The need to change IMEI to restore communication after replacing the board or change the device model to install inaccessible applications forces Android owners to look for ways to edit hidden system parameters. The operating system provides various levels of access to this data - from simple network settings to deep system commands that require superuser rights, however, before starting any manipulations, it is critically important to be aware of the risks: incorrectly changing identifiers can lead to blocking of the device by the telecom operator or complete inoperability of the device.
In this article we will analyze in detail the legal and technical methods of modifying service information. We will look at working with the engineering menu, using software debugging and specialized software. Remember that you perform any manipulations with unique equipment identifiers at your own peril and risk, as this may violate the terms of the warranty. ADB and specialized software. Remember that you perform any manipulations with unique equipment identifiers at your own peril and risk, as this may violate the terms of the warranty.
Why should users change device data
The reasons for making changes to system parameters can be very different. Most often this is due to repairs: after replacing the motherboard, the new communication controller does not have a registered connection IMEI, which makes it impossible to register in the cellular operator's network. In this case, the recovery procedure is necessary for the basic functionality of the gadget.
Another category of users seeks to bypass regional restrictions or requirements of specific applications. Some games or banking services do not work on devices with root access or certain models. String substitution ro.product.model allows you to disguise your smartphone as another, more compatible device. This may also be necessary for testing websites or applications by developers who want to see how their product is displayed on screens with a different resolution or pixel density.
Changing MAC addresses Wi-Fi module is sometimes required to bypass blocking in public access points, where access is limited by hardware identifier. Although modern versions Android (starting from version 10) automatically use a random MAC address on each connection to protect privacy, in some specific scenarios manual configuration remains relevant.
⚠️ Warning: Changing the IMEI on a device is illegal in many countries, if the goal is to hide a stolen phone or bypass operator locks. Use this knowledge only to restore the functionality of your personal equipment after repair.
Do not forget about privacy issues. Standard identifiers allow advertising networks and trackers to build a detailed user profile. Their periodic change or disguise complicates the surveillance process, although they do not guarantee complete anonymity on the network.
Changing IMEI through the engineering menu
The most common way to change service data without connecting to a computer is to use the engineering menu. This hidden interface is intended for engineers and testers, but is also available to ordinary users through a set of special USSD codes. For different processors (MediaTek, Qualcomm, Spreadtrum), the access codes are different, and there is no universal solution.
For devices based on chips MediaTek the code most often used is ##3646633## or ##4636##. After entering the combination in the “Phone” application, a menu Engineer Modewill open. You will need to go to the Connectivitytab, then select CDS Information and item Radio Information. Here you will see fields IMEI SV and other parameters of the radio module.
Before making any changes in the engineering menu, be sure to write down or photograph the initial values of all parameters. This is the only way to return the device to its original state in case of an error.
The process of entering new data requires care. In the field for entering the command, you must enter a special AT request. The command format usually looks like this:
AT+EGMR=1.7,"YOUR_NEW_IMEI"Please note that for the second SIM card slot the command index changes from 7 to 10. After entering the command, press the button Send AT. The device may ask for confirmation or simply report the success of the operation. A reboot in this case is required to apply the changes.
- 📱 Make sure that both SIM cards are inserted if you plan to change the IMEI for two slots at the same time.
- 🔋 The battery charge must be at least 50% to avoid power outage while writing to non-volatile memory.
- 📶 After the reboot, check the new code by typing
*#06#in the dialer.
It is worth noting that on modern versions Android (especially 11, 12 and higher), access to writing these parameters through the engineering menu is often blocked by the manufacturer. In such cases, the system can accept a command, but not save it to permanent memory.
Editing system properties via ADB and Root
If the engineering menu does not produce results or is blocked, debugging by ADB (Android Debug Bridge) comes to the rescue. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the PC and having the drivers installed. To change deep system properties, such as device model or manufacturer, you will almost always need root access.
You must first activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number. Then, in the Developer Options menu, enable USB Debugging. Connect your phone to your computer and open a command line or terminal.
☑️ Preparing to work with ADB
To view the current properties of the device, use the command getprop. To change a specific parameter, for example, a phone model, you need to edit the file build.prop. This can be done through a file manager with root access (for example, Root Explorer or MT Manager) or through the terminal.
The command to change a property looks like this:
su
setprop ro.product.model "New Model Name"
However, changes made through setpropare often temporary and are reset after reboot. For permanent changes, you need to edit the file itself /system/build.prop. Add a line like ro.product.model=NewModelthere, save the file and set the correct access rights (usually 644).
⚠️ Attention: An error in the syntax of the build.prop file can lead to a “bootloop” (infinite reboot). Always create a backup copy of the original file before editing.
You can also reset the advertising ID through ADB Android ID, which is useful for privacy. The command adb shell settings put secure android_id allows you to assign a new unique identifier without the need to obtain root access on some devices.
Change IP and MAC addresses for anonymity
Issues of network identification are especially acute for users who care about their digital hygiene. A change IP addresses at the device level is usually not required, since it is issued dynamically by the operator or router. You just need to reconnect to the network or turn on/off Airplane mode. However, for static IP settings, the settings are changed in the Wi-Fi menu.
The situation with MAC addressis more interesting. Beginning Android 10, the system defaults to using a randomized MAC address for each new network. But if you need to replace the real hardware address (burned-in address), it is difficult to do this using standard means. Requires the use of specialized applications, such as Change My MACthat work only on rooted devices.
| Parameter | Where is stored | Complexity changes | Risk of blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMEI | NVRAM (Non-volatile memory) | High (Engineer Mode required) | High (operator unit) |
| MAC Address | Wi-Fi module / System | Medium (Root required) | Low (Wi-Fi point block) |
| Android ID | Settings database | Low (ADB or reset) | Missing |
| Model | File build.prop | Average (needs Root) | Average (errors in applications) |
When changing the MAC address through the terminal, use the command ip link set wlan0 address XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX. It is important to understand that after a reboot, the network interface may return to the factory default if you do not register the autostart script. This requires skills in working with init.d or startup managers.
Using specialized applications
For those who do not want to bother with console commands, there are ready-made software solutions. Applications like Xiaomi IMEI Changer (works only on devices Xiaomi with chips MediaTek) or universal ones Terminal Emulator with ready-made scripts greatly simplify the process. They automate entering AT commands and editing system files.
However, you should trust such apps with caution. Many of them require you to grant superuser rights, which theoretically gives them access to all your data. Before installation, be sure to check the permissions that the application requests and download it only from trusted sources, for example, from the forum 4PDA or XDA Developers.
Some “clone” applications allow you to replace data not in the system, but at the launch level of a specific application. This is called "spoofing". You create a copy of the desired app (for example, a bank or a game), and in the clone settings you indicate that the device is, for example, Google Pixel 7. The original system remains unaffected, which reduces the risk of breakdown.
Why do applications for changing IMEI not work on Android 12+?
Starting with Android 12, access to the NVRAM partitions where the IMEI is stored was completely closed at the SELinux security kernel level for all applications, including those with root access. You can change IMEI only through the bootloader in Download Mode, using engineering cables and specific software for each model.
It is also important to mention modules for Magisk. If you have a rights manager Magiskinstalled, you can use modules like MagiskHide Props Config. They allow you to safely change the device's fingerprint, which affects how the phone is presented to Google servers and other services without affecting critical sections of memory.
Possible problems and methods for solving them
After an unsuccessful attempt to change data, the user may encounter a number of problems. The most common one is network loss. If the IMEI was written with an error or in the wrong memory slot, the modem will not be able to register on the network. In this case, the “No network” or “Emergency calls only” icon may appear on the screen.
Another common problem is the failure of banking applications and Google Pay services. Changing system properties (especially ro.build.fingerprint) may violate the integrity of the system from the point of view of the protocol SafetyNet or new Play Integrity API. Services see that the device is modified and block access to payments.
- 🔧 To restore the network, a complete reset of the radio module settings through the engineering menu often helps.
- 🔄 If the phone has been bootloped, you will need to flash the stock image via
Fastbootor Odin/SP Flash Tool. - 🛡️ To bypass bank blocking, use the MagiskHide or Zygisk modules, which hide the fact of obtaining root access.
If you have changed the device model and now cannot receive OTA updates, the system will check the compliance of the current software with the declared model. There is only one solution - return the original value to the file build.prop or update manually by downloading firmware for the model that you “fake”.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and commands may differ depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer’s shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). Always look for instructions specific to your model, since there are no universal solutions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I change IMEI without root access?
In most cases, no. Write access to NVRAM requires superuser privileges. The exception is some old devices based on MediaTek, where the engineering menu allowed this to be done without an explicit root, but on modern Android 11-14 this loophole is closed.
Will changing the IMEI reset the warranty on the phone?
Formally, yes. Any tampering with the software that causes the unique identifiers to change is considered a violation of the warranty. In addition, the service center will easily see the discrepancy between the IMEI on the case and the system during diagnostics.
Is it safe to use applications to change the model for games?
Using methods of “spoofing” (replacing) the model through isolated environments or Magisk modules is relatively safe for the system itself. However, anti-cheats in online games can detect the modification and block your account, not your phone.
What is “null” instead of IMEI and how to fix it?
The value “null” or “000000000000000” means that the partition with IMEI in the phone’s memory is damaged or erased. This often happens after an unsuccessful flashing. This can only be corrected by recording a valid IMEI through the engineering menu or special boxes for repairing phones.
Does changing the MAC address affect Wi-Fi speed?
No, changing the MAC address is a purely software substitution of the identifier. It does not affect the physical characteristics of the antenna or communication module, so the speed and stability of the connection remain unchanged.
Remember that changing system information is a powerful tool that, if used correctly, helps in repairs and configuration, but if handled carelessly, it can turn a smartphone into a “brick.” Always have the original firmware on hand for recovery.