Owners of smart TVs are often faced with the need to clarify the technical characteristics of their device, especially when it comes to installing new applications or eliminating software errors. Understanding what exactly is installed on your display is key to ensuring software compatibility. Many users confuse the interface version operating system installed on your display is key to ensuring software compatibility. Many users confuse the interface version MIUI TV with the real version of the base Android, which leads to errors when searching for drivers or instructions.
Determination of the exact assembly of the software is required not only for curiosity, but also for correct operation media players and streaming services. If you plan to use third-party utilities to control your home or stream content from your computer, you need to know the current status of your gadget. In this article, we will analyze in detail all available methods for obtaining this information, from the standard settings menu to the use of hidden engineering codes.
It is worth considering that the TV interface Xiaomi may vary slightly depending on the region of sale and the year of manufacture of the model. Global firmware versions often differ from their Chinese counterparts, which affects the layout of menu items. However, the basic logic of the system Android TV remains the same for all devices in the ecosystem.
Checking the version through system settings
The easiest and safest way to find out the information you are interested in is to use the built-in TV menu. This method does not require connecting additional devices or installing special software. You just need to take the remote control and go to the settings section, which is usually indicated by a gear in the upper corner of the main screen.
After entering the menu, you need to find the item responsible for the device. Depending on the shell version, it may be called About the device, System or Device settings. This is where all the technical documentation of your TV is hidden, including the processor model, the amount of RAM and, of course, the version of the operating system.
Inside this section, find the line with the name OS version or Android version. By clicking on it several times, you can see more detailed information about the build number. This action often opens a hidden menu with technical data that is not displayed in normal mode.
⚠️ Attention: On some Xiaomi TV models with Chinese firmware, the item may be called About TV and located at the very bottom of the settings list.
If the standard path does not lead to results, try using the settings search. Enter the word “About the system” or “Version” into the search bar, and the TV itself will offer the desired section. This is especially convenient if the interface is not completely translated or you are using the device for the first time.
Using the Android TV Remote Control application
For those who prefer to control equipment from a smartphone, the official application from Google is an excellent solution. It allows you not only to enter text from the phone keyboard, but also to view system information. To get started, make sure that your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
After pairing the devices, go to the application settings on the smartphone screen. Information about the connected device, including the software version, is often duplicated there. This is a convenient way if the remote control is lost or its buttons are unstable.
In addition, through the app you can start installing APK files directly if you know which version Android is required for a particular software. This eliminates the need to use USB drives and search for files specifically for your processor architecture.
The advantage of using a mobile application is the ability to quickly take a screenshot of the screen with system information. You can save this data to later compare it with the requirements of a new application or discuss the problem with technical support.
Checking through the Google Play Store
App Store Google Play also stores data about your device. This method is useful if the TV settings menu does not work correctly or freezes. Open the app store on your TV and go to your profile by clicking on the avatar in the corner of the screen.
In the drop-down menu, select Settings, and then About the application. Here you will see the version of the store itself, but often the compatible version of the operating system is also indicated next to it. Although this does not always show the exact assembly Android, it does give an idea of the level of support for Google services.
You can also try searching for any popular application, such as YouTube, and look at the "About the application" section or system requirements. If an application indicates incompatibility, this is an indirect sign that your version Android is outdated for this software.
If the Google Play Store does not open, try clearing its cache in the "Applications" section -> "All applications" -> "Google Play Store" -> "Clear cache".
Sometimes in the "My applications and Games" you can see a list of devices on which the account is installed. Select your TV from the list, and the description may indicate the model and basic version of the software that the Google server sees.
Using third-party analyzer applications
If it is not possible to obtain accurate data using the built-in tools, specialized utilities will come to the rescue. In the store Google Play there are many free apps available on the TV, such as AIDA64 or CPU-Z. These applications are created specifically for diagnosing hardware and software components.
After installing such a app, it automatically scans the system and displays a detailed report. You will see not only the version Android, but also the screen resolution, pixel density, processor temperature and RAM load. This is the most reliable source of information.
An Internet connection may be required to install such applications. Make sure that the date and time on the TV are set correctly, otherwise the application store may not work correctly due to a security certificate error.
☑️ Installing the diagnostic utility
In this case, choose minimalistic applications that take up little space but perform one function - show the system version.
Comparison of MIUI TV and Android versions
Users often they confuse the shell version MIUI TV with the version Android. These are two different things: Android is the core of the system, and MIUI TV is a visual add-on from Xiaomi. Understanding the difference is critical when searching for firmware.
The shell can be updated independently of the system kernel. For example, you may get a new menu design and features, but the version Android will remain the same. This limits the ability to install some modern applications that require a new kernel.
Below is a table that helps you understand the main differences and version correspondences for popular TV models:
| TV model | Android version | Shell | Year of release |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi TV 4A | Android 9.0 | PatchWall 3.0 | 2019 |
| Xiaomi Mi TV P1 | Android 10 | Android TV 10 | 2021 |
| Xiaomi TV Stick | Android 9.0 | Android TV | 2020 |
| Xiaomi TV Box S | Android 8.1 | Android TV | 2018 |
Pay attention to the second column, as it determines compatibility with applications from the store. The shell only affects the appearance and additional functions of Smart control.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and item names may change after automatic updates. Always check the current menu view when checking.
Why do versions differ in different regions?
Global versions of TVs often receive updates later than their Chinese counterparts due to the need for localization and Google certification.
What to do if the version is not updated
If you We found out that your version Android is outdated, the question arises about updating. TVs Xiaomi usually update automatically in the background. However, sometimes this process requires manual intervention.
Check for updates in the section Settings -> About device -> System update. If the server does not find new versions, this may mean that security updates or functional patches are no longer available for your model.
There is an update method via a USB drive by downloading the firmware from the official website. However, this is a risky procedure that requires precise selection of the file for a specific motherboard model. An error in selecting a file can lead to the device not working.
Automatic update via the Internet is the safest method, but requires a stable network connection and free memory space.
In some cases, the manufacturer stops supporting older models, and the new version Android for them is simply not provided for by the technical limitations of the hardware. In such a situation, the only way out is to buy an external TV set-top box.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely reinstall Android on a Xiaomi TV?
A complete reinstallation (as on a computer) is only possible by experienced users through the engineering menu and a UART programmer, but this voids the warranty and carries a high risk of turning the TV into a brick. The average user can only update the official firmware.
Why does the menu show one version, but applications write another?
Some applications read the API version, and not the full version of the system. It is also possible that modified firmware is installed, where the identification strings have been changed. Check the data through the AIDA64 application for accuracy.
Does the Android version affect the picture quality?
The OS version itself does not affect the matrix, but new versions Android can support more modern codecs (for example, AV1 or HEVC 10-bit), which will improve the quality of high-definition video playback from Internet.
How to reset settings to factory settings if the system is slow?
Go to Settings -> About device -> Reset. Before doing this, be sure to save important data, as all information will be deleted.
Where can I find the Build Number?
It is located in the same menu where and Android version. Tap 7 times quickly on the "Build number" item to activate developer mode, if necessary for debugging.