Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face the challenge of knowing the exact version of software installed on their device, which is critical when searching for bug fixes, installing custom recavators, or simply understanding the relevance of security. Build Number is a unique identifier that distinguishes one firmware version from another, even if the Android or MIUI versions are formally the same.
Many users confuse the Android version, the MIUI version and the build number themselves, although these are completely different technical parameters. Unlike the simple version numeral, the build code contains encrypted information about the compilation date, release region and device type. Understanding the structure of this code allows power users to avoid installing incompatible updates that can lead to software failures.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways you can get this information, from your regular system settings to advanced diagnostics, and learn not just to find numbers, but to interpret them correctly to make informed decisions about updating or rolling back the system.
Where to find the build number in the standard settings menu
The easiest and safest way to find out the build number is to use the built-in operating system interface, which doesn't require root rights, a connection to a computer, or additional software, but simply unlock the smartphone screen and go to the main settings menu, which is usually indicated by a gear.
In MIUI or HyperOS, navigation may vary slightly depending on the shell version, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the About phone section, which is traditionally located at the top of the settings list or at the bottom of the menu if categorization is used, and this is where all the basic information about your gadget configuration is collected.
Once you enter the About Phone section, you will see the system logo and a list of key features. However, the build number itself is often hidden or not in the most visible place. In some versions of the shell, it is immediately below the MIUI version, in others, you need to click on the operating system name or the MIUI version several times to activate a hidden menu or just see advanced information.
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If you don’t see the build number right away, try pressing the MIUI version 7 times quickly – this activates the developer mode, but also often forces the system to display more detailed technical details on the same screen.
Note that depending on the regional firmware (Global, China, EEA, Russia), the layout of elements can vary. Chinese versions of the interface sometimes hide the detail deeper in the menu "Status" or "Details", while the global versions tend to show the user maximum information on the first screen of the section.
Decoding of the structure of the MIUI Assembly Number
Just seeing numbers isn’t enough — it’s important to understand what they mean. The build number in Xiaomi devices is a complex string that encodes a lot of parameters. The standard format looks like a sequence of letters and numbers separated by dots, for example: V14.0.3.0.TKLMIXM. Each part of this code carries a specific technical load.
The first part of the code usually represents the version of Android or the underlying platform on which the shell is built. The following digits indicate the version of MIUI or HyperOS itself. However, the most important part is the letter part at the end of the line, which tells you about the region and type of device.
| Code in the assembly number | Importance of the region | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MI | Global International | Global international version, multilingual, with Google services. |
| CN | China | Chinese version, often without some global and with Chinese software. |
| RU | Russia | Localized version for the Russian Federation, may differ in a set of pre-installed applications. |
| EU | Europe | European version, strict compliance with GDPR and EU frequency. |
| IN | India | The Indian version often has optimizations for local networks and services. |
The last letters in the build code often point to a particular device model or processor series. For example, suffix can vary depending on whether the phone is based on a Snapdragon or MediaTek chipset. Knowing this encoding avoids a situation where the user accidentally flashes the device in the wrong region.
Why are the assemblies different on the same models?
It’s also worth noting that the letter in front of the region (e.g. T in V14.0.3.0.TKLMIXM) often denotes the Android version (in this case Android 13) which helps to quickly identify the underlying platform without the need for in-depth specification study.
Using the Engineering Menu for Diagnostics
If the standard settings menu is not available for some reason or is not displaying information correctly, you can use the engineering menu, which is a hidden part of the system, designed for testing hardware and software components by engineers in the factory. Access is provided through a special set of USSD-code in the appendix "Phone».
To enter the test mode, dial ##6484##. The screen will open a list of tests. However, to get the build number and detailed information about the system, a different code is often used: ##4636##. Once you enter this combination, the Testing menu will open, where you will select the "Device information" or "Statistics".
- 📱 In the menu that opens, look for the “Build number” or “Build number” line – it contains the full firmware identifier.
- 📡 You can see it here. IMEI, Network status and other technical information useful for diagnostics.
- ⚙️ Some items may be inaccessible or hidden depending on access rights and Android version.
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Engineering menu is a powerful tool, but changing the settings in the sections, the purpose of which you do not know, is strictly not recommended, as it can disrupt the operation of the radio module.
There is also a #778## code that opens the menu «CUPC» (Customer Update PC Control in some versions MIUI Here you can find the Version Information tab, which details the versions of all system components, including the base radio, bootloader and the OS assembly itself.
Receiving information through ADB and computer
For advanced users who have access to a PC, the most accurate method is to use the Android debugging bridge (ADB). This method allows you to get raw data directly from the system, bypassing the graphical interface, which can be modified by the manufacturer. ADB on the computer and the included debugging USB smartphone.
Once you have the device connected and you have authorized debugging, open the command line or terminal on your computer. Enter the command adb shell getprop ro.build.version.incremental. The system will give you a clean build number without unnecessary symbols and formatting, which is especially useful when writing automation scripts or accurately comparing versions.
adb shell getprop ro.build.fingerprintThis command will display the full build “fingerprint” that includes the brand, device model, Android version, build number and signature key type, which is the most complete identifier of the status of your Redmi software.
☑️ Preparation for work with ADB
Using an ADB console ensures that you get exactly the number that is “sewn” in the system properties, even if the shell interface is “hanging” or non-stable. This is often the only way to know the firmware version on devices with a damaged screen or cyclic restart (bootloop), if the system is at least partially booted.
Analysis of the Assembly Number in Recovery Mode
If the operating system does not boot at all, information about the last installed build can be found in Recovery Mode, which is entered by a combination of keys when the phone is turned off: usually by pressing the Volume Up button and Power at the same time.
In Xiaomi’s stock Recovery, the interface is often limited to several languages and buttons. However, if you switch the language to English, the main menu, or the “About” section (if such an item is available in your version of Recovery), a version of the installed recovery can be displayed, which often correlates with the firmware version. Moreover, when you try to update through a local file, the system can show the current version to warn of incompatibility.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to reset your Wipe Data to Recovery if your goal is to simply find out the build number.
Remember, Recovery is a separate mini-partition of the system. It doesn't always match the main firmware version, but the Recovery build number tells you if the system has been updated recently or if it's a factory version. For example, Recovery 1.0 usually comes with a drain, and higher numbers indicate security updates.
Frequent errors in determining the software version
One of the most common mistakes is confusion between the Android version and the MIUI build number. Users often tell developers or look for solutions to problems by simply specifying "Android 13," although the problem may be specific to a specific build of V14.0.2.0, which has already been fixed in V14.0.3.0. Always specify the full build code.
Another mistake is ignoring regional affiliation: Trying to install global firmware on a device with a Chinese build number (and vice versa) without unlocking the bootloader and completely flashing the device, often results in a device building or loss of call function.
- 🚫 Don’t ignore the letters at the end of the code – they’re critical for compatibility.
- 🔄 Don’t rely on automatic update notifications alone – sometimes they come with a delay.
- 📱 Check the build number after each major update to make sure it is successfully installed.
Also, users often forget that the build number can change after installing even a small security patch, although the version of MIUI (for example, 12.5.4) will remain the same.