Many mobile device users are faced with a situation where they need to change the unique identification number of their smartphone. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit code assigned to each cellular-enabled device. Typically, the need to change it arises in cases of buying a used phone with a “double”, recovering from an unsuccessful flashing, or specific network settings while roaming.
However, it is worth understanding that Android is a complex ecosystem with many levels of protection. Chipset manufacturers, such as MediaTek or Qualcomm, implement various mechanisms to block unauthorized changes to hardware. The procedure is not trivial and requires a deep understanding of the system architecture. Errors at any stage can lead to complete inoperability of the radio module.
In this article we will analyze in detail the legal and technical aspects of the issue, consider software methods and warn against typical errors. It is important to remember: changing IMEI in order to hide a stolen device or bypass operator blocking is illegal in many jurisdictions. Changing IMEI is prohibited by the legislation of the Russian Federation and most CIS countries if the goal is to evade blocking of stolen equipment.
The technical essence of changing the identifier
To begin with Let's take a look at where exactly this code is stored. In modern smartphones, information about IMEI recorded in a special memory section, often called NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) or EFS (Encrypted File System). These partitions are write-protected to prevent accidental damage or malicious cloning.
The process of changing the number involves direct low-level intervention in the file system. Ordinary applications from Google Playthat promise miraculous code changes without superuser rights are fakes in 99% of cases. They only replace the displayed value in the interface, but the real communication module continues to work with the old, “hardwired” identifier.
For a real change, access to the system core is required. This is why most working methods require root-rights. Without them, you will not be able to obtain rights to write to protected memory sectors, where the unique code of your device resides.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect writing to the NVRAM section can lead to loss of signal, disappearance of the base number, or complete “bricking” of the modem. Restoration at a service center may require replacing the motherboard.
Why do operators block phones by IMEI?
Telecom operators maintain databases of stolen devices. If a phone is reported as stolen, its IMEI is blacklisted. When you try to register on a network with such a code, the operator’s tower rejects the connection. Changing the IMEI technically allows you to bypass this blocking, but this violates the law.
Checking the current status and preparation
Before taking any actions, you need to make sure that the current code and the state of the device are up-to-date. Enter the universal command in dialing: *#06#. All identifiers registered in the system will be displayed on the screen. Compare them with the numbers indicated on the box or under the battery (if it is removable).
If the numbers match, but the phone does not see the network, the problem may not be in the IMEI, but in the radio module or firmware. If you see zeros or strange characters, then the EFS partition is already damaged. In this case, a simple change may not help - you will need to restore the backup.
Preparing the device includes several critical steps. Skipping any of them increases the risk of failure. You will need a computer with installed drivers, an original USB cable and sufficient battery charge.
☑️ Preparing to change IMEI
Particular attention should be paid to the drivers. Processors MediaTek often require specific VCOM drivers, which must be installed in Windows driver signing mode. For Qualcomm QDLoader drivers are needed. Without correct communication, the PC will not see the phone in the desired mode for recording.
Change method through the engineering menu (MediaTek)
The easiest method available for devices based on chipsets MediaTek (MTK) is to use the engineering menu. This method often does not require obtaining root access, although on new versions Android (10, 11, 12+) access to it may be closed. Try entering the code ##3646633## or ##4636## in the dialer.
If the menu opens, go to the tab Connectivity, then select CDS Information and further Radio Information. Here you will see a field IMEI SV or simply IMEI. Enter the new 15-digit code. For dual-SIM devices, you need to switch to Radio Information 2 and repeat the procedure for the second slot.
After entering, press the button Set at Phone Power Off or Write. The system may ask for confirmation. After successful recording, you need to reboot the device. Check the result again using the command *#06#.
| Processor model | Menu entry code | Root required | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| MediaTek (old) | ##3646633## | No | High |
| MediaTek (new) | ##4636## | Often Yes | Average |
| Qualcomm | No standard | Yes (QPST) | Low (difficult) |
| Samsung (Exynos) | *#0808# | Yes | Low |
It is worth noting that on modern firmware the input fields may be inactive (gray). In this case, this method will not work, and you will have to resort to more complex tools, such as SN Write Tool or Maui Meta.
Using specialized software and root access
If the engineering menu is not available, the only working option is to use software that works directly with memory. For devices MediaTek the gold standard is the utility SN Write Tool. It allows you to write new data to NVRAM, bypassing standard Android restrictions.
The process is as follows: download the archive with the utility and drivers. Run SN_Write_Tool.exe as administrator. Select the device type (Smart Phone) and recording type (Common). Download the target file (Scatter file) that matches your firmware. This file can be extracted from the firmware itself or found on developer forums (for example, w3bsit3-dns.com).
Turn off the phone and connect it to the PC by holding down the volume buttons (the combination depends on the model, usually Volume Down + Volume Up). The app will detect the port and start recording. It is important not to interrupt the process. Once completed, a success message will appear.
⚠️ Attention: Using the SN Write Tool requires an exact match of the Scatter file to your firmware version. Using a file from another version of Android may result in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth not working.
For devices on Qualcomm the situation is more complicated. A combination of apps QPST and QCN Editoris often used. You will need to dump the file modemst1 and modemst2, edit them in a hex editor, implementing the new IMEI, and write them back. This requires deep knowledge of hexadecimal editing.
Before using the SN Write Tool, be sure to make a full backup of the NVRAM partition through the same utility (Readback button). This is the only way to bring the phone back to life in case of an error.
ADB command line and manual editing
For advanced users, there is a method of editing via the console ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is universal, but requires root access and an understanding of the Linux file structure. Connect your phone to a PC with USB debugging enabled.
Open the command line on your computer and enter a sequence of commands to gain superuser rights and mount the partition in write mode. An example of a command to enter the shell:
adb shellsu
mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mmcblk0pX /efs
(where X is the number of the EFS partition, which you need to find out in advance).
Next, you can use utilities like echo to overwrite files storing IMEI, or use ready-made scripts found in networks. However, this method is extremely dangerous: one error in the partition number can overwrite the bootloader.
There are also specialized applications that work through ADB without direct access to files, for example Chamelephon (for older devices) or modules Magisk. They automate the process of sending commands, but their support has been discontinued on new versions of the OS.
After completing all the manipulations, be sure to completely reboot the device, and not just restart the interface. Only a cold start (reboot) initiates reinitialization of the radio module with new data.
Restoring native IMEI and solving problems
What to do if, after experiments, the phone stops receiving the network or displays "Null IMEI"? There is no need to panic if you have made a backup. Restoring from an NVRAM backup is the most reliable way to return the device to its factory state.
If there is no backup, you can try resetting the radio module settings through the engineering menu by selecting the option Default or Factory Reset in the CDS Information section. Sometimes this returns the factory values if they have not been completely erased.
In extreme cases, flashing the device with a full dump (Full ROM) via SP Flash Tool (for MTK) or EDL Mode (for Qualcomm) helps. It is important to flash partitions nvram, persist and modem. However, if these partitions in the firmware are empty (which happens in custom builds), the IMEI will not be restored.
The only guaranteed way to restore IMEI without losing data is to have a personal backup copy of the EFS/NVRAM partition made BEFORE any manipulations begin.
It is also worth checking the physical condition of the board. In rare cases, problems with IMEI display are associated with the memory chip falling off or the tracks being damaged after being dropped or exposed to moisture. Here software methods are powerless.
⚠️ Attention: If you flashed your phone with custom firmware and lost the IMEI, the firmware itself may not contain the correct modem driver or configuration files for your specific board model. Try returning the stock firmware.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change IMEI without root access on modern Android?
On versions of Android 10 and higher, this is almost impossible using standard methods. SELinux security and an encrypted EFS partition prevent unauthorized access. The engineering menu is often trimmed by manufacturers. The only chance is to exploit vulnerabilities in specific models, but this is rare.
Is there a fine for changing IMEI?
Yes, in the Russian Federation and many other countries, changing IMEI in order to use a device included in the stolen register is an administrative or criminal offense. Telecom operators can block the device based on indirect signs (IMSI, serial number), even if the IMEI has been changed.
Why does Wi-Fi and Bluetooth not work after changing the IMEI?
The NVRAM section stores not only the IMEI, but also the MAC addresses of wireless modules. If you erased the entire section or used an incorrect Scatter file, these addresses could be lost. It is necessary to restore the backup or register MAC addresses manually through the engineering menu.
Is it safe to use applications from the Play Market to change IMEI?
No. Applications that promise to change IMEI without root are a scam. They only change the displayed value in the system (fake IMEI), but the real communication module continues to work with the old code. In addition, such applications often contain malicious code.