Have you ever encountered a situation where an application requires a specific version of Android, but you don’t know which one you have installed? Or wanted to update your firmware, but aren't sure if your system is up to date? Finding out the version Android on your device is easier than it seems - and you don’t need special knowledge or root access for this. In this article we will examine all possible methods for checking the OS versionincluding hidden functions that work even on locked or faulty devices.

It does not matter whether you are using Samsung Galaxy c shell One UI, Xiaomi on MIUI, “clean” Android from Google Pixel or budget TECNO —the algorithm of actions is almost universal. And if standard methods do not work (for example, due to a system failure), we have backup options using ADB or third-party utilities. Let's figure it out in order!

1. Standard method: through the “Settings” menu

This is the fastest and most reliable method that works on 99% of devices. The interface may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer, but the logic remains the same. Here are step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the application "Settings"** (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Scroll down and find the section About the phone (on some devices — About the tablet or Device information).
  3. Tap on the item Software Information, Software Information or similar.
  4. Look for the lines Android version, Android version or Build number. The current version (for example, Android 14) and build number (for example, TP1A.220624.014).

On devices Samsung the path may look like this: Settings → Device maintenance → Phone information → Software information. On Xiaomi — Settings → About phone → MIUI version (Android version is listed below). data-i="71">i Huawei And Honor — Settings → About phone → EMUI version (Android version is hidden under Kernel version or Build number).

Find the "About phone" or "Software information" section|Check the line "Android version"|Write down the build number (useful for manual updating)|Check the version with the latest updates from the manufacturer-->

If you have Google Pixel or a device with a “clean” Android, the information will be displayed immediately after going to Settings → About phone. You can also see security patch level (for example, May 5, 2026), which is useful for assessing the relevance of the system.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Oppo or Realme), the Android version may be hidden behind several tabs. If you do not find the item you need, use the search in the settings (magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen) and enter the request “Android version.”

2. “Developer options”

If for some reason the standard path is not available (for example, due to customized firmware), you can use the menu for developers. It is hidden by default, but it is easy to enable:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone.
  2. Find the item Build number (or Build number) and tap on it 7 times in a rowThe notification “You have become a developer!” will appear.
  3. Go back to the main settings menu - a new section will appear there. data-i="107">Device information Developer Options (or Developer options).
  4. Open it and scroll to the block Device information. The Android version will be listed here.

This method is useful if the manufacturer has greatly changed the settings interface. For example, on some models Lenovo or Motorola the OS version may be displayed only here.

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If the developer menu is already enabled, but you don’t remember how to get there - use the search in settings with the request “build number” or “version”.

By the way, in Developer options you can find other useful information, for example:

  • 📱 Device model (full name, not marketing, for example, SM-G973F instead of Galaxy S10).
  • 🖥️ Kernel version (useful for debugging or installing custom firmware).
  • 🔒 Bootloader lock status (important for unlocking bootloader).

3. How to find the Android version through applications

If you are uncomfortable delving into the settings or need to quickly get information (for example, to compare with the game requirements), you can use third-party utilities. They will not only show the OS version, but also provide additional data about the device.

Here are the top 3 tested apps:

Application What it shows Link (Google Play)
CPU-Z Android version, device model, processor data, RAM, storage cpu-z
AIDA64 Detailed information about the OS, kernel, sensors, network and even component temperature aida64
DevCheck Android version, API level, hardware and firmware data in a convenient format devcheck

For example, in DevCheck Android version is displayed on the main screen in a block System, next to API Level (this is a numeric version identifier, for example 34 for Android 14). OS AIDA64 this information is in the section Android → OS version.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, CPU-Z) may ask for permission to access information about the device. This is normal - they do not collect personal data, only technical characteristics. But if this bothers you, use the official utilities from the manufacturer (for example, Samsung Members or Mi Community).

Through settings|Through applications like CPU-Z|Via ADB|I don’t know, I’ve never checked-->

4. Advanced method: via ADB (for advanced users)

If your device is connected to a computer, and USB debugging enabled, you can find out the Android version using the command line. This method is useful if the smartphone screen does not work or the system boots only when USB debugging is enabled fastboot.

Here is what you need to do:

  1. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your PC (or just download adb.exe i fastboot.exe).
  2. Connect your phone to the computer via USB and enable USB debugging in Developer options.
  3. Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.
  4. Enter the command: 
    adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release

    It will return the current version of Android (for example, 14).

  5. To find out additional information (for example, build number), use: 
    adb shell getprop ro.build.version.incremental

If USB debugging is not enabled, but the device boots into fastboot, you can try the command:

fastboot getvar version-bootloader

It will display the bootloader version, which is often the same as the Android version (for example, samsung-14 for Android 14).

What to do if ADB does not recognize device?

If the command adb devices returns an empty list, check:

1. Is USB debugging enabled on the phone.

2. Are the drivers installed for your model (especially important for MediaTek).

3. Are you using an original USB cable (cheap cables may not support data transfer).

4. Try restarting your phone and PC, and changing the USB port.

This method requires minimal technical skills, but it is indispensable if the device does not turn on normally or you do not have access to the screen. For example, this is how you can check the Android version on Chinese phones with non-localized software or on devices after an unsuccessful update.

5. Hidden menus and engineering codes

Manufacturers often hide information about the system in service menuswhich can be opened using special codes. These menus are intended for testing and diagnostics, but sometimes contain information about the software version.

Here are some universal codes (do not work on all devices):

  • 📞 ##4636## - will open the menu Testingwhere in the section Information The Android version may be indicated.
  • 📱 ##1111## —on some Samsung shows the software version and hardware information.
  • 🔧 *#06# —usually shows IMEI, but on some devices (for example, Huawei) it can also display the OS version.

To use the code:

  1. Open the application "Phone"** (as if you are going to make a call).
  2. Enter the code using the numeric keypad.
  3. Press the call button - the menu will open automatically.
⚠️ Attention: Not all codes are safe! Avoid entering random combinations, especially ones that contain #999# or #0000# —they may reset settings or run tests that damage the device. The above codes have been tested and will not cause harm.

On devices Xiaomi you can try the code ##44336## - it will open a menu with version information MIUI and Android. On Sony Xperia the code works ##7378423## (go to Service info → Software info).

6. How to check the Android version on a locked or faulty device

What to do if the phone does not turn on, the screen is broken or the device is locked with a pattern? There are several workarounds ways:

Method 1: Through Recovery mode

  1. Turn off the device (press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery (usually Power + Volume up, but on some models - Power + Volume down + Home).
  3. In the menu Recovery Android version can displayed at the top of the screen or in the section Apply update from ADB.

Method 2: Through the box or sticker

On some devices (especially Samsung i LG) the Android version is indicated on sticker under the battery or on the box in section Software Version. Of course, this is only relevant for new technology, but sometimes it helps.

Method 3: Through the computer (if the device is detected)

Connect the phone to the PC. If it is recognized as a media device, open My Computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS) and look at the model name in the device properties. Then find the model specifications on the Internet - the Android version “out of the box” is often indicated there.

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If the device does not turn on at all, but you urgently need information about the Android version, try connecting it. to charge and wait for vibration or sound signal. Then enter the combination for Recovery (even when the device is turned off).

7. How to understand which version of Android is the newest for your device

You found out the current version of Android, but how do you know if it is up-to-date? Manufacturers release updates irregularly, and some of them do not. models stop being supported after 2-3 years. Here's how to check if updates are available:

Official method:

  • 🔄 Go to Settings → System → Update system (or a similar section).
  • 📥 Click Check for updates. If the system writes “Updates are not available,” your version is the latest for this model.

Unofficial way:

  1. Find out the exact model of your device (for example, SM-A525F for Samsung Galaxy A52).
  2. Search Google for a query like: [model] latest version of Android website:forum.xda-developers.com.
  3. Check the manufacturer's support page (for example, Samsung Security Updates or Xiaomi Update Tracker).

For example, for Google Pixel 6 the latest version at the time of writing is Android 14 with security patches from May 2026. And for Samsung Galaxy S20 (2020) the last official update is Android 13 (One UI 5.1).

⚠️ Attention: Manufacturers often stop supporting devices 3-4 years after release. If your model is older, new versions of Android may not be available. In this case, it is worth considering custom firmware (for example LineageOS), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may void the warranty.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Android version

🔍 Why does the settings display the MIUI/One UI version, and not Android?

Manufacturers often overlay their own shells on top of Android (for example, MIUI y Xiaomi, One UI u Samsung).The shell version (for example, MIUI 14) is not equal to the Android version! To see the Android version, scroll down the screen with information about the software below - there will be a line Android version or Android version.

📱 How to find the Android version on a tablet?

The algorithm is the same as for smartphones: Settings → About the tablet → Software information. On tablets Samsung (for example, Galaxy Tab) the path may look like Settings → Device maintenance → Tablet information.

🔄 Is it possible to roll back the Android version if the new one works poorly?

Technically yes, but it's a complicated process, requiring unlocking the bootloader and installing the old firmware via ODIN (for Samsung) or Fastboot. Risks: data loss, brick (turning the device into a “brick”), security problems We recommend that you first try resetting the settings to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset).

🛠️ Why is my device not updated to the latest version of Android?

There are several reasons:

  • The manufacturer has stopped supporting the model (typical for budget devices older than 2-3 years).
  • The update has not yet been released for your region (check via VPN).
  • The device has custom firmware installed or the bootloader is unlocked.
  • There is not enough memory space (you need at least 2-3 GB of free space).

Try to manually download the firmware from the official one manufacturer's website and install via Recovery.

📊 What do the numbers in the build number mean (for example, TP1A.220624.014)?

The build number (Build number) contains encoded information about the Android version, compilation date and other parameters. For example:

  • TP1A — code name of the Android version (here Android 13).
  • 220624 — build date (June 24, 2022).
  • 014 — internal revision number.

The full decryptor can be found on sites like BuildNumber.info.