Why you should know the version of Android on Redmi 9 and what it means
The version of the operating system on your Xiaomi Redmi 9 is not just a set of numbers in the settings. It depends on compatibility with applications, the availability of new features and even the security of the device. For example, applications like Google Pay or banking customers often require Android 10 or later, and games like Genshin Impact can refuse to run on outdated firmware. Moreover, Redmi 9 officially supports updates to Android 11 (MIUI 13), but some regions receive delayed updates β without checking the version you risk missing a critical update.
Another nuance: Xiaomi releases several versions of the Redmi 9 β standard, Redmi 9A, 9C and 9T. Each of them can have different versions of the firmware even with the same hardware. For example, the global version (MIUI Global) and the Chinese version (MIUI China) are updated on different schedules. If you bought the phone from hand or brought it from abroad, checking the version will help you see if it has custom firmware installed on it, which can deprive warranties or cause problems with Google services.
Finally, knowing the current version will come in handy if you plan to:
- π Update the firmware manually (so as not to download the wrong version)
- π οΈ Install custom software (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience)
- π Diagnose errors (many bugs are linked to specific versions) MIUI)
- π± Sell your phone (buyers often ask about the relevance of firmware)
Method 1: through the standard settings of the phone (the easiest)
This is the basic method that works on any Xiaomi Redmi 9 regardless of the MIUI version or firmware region. Instructions take less than a minute and do not require an Internet connection.
Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the app menu). Scroll down and select About Phone. In some versions of MIUI, this section may be called About the device or Phone Information. Then tap on the line version of MIUI, and you'll see the full information here:
- π± Android version (such as Android 10) QKQ1.190825.002)
- π Version. MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 12.5.3 Stable)
- π Assembly Date (shows when the firmware was released)
If the MIUI version is missing, try tapping Kernel version several times quickly, which will open a hidden menu with detailed information. In some firmware, Android version data may be hidden under Software Information.
β οΈ Note: Phones with rooted or custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) may display incorrect information in this section.
Tap "On the phone"|Find the line "Version" MIUI"|Record the Android version and build date|Check out the latest updates on the official Xiaomi website](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index)
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Method 2: Using USSD codes (works without the Internet)
If for some reason you canβt open the settings (for example, the sensor doesnβt work or the menu is buggy), you can find out the Android version using service codes. This method is universal for all Android smartphones, including Redmi 9.
Open the Phone app and go to the Keyboard tab, and type one of the following codes:
##4636##
##114514##
##225##Once you enter the last character, the service menu will open, and select Phone Information or Software Information.
- π Android Version (Android Version Line)
- π Version MIUI (line MIUI version)
- π Build Number (Build Number)
If the code doesn't work, try typing it in without spaces and * characters at the beginning/end. Some firmware may need to press the call button after you type it in.
What if the code doesn't work?
Method 3: through the Developer Menu (for experienced users)
The developer options menu is hidden by default, but it can be activated in a few steps, which is suitable if you need not only the Android version, but also additional technical data such as the build number or the kernel version.
To enable the Developer Menu:
- Open the Settings. β The phone.
- Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (you will be notified βYou became a developer!β).
- Return to the main settings menu and select a new item β For developers.
In this menu, scroll down to the Phone Information section. Here you will find:
| Parameter | What does it mean? | Example of meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Android version | Main OS version | 10 QKQ1.190825.002 |
| MIUI version | Shell from Xiaomi | MIUI Global 12.5.3 |
| Assembly number | Unique firmware identifier | QJ2054.001.023.0 |
| The kernel version | Version of the Linux kernel | 4.14.158-perf+ |
This method is also useful if you plan to unlock a bootloader or install custom software β many instructions require the exact build number.
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If the developer menu doesnβt open after 7 taps, try tapping the Build number instead of the MIUI version.
Method 4: Using third-party apps (if the phone is buggy)
If standard methods donβt work (for example, due to a system failure or remote settings), third-party utilities will come to the rescue, not only showing the Android version, but also providing additional information about hardware and software.
We recommend these apps (all free and available on Google Play):
- π± CPU-Z β It shows you the Android version, the processor model, the RAM volume and other technical data.
- π οΈ AIDA64 β analogue CPU-Z With more information. Look for the Android section. β Version.
- π DevCheck is a handy data visualization app. The Android version is displayed on the home screen in the Software block.
- π MIUI Version Info β a specialized utility for Xiaomi, shows the version MIUI, Firmware region and available updates.
The advantage of this is that applications often display information even on unstable or modified firmware, for example, if you installed Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS, standard settings can lie, and CPU-Z will show real data.
β οΈ Attention: Some applications (e.g, AIDA64) They require permission to access device information. If you refuse permission, Android version data may not show up.
Using phone settings |Service codes |Developers' menu |Applications' side |Never checked
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Method 5: Through computer (ADB-team-up)
If the phone is not turned on or the screen does not respond to touch, but USB-The port is working, the Android version can be found using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires a computer and minimal command line skills.
You'll need:
- Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
- Installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download from the official website).
- ADB (part of the Android SDK or available as a separate Platform Tools package)
- USB-cable (preferably original).
Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and execute the following commands in the terminal (command line):
adb devices
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release
adb shell getprop ro.miui.ui.version.nameThe first team checks the deviceβs connection, the second shows the Android version, the third shows the MIUI version. If the commands donβt work, make sure that the phone is debugging over USB (Settings β Additional β Developers β Debugging over USB).
This is also useful if you want to save a log version for technical support or forums, for example, when contacting the service center, Xiaomi may be asked to confirm the firmware version through ADB.
π‘
ADB-Teams are the only way to know the Android version on a phone with a broken screen or a broken touchscreen if USB-port.
What to do if the Android version is outdated: instructions for updating
If the check shows that your Redmi 9 has an outdated version of Android (for example, Android 9 instead of Android 11), it can be updated. Xiaomi releases updates for Redmi 9 in three versions:
- π Global Stable β official firmware for the international market (recommended by most users).
- π¨π³ China Stable - Chinese firmware without Google services (not suitable for Russia and Europe).
- π οΈ Beta/Developer β Test versions with new features but possible bugs.
To update:
- Open Settings β About the phone β System update.
- Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.
- If the update is not found, download the firmware manually from the official site, transfer the.zip file to the root of the phoneβs memory and select Update via the file in the update menu.
Important: Before updating, check:
- π Battery charge (must be at least 50%).
- πΆ Stable Wi-Fi connection (update "over the air" weighs 1.5-2.5 GB).
- π± Backup of data (update is rare but may result in resetting settings).
β οΈ If your Redmi 9 is purchased in China and is running on the MIUI China, Global's forced firmware via Fastboot, can lock the device, requiring official unlocking of the bootloader.