Smartphone users Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO often face the need to find out the exact version of the operating system. This may be necessary to install compatible applications, obtain technical support, or just out of curiosity. Unlike some other manufacturers, the Chinese giant uses its own add-on MIUI (or a new HyperOS), which sometimes confuses device owners.
Information about the software is not hidden deeply, but the paths to it may differ slightly depending on the year the gadget was produced. The key parameter here is not only the Android version number (for example, 12 or 13), but also the version of the security patch, which is responsible for protecting your personal data. Understanding the version structure will help you better navigate the updates.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the ways to obtain information about the software, explain the difference between the build number and the kernel version, and also tell you how to correctly read the technical characteristics of the system. You will learn how to quickly find the necessary data in the settings menu and understand why your phone may not receive the latest updates.
Why you need to know the exact version of Android
Many modern applications require a certain version of the operating system to work correctly. If you try to install a banking application or a graphics-heavy game on an outdated Android, the process may be interrupted by a compatibility error. Knowing the current version allows you to assess in advance the possibility of installing new software.
In addition, information about MIUI or HyperOS is critically important when searching for solutions to problems on the forums. When you ask technical support for help or read instructions for fixing bugs, the first question will always be: “What is your firmware version?” Without this answer, the advice may be useless or even harmful.
It is also worth considering security issues. Google releases monthly patches to fix vulnerabilities. If your security patch dates from last year, the device is potentially vulnerable to viruses. Regular checking of this data is part of digital hygiene.
- 📱 Compatibility: guarantee the operation of new applications and games.
- 🛡️ Security: understanding the relevance of system security patches.
- 🔧 Diagnostics: a necessity accurate data to find solutions to errors.
- 🔄 Update: the ability to check if new software is available for your model.
Sometimes users confuse the shell version and the system kernel version. The shell (MIUI) is responsible for the appearance and additional functions, and the core (Linux kernel) is responsible for interaction with the hardware. For the average user, the first is more important, but for deep configuration or flashing, knowledge of both parameters is required.
⚠️ Attention: menu interfaces may differ slightly on different models. If you do not find the menu item, try using the settings search.
The classic method through the settings menu
The simplest and most reliable method is to use the standard system interface. It does not require the installation of additional software and works even without an Internet connection. The algorithm of actions is the same for most devices in the line Xiaomi.
First, unlock the screen and find the “Settings” icon (gear). In the list that opens, you need to scroll down to the “About phone” item. This is where all the basic information about the device is concentrated, including the processor model, memory size and software version.
In the menu that opens, you will see the line “MIUI Version” (or “HyperOS Version”). The numbers in brackets following the shell name often contain the version Android. However, to see the pure number (for example, Android 13), you need to click on the line with the shell version several times or find a separate item “Android Version”.
On some models with new shells, version information Android is placed in a separate line immediately below the system version. If you see the inscription “Android version”, then the number next to it is the desired value. Clicking on this line usually launches a logo animation (“Easter egg”) specific to a specific OS version.
⚠️ Warning: Frequently clicking on the build number may activate developer mode. If this happened by accident, don’t worry - this is a standard feature for advanced users.
It is important to distinguish between global and Chinese firmware versions. In global ones (Global) everything is signed in Russian or English. In Chinese (China), the interface may be in English, but system applications are tailored for the Chinese market. The Android version in them can be updated at different speeds.
☑️ Checking information in the settings
Decoding the build number and firmware type
The version number that you see in the settings looks like complex code, for example V14.0.3.0.TKGMIXM. This set of characters carries much more information than just numbers. The ability to read this code helps to understand the origin of the firmware and the region.
The first letter or numbers before the dot often indicate the version MIUI or HyperOS. The following numbers are the patch version. But the most interesting thing begins after. The letters in the code indicate the region: MI - global version, CN - China, RU - Russia, EU - Europe. Knowing this, you will immediately understand why your phone does not have some Google services or, on the contrary, there is Chinese software.
The last letters in the code indicate the type of device. For example, M often means Redmi, X — Xiaomi, and P — POCO. This helps when searching for firmware on third-party resources, since the firmware from Redmi Note 10 will not install on POCO X3, despite the similarity of characteristics.
| Code in version | Value | Example |
|---|---|---|
| MI | Global version (Global) | V14.0.3.0.TMIGMIXM |
| CN | Chinese version (China) | V14.0.3.0.TCNGMIXM |
| RU | Version for Russia | V14.0.3.0.TRUGMIXM |
| EU | European version | V14.0.3.0.TEUGMIXM |
It is also worth paying attention to the prefixes at the beginning of the version line. If you see the letter V, this is a stable version. If R is a developer version (Recovery) that may contain errors. For everyday use, the stable branch is always recommended.
What do the letters at the end of the firmware code mean?
The last three letters before the last block often indicate the platform or series of the device. For example, GMI could mean the global version for a specific chipset, while CNB could mean the Chinese version for the budget segment. This is important when manually flashing via Fastboot.
Using the engineering menu and codes
For deeper diagnostics, engineers and advanced users use special codes. Entering a combination of characters in the Phone application (dialer) opens hidden testing menus. This is a powerful tool, but requires caution.
The most popular code for Xiaomi — ##64663##. It opens the engineering menu, where you can check the operation of all sensors, screen, sound and, of course, see detailed information about the software version. By going to the section Version, you can see not only the Android version, but also the versions of drivers, modem and basic components.
Another useful code is ##4636##. It opens the Test menu. Here, the Phone Information section displays your current Android version, base version number, and network type. This menu is useful if the standard About Phone interface is buggy or does not display data correctly.
Using codes is safe as long as you do not change settings in items whose meaning you do not know. Resetting to factory settings via the engineering menu is possible, but requires confirmation. Regular viewing of information will not lead to anything.
- 📞
##64663##: Full engineering menu for hardware testing. - 📡
##4636##: Menu for checking the network and general information. - ℹ️
*#06#: Display of IMEI and serial number.
It is worth noting that on some new models with shell HyperOS or in certain regions, access to the engineering menu through codes may be limited by the telecom operator or manufacturer. In this case, the code simply will not work.
Third-party applications for diagnostics
If the built-in tools do not seem informative enough to you, applications from the Google Play Store will come to the rescue. They collect data about hardware and software, providing them in a convenient structured form. This is the best way to find out technical details.
One of the most popular applications is AIDA64 or CPU-Z. After installation and launch, these snails scan the system and display a report. The "OS" or "System" tab will show the exact Android kernel version, API level, pixel density and security patch date. The data here is often presented in more technical language.
Another great solution is Device Info HW. This app is especially useful if you want to know not only the Android version, but also the screen matrix model, camera sensor type, and memory manufacturer. For Xiaomi this is relevant, since the manufacturer often changes component suppliers within the same model.
The use of third-party software requires permission to access some device data. Applications from trusted sources (Google Play) are usually safe, but you should avoid dubious “boosters” and “cleaners” that promise miracle optimization.
⚠️ Attention: applications may request unnecessary permissions. To view the Android version, basic rights are enough; access to contacts or a microphone is not required.
The advantage of such apps is that they display information uniformly on any device. Whether it's the old Redmi Note 4 or the newest Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the application interface will be the same, making it easy to compare features.
Use the Screenshot or Copy Report feature in apps like AIDA64 to save technical information and quickly send it to support when needed.
Problems with determining the version and updating
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the phone works, but the software version is displayed incorrectly or the menu item is missing. This may be the result of a system process failure SystemUI or damage to the update files.
A common problem is that the phone writes that “There are no updates,” although the new version has already been released on other devices of the same model. This is due to the gradual rollout of updates. Xiaomi distributes them in waves to reduce the load on servers and track possible critical errors.
If you see a version of Android that does not match the expected one (for example, after resetting the settings), check whether you have custom firmware or a modified Recovery installed. In such cases, the standard update menu will not work.
In the case when the system is unstable and the software version “jumps” or is displayed as “Unknown”, it is recommended to reset to factory settings. Before doing this, be sure to back up your data, as all information will be deleted.
It is also worth considering that support for older models is limited. If yours is Xiaomi more than 3-4 years old, the manufacturer may stop releasing security updates and Android versions. In this case, the current version will remain the latest forever.
The lack of updates on older models is normal practice. Manufacturers guarantee support for a certain period, after which the device goes into legacy status.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Android on Xiaomi manually if there is no official update?
Yes, it is possible, but it requires caution. You can download the official firmware file (Recovery ROM) from the manufacturer’s website and install it through the file selection menu in the “Update” section. However, installing firmware from other regions (for example, Global to the Chinese version) without unlocking the bootloader is impossible and can lead to a “brick.”
Why did the MIUI version change after the update, but Android remained the same?
This is a standard situation. The shell MIUI is updated more often than the base version Android. Major Android updates (for example, from 12 to 13) come less frequently, usually once every year or two, while MIUI receives new features and security patches regularly.
Where can I see the security patch date?
In the “About Phone” menu, click on the “MIUI Version” (or “Android Version”) line several times until an additional menu appears, or look for a separate line “Android security patch” in the main system settings. The date indicates the relevance of virus protection.
Does the Android version affect the speed of the phone?
Indirectly - yes. New versions of Android are optimized for modern hardware. On older devices, installing the latest Android may result in slower performance due to increased CPU and memory demands. It is better to stay on the version recommended by the manufacturer for your model.