Tools

These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.

Background

Android is an open-source operating system designed for mobile devices and was first introduced in 2008 with the launch of the HTC Dream. Originally developed by Android Inc., the software was later acquired by Google in 2005 and has since undergone several iterations, culminating in the latest release of Android 13 in 2022.

Beyond smartphones and tablets, Android has also been adapted for use in other devices like digital cameras, smartwatches, game consoles, and PCs.

The most often replaced Android Phone parts include the battery, screen, and motherboard.

Identification

As the world's best-selling mobile operating system, Android powers a broad range of devices from various manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, Google, and Motorola, among others. You can verify that your device is running on Android by navigating to the "About Phone" section in the system settings, where you can find manufacturer information, the model number, and the current Android version running on your device.

The model number and manufacturer can also be found on the back of the phone.

Versions

Google famously named Android versions after sweets, such as "Cupcake" for v1.5, until the release of Android 10. However, starting with Android 11, Google moved away from this naming scheme and began using numbers instead. The company stated that this change was to make the version names clearer and more accessible to a global audience. These codenames are now used only internally within Google.

NameInternal codenameVersion Number(s)API levelInitial stable release dateLast security patchLast Google Play Services version (release date)
Android 1.01.01September 23, 2008
Android 1.1Petit Four1.12February 9, 2009
Android CupcakeCupcake1.53April 27, 2009
Android DonutDonut1.64September 15, 2009
Android ÉclairÉclair2.05October 27, 2009
2.0.16December 3, 2009
2.17January 11, 2010
Android FroyoFroyo2.2 – 2.2.38May 20, 20103.2.25 (October 2014)
Android GingerbreadGingerbread2.3 – 2.3.29December 6, 201010.0.84 (November 2016)
2.3.3 – 2.3.710February 9, 2011
Android HoneycombHoneycomb3.011February 22, 2011
3.112May 10, 2011
3.2 – 3.2.613July 15, 2011
Android Ice Cream SandwichIce Cream Sandwich4.0 – 4.0.214October 18, 201114.8.49 (February 2019)
4.0.3 – 4.0.415December 16, 2011
Android Jelly BeanJelly Bean4.1 – 4.1.216July 9, 201221.33.56 (September 2021)
4.2 – 4.2.217November 13, 2012
4.3 – 4.3.118July 24, 2013
Android KitKatKey Lime Pie4.4 – 4.4.419October 31, 2013October 2017current
4.4W – 4.4W.220June 25, 2014?
Android LollipopLemon Meringue Pie5.0 – 5.0.221November 4, 2014November 2017
5.1 – 5.1.122March 2, 2015March 2018
Android MarshmallowMacadamia Nut Cookie6.0 – 6.0.123October 2, 2015August 2018
Android NougatNew York Cheesecake7.024August 22, 2016August 2019
7.1 – 7.1.225October 4, 2016October 2019
Android OreoOatmeal Cookie8.026August 21, 2017January 2021
8.127December 5, 2017October 2021
Android PiePistachio Ice Cream928August 6, 2018January 2022
Android 10Quince Tart1029September 3, 2019February 2023
Android 11Red Velvet Cake1130September 8, 2020current
Android 12Snow Cone1231October 4, 2021
Android 12LSnow Cone v212.132March 7, 2022
Android 13Tiramisu1333August 15, 2022
Android 14Upside Down Cake1434Q3 2023
Android 15Vanilla Ice Cream15TBDQ3 2024

Additional Resources