Key Takeaways

  • Android build numbers are complex identifiers consisting of letters and numbers that provide information about the Android version and release date.
  • Knowing your Android build number helps determine if your device is up-to-date and secure, and it enables tailored troubleshooting solutions.
  • To find the Android build number, open the Settings app on your device, scroll down to “About Phone,” and look for the build number under “Software Information.”


Are you wondering what your Android build number is? Sometimes, knowing the Android build number of your device helps you make better decisions on your phone when troubleshooting or downloading apps. Stay with us to know what the Android build number is and how to find it on your device.


What Is the Android Build Number?

The build number gives more information on the specific version of Android on your device. Android releases are just numbers like 11, 12, 13, etc, but Android build numbers, on the other hand, are more complex identifiers. They consist of numbers and letters (for example, RPQ1.231001.001) that tell you more about the software. Let’s break down what each section means.

  • R is the first letter of the build number and represents the Android version’s code name. In this case, R stands for Red Velvet Cake, the code name for Android 11.
  • P stands for the supported vertical. The letter P usually represents the primary platform branch or the first release.
  • Q1 is an alphanumeric code that is used to identify the code branch the build was made from.
  • 231001 refers to the date the build was created. It is written in the YYMMDD format. So this means the build was created on the first of October 2023.
  • 001 is used to identify the version of the build.
  • At the end of the build number, there is sometimes an alphanumeric code that shows the hotfix on top of the build.

Why Should You Know Your Android Build Number

Knowing your Android build version helps you determine if your Android device is running the latest version or if an update is available. It helps you confirm if your phone has all the latest security patches released. These patches address vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security of your phone.

The Android build number also helps you get accurate solutions tailored to your device when troubleshooting or seeking help from customer support. Knowing which apps are compatible with your device before downloading or using them is another good reason to know the build number.

You may also need to find the build number for enabling Android’s Developer Options menu. Tapping the build number is the secret method for revealing a bunch of extra features.

How To Find Android Build Number on Google Pixel

To find the Android build number on a Samsung Galaxy phone, you first need to open the Settings app and tap on “About Phone” at the bottom of the screen.

The 'About Phone' tab in Settings of Google Pixel 7.

On the page that opens, select “Android Version,” and then you can find the build number of your phone.

The Android build number.

How To Find Android Build Number on Samsung Galaxy Phones

First, open the Settings app on your device and go to About Phone > Software Information.

The About Phone page in Settings.

A page will open all the software information your phone has. Your build number will be part of it.

Software information page showing Android build number.

How To Find Android Build Number on Xiaomi Redmi Phones

First, open the Settings app, and tap on the “About Phone” tab. It is usually the first option in the Settings app.

Xiaomi Redmi Settings.

On the page that opens, you only see the option for the Android Version, but if you look closely, you see that the build number is just beside the Android version.

The About Phone page on a Redmi phone showing the Android Version and Build Number.

That’s all there is to it. The Android build number is not something you need to know by heart, but it comes in handy from time to time.

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