How to determine the version of Android on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: from settings to hidden commands

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, released in 2019, but still actively used by millions of users.Knowing the exact version of Android and the MIUI shell on the device is critical for installing compatible applications, firmware or diagnosing problems. However, not all owners of the Redmi Note 8 know where to look at this information — especially if the phone is bought from hand, was sifted through informal builds or has not been updated for a long time.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to learn the version of Android on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 – from the standard settings menu to engineering codes and tools for PC. MIUI It may not be the same as the Android version, and what to do if the smartphone does not turn on. Instructions are valid for all modifications of the device: Redmi Note 8 (ginkgo), Redmi Note 8T (willow and Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia).

1. Standard method: through the menu "About the phone"

The fastest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. It works on any Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, regardless of the firmware version or regional anchorage.

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 called About Device).
3. Click on the MIUI version bar and the current shell version (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.2 Stable) will be displayed here.
4. To see the Android version, tap several times in a row on the line MIUI version (usually 5-7 times) – there will be an additional menu with data about the Android base (for example, Android 11 RKQ1.200826.002).

If nothing happens after multiple clicks, then your device has a modified firmware installed (for example, Xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience), in which case the Android version can be listed immediately in the About Phone section without additional actions.

Model of the device (should be) M1908C3JG For the Redmi Note 8)|Version MIUI (for example, V14.0.2.0.SCOMIXM)|Android version (such as Android 10) QKQ1.190910.002)|Firmware build date (shows freshness of updates)-->

2. Use of engineering USSD-code

If access to settings is limited (for example, due to a system failure or parental controls), you can find out the Android version using hidden devices. USSD-These commands work on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 8, and do not require root rights.

Open the standard Phone application** (number dial) and enter one of the following codes:

• 📱 ##4636## – opens the Phone Information menu** with Android data, kernel version and running time.
• 🔍 ##225## - will show the calendar updates (relevant for official firmware).
• 📊 ##6484## - will display information about the module MTK Engineer Mode** (only for MediaTek-based devices such as Redmi Note) 8T).

Once you enter the code, the menu will open automatically. Look for the Android version or Baseband version. On the Redmi Note 8 with a Snapdragon 665 processor, the ##6484## code won't work - that's okay.

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If you enter the code and you see a message saying, "Unfortunately, connection is impossible," check to see if your firmware is blocked, which is common in custom builds like LineageOS.

3. Through third-party applications

If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to a system failure), you can use specialized utilities from Google Play. They will not only show the Android version, but also provide additional information about hardware and firmware.

Recommended annexes:

• 🛠️ DevCheck is a user-friendly interface with the Software section, where the Android version is specified, MIUI and a security patch.

Example of data from DevCheck for the Redmi Note 8:

Note that some applications (e.g. AIDA64) may show the Android version as SDK:30.This is the numerical equivalent of using a table to translate into a familiar format:

• SDK 29 → Android 10
• SDK 30 → Android 11
• SDK 31 → Android 12

Through phone settings|Use it. USSD-code|I'm installing applications like this. CPU-Z|I'm plugging in to the PC (ADB/Fastboot)|I don't know, I never checked.-->

4. Check through ADB (for advanced users)

If the Redmi Note 8 doesn’t turn on or is stuck on the logo but reacts to a PC connection, you can recognize the Android version using the ADB** tool (Android Debug Bridge), which requires USB debugging and drivers installed, but gives you the most accurate information.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (includes adb.exe).
2. Connect the Redmi Note 8 to your PC via USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with ADB:

cd C:\platform-tools

1. Run a command to check the connection:

adb devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), enter:

adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release

The screen will display the Android version (e.g. 11). For more information, use:

adb shell getprop ro.miui.ui.version.name # MIUI version


adb shell getprop ro.build.date.utc # Firmware build date

5. Determination of the version by external signs (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Redmi Note 8 doesn’t respond to the power button or is stuck in the bootloop, but you urgently need to know the Android version, you can try indirect methods:

• 🔧 Fastboot mode - pinch the power + Volume down. Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command:

fastboot getvar version-release

If none of the methods worked, you just have to flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool – but this is a topic for a separate article.

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On the Redmi Note 8 with the official firmware, the maximum possible version of Android is 11 (updates to Android 12 and above for this model were not released).

6. How to distinguish the official firmware from the custom

Knowing the type of firmware is important for diagnosing problems or choosing how to update.

If you find custom firmware, but want to return to the official, you will need to unlock the bootloader and firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. On the Redmi Note 8 with the unlocked bootloader, the Xiaomi warranty is automatically canceled.

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To check the status of the bootloader, turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power, connect to the PC and type in the command fastboot oem device-info. If there is a line Device unlocked: true in the answer, the bootloader is unlocked.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When checking the Android version on the Redmi Note 8, users often face the following problems:

⚠️ Note: If after the entry USSD-If you have #4636##, you will see a message saying, “Your device does not support this code,” which may mean that your device does not support this code:

• A heavily stripped firmware is installed (for example, for corporate use).
• The phone is tied to the operator (brand version), and the engineering menu is locked.
• The kiosk mode is activated (limited functionality).

Solution: Try another code or check the version through ADB.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (like Havoc-OS) may display an Android version that doesn't match the real one in the About Phone menu. Use the command to make sure it's accurate. ADB: adb shell getprop ro.build.version.incremental FAQ: My Redmi Note 8 shows Android 10, but an update to the Android version is available in the settings MIUI 14. Is that normal. MIUI 14 can run on Android 11 (for Redmi Note 8, updates to Android 12 and higher were not released). The shell version and the Android version are different things, MIUI 14 on Android 11 is a normal combination for this model. How to know the Android version if the phone is getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo? Enter Fastboot mode (clip Power). + Volume down) and connect the phone to the PC. Then type in the command: fastboot getvar version-release If it doesn't work, try logging in to Recovery (Power) + Volume up) - sometimes the version is displayed at the bottom of the screen.Can I update the Redmi Note 8 Android 12 or 13? Officially, no. The latest supported version of Android for this model — 11. However, you can install custom firmware based on Android 12/13 (For example, LineageOS 20 Or ArrowOS), but it would require unlocking the bootloader and could lead to data loss. CPU-Z rendered 9, Although the settings are specified Android 11? It could be an app bug or a result of a flawed firmware. CPU-Z to the latest version. ADB (adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release. Install another diagnostic application, for example, AIDA64). Where to download the official firmware for Redmi Note 8 Android version? The official firmware is available on the Xiaomi Firmware Download website. Choose: Global Stable for the international version. China Stable for the Chinese version (without Google services); EEA Stable for the European region. Pay attention to the device code (ginkgo for Redmi Note 8) and the Android version in the file title.