How to quickly find out the version of Android on Xiaomi phone: all the ways

Xiaomi smartphones run on the proprietary shell MIUI, which is regularly updated and changes the location of settings, which sometimes makes even experienced users lost trying to find information about the version of Android. And knowing the exact firmware is critical – it depends on the compatibility of applications, the ability to install custom firmware and even the operation of certain functions (for example, Google Pay or Widevine L1).

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to check the version of Android on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from the standard settings through the menu to hidden commands for power users. We will pay special attention to the nuances that arise from the features of MIUI (for example, when the shell version is displayed in the settings, not the Android version itself), and you will learn how to distinguish the real version of Android from the “disguised” version in some firmware.

1. Standard method: through phone settings

The easiest and most versatile method is to use the built-in Settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi models, regardless of the MIUI version (even on the old Redmi 4X or Mi A1). The main advantage is that it does not require additional programs or root rights.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone (some firmware may call About Device or Phone Information).
3. Slip on the first item version of MIUI - here will display information about the shell and the basic version of Android.
4. Look for the Android version bar (can be hidden under additional tabs, such as All Specifications).

On new devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5), the path may be slightly different:

• 📱 Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Full information about the version
• 🔍 If you don’t see the Android version, tap it several times. MIUI — A hidden menu with detailed information will open.
• ⚙️ On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global version of Android is shown in small print under the version MIUI.

⚠️ Note: On some devices with MIUI For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) Android version can be displayed in format RKQ1.211001.001 Instead of Android 12, it's normal, because it encrypts the internal builds, and to decrypt it, use the table below or special services like Android Build Analyzer.

2. via the "Developers" menu (hidden settings)

If the standard method didn’t work (for example, due to custom firmware or MIUI bugs), try turning on Developer Mode, which will give you access to advanced system information, including the exact version of Android and build number.

How to activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (you should be notified "You became a developer!").
3. Return to the main Settings menu and open a new Developer section (usually at the end of the list).

In the developer menu, scroll down to the Device Information block. Here you will see:

• 📊 Android version – the exact number (for example, 13) TKQ1.220829.002).
• 🔧 Build number - a unique firmware identifier (useful for searching for updates).
• 🛠 Version of the kernel - information about the version of Linux that runs Android.

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If the “Developers” section disappeared after the MIUI update, reset its visibility: go to Settings → Applications → Settings → Settings, click Storage and select Reset Settings.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) the developer menu can be in Chinese. To translate it, install Google Translate and use the screen translation function through the button in the lower right corner of the app.

3. Use of ADB commands (for advanced users)

If your phone doesn’t turn on or you have custom firmware installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), standard methods may not work, and ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a computer debugging tool, will help.

What you need:

• 🖥 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 🛠 Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 🔓 Included Developer Mode and Debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the computer and allow debugging (on the smartphone screen will appear a request).
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command: adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release It will display the Android version (e.g. 12).
4. For full build information, use: adb shell getprop ro.build.display.id Output example: V13.0.6.0.SLCCNXM (where SLCCNXM is the firmware code for Redmi K50 Pro).

If the phone does not respond to commands, check:

• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable or port USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Connection in File Transfer Mode (MTP).
• 🔧 Drivers available (on Windows, use Xiaomi) USB Drivers).

4. Applications for determining the version of Android

If you don’t want to dig into settings or connect your phone to your computer, use third-party utilities that not only show you the Android version, but also provide additional information about hardware, firmware and even processor temperature.

Top.-3 apps:

How to use (in the example of AIDA64):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide access to device information (if requested).
3. Go to the Android tab or System.
4. Find the Android version and MIUI version.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI China without Google Services) apps from Play Market may not work. APK from trusted sources (e.g. APKCombo) or use ADB.

5. Check through the recovery menu (if the phone is not turned on)

If Xiaomi’s smartphone doesn’t load (hangs on the logo or goes to bootloop), you can find out the Android version through recavators, which is a method that will come in handy before you start firmware or reset settings.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press the button combination to enter the recaveri: 🔧 For most models: Volume up + Nutrition. 🔄 For POCO F3/F4: Loudness down + Power (after vibration release power, but keep volume).

Version info

System info

Android version

Build number

If the Recovery is in Chinese:

• 📱 Look for characters (version) or (system information).
• 🔍 Use Google Lens to translate your screen in real time.
• ⚠️ Do not select Wipe data or Reboot to bootloader, this will result in a reset or lock of the bootloader!

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T from official sale) logging into the Recovery can reset all data.Be sure to back up via Mi Cloud or before doing so TWRP (if established).

6. Determination of the version by phone model (without access to the device)

If your phone is lost, broken, or you’re just planning to buy, you can recognize the Android version from the device model, which is important for checking compatibility with apps or before buying a used smartphone.

Ways:

1. Xiaomi official website: Go to the update page. Enter a model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G). See the latest stable version of MIUI and the corresponding version of Android.

GSMArena

DeviceSpecs

• For example, DeviceSpecs shows the update history for each model.

Example of decryption for Xiaomi 11T Pro:

• 📱 Model: M2102J2SC (global).
• 🔄 Last update: MIUI 14 based on Android 13.
• 📅 Release Date: October 2021 (means support for updates will end no earlier than 2026).

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If the site is listed as Android 12 and the phone is showing Android 11, it’s not always a mistake. Some firmware (like MIUI Stable for Redmi 9A) updates with a delay of up to 3-6 months.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When checking the version of Android on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common and ways to solve them.

Problem 1: Only the MIUI version is displayed in the settings, and Android is not.

• 🔍 Solution: Tap several times according to version MIUI Or find the tab All specifications.
• 📱 If it doesn't help, use it. ADB or appendices AIDA64.

Problem 2: The Android version on the developer menu is different from the one the apps show.

• 🛠 Solution: This is normal — the developer menu can display the raw version (like Android 13 Beta) and the apps can display the stable version. → The phone.

Problem 3: After the MIUI update, the Android version hasn’t changed.

• 🔄 Solution: Xiaomi releases updates frequently MIUI without changing the Android version, for example, MIUI 13.0.5 → 13.0.6 on the same Android 12. Check the build number – if it has changed, the update is installed.

Problem 4: There is no version information on the Recovery screen.

• ⚙️ Solution: Install custom Recovery TWRP — It shows you the full details of the system.

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If your phone is slowing down after the MIUI update, try resetting the cache through the receptacles: select Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache + Cache. This will not delete your data, but it can eliminate lags.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions