Why do you need to know the Android version of Xiaomi?
The version of the operating system on Xiaomi smartphone is not just numbers in settings; it depends on compatibility with applications, the availability of new features and even the security of the device. For example, applications like banking services or games often require Android 10 and higher, and older versions (such as Android 8.1) may lose support for security updates.
Also, knowing the current version of MIUI (branded shell Xiaomi) and the basic Android will help determine whether it is possible to upgrade your smartphone to a new firmware.Some Redmi or POCO models get updates longer than others - and without checking the version, you risk missing an important update or, conversely, trying to install incompatible firmware.
Finally, if you plan to sell or buy a used Xiaomi smartphone, the Android and MIUI version will be a key yardstick. For example, a device running Android 12 with the latest MIUI 14 will cost more than the same Android 9 device running MIUI 11.
Method 1: Through the basic settings of the smartphone
The easiest and most versatile method is to use a standard settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10, POCO X3, Mi 11 and older devices like the Redmi 5 Plus.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
- 🔍 Scroll down and select About Phone (on some firmware – About Device).
- 📋 At the top of the screen, you'll see a block with firmware information. MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5) Android version (e.g. Android 13) Device model (e.g., Android 13, M2101K7AG For the Redmi Note 10 Pro)
If the About Phone section is missing, try searching in the settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner) and enter the Android version request.
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On some Xiaomi devices, the Android version can only be seen after a few clicks on the MIUI version bar (similar to the developer mode).
Method 2: Using an engineering code
For those who prefer quick solutions, there is a USSD-code that instantly displays system information, and this method works even on locked devices (if the screen is unlocked).
How to use:
- Open the phone (calling) application.
- Enter the combination: ##4636##
- In the menu that appears, select the Phone Information tab.
- Scroll down to the Android version block – the current version (e.g. 12 or 13) will be listed here.
Note that on some MIUI firmware, this code may not work or show abbreviated information.
##225##What if the code doesn't work?
Method 3: Through Developer Parameters (for experienced users)
If you have already activated developer mode on your Xiaomi, you can learn the Android version through hidden settings, which is useful if standard methods do not work (for example, after informal firmware).
Step-by-step:
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone.
- 👆 Click 7 times in a row on the line Version MIUI, until you have become a developer, you have become a developer!.
- 🔙 Return to the main settings menu and open a new Developer section (usually at the bottom of the list).
- 📱 Scroll down to the device information block – here will be the Android version and other technical data.
In the developer mode, you can also see the build number (for example, QKQ1.200825.002), which is useful when searching for custom firmware or rolling back the system.
Developer mode activated|Battery charge over 20%|Backup of important data is made|Device connected to Wi-Fi (to check for updates)-->
Method 4: Using third-party applications
If the standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities, which will not only show you the Android version, but also provide additional information about hardware and firmware.
| Annex | What shows | Download link |
|---|---|---|
| CPU-Z | Android version, MIUI, processor model, memory | Google Play |
| AIDA64 | Complete system information, including kernel version and API | Google Play |
| DevCheck | Android version, MIUI, battery and sensor data | Google Play |
| MIUI Version Info | Specialized application for firmware Xiaomi | Google Play |
Third-party apps often show a security version of Android (e.g. 2023-11-05), which is important for assessing the relevance of updates. However, beware: some utilities require root rights or may contain ads.
Using Settings |USSD-code |CPU-Z|Developer Mode |I don't check-->
Method 5: Computer-assisted (ADB)
If Xiaomi’s smartphone doesn’t turn on or is stuck on the logo but reacts to a PC connection, you can recognize the Android version via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that requires pre-tuning but is suitable for diagnosing “bricks.”
Instructions:
- Install Platform Tools on your computer.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (enable USB debugging in the developer settings).
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command: adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release The answer will be the Android version (e.g. 12).
- To check the version of MIUI, use: adb shell getprop ro.miui.ui.version.name
If the device is not detected, try restarting it to Fastboot (clip Power + Volume down) and type in the command:
fastboot getvar allFind the version-release and miui-version lines.
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ADB-Teams only work when the debugging is enabled USB. If the smartphone is not turned on, first try to boot in Recovery mode (Power) + Volume up) and check the version through the firmware menu.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Sometimes users have difficulty trying to learn the version of Android, and let's look at typical situations and how to solve them.
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The smartphone stopped showing the Android version in the settings, this may indicate an unofficial firmware. ADB or appendices AIDA64.
Problem 1: Only the MIUI version is displayed in the settings, not Android.
- 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the interface glitch hides information.
- 📲 Install the app MIUI Version Info from Google Play.
- 🔧 Enable Developer Mode and check the version through Settings → For developers → Device information.
Problem 2: USSD-codes don't work.
- 📞 Try entering the code through the Google Phone app (install from Play Market).
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version – in old firmware codes can be disabled.
- 🛠️ If the smartphone is rooted, check if the Xposed or Magisk module blocks the codes.
Problem 3: The screen displays "Unknown Version".
- 🔋 This could mean that the firmware is damaged. Try resetting through Settings. → Reset.
- 📥 Flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).