Mobile gaming on the platform Android has reached unprecedented heights, and along with it, user identification mechanisms have become more complex. Gamers are often faced with a situation where they need to start the game again, bypass a block, or simply clear their digital footprint, but a standard application reset does not help. This happens because modern games link an account not only to a login, but also to a unique hardware or software identifier device.
The process of changing this digital fingerprint may seem difficult for an untrained user, since game developers deliberately complicate the ability to replace data to protect against cheaters and multi-account. However, there are several proven ways to deceive the system and make the game think that you launched it on a completely new smartphone.
In this article we will analyze in detail the technical aspects of the work of identifiers in the ecosystem Google and third-party trackers. You'll learn which tools require root access and which methods work on regular devices. We will consider both software solutions and radical measures to reset the system so that you can choose the best option for your situation.
Types of identifiers in mobile games
Before taking active steps, you need to clearly understand which parameter the game uses to identify you. In the modern ecosystem Android There are several levels Unique numbersthat can be used by developers to link progress.
The most common is Google Play Services ID (also known as GAID). This is an advertising identifier that can be reset through standard system settings without gaining superuser rights. Many shareware projects use it to target advertising and save progress in the cloud.
A deeper level is Android ID. It is generated when the operating system first boots and is unique for each OS installation on a specific device. Unlike the advertising ID, it cannot be simply changed in the settings menu. To modify this parameter, special utilities or a complete data reset are required.
- 🆔 GAID —Google advertising identifier, easily reset by the user.
- 📱 Android ID —a system identifier tied to the OS installation.
- 🔒 IMEI —a unique equipment number, which is practically impossible to change legally.
- 🍏 IDFA —an analogue for iOS, but sometimes emulated in cross-platform games on Android.
⚠️ Attention: Attempting to change IMEI or other hardware identifiers using unofficial software may result in the device being blocked by the telecom operator or loss of warranty.
Some advanced anti-cheat systems, such as FairPlay or proprietary developments of large studios, may use a combination of these data, as well as the hash sum of system files. Therefore, there is no universal “one-button” solution, and the choice of method depends on the specific game.
Resetting the advertising identifier through settings
The simplest and safest method, which works in 30-40% of cases (especially in casual games and projects with a simple economy) is resetting the advertising identifier. This method does not require the installation of third-party software and is completely safe for the system.
To perform this operation, you need to go to the settings of your smartphone. The path may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS), but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for privacy or Google services.
Find the item “Advertising” or “Google Ads”. Inside this menu there will be a "Reset Advertising ID" or "Delete Advertising ID" button. After clicking, the system will generate a new random string of characters. If the game queries this parameter at startup, it will treat you as a new user.
Before resetting the ID, be sure to delete the cache and data of the problematic game through the "Applications" menu, otherwise the old data may conflict with the new ID.
It is worth noting that this method is powerless against games that use linking through Google Play Games. If your progress is synced to your Google Account, changing your Ad ID won't help you start over. In this case, you will need to create a new mailbox.
Using applications for ID substitution (Spoofing)
For more complex cases, when standard settings do not help, gamers resort to using specialized software for spoofing (substitution) of identifiers. These applications create a virtual layer between the game and the system, replacing real data with fictitious ones.
One of the most popular tools in this category is Device ID Changer or its analogues. The principle of operation of such utilities is to change the value android_id in the system registry. However, to work correctly, most of them require root access.
The change process usually looks like this: you launch the spoofer application, click the button to generate a new ID, and then restart the target game. Some advanced versions allow you to set a specific value manually, which is useful for restoring access to old accounts.
adb shell settings put secure android_id [new_identifier]This command enters a new identifier via USB debugging, but it only works on devices with an unlocked bootloader and acquired superuser rights. Without root access, the system will reject a request to change a protected parameter.
Risks of using spoofers
Some anti-cheat systems can detect the presence of ID spoofing applications. If the game detects signs of tampering, your account may be banned forever, even if you just wanted to reset your progress.
Advanced methods with Root access
If you own a rooted device, your possibilities for manipulating system data are almost limitless. Having superuser rights allows you to edit system files and change parameters that are usually hidden from the user. One of the most effective tools for advanced users is the framework or its modern version. Using modules such as
One of the most effective tools for advanced users is the framework Xposed or its modern version LSPosed. Using modules such as XPrivacyLua, you can not just change the ID, but completely deny the game access to real device data by feeding it empty or random values.
This method is considered the most reliable, since the substitution occurs at the API level, and the game technically cannot find out the value of the identifier. You can configure rules for each application separately, choosing what data it will see.
| Tool | Requires Root | Difficulty | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reset to settings | No | Low | Low |
| Device ID Changer | Yes (often) | Average | Average |
| XPrivacyLua | Yes | High | High |
| Full reset (Wipe) | No | High | 100% |
When using modules Xposed it is important to be careful when updating the system. An incorrectly configured module can lead to bootloop (cyclic reboot) of the device. Always make a backup copy before installing system modifications.
⚠️ Warning: Xposed modules may conflict with highly secure banking applications and services. Use the function of hiding root access (Magisk Hide / Zygisk) for critical applications.
Full reset of the device as a radical solution
When software methods are exhausted, and the goal requires a guaranteed result, the only option left is to completely reset the device to factory settings. This action deletes all user data and, most importantly, generates a new one Android ID.
Before performing this procedure, you must save all important contacts, photos and documents to an external drive or cloud storage. The process is irreversible, and it will be impossible to recover deleted files without professional intervention.
To perform a reset, go to menu Settings → System → Reset settings. Select "Erase all data (factory reset)". After rebooting, the phone will look like you just took it out of the box, with a new system ID.
☑️ Preparing for a hard reset
It is worth considering that some games may use additional tags that are stored in a protected memory section that is not cleared during a standard reset. In such rare cases, it may be necessary to flash the device with clearing all partitions through the mode Recovery.
Problems with binding via social networks
Often users forget that modern gaming is closely integrated with social networks. Even if you successfully changed the game's hardware ID, progress may be restored automatically when you log into your account Facebook, VK or Twitter.
Games use OAuth tokens from social networks for identification. If the game sees a familiar token, it loads the save from the developer cloud, ignoring local ID changes. To get around this, you need to either use another social network account, or revoke the application's access in the settings of the social network itself.
Go to the security settings of your social network profile, find the "Applications and Sites" section and delete the game from there. After this, when you try to log in, the game will ask for permission again, and you can create a new binding.
In some cases, using the "App Cloning" function, available on smartphones Xiaomi, Samsung and Huawei, helps. This function creates an isolated copy of the game with its own set of data and identifiers, allowing you to run two versions simultaneously.
Is it possible to change the ID without root access on modern Android 12-14?
On new versions of Android, the possibilities are limited. Resetting the advertising ID is always available, but changing the Android system ID without root is almost impossible due to the enhanced security of SELinux. The only option without root is to completely reset the device.
Is it safe to use apps to change ID?
Using third-party software carries risks. You can download a virus or Trojan disguised as a useful utility. In addition, anti-cheat systems can recognize interference and block the account. Use only proven tools from reliable sources.
Will changing your ID help you bypass a ban in the game?
In most cases, no. Modern bans are often tied not only to the device ID, but also to the IP address, Google account, payment data and behavioral factors. Changing your ID can only temporarily delay the blocking.
What is Google Play Games ID and how to change it?
This is your profile identifier in the Google Play Games service. It cannot be “changed” technically, since it is tied to an email account. To get a new ID, you need to create a new Google account and log into it through your phone settings.
Will progress in online games be reset when you change ID?
In online games with server saving (MMORPG, shooters), progress is stored on the developer’s server and is tied to the login. Changing the local device ID will not affect server progress if you log in with the same login.