How to check which Android version your phone has
Your Android version decides which features your phone has and whether it still gets security fixes. Checking takes under a minute.
How to find it
- Open Settings.
- Scroll to About phone (on some phones, About device or System > About phone).
- Look for Android version. Tap it for more detail on some phones.
- Nearby you may also see Android security update (or Security patch level), Build number and Kernel version.
What the numbers mean
- Android version: the main number, such as a whole number for the release. Newer versions bring new features and protections.
- Security update: a date. A recent date means the phone has recent security fixes. An old date means it is missing some.
- Interface version: many makers add their own name and number (for example One UI, MIUI or HyperOS). This is different from the Android version underneath.
Check for an update
Look for Software update, System update or Check for updates in Settings. See how to update your phone’s software safely before you start.
Why it matters
- Security: old versions stop receiving fixes.
- Apps: some apps need a minimum Android version.
- Buying a phone: ask which version it ships with and how long the maker promises updates.
If there is no update
Phones stop getting updates after a few years, and the maker decides when. You can still use the phone, but be more careful about unknown apps and links. See how to speed up a slow phone if age is the problem. To see your phone’s exact model, read how to find your phone’s model number.
