The question of changing the unique device identifier (ID) on the Android platform arises among users for various reasons. Some people need to bypass IMEI blocking after losing their gadget, others want to change the MAC address to bypass restrictions in public Wi-Fi networks, and still others are interested in replacing the advertising identifier for the sake of privacy. Understanding how the numbering system works in mobile devices is the first step to solving this problem. It is important to immediately note that not all types of identifiers can be changed using standard means, and some procedures require deep intervention in the system.
The procedure for changing an ID directly depends on which number you plan to change. In the Android world, there are several levels of identification: from the hardware level (serial numbers embedded in chips) to the software level (OS settings, advertising tokens). An attempt to change the hardware on a modern smartphone without the appropriate rights often results in turning the device into a “brick,” while changing the hardware can be done relatively safely if you have Root access. In this article, we will analyze in detail the methods for each type of identifier and warn about legal and technical risks. IMEI on a modern smartphone without the appropriate rights often leads to turning the device into a “brick”, while changing Android ID or MAC addresses can be performed relatively safely with Root access. In this article, we will detail the methods for each type of identifier and warn about the legal and technical risks.
Many users confuse the concepts, believing that one code is responsible for everything. In fact, your phone has at least five different unique numbers that are used by different services and applications. Changing one of them will not affect the others. For example, resetting your advertising ID in Google settings will not change your service center serial number. Below we will look at each category separately, providing current instructions and the necessary tools.
Types of smartphone identifiers and their purpose
Before you begin any manipulations, you need to clearly understand which parameter you are going to change. In the Android system, there is a hierarchy of identifiers, each of which performs its own function. Hardware numbers, such as IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), are assigned by the manufacturer and are used by cellular operators to identify equipment on the network. Changing this number is regulated by the laws of many countries and can be considered an illegal act.
On the other hand, there are software identifiers such as Android ID or SSID (for a Wi-Fi module). This data is generated by the operating system upon first boot or can be changed by the user to configure privacy. Telecom operators do not have access to these numbers; they are important primarily for applications and local networks. Understanding this difference is critical to choosing the right intervention method.
It is also worth mentioning MAC address network interfaces. Historically, this was the unique hardware address of the network card, but modern versions of Android (10 and above) have implemented a default MAC address randomization feature to protect against tracking on Wi-Fi networks. This means that for many tasks, manually changing this parameter has become less relevant, since the system does this automatically when connecting to new access points.
⚠️ Attention: Changing IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is prohibited by law in the Russian Federation and many other countries. This action may entail administrative or criminal liability, as well as complete blocking of the device by the telecom operator. The information is provided for informational purposes only.
For clarity, we provide a table comparing the main types of identifiers, their purpose and the ability to change:
| ID Type | Level | Purpose | Difficulty of change |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMEI | Hardware | Identification in cellular networks | Extremely high (requires engineering menu) |
| MAC address | Network | Identification in local networks (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) | Medium (requires Root or Android 10+) |
| Android ID | Software | Device identification by applications | Low (data reset or Root) |
| Serial number | Hardware/Software | Warranty service | High (depending on the manufacturer) |
Before making any changes, be sure to write down the current values of all identifiers. Enter the code *#06# in the dialer and take a screenshot of the screen with IMEI and serial number.
Changing IMEI: technical aspects and risks
Changing IMEI is the most complex and risky process of all possible manipulations with the phone ID. This number is stored in a special memory section, often called NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) or EFS (Encrypted File System). Manufacturers write-protect this partition to prevent device cloning and fraud. To access this data, it is not enough for an ordinary user to simply go into the settings.
The main tool for changing IMEI on devices with MediaTek processors is the engineering menu. You can call it by entering a special USSD code in the Phone application. The most common codes include ##3646633## or ##4636##. However, on many modern smartphones these codes are blocked by operators or the shell manufacturer itself. If the code works, you will be taken to a hidden menu, where through the tab Connectivity or CDS Information you can try to change the parameter IMEI 1.
For devices based on Qualcomm processors, the situation is different. Here, the engineering menu is often not available using simple codes, and the use of specialized software on the computer, such as QPST or QXDM, in conjunction with patched drivers is required. The process involves unlocking the bootloader, obtaining root access and directly editing the modem configuration files. An error in one byte can cause the communication module to stop working forever.
Why do operators block phones with changed IMEI?
Communication operators maintain databases of stolen phones. If your device's IMEI matches a blacklisted number, the network will automatically block access to communication services, even if you insert a new SIM card. IMEI cloning (assignment of someone else's legal number) is also monitored: if two devices with the same IMEI appear on the network in different locations, both are blocked.
It is worth considering that after updating the firmware or resetting to factory settings, the changed IMEI will most likely return to the original value. This occurs because the factory system image contains a backup copy of the original data in a protected partition, which is restored when formatted. Therefore, the procedure often requires repeating after each major system update.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing of the NVRAM partition can lead to loss of network signal, inability to make calls and use the mobile data. Restoring the original IMEI at home is often impossible without a backup copy (dump) made before the changes.
Changing the MAC address of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interfaces
Unlike IMEI, changing the MAC address is a legal and more secure procedure, which is often used to protect privacy in public networks. Each network interface has its own unique address, which is transmitted when connecting to the router. If the network administrator has configured filtering by MAC addresses (white or black list), changing this parameter will bypass the restriction.
Starting from version Android 10, the system uses a random MAC address by default when connecting to new Wi-Fi networks. This means that every time you connect to a new access point, the router sees a new ID. To check or change this setting manually, go to Settings → Wi-Fi, click on the gear next to your network and select "Privacy". There you can switch from “Use device MAC address” to “Use random MAC address.”
If you need to hardcode a specific MAC address (for example, to emulate another device), this cannot be done using standard means. You will need to have root access and use specialized applications, such as Change My Mac or a terminal with superuser rights. The command for changing the address through the terminal is as follows:
ip link set wlan0 address XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XXHowever, after rebooting the device, the address will most likely return to the factory value, unless you create a special startup script. For Bluetooth, the situation is similar, but tools for changing it are less common.
Resetting and replacing Android ID and advertising identifiers
The Android ID (also known as the SSID in some contexts, although this is not entirely technically correct) is a 64-bit number that is generated when you first set up your device. It is unique for each application-user-device connection. Many applications use this number to track user activity, save progress in games, or link licenses. Unlike IMEI, Android ID can be reset without voiding warranty or serious risks.
The easiest way to change Android ID is to perform a full factory reset (Factory Reset). In this case, all data will be deleted, and the system will generate a new identifier when turned on for the first time. If you do not want to lose data, you can use applications that require Root access, for example Device ID Changer. These utilities edit system files in which the current ID value is stored.
It is worth mentioning the Google advertising ID (GAID). It is designed specifically to allow users to control tracking for advertising purposes. It can be reset at any time without root access. To do this, go to Settings → Google → Advertising and click “Reset Advertising ID” or enable the “Disable personalized advertising” option. This is an effective method of combating intrusive targeting.
Application developers often use a combination of several identifiers to create a device fingerprinting (Device Fingerprinting). Even if you change your Android ID, the application can recognize you by the list of installed apps, screen settings and other parameters. Therefore, complete anonymity can only be achieved through a comprehensive approach, including clearing the cache and application data.
Resetting the Google advertising identifier is a standard feature that is safe for the device and recommended for increasing privacy. It does not require root access and does not affect the operation of the system.
Tools and utilities for working with IDs
To successfully change different types of IDs, you may need a set of specialized software. The choice of tool depends on your processor model, Android version and root access. Below is a list of popular utilities that are often used by enthusiasts for these purposes.
- 🛠️ Terminal Emulator is a standard application for entering Linux commands directly into Android. Necessary for manually changing MAC addresses and working with the file system.
- 📱 Mobile Uncle Tools —a powerful application for MediaTek devices that allows you to enter the engineering menu and change IMEI without connecting to a PC.
- 💻 QPST / QFIL —a set of tools from Qualcomm for flashing modems and working with memory partitions on Snapdragon devices.
- 🔄 Change My MAC —a convenient application with a graphical interface for quickly changing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth MAC addresses (requires Root).
- 🔍 Device Info HW —a utility for viewing detailed information about all device identifiers, including hidden parameters.
It is important to download such utilities only from trusted sources, such as the official Google Play store or forum XDA Developers. apps of dubious origin may contain malicious code that will steal your personal data instead of helping with setup. Always check the permissions that the application requests before installation.
☑️ Prepare to change ID
Legal consequences and data security
Change phone identifiers is an action that is on the verge of the law. In most countries of the world, including Russia, the USA and the European Union, changing IMEI in order to bypass the lock of a stolen phone is a criminal offense. The legislation is aimed at combating the theft of mobile equipment, and any actions that prevent the identification of a device are punishable by law.
However, changing software identifiers such as Android ID or MAC address for the purpose of software testing or protecting personal privacy is generally not prohibited. The difference lies in the user's intent. If you are an application developer and you need to test how your app behaves when changing ID, this is a legitimate task. If the goal is to hide the device from search engines after theft, this is illegal.
In addition to legal risks, there are security risks. Granting root access to third-party applications to change ID opens up access to the system for any malware that may get onto the phone. Attackers can use vulnerabilities in such utilities to introduce spyware. Therefore, after completing the procedures, it is recommended to remove the applications used to change system parameters and scan the device with an antivirus.
⚠️ Attention: Engineering menu interfaces and item names may differ depending on the firmware version and smartphone model. Manufacturers regularly change the structure of software. Always check the documentation specifically for your device model before making changes.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change IMEI without root access?
In cases - no. Superuser rights are required to write data to a protected NVRAM section. Some older phone models allowed you to do this through the engineering menu without explicit Root, but in modern versions of Android (8.0 and higher) access to these functions is strictly limited. Attempts to bypass this limitation via ADB without Root are usually unsuccessful.
Will the old IMEI return after resetting the settings?
Yes, with a 99% probability. When performing a factory reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset), the system restores the original configuration files from a hidden partition where the manufacturer writes factory data. In order for the change to be saved, it is necessary to modify the recovery process itself or reflash the corresponding memory sections, which is extremely difficult.
Is it safe to use applications to change the MAC address?
Using such applications is safe for the phone’s hardware if you have root access and have downloaded the app from a reliable source. The risk is not a device failure, but a potential data leak if the application turns out to be malicious. Changing the MAC address itself does not affect the stability of the Wi-Fi module.
Why do applications need Android ID?
Developers use Android ID to identify a unique application installation. This helps prevent installation cheating, save progress in games when reinstalling the application (if there is cloud synchronization for this ID) and show relevant advertising. Resetting this identifier may cause the application to consider you a new user.
Can the telecom operator find out that I have changed the IMEI?
Yes, modern telecom operator monitoring systems are capable of detecting IMEI changes. If a phone with a changed IMEI goes online, the operator’s equipment records a discrepancy between the software IMEI and other technical signatures of the device (TAC, modem model). In the case of cloning (duplicating someone else's IMEI), blocking occurs almost instantly when two active devices with the same number are detected.