You may need to know the firmware version on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO devices in a variety of situations: before installing custom firmware, to check for compatibility with applications or just to see if itβs time to update, but not everyone knows where this information is hidden β especially if itβs older models or devices with modified software.
In this article, weβll look at all the current ways to check the version, from standard menus in settings to hidden engineering codes and commands for PCs. Youβll learn how to distinguish the MIUI version from the Android version, what is stable/beta builds, and why some devices may not display data correctly. And if youβre planning an upgrade, thereβs a firmware checklist at the end of this article.
1. Method: Through the basic settings of the phone
The easiest and most versatile method is to use a standard settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and even outdated devices like the Redmi 4X. The instructions are the same for MIUI 12/13/14 and earlier versions.
What needs to be done:
- π± Open the Settings app** (the gear icon on the home screen).
- π Scroll down and select About Phone (on some firmware - About Device).
- π At the top of the screen you will see a block with information: MIUI β for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5 Android version β for example Android 13 TKQ1.221114.001. Model of the device, for example, 2201116PI (The codename is Redmi Note 11).
- π Click several times on the line version MIUI β This will open the developer mode (optional, but useful for other manipulations).
If you have custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience), this menu may display the name of the modification instead of the official version of MIUI. It also sometimes displays a warning about unstable build (beta) if you participate in a testing program.
π‘
On some devices (e.g. POCO F3), the path to version information may be different: Settings β System β Phone. If you donβt find it, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top).
2. Method: Through the engineering menu (USSD codes)
If standard settings are not available for some reason (for example, due to an interface failure), you can use hidden codes. They work on all Xiaomi devices, but require care - incorrect input can lead to unexpected consequences.
The most useful teams:
- π ##4636## - opens the Testing menu** with detailed information about firmware, model and network status.
- π’ ##225## β shows the build calendar (the firmware compilation date), which is useful for determining the freshness of the update.
How to enter codes:
- Open the standard βPhoneβ application** (not messenger!).
- Enter a combination of numbers and symbols without spaces.
- Press the call button (green tube).
What to do if the code doesn't work?
On devices with MIUI 14 and later, some engineering codes may be disabled by default for security reasons, in which case use alternative methods (e.g., through ADB).
3. Method: Through the Developer's Parameters
The developer menu hides advanced system data, including build number, kernel version, and other technical details, to activate it:
- Go to Settings. β The phone.
- Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row (you will be notified βYou became a developer!β).
- 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 indicated: π Assembly number (e.g, SKQ1.211006.001). π Version. MIUI (It can duplicate data from the main menu). π The kernel version (useful for debugging).
You can also enable USB debugging (ADB debugging) on this menu, which is useful for the following method, but beware: changing other settings (such as OEM unlocking) can affect the security of the device.
4. Method: Through ADB (for advanced users)
If the phone doesn't turn on or you don't have access to the interface, you can find out the version of the software using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge, but provides the most complete information.
Step-by-step:
- π» Install. ADB-PC drivers (Windows/macOS/Linux).
- π Connect the phone to the computer by USB and turn on the debugging. USB (see previous section).
- π₯οΈ Open the terminal (or Command Prompt in Windows) and enter:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.incremental
adb shell getprop ro.miui.ui.version.name
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.releaseTranscript of commands:
| Team team. | What shows | Example of inference |
|---|---|---|
| ro.build.version.incremental | MIUI Assembly Number | 14.0.5.0.SKHCNXM |
| ro.miui.ui.version.name | MIUI shell version | V14.0.5.0.SKHCNXM |
| ro.build.version.release | Android version | 13 |
| ro.product.model | Model of the device | 2201116PI |
If ADB issues a device unauthorized error, check:
- π Have you confirmed your debugging permission on your phone screen (pop-up window).
- π Are you using the original? USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
- π» Are drivers installed for your model (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) PC Suite).
βοΈ Preparation for work with ADB
5. Method: Through Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If the device is stuck on the logo or not loaded into the system, the firmware version can be recognized through Recovery mode, which works even on bricks (defaulting phones), but requires accuracy.
How to log in to Recovery:
- π Turn off the phone (press the power button on 10).+ seconds).
- π Clip the combination: For most models: Volume up + Food. POCO: Loudness up + Loudness down + Nutrition.
Mi Bunny
Recovery
In the Recovery menu, select Reboot to Fastboot (if you need to know the firmware version) or look at the information at the bottom of the screen β the current version of MIUI and Android is sometimes displayed there.
π‘
If Recovery displays this MIUI version cannot be installed on this device, it means that the firmware is damaged or incompatible with the model, in which case you need to flash it through Fastboot or EDL.
β οΈ Note: You can't reset your Wipe Data in Recovery Mode without making sure you have a backup. On some devices (e.g. Redmi). 9A) The reset will result in the boot loader lock (anti-rollback).
6. Method: Through third-party applications
If you want not only the firmware version, but also additional data (for example, battery status, processor temperature or sensor information), you can use specialized utilities that pull data from system files and display it in a convenient way.
Top.-3 apps:
- π Device Info HW β show-off MIUI, Android, model, and data about the processor, memory and battery.
- π MIUI Tools β a specialized utility for Xiaomi devices with advanced information about firmware and the ability to check updates.
- π οΈ CPU-Z β displays the kernel version, processor architecture, and other technical details.
Advantages of third-party applications:
- β Convenient interface with data grouping.
- β Ability to save the report to a file (for example, to send it to support).
- β Additional tests (e.g. performance checks).
β οΈ Attention: Some applications (e.g, MIUI Tools) require root rights to access full information, and installing such utilities on official firmware devices may result in a bootloader lock or warranty cancellation.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When checking firmware, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The MIUI version is not displayed in the settings | Castom firmware or system failure | Use ADB or engineering codes |
| USSD codes are not working | Blocking by operator or firmware | Check your security settings or use alternative methods |
| ADB does not recognize the device | There are no drivers or debugging is not included | Install Mi PC Suite and reconnect |
| Recovery has no version information | Damaged Recovery Section | Recovery via Fastboot |
Another common confusion is the difference between the MIUI version and Android, for example, the screen might say:
- MIUI Global 14.0.5 is a shell version (interface from Xiaomi).
- Android 13 is the version of the operating system (from Google).
Both of these numbers are important: MIUI is responsible for the look and feel (like super wallpaper or reading mode), and Android is responsible for app compatibility and security.