A unique device identifier is a digital fingerprint of your smartphone that is used by systems, applications and advertising networks to track activity. Sometimes there is an urgent need to change this setting: be it the desire to regain access to bonuses in the application after reinstallation, bypassing software restrictions, or simply the desire for maximum digital anonymity. In this article we will examine in detail how to change ID on Android various methods, from simple settings to advanced manipulations with system files.
It is worth immediately clarifying an important point: the concept of “Android ID” is often confused with IMEI or serial number. While IMEI is strictly tied to the communication module and it is almost impossible (and often illegal) to change it legally, Android ID (or ANDROID_ID) is a 64-bit number generated when the system first boots. It is its replacement that in most cases solves the user's problems without the need to reflash the radio module.
The procedure for changing the identifier varies depending on the version of the operating system and the availability of rights root access. On modern versions Android 10, 11, 12 and later Google has implemented protection mechanisms that make a standard reset more difficult, but still doable. Let's look at all the available options, from legal ways to reset an ad tracker to deep intervention in the system registry.
Differences between types of identifiers on Android
Before Before you start making changes, you need to clearly understand which identifier you plan to change. Confusion in terms can lead to time spent not yielding the desired result. The system architecture of mobile devices operates with several types of unique codes, each of which performs its own function.
The most common type is Google Advertising ID (GAID). It was created specifically for advertising purposes and can be reset by the user at any time through standard settings without any consequences for the operation of the system. This is the first level of privacy protection that Google Play Servicesoffers. Resetting this code forces advertising networks to consider your device new, resetting the accumulated interest profile.
The second type is ANDROID_ID (also known as SSID). This is a deeper system identifier that is generated when the device is first set up and stored in a secure settings database. This number is often used by game and application developers to link an account to a specific hardware. Changing this setting requires more serious interventions.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to change IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) using dubious engineering menus. In many countries, this action is illegal and can lead to blocking of the device by telecom operators at the network level.
The third important parameter is Widevine IDused to protect DRM content (for example, movies on Netflix). Changing it may result in the loss of the ability to play high quality video (HD/4K), as the security level of the device will be downgraded to L3. Be extremely careful when manipulating system partitions that affect security modules.
Official reset of the advertising identifier
The safest and recommended way to “update” your device’s identity for advertising networks is to use the built-in functionality of the operating system. This method does not require superuser rights and is guaranteed not to disrupt the operation of the smartphone. It is ideal for those who just want to clear the history of advertising preferences.
The procedure is performed through the settings menu Google. The interface may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Stock Android), but the logic of actions remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for privacy and advertising.
Follow these steps to reset Advertising ID:
- 📱 Open your smartphone settings and find the section
GoogleorAccounts and backup. - 🔄 Go to the menu
Advertising(Ads) and click the buttonReset advertising identifier. - 🗑️ Confirm the action in the pop-up window, after which the old code will be replaced with a new random set characters.
After completing these steps, all applications that use this identifier for targeting will lose connection with your previous profile. However, for games and services that use ANDROID_ID to link progress, this method is useless. This will require deeper intervention.
Periodicly resetting the advertising ID (once every 1-2 months) helps reduce the number of intrusive ads and makes your digital profile less detailed for marketing algorithms.
Changing Android ID without root access via ADB
For users who do not want to gain full access to the system (root), but need in changing the system ANDROID_ID, there is a method using USB debugging. This method requires a computer and an installed package of platform tools Android SDK Platform-Tools. It works on most devices without the need to unlock the bootloader.
The essence of the method is to send a special command through the interface adbwhich forcibly overwrites the value in the settings table. This allows you to generate a new ID that will be visible to applications as a "new device". It is important to note that on some modern firmware, manufacturers can block writing to this specific parameter.
The action algorithm is as follows:
- Activate developer mode on the phone by clicking 7 times on the build number in the menu
About phone. - Enable debugging via USB in the menu
For developersand connect the smartphone to the PC. - Open the command line on the computer in the folder c
adband enter the command to check the connection.
adb devicesAfter confirming the connection, you must enter a command to generate a new random hex value and writing it to the system. The command may look complicated, but it automates the process of creating a unique code.
adb shell settings put secure android_id $(echo $RANDOM$RANDOM$RANDOM$RANDOM)What to do if the command returns an error?
If you receive a "Security exception" or "Permission denied" message, then your device manufacturer has blocked changing this setting through ADB. In this case, only having root access or a complete reset will help.
After executing the command, it is recommended to reboot the device. Applications sensitive to Android IDshould identify the phone as a new device the next time it is launched. This is an effective way to bypass restrictions on re-registration in services without losing user data.
Changing an identifier with root access and applications
Having superuser rights (root) opens up maximum opportunities for system modification. If your device is rooted, modification ANDROID_ID becomes a trivial task that can be accomplished using specialized utilities. This is the most reliable method for advanced users.
There are a number of applications in the store Google Play and third-party repositories designed exclusively for this purpose. They work directly with the system database settings.db, replacing the current value with an arbitrary one. Popular tools are Device ID Changer, Android ID Changer and modules for Magisk.
The process of using such applications is usually standardized:
- 🔑 Grant the application superuser rights when first launched through the menu
SuperSUorMagisk. - 🎲 Press the button
Generate New IDorRandomizeto create a new unique number. - 💾 Save the changes and reboot the device to apply the settings.
Using modules Magisk is considered a safer option, as they can change the identifier on the fly (systemless) without making permanent changes to the section system. This allows you to easily roll back changes in case of conflicts with banking applications or security services.
☑️ Preparing to obtain root access
| Change method | Root required | Difficulty | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reset advertising ID | None | Low | Advertising only |
| ADB command | No | Medium | High (depending on the firmware) |
| Root applications | Yes | Low | Maximum |
| Reset settings | No | High (data loss) | Guaranteed |
Full reset as a radical method
If software methods do not work or seem too complicated, there is a “nuclear” option - a complete reset of the device to factory settings (Factory Reset). This is guaranteed to generate a new one, since the system behaves as if the device was just taken out of the box. ANDROID_ID, since the system behaves as if the device was just taken out of the box.
The main disadvantage of this method is the complete loss of all user data, photos, contacts and installed applications. Therefore, before starting the procedure, it is critical to create a backup copy of important information in cloud storage or on your computer. This method does not require technical knowledge, but it does require time to subsequently set up the phone.
You can perform a reset in two ways: through the settings menu or through recovery mode (Recovery Mode). The first method is simpler: just go to the section Restore and reset and select item Reset settings. The second method is used if the phone does not boot or is locked.
⚠️ Attention: Before resetting, be sure to delete your Google account (FRP Lock). If this is not done, after rebooting the phone will require you to enter the password from the last synchronized account, which can become a problem when buying a used device or forgetting the password.
After completing the process and initial setup, the system will generate a completely new set of identifiers. For games and services, this will look like logging in from a completely new device, which allows you to bypass the restrictions on the number of accounts from one phone.
A full reset is the only guaranteed way to change the ID on devices with a locked bootloader and without root access, if the ADB command does not work.
Possible risks and problems after changing the ID
Manipulations with system identifiers do not leave their mark on the application ecosystem. Although the change itself Android ID is safe for the hardware, the software may react unpredictably to this. Understanding the possible consequences will help you avoid unpleasant situations.
The most common problem is loss of access to data in applications that link an account to a device. For example, progress in games that do not support cloud saves through Google Play Games may be lost. Banking applications and services with increased security (for example SberBank Online or Google Pay) may require re-verification of the device or temporarily block access due to suspicious activity.
It is also possible that conflicts with licenses of purchased content may arise. Some applications check the legality of the copy by checking the current ID with the one recorded at the time of purchase. Changing the ID may result in the application requiring re-activation or displaying a license error.
In rare cases, especially when using low-quality ID change software, the settings table may become corrupted, resulting in a cyclic reboot (bootloop). That is why having a working backup copy before any experiments is a must.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does changing Android ID affect the device warranty?
Changing the software ID itself through settings or ADB does not affect the warranty. However, if this requires unlocking the bootloader or obtaining root access, the manufacturer may refuse warranty service, since this is considered a violation of the integrity of the software.
Is it possible to change the IMEI instead of the Android ID?
Technically this is possible on some older devices through the engineering menus, but on modern smartphones with MediaTek or Qualcomm processors this is blocked at the level bootloader. Additionally, changing the IMEI is illegal in many jurisdictions and can result in your phone being locked by your operator.
Why does the app still see me after resetting my ID?
Apps use more than just the Android ID. They can track a device by IP address, Wi-Fi MAC address, list of installed apps, battery parameters, or even user behavior (behavioral biometrics). Complete anonymity requires a comprehensive approach, including the use of a VPN and application isolation.
Do I need to reflash the phone to change the ID?
No, flashing is not necessary. In most cases, a reset via settings, ADB commands or using Root applications is sufficient. Flashing to custom firmware (Custom ROM) will automatically change the ID, but this is a more complex and risky process.
Will Android ID be reset when updating the system?
Usually no. When updating the Android version (OTA), system settings, including Android ID, are preserved. The identifier changes only with a complete data reset (Wipe Data) or the initial installation of the system on a clean device.