How to watch the Android version on Xiaomi phone: all ways

Why do you need to know the Android version of Xiaomi?

The Android version of your smartphone, Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, is a key parameter that affects app compatibility, availability of updates, and even device security. For example, some games or banking apps require Android 10 or higher, and older versions (such as Android 8.1 Oreo) may lose support for Google Play Services.

In addition, knowing the current version will help determine whether you can upgrade to the latest MIUI or HyperOS. New models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) often install the latest versions of Android right out of the box, while on budget devices (such as the POCO M6 Pro) updates can come with a delay.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to learn the Android version on Xiaomi, including hidden methods for power users, and how to distinguish Android from MIUI, which are often confused.

Method 1: Using the phone's standard settings (the easiest one)

This is a basic method that works on all Xiaomi models, regardless of the firmware version. MIUI 12/13/14 and the new HyperOS.

What needs to be done:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon on the home screen).
• 🔍 Scroll down and select About Phone (on some models – About Device).
• 📋 Find the Android version line – here will be listed, for example, Android 13 or Android 14.
• 🔄 Below may be the line version MIUI — This is a firmware from Xiaomi, do not confuse it with the Android version!

On new HyperOS phones (such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra), the path may be slightly different: Settings → Phone → Device Information → Android Version. If you don’t find the right item, use the search bar in the settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).

Find the "About the Phone" section"|Make sure it’s an Android version, not a MIUI|Record or photograph data|Check out the latest updates on Xiaomi’s website-->

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may not display the Android version correctly.

Method 2: Through the MIUI menu (for advanced users)

If you need to not only find out the Android version, but also get more information about the firmware (for example, the build number or the software region), use the hidden MIUI menu.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to About the Phone.
3. Click 7 times in a row on the line MIUI version – this will open the developer mode (if it is not already activated).
4. Go back to the main Settings menu and select a new section for Developers (or Advanced Settings → Developers).
5. Scroll down to the Software Information block – there will be a full version of Android (e.g. TKQ1.221114.001 for Android 13).

This method will also show the processor architecture (ARM64 or ARMv7), which is useful when choosing custom firmware. For example, Redmi 9A with MediaTek Helio G25 processor will specify the architecture of arm64-v8a.

Method 3: Using the Engineering Menu (#4636##)

The Engineering Menu is a hidden Android tool that gives you access to technical information, including the OS version. The method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, but requires caution - do not change the settings in this menu without needing!

How to open it:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636##
3. The phone information menu will automatically open.
4. Scroll down to the Android version block – the current version (such as Android 13 TI) will be listed here.

You can see it on the same menu:

• 📶 Status. SIM-Maps (useful for network problems).
• 📡 Database information (for connection diagnostics).
• 🔋 Battery status (temperature, charge level in volts).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware may have the engineering menu blocked. If nothing happens after you enter the code, try method 4 or check if the developer settings are disabled (Settings) → For developers → Disable the engineering menu).

Once a month |Only before updating |Never checked |I don't know how to do it-->

Method 4: Through ADB-Teams (for technical specialists)

If your Xiaomi phone doesn’t turn on or is stuck on the logo but connects to your computer, you can find out the Android version through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires a PC with drivers installed and USB debugging enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
2. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Follow the command to get Android version: adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release The answer will be, for example, 13 (for Android 13).
5. To find out the MIUI version, use: adb shell getprop ro.miui.ui.version.name

This is also suitable for unlocked bootloaders or custom firmware devices, so if ADB doesn't recognize the phone, check:

• 🔌 Are drivers installed correctly (for example, Mi Flash Tool for Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Is debugging on-line USB (Settings → The phone. → Press 7 times on "Version" MIUI" → Return to "For Developers" → Debugging by USB).
• 🖥️ Does your OS support PCs? ADB (Windows may require Google Platform Tools).

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If ADB doesn’t see the device, try restarting the phone to fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume down) and running the fastboot getvar version-release command.

Method 5: Through the phone's packaging or box (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If Xiaomi’s smartphone doesn’t respond to buttons and connect to your computer, you can recognize the Android version by sticker on the box or in documents.This method won’t give the current version (since the firmware may have been updated), but will show the original version installed in the factory.

Where to look for information:

• 📦 Sticker on the back of the box – look for lines like: Android Version: 12 MIUI Version: V13.0.5.0
• 📄 In the warranty card or check - sometimes the firmware is indicated.
• 🌍 On the Xiaomi Activation website, enter IMEI phone (under the battery or menu *#06#).

An example of decoding a sticker from the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G box:

⚠️ Warning: If you buy Xiaomi hand-held, check the Android version on the box with the real version in the settings. discrepancies may indicate unofficial firmware or fake.

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The box shows the factory version of Android, but it may change after updates. Always check the current version through your phone's settings.

How to distinguish Android from MIUI?

Many users confuse Android (Google's operating system) and MIUI (Xiaomi's shell).

Android version:

• 🤖 Developed by Google Company.
• 🔢 Denoted by numbers: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
• 📱 Compatibility with Google Play Apps.
• 🔒 Updated less frequently (1 time per year), but brings global change.

MIUI version:

• 🧩 Developed by Xiaomi Company.
• 🔤 Denoted by letters and numbers: V14.0.3.0.TKHMIXM.
• 🎨 Responsible for design, animation and proprietary features (e.g. Second Space or Game Turbo).
• 🔄 Updates more often (every 1-2 months), fixes bugs and adds new features.

An example from a real phone:

Android Version: 13




MIUI version: V14.0.4.0.TMCRUXM (for Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G)

Here, Android 13 is the backbone, and MIUI 14 is the shell with additional features.

Frequent questions about the Android version on Xiaomi