How to determine the version of Android on the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: all ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2019. Although the model is not new, many users still actively use it. However, over time, it becomes necessary to learn the current version of Android – whether it is to install applications, check compatibility with games or prepare for a firmware update. In this article, we will analyze all the available ways to determine the version of the OS on Redmi Note 7, including hidden menus, system codes and even methods for “bricked” devices.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi uses its own MIUI shell, which overlaps over standard Android, which means that you’ll see two versions in the settings: Android itself (like 9 Pie or 10 Q) and the MIUI version (like 12.5 or 13). We’ll show you how to distinguish them from each other and where to look for relevant information, and you’ll learn why the version in the settings sometimes doesn’t match the real firmware, and how to check it.

1. Standard method: via the phone's settings menu

The easiest and most obvious method is to look at the Android version in the standard settings menu, which works on any Redmi Note 7, regardless of MIUI version or root rights status.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (sometimes hidden in Systems).
3. Click on the line MIUI version - here will display the current shell firmware.
4. To see the Android version, tap several times on the kernel version or Android version bar (depending on the MIUI version).

A window will appear on the screen with detailed information, where the Android version will be specified (for example, 9 PKQ1.181007.001 is Android 9 Pie).Please note that in some Xiaomi firmware, the Android version may be hidden behind additional clicks or be in the General Information section.

Make sure your phone is not in power saving mode (can block access to settings)

Check if the system menu items are hidden (sometimes custom firmware does this)

Take a picture of the screen with the version in case you need technical support

Compare the version MIUI Official update table for Redmi Note 7-->

Important: If your Redmi Note 7 was purchased in China or is stitched with custom firmware (like LineageOS), the settings may display an incorrect version.

2. the use of the engineering menu and USSD-code

If the standard method did not work or you suspect that the firmware has been modified, you can use hidden ones. USSD-These commands allow you to get technical information directly from the system without the shell. MIUI. Here are the best combinations for the Redmi Note 7:

• 📱 ##4636## – opens the Testing menu, where the Android version and firmware data are listed in the Phone Information section.
• 🔍 ##225## - shows the update calendar (does not work on all firmware).
• 📊 ##2664## - Sensor test, but in some versions displays system information.
• 🛠️ ##36446337## - Engineering menu (caution: changing parameters may cause malfunctions!).

Once you enter the code, you'll see a technical menu on the screen, look for Android Version or Baseband Version strings. If the code doesn't work, try typing it without the * and # characters (some firmwares handle them differently).

Using phone settings |USSD-codes |Third-party applications |I don't know how to check-->

⚠️ Warning: The engineering menu (#36446337##) contains parameters that affect the communication module, camera and battery, and changing any values without understanding the consequences can lead to network loss, overheating or even overheating of the device. Do not edit settings unless you are sure of their purpose!

If USSD-The codes are not working, which may mean that:

• The firmware is modified (e.g., installed Global ROM over China ROM).
• The operator blocked access to the engineering menu (relevant for some firmware).
• The device is in Safe Mode (Safe Mode) mode.

3. Verification through applications: AIDA64, CPU-Z and others

If the system methods don't give a clear answer, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, not only showing the Android version, but also providing complete information about hardware, firmware and even update history.

To find out the Android version through AIDA64:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and go to the System (or System) section.
3. Click on Android – here will be the OS version, build number and firmware release date.

DevCheck shows the information more clearly: the home screen in the Software block displays Android version, MIUI and root status. This is convenient if you need to quickly copy data for support or forum.

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If the app doesn't detect the Android version, try clearing its cache in your phone's settings. Sometimes old data gets in the way of reading the information correctly.

4. Analysis of firmware assembly number

The Android version on the Redmi Note 7 is often encoded in the firmware build number, for example, if the settings are PKQ1.181007.001, then:

• P is Android 9 Pie (codename begins with "P").
• Q — Android 10.
• R — Android 11.

The full list of code names for Android versions:

If the build number starts with V (e.g., V12.0.1.0.PFGCNXM), it is a MIUI based on Android 9 (for Redmi Note 7, the official maximum version is Android 10).

• 🌍 CN — china-fix.
• 🌎 Global or MI — international.
• 🇷🇺 RU — firmware.
• 🇪🇺 EEA — European firmware.

5. Check the Android version on a locked or faulty phone

If the Redmi Note 7 doesn't turn on, is stuck on the logo, or is locked with a pattern lock, standard methods won't work.

Method 1: Fastboot mode

If the phone is responding to a PC connection, you can find out the Android version via Fastboot:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power + Volume down for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your computer and type in the command line: fastboot getvar all
4. In the output, look for the lines version-bootloader and version-baseband - they contain data about the firmware.

Method 2: Recovery mode

If Fastboot is not available, try Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
3. The standard MIUI Recovery version of Android doesn’t show up, but you can see the MIUI version at the top of the screen.
4. If you have TWRP installed, go to Advanced → File Manager and open /system/build.prop, which will have ro.build.version.release with the Android version.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi Note 7 is in bootloop or soft-brick state, don’t try to flash it through Fastboot without backing it up! Incorrectly selected firmware can lead to hard-brick (complete failure), especially if the model has anti-Rollback protection.

6. Comparison with official Xiaomi firmware

To see if your version of Android is up to date, compare it to official data from Xiaomi. The following versions are available for the Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender):

Xiaomi officially stopped supporting the Redmi Note 7 in 2022, meaning that there will be no new Android updates (like Android 11 or 12) for this model.If your Android version is below 10, it is recommended to upgrade through Settings → System Update or manually through Recovery.

To check for updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If the update is available, download it (recommended via Wi-Fi).
4. After downloading, click Reboot and Update.

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The Redmi Note 7 won’t get Android 11 or later — the maximum official version for this model is Android 10 with MIUI 12.5.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When checking the Android version, users often face the following problems:

• 🔄 Version mismatches: Android 9 is displayed in the settings, and apps show Android 10, due to custom firmware or incorrect updates. Solution: reflash the phone with official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🚫 No About Phone: Sometimes this section is hidden in custom firmware. Solution: Use it. USSD-codes.
• 🔒 Engineering menu blocked: Some operators (e.g. MegaFon or Beeline) block access to hidden menus.Solution: install Global ROM or use AIDA64.
• ⚠️ Unknown version error: Occurs when system files are damaged. Solution: reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting settings).

If you suspect that the firmware is damaged, check the integrity of the system files:

1. Install TWRP Recovery (if not already installed).
2. Download the official firmware for your region from the Xiaomi website.
3. In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, Data.
4. Sweep the downloaded firmware through Install.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions