Where to watch the Android version on Xiaomi phone: the full guide

Owning a modern smartphone implies constant control over the software, and owners of Xiaomi devices are no exception.Knowing the exact version of the operating system is necessary not only to understand the relevance of the gadget, but also to correctly install applications, games, and to eliminate software errors. Often users are faced with a situation where the application requires a certain build of the OS, or in technical support ask for the exact version number of the firmware to diagnose the problem.

The MIUI (or new HyperOS) shell interface can hide basic Android settings deeper than the standard clean versions, for minimalist and convenience, but sometimes makes it harder to find technical information. In this article, we’ll go through all the ways we can get information about the system, from the standard settings menu to engineering codes that allow you to find out even the most hidden parameters of hardware and software.

Understanding the difference between the Android version and the MIUI version is the first step to managing your device properly, and many people confuse this notion by thinking that updating the shell automatically changes the core of the system, which is not always true. We will discuss in detail how to interpret the data and what to look for when deciding whether to upgrade or reflash your smartphone.

Basic method through device settings

The most obvious and safe way for any user is to use the regular settings menu. Xiaomi interface is designed so that basic information about the system is available in a few clicks, but the path to it may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, you need to open the main menu and find the icon with the gear that indicates the Settings section, which is usually located at the top of the application list or in the notification curtain.

Once you enter the settings menu, scroll to the bottom of the list. That's where the About Phone section is at the end of the list of all options. When you click on this item, you'll see the summary information: device model, RAM, serial number and, most importantly, Android version. In new versions of HyperOS, this section can be renamed or moved to My Phone, but the logic remains the same - look for system information at the bottom of the menu.

In the About Phone window that opens, you'll see the current version of the system logo. Often it's just a number, like 12 or 13, which indicates the major version of Android. Next to it will be the build number of MIUI or HyperOS. It's important to understand that it's the Android version that determines compatibility with apps from Google Play, while the shell version is responsible for the visual style and additional features of the brand.

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The Android version is displayed in large font in the center of the About Phone section screen, often changing when repeatedly tapped on the system logo.

It's worth noting that some global firmware versions may have slightly different paths due to localization. If you didn't find the "About Phone" item right away, try searching inside the settings. Type the word "version" or "update" into the search bar and the system will prompt you to go to the desired section, which is especially true for users who are first encountered with the Xiaomi ecosystem and are not used to the structure of the MIUI menu.

Differences between Android and MIUI (HyperOS)

One of the most common mistakes is to mix the concepts of the operating system version and the version of the proprietary shell. Xiaomi, like many other manufacturers (Samsung with One UI, Huawei with EMUI), uses its own add-on over the basic Android. When you see the words “MIUI 14” or “HyperOS 1.0”, it does not mean that you have Android 14. The numbers in the shell name and the OS often do not coincide and develop on different schedules.

The Android version is the foundation provided by Google, which is responsible for kernel operation, security, memory management and basic functions. This is the number most often required by game developers and specialized applications. The MIUI or HyperOS shell is the visual layer and a set of additional utilities that make the phone unique, but work on top of this foundation.

Why is this distinction so important? Because you can get a security update or a new interface design through a MIUI update while staying on the old version of Android. Conversely, the release of a new version of Android for your model can be delayed even if the shell is ready to go, and understanding this difference will help you formulate queries correctly when you are looking for solutions to problems or when communicating with technical specialists.

Also, the software section often lists a patch update date, a critical parameter that many ignore. Even if the Android version doesn't change for months, security patches can come in regularly, closing vulnerabilities. In the context of the Xiaomi ecosystem, it's the patch release frequency that often becomes a marker of support for the model by the manufacturer.

Use of engineering menus and hidden codes

For more advanced users who don't have enough standard information, there are special codes that call up the engineering menu, which is a hidden part of the system, designed to test the hardware and get detailed technical statistics. To get there, you need to open the Phone app and enter a special combination of characters. The most universal code for Xiaomi devices is # #4636##.

Once you enter the last character, the menu will open automatically, without having to press the call button, you will be greeted by a list of test options. We are interested in the "Phone Information" item. Going there, you can see not only the Android version, but also IMEI, network status, type of preferred network and other telemetry information. Here the data is presented in a more technical format, without the graphical decorations of MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: Be careful in the engineering menu. Changing the settings of the radio module or resetting statistics without understanding the consequences can lead to unstable communication or complete disappearance of the network.

There are other codes that can be useful, like ##6484## or #64663##, which opens up a full hardware testing menu (CIT) where you can check the screen, speakers, sensor and other components, and while direct information about the Android version may not be on the forehead, these tools are indispensable in diagnosing hardware problems after a firmware update.

If the code doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean the phone is malfunctioning, but only indicates the software policy of your particular regional version.

Check through the "System Update" section

Another reliable way to find out not only the current version, but also the version available for installation is the standard updater. Unlike the About Phone section, which shows static information, the update menu interacts with Xiaomi servers. To get there, you need to click on the logo of the MIUI or HyperOS version in the About Phone section (usually a large icon in the center of the screen).

The System Update window will open, where your current version will be listed in large numbers. If you click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings and then Select Service Pack, you can see the details of the current installed build. However, the main value of this section is the ability to see which version of Android will come with the next update, which allows you to plan the transition to the new OS in advance.

The same menu often hides the ability to switch between versions (Beta/China/Global), although for ordinary users this feature may be hidden.Clicking on the logo version of the system (digits) many times in a row (usually 7-10 times) can activate additional menus or Easter eggs of developers associated with the firmware version.

Sometimes, this section will show you the release date of your current build, which is useful for understanding how long your phone has been getting updates from the manufacturer. If the release date of the current version of Android is different from the date of the last security update by several years, this is a sure sign that support for the model is coming to an end.

Comparison of Android versions on different Xiaomi models

Xiaomi’s ecosystem is huge and includes budget Redmis, mid-range Note series and Mi flagships. Naturally, Android versions can vary greatly. Flagship models tend to be the first to receive updates to newer versions of Android, while budget devices can stay on older versions for years, receiving only security patches.

Below is a table showing the approximate matching of software models and versions that can be found in the current period. Please note that the data may vary by region (Global, CN, EU firmware).

As you can see from the table, the variation in Android versions can be substantial. When buying a used device or choosing a phone in the store, always check which version of Android is officially updated to this model, you can find this on the official support website or in the "System Update" section on the already existing device for comparison.

⚠️ Note: Manually installed firmware (Custom) ROM) It can show a different version of Android than the official version, in which case the software warranty is removed, and the banking applications may be disrupted.

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When buying used Xiaomi, be sure to check the Android version in the settings with the official information on the website for this model. If the settings indicate a version newer than the last official one, the phone will most likely be reflashed.

The move from MIUI to HyperOS marks a new era in the company’s software, and many older models that no longer received new versions of Android under MIUI may get them under HyperOS, as the new system is optimized to run on a wider range of hardware.

Frequent Problems and Solutions in Version Determination

Users sometimes experience a situation where one version is specified in the settings and applications or sites determine another. This can be due to the user-agent's browser operation or data caching. If you've just upgraded, try restarting the device. Rebooting forces the system to read all configuration files and update the information transmitted to the applications.

Another common problem is the “regulation” of the version after a failed update or reset. If the “About phone” section displays a strange build number or the Android version does not match the expected one (for example, Android 10 instead of 12), this may indicate damage to system files, in which case cleaning the cache through Recovery mode or a complete reset to factory settings helps.

Sometimes users can’t find version information because they use heavily modified themes or launchers that hide standard interface elements, so it’s easier to search for settings or enter ##4636##, which works independently of the graphical shell.

In conclusion, knowing how to view the Android version on Xiaomi is a basic skill that will save you from a host of compatibility and security issues: Check updates regularly, keep an eye on security patches, and understand the difference between a system core and a beautiful shell to make your smartphone work as efficiently as possible.