How to find out which Android is on Xiaomi Redmi 6: expert guide

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to clarify the current version of the operating system installed on their device. The Redmi 6 model, released in 2018, originally shipped with a MIUI shell based on Android 8.1 Oreo, but during operation the software could be updated by the user manually or automatically. Understanding which version of the kernel is currently active is critical when installing compatible applications, finding solutions to performance problems or before performing complex manipulations such as root rights.

Many users confuse the MIUI shell version with the Android version itself, leading to errors when searching for firmware or configuration instructions. MIUI can have the same appearance on different versions of the android, hiding the real technical base. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to identify the software, including hidden menus and computer use, so that you get comprehensive information about your gadget.

Before we get into the technical details, Redmi 6 is based on the MediaTek Helio P22 processor, which has a limited architecture for possible upgrades. Unlike Snapdragon devices, the process of flashing and obtaining system data has its own specifics, which must be considered to avoid software failures.

Standard method of checking through device settings

The easiest and safest way to know the operating system version is to use the built-in settings interface, which doesn't require a computer connection, special cables, or additional software, but simply unlock the smartphone screen and find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear.

Once you log in, scroll down to About Phone, which is where you get all the basic information about the device, including model number, processor, RAM, and most importantly for us, Android. Click on the Android version bar to see a detailed pop-up.

In the window that opens, you will see a large digit indicating the major version of the system (for example, 8.1 or 9.0). If you press this number several times in a row (usually 5-7 quick taps), a hidden Easter egg is activated, an animated image corresponding to this version of the operating system, not just a visual effect, but also a confirmation of the integrity of the system files responsible for displaying information.

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If nothing happens when you click on the Android version or the menu is closed, it is possible that the device has system modifications or themes that change the standard behavior of the interface.

It is important to distinguish between the MIUI Version and the Android Version string. The first indicates the shell number developed by Xiaomi, which can be updated regardless of the underlying system, while the second reflects the fundamental version of the kernel, on which compatibility with modern applications from Google Play depends.

Using the Engineering Menu for Deep Diagnostics

For users who need more technical information, or when the standard menu is not available due to system errors, there is an engineering menu, a special diagnostic interface built directly into MediaTek firmware that allows access to hidden parameters and hardware tests, logged in through the standard dialing interface.

Open the Phone app and dial the combination ##3646633##. If the code is entered correctly, the device will automatically go to the Engineer Mode interface. In some regions or on certain versions of MIUI, this combination may be blocked by the manufacturer, then you will need to use special activator applications from the Play Market.

Inside the engineering menu, you can navigate through tabs at the top of the screen, and we're interested in the Settings or Common section, where you can find a detailed breakdown by component version in the Build Number or Software Version submenu, and not only the kernel version, but also the driver compilation dates, which is useful for advanced users.

Remember that the engineering menu on Redmi 6 provides access to calibration of sensors and screens.A random change in values in fields labeled as Write or Set may require a complete reset of the device to the factory settings to restore functionality4.

Checking through a computer and debugging via USB

The most reliable method that shows information directly from the bootloader and kernel, avoiding possible interface distortions, is the use of a computer and tool. ADB (Android Debug Bridge is ideal for situations where the smartphone screen is damaged, but the system responds to commands, or when you need an exact version to select drivers.

To start, you need to activate the developer mode on the smartphone itself. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI Version field. After you receive a notification that you have become a developer, return to the main settings menu, select Additional → For developers and activate the Debugging switch over USB.

adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release

Once the device is connected to the PC and the drivers are installed, the command specified above must be entered in the computer command line, which returns the exact digital version of Android. Build ID uses the command adb shell getprop ro.build.id. This data is immutable until the device is flashed.

Using ADB also allows you to see if the system partition has been changed, and if you plan to unlock the bootloader or install custom recavators, these commands will help you to verify the current state of the system before starting risky operations.

Android Version Compatibility Table for Redmi 6

Understanding the software evolution for the Redmi 6 model (codenamed lotus) helps determine whether your current version is up to date or your device runs on outdated software. Xiaomi’s official support for this model was discontinued a few years ago, so knowing the limits of updates is critical.

As you can see from the table, the maximum official version that can be obtained through the Standard Air Update (OTA) is Android 9.0 Pie in the shell of MIUI 12.All the above requires intervention and custom firmware installation, which is not recommended for ordinary users.

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Official support for Redmi 6 ended on Android 9. Any claims for newer versions of Android mean installing third-party, unofficial builds.

Compatibility problems and version definition errors

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where applications require a newer version of Android than the system shows, or vice versa, old programs stop working, this may be due to the fact that the developer’s settings have enabled the emulation function of the system version, or a failed firmware reflash.

A common problem on Xiaomi devices is confusion between global (Global) and Chinese (China) firmware versions. Chinese versions can have excellent build numbering and display information in the system differently. Check the region in the Settings menu → Additional → Region will help to understand the context of the installed operating system.

Also consider the risk of installing fake apps from unverified sources that may change the information displayed in the About Phone menu for advertising purposes. If the version numbers look odd or do not match the model release date, it is recommended to reset to factory settings.

Should I upgrade Android to Redmi 6 manually?

The issue of upgrading to a newer version of Android on Redmi 6 is particularly acute given the end of official support. Many users are looking for ways to install Android 10 or 11 through ports from other devices. However, for a budget processor Helio P22 and 3 GB of RAM (in the basic version), such experiments often lead to lower performance.

Custom ROM requires unlocking the bootloader, which entails a complete data reset and loss of warranty (if it is still relevant), and custom builds often misuse the camera, Bluetooth or NFC module, as drivers are optimized for a specific version of the kernel supplied by the manufacturer.

⚠️ Warning: Trying to manually upgrade Android to Redmi 6 to a version above 9.0 without deep knowledge can lead to a "bricking" device.MediaTek's processor is difficult to recover from firmware errors.

If your goal is to improve security or a fresh interface, it is best to limit the installation of the latest available official version of MIUI 12.It contains all the necessary security patches released for this model, and ensures the stable operation of all hardware components.

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