Why itβs important to know the Xiaomi version
Determining the firmware version, device model or Android version on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is not just a technical formality; it depends on app compatibility, custom firmware, updates, and even data security. For example, an outdated version of MIUI may contain vulnerabilities, and an inappropriate firmware when manually updated to turn the phone into a brick.
The manufacturer regularly releases security patches and new shell versions, but not all devices receive them at the same time.Knowing the current version will help you understand whether the update is available for your model, whether it is supported by custom recavators (for example, TWRP), and even affects the cost of the device when you sell.In addition, some features (for example, Fastboot or ADB) require the exact version of the software to work correctly.
In this article, weβll look at all the current ways, from standard settings menus to hidden engineering codes and computer utilities, how to distinguish the global version of MIUI from the Chinese version, where to look at the Android build number, and why sometimes the data in the settings and on the device box do not match.
Method 1: Through the basic settings of the phone
The easiest and safest method is to use a standard settings menu, which is suitable for all Xiaomi devices, regardless of the model and version of MIUI.
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
- Scroll down and select About Phone (on some versions, About Device or Phone Information).
- Click on the MIUI version bar and the current shell version (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5) will be displayed here.
- To view the Android version, tap several times on the Android version bar (password may be required).
This menu also displays:
- π± Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G or a ruby codename for Xiaomi Mi 9).
- π’ Assembly number (e.g, SKQ1.211006.001) β needed for manual upgrade.
- π The build date helps determine how fresh the firmware is.
Note that if you have a version of MIUI that says Stable, it's stable, if Developer or Beta is a test firmware, and those may have bugs, but they get updates more often.
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If the About phone section is missing, try to enter the "version" request in the search for settings - the system will tell you the desired path.
Method 2: Use of engineering USSD-code
For those who prefer quick solutions, hidden solutions are suitable. USSD-They work on all Xiaomi devices, regardless of version. MIUI, It doesn't require root rights. It's important to type them accurately, without any spaces.
Open the standard Phone app and enter one of the codes:
- π ##4636## β opens the Testing menu, where the Android version and build number will be listed in the Phone Information section.
- π ##225## - will show the calendar updates (does not work on all models).
- π ##6484## - will display the version MIUI and module data MTK (for devices on MediaTek processors).
Once you enter the code, the menu will open automatically.
- Android version (such as Android 13)
- A version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 14.0.3.0)
- The build number (Build number).
- Baseband version data is important for checking compatibility with modem firmware.
β οΈ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13 Ultra) code ##4636## may not work due to manufacturer restrictions.
What if the code doesn't work?
Method 3: Through the Developer's Parameters
The Developer Menu hides a lot of useful information, including detailed version information, to activate it:
- Go to Settings. β The phone.
- Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (you will be notified βYou became a developerβ).
- Return to the main settings menu and open a new section β For developers.
In this menu, you are interested in:
- π Build Number β The full version of the firmware.
- π Version. MIUI β Sometimes more detailed information is displayed here than in the main menu.
- π Kernel version - needed for debugging and installation of custom cores.
You can also enable USB Debugging if you need to determine the version via your computer (more on this in the following way).
Activate debugging by USB|See the assembly number.|Check the kernel version|Disable application signature verification (if necessary for debugging)-->
Method 4: Connect to a computer (ADB and Mi Flash Tool)
If the phone is not turned on or the settings menu is not available, the MIUI and Android versions can be determined via a computer.
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows or macOS.
- π USB-Type C Cable (original to avoid connection issues).
- π οΈ Utilities: ADB Tools or Mi Flash Tool (for firmware).
Instructions via ADB:
- Download and install Googleβs Platform Tools.
- Connect your phone to your computer and enable USB Debugging (in the developer menu).
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the adb.exe folder and type:
adb shell getprop ro.miui.ui.version.name
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.releaseThe first team will show the MIUI version, the second will show the Android version.
Instructions via Mi Flash Tool:
- Download the Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomiβs official website.
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down when the device is off).
- Connect the phone to the PC β the program will automatically determine the model and firmware version.
β οΈ Warning: If your phone is in a brick state (not turning on), use the Mi Flash Tool only to firmware official images. Wrong firmware can permanently bring the device down.
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Connecting via ADB is the most reliable way for dead devices, but requires debugging prior to setting up.
Method 5: By packaging and stickers on the device
If the phone doesn't turn on or you just bought it, the MIUI version and model can be identified by physical tags.
| Location | What information can be found out | Example of data |
|---|---|---|
| The device box | Model, version of MIUI at the time of sale, serial number | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, MIUI 13 |
| Sticker under the battery (on removable back covers) | Model, date of production, IMEI | 2201116PG (code POCO X4 Pro) |
| Sticker on SIM-tray | IMEI, serial number, sometimes model | IMEI: 123456789012345 |
| Check or guarantee card | Model, date of purchase, sometimes version of the software | Xiaomi 12T Pro, 12/256GB |
Note the model code (e.g. 2201116PG) that you can find the exact version of MIUI on MIUI Documentation, and the model code is useful for searching firmware on forums like XDA Developers or 4PDA.
If the box has a version of MIUI, but it's different on the phone, don't worry. The manufacturer can update the firmware after the batch is released.
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Take a photo of the sticker with the IMEI and serial number β this will help when contacting the service center or checking for authenticity.
Method 6: Through Third Party Applications
If standard methods donβt work (like custom firmware), use third-party utilities that not only show you the MIUI and Android version, but also provide additional hardware data.
Top.-3 tested applications:
- π² CPU-Z β It shows the Android version, the processor model, memory data and storage.
- π² AIDA64 β Detailed information about the system, including version MIUI, Baseband and Bootloader. Available here.
- π² DevCheck is a user-friendly interface that divides data into categories (system, hardware, network.
Example of data from AIDA64:
- Android Version: 13 (TKQ1.221114.001)
- MIUI Version: MIUI Global 14.0.4 (Stable)
- Kernel Version: 4.19.157-perf+
- Build Number: SKQ1.211006.001
Important: Some applications (such as MIUI Version Checker) may show irrelevant data if you have custom firmware, in which case trust only official sources or ADB.
Method 7: By serial number or IMEI
If the phone is lost or unavailable but you have its IMEI or serial number, the MIUI version and model can be identified online.
- Find the IMEI (on the box, in the check or via the code *#06#).
- Go to IMEI.info or MI-Code.
- Enter IMEI β the system will show the model, release date and possible firmware version at the time of production.
You can also check for IMEI:
- π The authenticity of the device (is it not a clone).
- π Activation date (if the phone is used).
- π Producer country (important for guarantee).
β οΈ Attention: Do not enter IMEI - on dubious sites, this can lead to data leakage.