Knowing the exact version Android on your smartphone is critically important: compatibility with applications, the availability of new functions, and even the security of the device depend on it. For example, Android 14 supports generative AI in the keyboard, and Android 12 and older - tracking protection through Privacy Dashboard. But how can you check this information if the settings menu looks different on different phones?

Many users get lost in the maze of menu items, especially on customized shells like MIUI ot Xiaomi or One UI ot Samsung. In addition, manufacturers often hide the build number or kernel version, which are needed for debugging or installing custom firmware. In this article we will look at all possible methods from basic to advanced, and also explain why some methods may show different results.

If you need to quickly find out the version to install an application or check compatibility, the first two methods are sufficient. For developers or enthusiasts who want to get complete information about the firmware (including build number and API level), advanced methods using ADB or third-party utilities will be useful.

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (especially budget or Chinese brands), the Android version in the settings may differ from the real one due to deep customization. In this case, use the method with the command ##4636## or application AIDA64 for accurate diagnosis.

1. Standard method: through the “Settings” menu

This is the most universal method that works on 99% of devices - from Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to Redmi Note 10. The interface may be slightly different, but the logic is the same: the OS version is hidden in the “About phone” or “Software information” section.

Here are step-by-step guide for most smartphones:

  1. Open the application "Settings"** (icon gears).
  2. Scroll down and select About phone (on Samsung — Phone information).
  3. Find line Android version or OS version. The number will be indicated here (for example, Android 13) and sometimes the code name (for example, Tiramisu).
  4. For detailed information, tap on the line Build number or MIUI/ColorOS version (on custom firmware).

On some devices (for example, Huawei or Honor) the path may be different: 

Settings → System and updates → About phone → EMUI version

Here EMUI is the shell from Huawei, and the Android version itself is hidden deeper. To see it, tap the line several times EMUI version —a hidden menu with technical data will open.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android Go Edition (for example, Nokia 1.4 or Samsung Galaxy J2 Core) the menu may display the inscription Android (Go edition). This is not a separate version, but a lightweight modification of standard Android for weak devices.

Android version (main number, for example 12, 13, 14)

Build number (build number, for example RP1A.200720.012)

Kernel version (kernel version)

API level (for developers)

Shell version (MIUI, One UI, EMUI, etc.)

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2. Fast way: through. code ##4636##

This method is suitable for all Android devices, including tablets, and provides extended information about the system. It works even if the settings menu is locked or changed by the manufacturer.

Here's how to use it:

  1. Open application "Phone"** (dial pad).
  2. Enter the combination: ##4636## (without spaces).
  3. The menu will open automatically Testing (Testing).
  4. Go to the tab Information (Information) or Software information (Software Information).

Here you will see:

  • 📱 Android version - the main version of the OS (for example, 13).
  • 🔧 Build number - build number (needed for firmware).
  • 🖥️ Kernel version — Linux kernel version.
  • 📡 Baseband version — modem software version (useful for network diagnostics).

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (for example, Xiaomi s MIUI 14) this menu may be blocked. In this case, use an alternative code: ##2846579## → ProjectMenu → Background settings → Software version.

Through the "Settings" menu

Via code ##4636##

via the app (AIDA64, CPU-Z)

I don’t know, I’ve never checked

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3. Through applications: AIDA64, CPU-Z and others

If standard methods do not work (for example, on phones with a heavily modified interface like Realme UI or Oppo ColorOS), third-party ones will come to the rescue utilities. They will not only show the Android version, but also provide complete information about the hardware and software.

Top 3 applications for checking:

  • 🛠️ AIDA64 —the most detailed: shows the OS version, API level, build number, bootloader version and even processor temperature. Download on Google Play.
  • 🖥️ CPU-Z - simpler, but contains all the necessary information about the system and hardware. Free, without unnecessary fuss. Link to Play Market.
  • 📱 Droid Hardware Info - convenient interface with data visualization. Shows the Android version, device model and even battery status.

Instructions for AIDA64:

  1. Install and open the application.
  2. Go to the tab System (or System).
  3. In the section Operating system you will see:
    • Android version (for example, 14).
    • API level (for example, 34 for Android 14).
    • Build number (for example UP1A.231005.007).

💡 Useful advice: In AIDA64 you can save the system report to a file .txt or .html. This is useful if you need to send data about the phone to support or to the forum (for example, to solve problems with the firmware).

What is an API level and why do you need it?

API level is a numerical designation of the Android version that developers use. For example, Android 14 corresponds to API 34, Android 13 - API. 33. This is necessary to check application compatibility: if a app requires API 31+, it will not install on Android 10 (API 29) and lower.

4. Advanced method: via ADB (for developers)

If you are developing, debugging or custom firmware, the usual methods may not be enough. Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to get full information about the systemincluding hidden parameters.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Install ADB on your computer (instructions for Windows/macOS/Linux).
  2. Enable USB debugging on your phone: 
    Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) → Return to Settings → System → For developers → USB Debugging
  3. Connect the phone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release

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

  4. For complete information about the build, use: 
    adb shell getprop

    Look for the lines:

    • ro.build.version.sdk —API level.
    • ro.build.version.incremental —incremental build number.
    • ro.build.version.security_patch —date of the latest security patch.

⚠️ Attention: ADB commands require developer rights. If you are not sure, it is better to use applications like AIDA64.

ADB command What it shows Output example
getprop ro.build.version.release Android version 14
getprop ro.build.version.sdk API level 34
getprop ro.build.version.security_patch Security patch date 2026-05-05
getprop ro.product.model Device model SM-S928B (Galaxy S23+)

5. How to find the Android version on a locked phone

If the phone screen is locked (you forgot the pattern or PIN), but the device is turned on, there are several ways to find out the OS version without resetting the settings.

Method 1: Through Recovery mode

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold down the combination of buttons to enter Recovery (usually Power + Volume Up, but on Samsung — Power + Volume Up + Bixby).
  3. In the recovery menu, the Android version may be displayed at the top of the screen (for example, Android Recovery for TIAMSU/14.0.0).

Method 2: Through bootloader

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Power + Volume Down (on Pixel — Power + Volume Down, then Volume Up to confirm).
  3. In Fastboot mode there will be a line at the top of the screen with the bootloader version, where sometimes the Android version is indicated (for example, slot:a → 14.0.0).

    4. ⚠️ Attention: On some phones (for example, Xiaomi with a locked bootloader) entering Fastboot may cause data reset. If a warning appears on the screen about deleting all files, do not continue!

    6. Comparison of Android versions: what do the numbers and code names mean

    Android versions are numbered sequentially (1, 2, 3..), but each also has code name on the theme of desserts (in alphabetical order). For example:

    • 🍰 Android 1.0–1.1 - no code name (2008).
    • 🍩 Android 1.5 — Cupcake (2009).
    • 🍪 Android 10 — Quince Tart (2019, the first name is not a letter). dessert).
    • 🍫 Android 13 — Tiramisu (2022).
    • 🥧 Android 14 — Upside Down Cake (2023).

    Since 2019, Google has abandoned public code names, but they are still used in documentation for developers. Here is the current table of the latest versions:

    Android version Code name API level Release date Key innovations
    14 Upside Down Cake 34 October 2023 Generative AI in the keyboard, improved privacy, Ultra HDR support.
    13 Tiramisu 33 August 2022 New notification permissions, optimization for tablets, Material You.
    12/12L Snow Cone 31–32 October 2021 Material You design, Privacy Dashboard, improved performance.
    11 Red Velvet Cake 30 September 2020 5G support, notification bubbles, one-time app permissions.

    💡 Useful. tip: If your version of Android is older 10 (API 29)many modern applications (for example, banking or games) may not be supported Check the update option in the menu Settings → System → Software update.

    7. Why the wrong version of Android may be displayed on the phone

    Sometimes users are faced with the fact that one version is indicated in the settings (for example, Android 12), but applications or ADB commands show Here are the main reasons:

    • 🔄 Customized firmware: Manufacturers like Xiaomi or Oppo deeply modify Android, and the real version of the kernel may differ from the one displayed. For example, MIUI 14 may be indicated Android 13, but some functions work as in Android 12.
    • 🛠️ Beta or test build: If you are participating in a beta testing app (for example, Android Beta app from Google), the version may appear as 14 (Beta 3).
    • 📱 Fake Android: Some Chinese phones (for example, nameless brands) may have pirated firmware installed, where the version is faked to look like a newer one.
    • 🔧 Error updates: If the update is interrupted, the system may show the old version, although the files of the new one are already installed.

How to check the authenticity of the version:

  1. Compare data from Settings and command ##4636##.
  2. Install AIDA64 and check Build number.
  3. Find your phone model on the manufacturer's website and compare with the official software version.

⚠️ Attention: If you find discrepancies, do not try to update the phone through third-party firmware. Contact the manufacturer's support service or the forum (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

💡

If the Android version in the settings and in the menu ##4636## matches, the data is reliable. If not, use ADB or AIDA64 to clarify.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Android version

🔍 How to find the Android version on a phone without turning it on?

If the phone is turned off, the only way is to look at the box or documentation (sometimes the pre-installed version is indicated there). You can also find the phone model on the Internet and find out which version of Android it has by default. data-i="261">📲 Why does the Play Market say that my version of Android is not supported? Samsung Galaxy S23 comes out of the box with Android 13, A Google Pixel 8 - With Android 14.

📲 Why does the Play Market say that my version of Android is not supported?

This happens if:

  • You have an outdated version of Android (below API 21, i.e. Android 5.0).
  • The manufacturer has greatly changed the firmware (for example, to some Huawei without Google services).
  • The application requires a new version of the OS (check the minimum requirements in the description).

Solution: update Android via Settings → System → Software update or contact the manufacturer.

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

Technically yes, but:

  • On most phones this requires unlocking the bootloader and losing data.
  • Manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) often block downgrade.
  • For Pixel you can use official images, but it is risky.

💡 Tip: Before rolling back, make a backup via Settings → Google → Backup.

🛡️ How to check if my version of Android is up to date from a security point of view?

Google releases security patches monthly. To find out if your version is up to date:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Software update.
  2. Look at the date of the last patch (line Android security patch level).
  3. Compare with the latest patches on official website.

If the date is older than 2-3 months, it is recommended to update.

📱 Why is there no update to the new one on my phone version of Android?

The reasons may be different:

  • 📅 End of support: The manufacturer has stopped releasing updates for your model (usually 2-4 years after release).
  • 🔧 Regional restrictions: Some updates are released first in Europe or the USA, and then in others countries.
  • 🛠️ Customized firmware: On phones with MIUI, ColorOS or EMUI updates may be delayed due to shell improvements.

Solution: Check the forums (for example, 4PDA) for custom firmware or contact support.