In this guide, we will show you the steps to find the kernel version and build number on your Android device. Earlier, this information was mostly limited to the developers, however, now it encompasses some of the tech enthusiasts as well. But why is that so? Well, thanks to the SUSFS module, you can now spoof your device’s custom kernel to that of a stock and hence numerous root detection apps wouldn’t be able to detect that you are on a custom kernel.
Likewise, some apps nowadays have also started looking for a custom kernel [apart from the Play Integrity values]. So, faking the custom kernel’s value will also come in handy in such instances. However, to carry out this task, you need to find the kernel version and build number on your Android device. And in this guide, we will help you with just that. Follow along.
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How to Find Kernel Version and Kernel Build Number
It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success. So with that in mind, let’s get started. Droidwin and its members wouldn’t be held responsible in case of a thermonuclear war, your alarm doesn’t wake you up, or if anything happens to your device, and data by performing the below steps.
METHOD 1: Via Settings Menu [Non-Root]
Some devices, like the Pixel series, have both the build and the version number directly in the Settings menu. So go to Settings > About Phone> Android Version > Kernel Version, and you’ll get both of these information. It will be something along the following lines: [NOTE: You might also have the “SMP PREEMPT” keyword in the Build Number, so please ignore that.]
Kernel Version 5.4.254-qgki-ged93b9ec66ee Kernel Build #1 Tue Jan 21 00:36:33 CST 2025
However, not every device has both the information in the Settings menu. For example, OnePlus devices only have the Version number but not the Build Number. Likewise, if you are currently on a custom kernel but want to get hold of the details of your stock kernel, then also it isn’t possible to do so from the Settings menu. In both these cases, you might have to take the help of some commands [and root]. Here’s how:
METHOD 2: Via Termux Commands [Root]
- Transfer the “boot.img” file to your device’s Internal Storage.
- Then download and install the Termux app onto your device.
- Now, launch KernelSU, go to SuperUser, and enable Termux.
- After that, open Termux and type in the following command:
su /storage/emulated/0
- You’re now inside the same directory as the boot.img file.
- Run the below command to get the Kernel Version and Build:
strings boot.img | grep "Linux version"
- If the above command does work, then try this:
strings boot.img | grep "Linux" -A4
- You’ll get an output along the following lines:
Kernel Version: 5.4.254-qgki-ged93b9ec66ee Kernel Build: #1 Tue Jan 21 00:36:33 CST 2025
- Make sure you remove “SMP PREEMPT” from the output.
That’s it. These were the two different methods using which you can find the kernel version and build number on your Android device. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution as soon as possible.
