Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners regularly face the challenge of finding out the current firmware version — whether it’s to install updates, check app compatibility, or diagnose problems. But where exactly is this information hiding? Depending on the model and version of MIUI, the path to data may differ, and sometimes standard methods don’t work at all due to custom firmware or system failures.
In this article, we’ll break down 5 reliable methods to test MIUI and Android on any Xiaomi device, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14. You’ll learn how to do this through the settings menu, the engineering menu, the computer, and even if the phone doesn’t turn on.
1. Standard method: through phone settings
The easiest and most versatile method is to use the built-in settings menu, which works on 99% of Xiaomi devices, regardless of the MIUI version (even on the old MIUI 8-9).
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Scroll down and select the About Phone section (on some firmware - About the device).
- Slip on the first item Version MIUI — This will show the full information: 📱 Version. MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5) 🤖 Android version (such as Android 13) TKQ1.221114.001) 📅 Assembly Date (shows when the firmware was released)
On some models (e.g. POCO F5 or Redmi K60), the path may be slightly different: Settings → Phone → General Information → MIUI Version. If you have custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU or LineageOS), the name of the alternative build may appear instead of MIUI.
☑️ What to do if the "About the phone" section is missing
⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially Chinese) versions MIUI It can be displayed in Chinese. In this case, look for the characters. MIUI (version MIUI) Or use a screen translator.
2. via the engineering menu (USSD codes)
If the standard path is not available for some reason (for example, after a reset or system failure), you can use service codes, which works even on locked phones (if the lock screen is on).
Enter one of the following codes in the Phone application:
- 🔢 ##4636## – Opens the Testing menu, where the phone information section will show the version MIUI Android.
- 🔢 ##225## – will show the update calendar and current firmware (does not work on all models).
- 🔢 ##7780## - Alternative code for older versions MIUI (till 10th).
Once you enter the code, the menu will open automatically. MIUI Version or Build Number. If the code didn't work, try another one -- some carriers block it. USSD-request.
What do I do if the codes don't work?
⚠️ Note: Do not enter random codes from the Internet - some of them can reset your phone settings or cause irreversible changes.
Verification via computer (ADB)
If the phone doesn't turn on or the screen doesn't respond to touch, but the device is computer-defined, you can find out the MIUI version through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a technique that requires minimal technical skills.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- ⚙️ Included debugging by USB on the phone (if it works at all).
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to your computer and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
- Enter the command: adb shell getprop ro.miui.ui.version.name It will return the current version of MIUI (e.g. V14.0.5.0.TMBCNXM).
- To find out the Android version, use: adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release
If USB debugging is not enabled, but the phone is enabled, activate it in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on the line, then return to Settings → Additional → For developers).
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If the adb device command doesn’t show your phone, install Mi PC Suite drivers or use Google USB Driver universal drivers.
4. How to find out the version of MIUI on a switched-off phone
Situation: phone's not turning on, screen's black, but we need to get a firmware version right away.
Method 1: Through Recovery Mode
Press the button combination to enter Recovery Mode (depending on the model):
- 🔋 For most people. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO: Nutrition + Loudness up.
- 🔋 For older models (until 2018): Nutrition + Loudness up + Loudness down.
In the recovery menu, the MIUI version is usually listed at the bottom of the screen (e.g., MIUI 13.0.4.0).
Method 2: Serial number (IMEI)
If the phone doesn't respond at all, but you have a box or check, look for an IMEI or S/N (serial number).
- Go to IMEI.info.
- Enter IMEI and get the model and original firmware (not current!) data.
⚠️ Note: This method will show the factory version MIUI, If the phone was updated, the data would be irrelevant.
5. Alternative methods: applications and system files
If the standard methods didn’t work, try these options:
Annex "Analytics"
Some firmware (especially Chinese) have an Analytics system app, open it and go to Device, which can display both MIUI and Android.
File build.prop
For advanced users: The firmware version is stored in the system file /system/build.prop.
- Install a file manager with root access (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Go to /system/build.prop.
- Find the lines: ro.miui.ui.version.name=V14.0.5.0.TMBCNXM ro.build.version.release=13
⚠️ Note: Editing a build.prop file without root rights or knowledge can result in loss of warranty or device blink.
Through Google Play
Open Google Play, search for any system application (like Camera or Phone) and scroll to the block This version is compatible with your device. There may be a version of Android listed.
Comparison of MIUI versions: what do numbers and letters mean
The MIUI version is usually formatted as V14.0.5.0.TMBCNXM. Let’s take a look at what these symbols mean:
| Part of the version | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Main version | V14 | Generation number MIUI (14th version). |
| Stability | 0 | 0 is stable firmware, 1-9 is beta or development. |
| Assembly number | 5.0 | The serial number of the update within the version. |
| Model code | TMB | The name of the model is shortened (for example, Redmi Note 12). |
| Region | CN | Regional firmware: CN – China, RU – Russia, EU – Europe, IN – India. |
The last two letters (XM in the example) usually denote the firmware type:
- 📦 XM — global stable version.
- 📦 XA — firmware for Indonesia.
- 📦 EEA — European version (c) GDPR).
- 📦 ING — firmware.
If you have a suffix dev or beta at the end of the version, it means that you have a development (unstable) MIUI build installed.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When checking the MIUI version, users often face typical problems, and here's how to solve them:
⚠️ Note: If the phone update version MIUI The settings are unchanged, but the build date has been updated, meaning that a minor security update has been installed, not a full new firmware. MIUI Change only when major updates (for example, from the 13th to the 14th).
Problem 1: The settings show the MIUI version, but you can’t see the Android version.
Solution: Install the AIDA64 or CPU-Z app from Google Play – they will show you full OS information, including the kernel version and security patch.
Problem 2: After input USSD-The message appears "Communication interrupted".
Solution: Check if your carrier is blocking the code (especially for Tele2 or Yota). Try entering the code through another call app (like Google Phone).
Problem 3: In Recovery Mode, the MIUI version is not displayed.
Solution: This means you have customized recavers (e.g. TWRP) installed, in which case the firmware version can be listed in the Install menu or in the /system/etc/prop.build file.
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If the MIUI version in settings and through ADB differs, trust ADB data – these are read directly from system files, whereas settings can show cached values.