How to find out the operating system on Xiaomi phone: Android and MIUI version

You bought a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, but you don't know which operating system it's running on? Or you want to check the firmware's relevance before upgrading? Android and MIUI shells are key parameters that affect performance, app compatibility and feature availability. For example, new versions of MIUI 14+ support dynamic paralax wallpaper, and Android 13+ - improved resolution management for applications.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to define the OS on Xiaomi devices, from standard methods through the settings menu to hidden engineering commands. You’ll learn how to distinguish the Android version from the MIUI version, why they may not match the latest official releases, and what to do if the phone doesn’t turn on. Instructions will work for all models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

What is the difference between Android and MIUI versions of Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphones are running two operating systems at the same time:

• 📱 Android is the core OS from Google (e.g. Android 13, 14) responsible for the kernel, security and app compatibility.
• 🎨 MIUI — Xiaomi branded shell (for example, MIUI 14.0.5 Adds unique design, features (like Game Turbo or Second Space) and optimizations.

It's important to understand that Android and MIUI versions are updated independently, for example, your POCO X5 Pro may get a MIUI update to version 14.0.7, but still stay on Android 13. Or vice versa: after a major Android to 14 update, MIUI will reset to 14.0.1.

Why is it important to know?

• ⚙️ Some features (like Quick Apps or Super Wallpapers) only appear in newer versions. MIUI.
• 🔒 Apps may require a specific version of Android (for example, banking programs often request Android 10).+).
• 📱 To manually update the firmware, you need to know the current version of the software exactly.

Method 1: via the Settings menu (the easiest one)

This is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, regardless of the model and version of the software.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (on some versions of MIUI - About Device).
3. In the window that opens, look for sections: MIUI version — for example, MIUI Global 14.0.4.0 (SKUEUXM). Android version — for example, Android 13 TKQ1.221114.001.

Please note the format of the MIUI version:

• 🌍 Global – International firmware (supported by Google Services).
• 🇨🇳 China - Chinese firmware (without Google, with local services).
• 🇪🇺 EEA — European version (corresponding to the GDPR).
• 🇷🇺 Russia – Russian assembly (with pre-installed local services).

Model number (e.g. 2304FPCD8G)

MIUI version (e.g. 14.0.4.0)

Android Version (for example, 13)

Firmware Region (Global/China/EEA)

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If your menu doesn’t have an About phone item, try an alternative path: Settings → System system → Updating the system → Badge «⚙» top-right → Version. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T s MIUI 14) the Android version may not be fully displayed. To see the full build number, tap several times on the Android version line.

Method 2: through the engineering menu (USSD codes)

If the settings menu is not available (for example, due to a system failure), you can find out the version of the OS using hidden commands. These codes work on all Xiaomi smartphones, but require input in the Phone application:

How to enter codes:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to the Keyboard tab (if the call log is open).
3. Enter the code (without spaces) and click on the call button.
4. In 1-2 seconds, a window with technical information will appear.

If nothing happens after entering the code:

• 🔄 Try restarting your phone and repeating the input.
• 📱 Make sure you use the standard Phone app, not a third-party dialer (e.g. Truecaller).
• 🔒 Some firmware (e.g. Chinese) have the engineering codes disabled.

💡

If the ##4636### code doesn't work, try typing it without the last star: ##4636#*. On some models (e.g. POCO F5), this helps bypass the lock.

Method 3: via the Security app (for MIUI 12+)

Starting with MIUI 12, a section with detailed system information appeared in the Security app (shield icon), which is useful if standard settings are hidden by the device administrator (for example, on corporate phones).

Instructions:

1. Open the Security app.
2. Go to Optimize or Accelerate (name depends on the version of MIUI).
3. Put the badge on. ⚙ (settings) in upper right corner.
4. Select Device Information.

This is where it's going to be:

• 📌 Model of telephone, for example, 2201116TI For the Redmi Note 11).
• 📱 Version. MIUI region-specific (Global/China/EEA).
• 🤖 Android version and build number.
• 🔋 Battery condition (useful for diagnosis).

The advantage of this method is that it also shows root rights status (if the phone is unlocked) and bootloader information (locked/unlocked).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g., Chinese Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) section Device information may be hidden, in which case use the engineering code method or third-party applications.

Method 4: Using third-party applications

If standard methods don't work (like custom firmware like LineageOS), you can use third-party utilities that not only show you the OS version, but also provide advanced hardware and software information.

Top.-3 Applications to determine the version of Android and MIUI:

• 📊 AIDA64 — Android version, MIUI, The core, the processor, the memory and the sensors, the free version is enough to test the OS.
• 🔍 CPU-Z — System displays the Android version and build number MIUI. Supports all Xiaomi models.
• 🛠️ DevCheck is a user-friendly interface with division into Hardware and System. Shows even hidden firmware settings.

How to use (in the example of AIDA64):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the device information.
3. Go to the System → Android section.
4. Find the lines: Android Version is Android. MIUI Version is shell version. Build Number is build number (e.g. TKQ1.221114.001).

Warning: Some applications (such as CPU-Z) may show an incorrect version of MIUI on custom firmware. In this case, check the data from the Settings → About Phone menu.

Method 5: via ADB (for advanced users)

If the phone is not turned on or locked, but you have access to Fastboot or Recovery mode, you can find out the OS version using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
2. Connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when turned on).
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Type in the command: fastboot getvar all Look for lines: version-bootloader version. version-baseband version. version-misc may contain a version of MIUI.

To get the MIUI version in Recovery mode, use:

adb shell getprop ro.miui.ui.version.name


adb shell getprop ro.build.version.incremental

Example of conclusion:

ro.miui.ui.version.name: V14.0.4.0.TKUMIXM


ro.build.version.incremental: TKQ1.221114.001

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They only work when the bootloader is unlocked. If you see a device unauthorized error, turn on Debugging by USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Tap 7 times on "Version" MIUI" → Return to "Additional" → For developers).

What to do if the phone does not turn on

If Xiaomi’s smartphone doesn’t respond to the power button, but you still want to know the OS version, there are two options:

1. Through a box or sticker: 📦 The device box usually shows a preview version of Android (e.g., "Android 12"). 🏷️ Under the battery (on the removable cover) there may be a sticker with a version MIUI Please note that this information may be outdated if the phone has been updated.
2. Through Fastboot mode: 🔌 Connect your phone to charge for 10-15 minutes (the battery may have run out). 🔄 Squeeze the power. + Loudness down 10-15 seconds to enter Fastboot. 🖥️ Connect to the PC and use commands ADB (see previous section).

If the phone is stuck on the MI or Redmi logo:

• 🔄 Try to enter Recovery (clutch the power supply) + Loudness up).
• 📱 Restore menu version MIUI usually displayed at the bottom of the screen.
• 🔧 If you want to reset your settings, select Wipe Data (all data will be deleted!).

💡

If the phone does not turn on after an unsuccessful update, do not try to sew it without knowing the exact model and version of MIUI. Contact the Xiaomi service center - independent actions can lead to complete loss of data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the OS version on Xiaomi