.SDK_INT to get the current API level.
• ✅ Compare with constants VERSION_CODES for code readability.
• ✅ Avoid "hard-coding" numbers so that the code is understandable to other developers.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can the API level change after a system update?

Yes, if you update the operating system to a newer version (for example, from Android 12 to Android 13), the API level will also change (from 31/32 to 33). Security updates (Security Patch) usually do not change the API level, since they do not add new functions, but only close vulnerabilities.

Why does the application write "Incompatible with your device"?

This happens if the minimum API level required by the developer (minSdkVersion) is higher than the API of your device. Also, the reason may be the lack of specific sensors or hardware functions that the application requires.

Does custom firmware affect the display of the API?

No, the API level is determined by the base version of Android on which the firmware is based. Even if you install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) based on Android 11, the API level will remain 30, regardless of visual changes to the interface.

Where can I find the API for Android TV or Wear OS?

The principle is the same: system settings or identifier applications. However, Android TV and Wear OS may have their own specific versions of the API, which are numbered in the general line, but have restrictions on the functionality available on TVs or watches.