Where to find your Android version on any phone

Your Android version number is in Settings under About Phone. Open Settings, scroll to the bottom, tap About Phone (or About Device on some phones), and look for "Android version" — the number appears right there. The exact wording and location shift slightly between phone makers, but this path works on Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Motorola, and most others.

You need this number when troubleshooting app problems, checking if your phone can run new software, or deciding whether to update. Knowing your version takes 30 seconds and answers most questions about what your phone can do.

Key Takeaways

  • Android version is always in Settings > About Phone, near the bottom of the Settings menu.
  • The version number appears as a single digit (like 14) or digit with a letter (like 13), not as a date or long code.
  • Your phone may show both the Android version and a separate "security patch level" — these are different things.
  • Checking your version takes under a minute and requires no restart or special access.

Step-by-step for Samsung phones

On Samsung Galaxy phones, open Settings and scroll all the way down. Tap About Phone at the bottom. You will see Android version listed near the top of that screen, usually showing a number like 13, 14, or 15. Samsung also displays the security patch date below it — that date tells you when your phone last received security updates, but it is separate from the Android version itself.

If you cannot find About Phone, use the search box at the top of Settings and type "Android version" — the phone will jump straight to it. This works on any Android phone when you are unsure where to look.

Step-by-step for Google Pixel phones

On Pixel phones, open Settings and tap About Phone at the bottom. The Android version appears immediately on that screen. Pixel phones also show "Build number" below the version — that is a longer code that developers sometimes need, but the version number is what you want for most questions.

Pixel phones often receive Android updates before other brands, so your version number may be newer than the same model from Samsung or another maker. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong.

What the version number means

Android version numbers are single digits: 13, 14, 15, and so on. Each new number represents a major release that Google pushes out roughly once a year. The version tells you what features your phone has access to and which apps will run on it.

Some apps require a minimum Android version to work. If an app in the Play Store says it needs Android 12 or higher and you have Android 11, that app will not install. Checking your version before downloading an app you are unsure about saves time and frustration.

The difference between Android version and security patch

Your phone displays two separate dates: the Android version (like 14) and the security patch level (like January 2024). These are not the same thing. The Android version is the main operating system release. The security patch is a smaller update that fixes vulnerabilities without changing the version number.

You can have Android 14 with a January patch or Android 14 with a March patch — same version, different security updates. Both matter, but when someone asks "what Android are you on," they are asking for the version number, not the patch date.

How to update your Android version

Updates arrive through Settings > System > System Update (or Settings > About Phone > Software Update on some phones). Your phone checks automatically, but you can also check manually by opening that menu. If an update is waiting, a button will appear to download and install it.

Updates usually take 10 to 30 minutes and require your phone to restart. Plug in your charger before starting, because the phone needs battery power to complete the process. Do not turn off your phone during an update — wait for it to finish and restart on its own.

Why your version number matters

Older Android versions lose support over time. Google stops sending security updates to phones running very old versions, which leaves them vulnerable to new threats. Checking your version tells you whether your phone is still receiving protection.

App makers also drop support for old versions. If you are on Android 10 and most new apps require Android 12, you will find fewer options in the Play Store. Knowing your version helps you understand what your phone can and cannot do going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do different phones show different Android versions?

Phone makers receive Android updates on different schedules. Google Pixel phones get updates first, sometimes months before Samsung or OnePlus. This is normal and does not mean your phone is broken. Eventually, all phones get the same version, but the timing varies by manufacturer.

Can I downgrade to an older Android version?

No. Android only moves forward. Once you update to a new version, you cannot go back to the old one. If an update causes problems, contact the phone maker's support — they may release a patch, but downgrading is not an option.

What if my phone is stuck on an old Android version?

Older phones stop receiving updates after a few years. If your phone is three or more years old and no update appears, it has likely reached the end of support. Check your phone maker's website to confirm, but you may need a new phone to get current Android versions.

Does checking my Android version use data or battery?

No. Opening Settings and looking at your version number uses almost no battery and no data at all. You can check as many times as you want without any cost or impact on your phone.