How to find out the exact version of firmware on Xiaomi smartphone

Determining the current version of software is a basic skill that every Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device owner needs. Knowing the exact build number is not only required to find updates, but also to match compatible security patches, drivers, or customized recavators. Often users confuse the MIUI or HyperOS interface version with the real version of Android, which leads to errors when installing third-party software.

The Chinese manufacturer’s identification system has its own features, including the division into global and Chinese versions, as well as the presence of stable and beta builds. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to get complete information about the software shell of your gadget, from simple settings to the use of special codes.

Understanding the structure of the firmware number will help you avoid installing incompatible software that can turn a smartphone into a brick. We will look at both standard diagnostic tools and advanced methods for those who want to know everything about their device.

Settings interface: the standard path

The most obvious and safe way to (check) the current OS version is in the system settings menu. This method does not require connecting to a computer or installing additional applications, which makes it ideal for the average user. However, the information here is presented in a condensed form, and to obtain the complete data will require several additional actions.

To start, you need to go to the Settings section, which is usually indicated by the gear ikon. Next, you should find the About phone (or "About the device") item, usually located at the top of the list or in the System category. This is where the large digit of the MIUI or HyperOS version, for example, 14.0.2 or 8.0.3, is displayed.

To see more detailed information, including the Android build number and the exact firmware ID, click several times in a row on the shell version logo. Usually 5-7 quick taps on the MIUI version digits are required. After that, a hidden menu will open, which displays options such as Android Security Patch Level and internal build number.

It is important to distinguish between the stable version (Stable) and the developer version (Beta). In the settings menu, beta versions often have the appropriate mark or differ in a specific build number format containing the letters "DEV".

⚠️ Warning: If nothing happens after multiple clicks on the firmware version, check if Do Not Disturb mode or special features for people with disabilities who can intercept quick touches of the screen are enabled.

Decoding the code of the firmware Xiaomi

A firmware build number is not just a random set of characters, but a strictly structured code that carries important technical information. Understanding this structure allows you to instantly determine the region, the status of the version, and even an approximate release date. The string format usually looks like a set of letters and numbers separated by dots, for example: V14.0.3.0.TKGMIXM.

Let's take a look at the code structure using V14.0.3.0.TKGMIXM. Part one (V14.0.3.0) indicates the shell version. The next letter (T) indicates the Android version (in this case Android 13), followed by the device code name (KG for Redmi Note 12), followed by the region code (MI for Global).

Special attention should be paid to the type of firmware that is often hidden from the eyes of the average user: stable versions are marked with the letter O (Open) at the end of the region code or are standard format. Developer versions are updated weekly and have the word "Weekly" in the title.

Knowing the code name of a device (e.g., gauguin, vayu, diting) is critical when searching for files to recover. Using firmware from a device with a different code name is guaranteed to break the software.

Use of engineering menus and codes

Special diagnostic data can be accessed USSD-This method allows you to quickly check not only the version of the software, but also the status of various sensors, communication modules and test modes.

The most universal code for Xiaomi devices is ##6484##. Entering this combination automatically opens the CIT (Customer Information Test) engineering menu. Here, at the top of the screen or in the Version section, information about the current build is often duplicated, which may differ from what is in the usual settings.

##4636##

This code opens the Testing menu, where you can see more technical information about the radio module in the Phone Information section and sometimes a version of the baseband version that is closely related to the firmware version, and if the standard codes don't work, the manufacturer may have blocked them for your region.

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If the code doesn't work when dialing, try entering it completely without pressing the call button. On some shells, the menu opens automatically after the last character is entered.

There is also a code ##8375## that opens the MIUI Version menu, but on newer versions of Android and HyperOS shells, this feature is often blocked or redirected to the standard About Phone menu.

⚠️ Note: Do not change settings in the engineering menu that you do not know the value of. Resetting the screen calibration or changing the parameters of the radio module can lead to malfunction of the device.

Checking through ADB and computer

For advanced users with access to a PC, the most accurate method is to use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) debugging tool, which allows you to get information directly from the system without the GUI, which is useful if the screen is not working or the system is loading in a loop.

First, you need to include “Debugging for the USB» In the "Developers" menu, after connecting your smartphone to your computer and installing the drivers, run a command to check the Android version:

adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release

To find out the exact version of the MIUI or HyperOS build, use the following command, which will output the value of the property ro.miui.ui.version.name:

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

This method also allows you to check whether the bootloader is unlocked, which is often required to install custom firmware. the adb shell getprop ro.boot.locked command will return 1 if the bootloader is locked, and 0 if unlocked.

Using the command line gives a guaranteed accurate result, since the data is read from the system files of properties (build.prop), which cannot be changed through the user interface without root rights.

Third-party diagnostic applications

If you don't want to mess with commands, and the standard menu isn't enough, specialized applications from the Google Play Store come to the rescue, collecting complete information about the hardware and software of the device, providing it in a conveniently structured form.

One of the most popular and reliable tools is the CPU-Z or AIDA64 application. Once launched, these ulites display the Device and System tabs, which specify the exact CPU model, screen resolution, and Android version and kernel build number.

• 📱 CPU-Z: Shows detailed information about the SoC, including the current core frequency and temperature, which is useful for diagnosing overheating after the update.
• 🔍 Device Info HW: It specializes in cameras and sensors, but it also shows the Android version and security patch level.
• 🛠 AIDA64: Provides the most comprehensive report, including battery, network and installed codecs.

When using third-party software, you should be mindful of permissions. Diagnostic applications do not require access to your contacts, photos or microphone. If the software requests extra rights, you should delete it and choose a better-reputed analog.

It is critical to check the model number displayed in apps against the number on the box to make sure you are not using a repackaged or modified device.

Frequent questions and problems of version definition

Users often experience a version number in settings that does not match what they expect after an update, which may be due to data caching or the features of Xiaomi servers’ phased deployment of updates.

Sometimes, after a firmware update, the interface remains on the old version until the cache is completely cleaned or restarted. In rare cases, it may be necessary to reset the settings to the factory so that the new version of the software appears correctly in all system logs.

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If the version number does not change after the update, perform a full reboot of the device (not just turn off the screen) so that the system updates the displayed settings.

Also, it is worth considering that the “gray” firmware, which are modified global versions with installed Russian language and Google services, can be determined by the presence in the system of applications with Chinese characters or the lack of security certificates Google Play Protect.