Changing IMEI on an Android smartphone is a procedure that raises a lot of questions among users. Most often, they resort to it after unsuccessful firmware recovery, purchase of a device with a duplicate identifier, or blocking by the operator. However, it is important to understand: this operation is in a gray area from the point of view of the law and can lead to unpredictable consequences - from loss of warranty to complete “bricking” of the phone.

In this article we will examine legal alternatives IMEI flashing, we will describe in detail the process for devices on Qualcomm i Mediatek, and we will also provide a security checklist. We will pay special attention to which smartphone models from 2023-2026 have hardware protection against changing IMEI and why it is better for their owners to consider other ways to solve problems with the network.

Before proceeding to the instructions, please answer to the key question: do you really need to change IMEI? In 80% of cases, problems with registration on the network are solved programmatically - by resetting the settings, updating the radio module or replacing the SIM card. If you are determined to act, read on, but remember: all responsibility for possible consequences lies solely with you.

What is IMEI and why is it changed?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code that is assigned to each mobile device at the production stage. It performs three key functions:

  • 🔍 Identification —allows telecom operators to distinguish your phone from millions of others
  • 🛡️ Protection —used to block stolen devices through operator databases
  • 📡 Registration on the network —without the correct IMEI, the smartphone will not be able to connect to cellular communication

The main reasons why users decide to change IMEI:

Reason Frequency of cases Risks
Duplicated IMEI (manufacturer error) 15% Blocking of both devices
Device blacklisted by the operator 40% Legal liability
Unsuccessful firmware recovery 25% Loss of connection with base stations
The desire to bypass regional restrictions 20% Violation of warranty conditions

It is important to understand that since 2021, most modern smartphones (including models Samsung Galaxy S22+, Google Pixel 7 and newer) have eSIM hardware protection, which makes changing IMEI using software methods impossible. Before starting the procedure, check whether your device supports such manipulations.

📊 For what reason do you want to change IMEI?
Device on the black list
Duplicated IMEI
Problems after flashing
Other
I don’t know, just wondering

In most countries, including Russia, Ukraine and EU countries, changing IMEI is considered a violation the following regulations:

  • 📜 Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation —unlawful access to computer information (in the context of changing factory data)
  • 📜 EU Directive 2018/1972 —on the protection of end users of communication services
  • 📜 Rules for the provision of mobile communication services —prohibition on substitution of equipment identifiers

However, there are important nuances:

⚠️ Attention: If you change the IMEI on own device to restore its functionality (for example, after unsuccessful firmware), this is rare prosecuted by law. But if the goal is to deceive the operator or use a stolen phone, this qualifies as fraud.

Practical experience shows that:

  • Telecom operators does not block devices with just one change IMEI, if the new code is not on the blacklists
  • Manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) cancel the warranty if a changed IMEI is detected
  • Customs services may detain the device when crossing the border, if the IMEI does not match the declaration

An alternative legal way is to contact the operator with an application to unlock the IMEI (if the phone is blacklisted by mistake) or use the services of an authorized service center to restore factory data.

Preparing to change IMEI: security checklist

If you are determined to change IMEI, follow these preparatory steps to minimize the risks:

Make a backup copy of all data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the current IMEI with the command *#06#

Make sure the battery is 80% charged and more

Download the original firmware for your model

Prepare a USB cable that supports data transfer (not charging!)

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Additional precautions:

  • 🔋 Use laptop with a charged battery —if the power goes out during the process, the phone may become inoperable
  • 🛠️ Check availability ADB/Fastboot drivers for your model (especially relevant for Mediatek)
  • 📱 Make sure that on your phone unlocked bootloader (for most methods this is required condition)

For devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon you will additionally need:

  • Utility QPST or QFil
  • Firmware file with section modemst1/modemst2
  • Patch for bypassing protection Sahara (for new chipsets)

For Mediatek you need:

  • app SP Flash Tool or Maui META
  • File IMEI.db or nvram from stock firmware
  • Driver VCOM for your model
⚠️ Attention: On devices with chipsets Exynos (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23) and Google Tensor (Pixel 6/7), software change of IMEI is impossible without physical intervention in the motherboard.

Step-by-step guide for Qualcomm devices

This method is suitable for smartphones with chipsets Snapdragon 4xx/6xx/7xx/8xx (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro, OnePlus 9, Sony Xperia 1 III). For new models (2023+ years) you may need to bypass protection Secure Boot.

Step 1. Obtaining root access and unlocking the bootloader

  1. Activate developer mode: Settings → About the phone → Build number (press 7 times)
  2. Enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging in the developer settings
  3. Unlock the bootloader via fastboot: 
    fastboot flashing unlock

    fastboot oem unlock

  4. Install Magisk to obtain root access

Step 2. Changing IMEI via Engineering Mode

  1. Install the application MTK Engineering Mode (works on Qualcomm)
  2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information
  3. Select SIM slot (for example, Phone 1)
  4. In the field AT+ enter the command: 
    AT +EGMR=1,7,"NEW_IMEI"

    where instead NEW_IMEI enter 15 digits of the new code

  5. Press Send AT Command and reboot the device

Step 3. Checking the result

After reboot, check the new IMEI:

  • Dial *#06# - a new code should be displayed
  • Check registration on the network: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks
  • Make sure there is a signal and the ability to make calls
What to do if the IMEI has not changed?

If after completing all the steps the IMEI remains the same, the reasons may be the following:

1. Your model has hardware protection (for example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 V Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra)

2. There are not enough superuser rights (check the root status through the app Root Checker)

3. The wrong version of Engineering Mode is used (try QPST or QFil)

4. The firmware is missing a partition modemst1 (full flashing required)

Method for devices on Mediatek

Smartphones with chipsets Helio Gxx/Pxx/Density (for example, Realme 9 Pro, Redmi Note 11, Tecno Camon 19) allow you to change IMEI through special utilities. The main difference from Qualcomm is working directly with the section nvram.

Step 1. Preparing tools

  • Download SP Flash Tool and firmware for your model
  • Install drivers VCOM (for Windows this may be required disabling driver signature verification)
  • Prepare a file IMEI.db with new data

Step 2. Firmware via SP Flash Tool

  1. Run SP Flash Tool and download scatter file from the firmware
  2. In the section Format select Manual Format Flash
  3. Specify the start address nvram (usually 0x6000000) and length 0x1000000
  4. Connect the switched off phone to the PC (should be determined as Mediatek Preloader)
  5. Press Start and wait for the process to complete

Step 3. Manually editing IMEI

If the automatic method did not work:

  1. Install Maui META and connect the phone in mode Meta Mode
  2. Go to the tab IMEI and enter new values for each SIM slot
  3. Save changes and reboot device

For devices with Android 12+ an additional patch may be required to bypass the protection AVB 2.0. In some cases, rolling back to an older version of the firmware with subsequent update helps.

💡

If after changing the IMEI the mobile connection is lost, try manually selecting the operator in the network settings Sometimes. automatic registration does not work with the new IMEI.

Alternative ways to solve problems with IMEI

Before resorting to drastic measures, consider these legal options:

Problem Alternative solution Efficiency
Device on the black list Contact the operator with purchase documents 70%
Duplicated IMEI Reflash stock firmware via Odin/SPFT 85%
No network after flashing Restore partition modem via TWRP 90%
Regional restrictions Use an eSIM or local SIM card 60%

Method 1. Recovery via EFS partition

If IMEI is lost after unsuccessful firmware, restoring the partition often helps EFS:

  1. Download a backup copy EFS for your model (search on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA)
  2. Flash it through TWRP or ADB Sideload
  3. Reboot the device and check IMEI

Method 2. Use patches for the radio module

For devices Samsung with chipsets Exynos there are special patches:

  • Install Samsung IMEI Repair via Odin in mode AP
  • Use the file modem.bin from the stock firmware
  • After flashing the firmware, perform a reset via *2767*3855#

Method 3. Contacting a service center

If the phone is under warranty, the best option is to contact a service center official service. Cost of IMEI restoration:

  • Samsung: 1500-3000 rubles.
  • Xiaomi/Redmi: 1000-2000 rubles.
  • Realme/Oppo: 1200-2500 rubles.
⚠️ Attention: Some "service centers" offer a change IMEI for 500-800 rubles, but they often use illegal methods that can lead to the operator blocking the device after 1-2 months.

Frequent errors and how to avoid them

Even experienced users make mistakes when changing IMEI. Here are the most common ones:

  • 🔢 Incorrect IMEI format — the code must consist of 15 digits, the last of which is the control one (calculated using the Luna algorithm). Check the correctness on the website imei.info
  • 📱 Incompatible firmware —use files only for your model and region. Firmware Global on Chinese-version of the phone can lead to loss of IMEI
  • 🔌 Interrupting the process - if you disconnect the cable during the firmware, the phone may stop turning on. Use uninterruptible power supplies
  • 🔒 Forgot to unlock the bootloader —on new devices (Android 11+) this leads to an error SLA Auth Fail

How to restore a phone after unsuccessful firmware IMEI:

  1. Try to flash the stock firmware via Fastboot or Odin
  2. If the phone does not turn on, use the mode EDL (for Qualcomm) or BROM (for Mediatek)
  3. For devices Samsung a combination Vol Down + Power + USB to force entry into download mode may help

If none of the methods help, the only option left is to contact the service center with a request to re-solder RF chip (cost from 3000 rub.).

💡

Before any manipulation with IMEI, save the original code - it may be needed to restore the functionality of the device or prove the legality of its purchase.

❓ Can it be changed IMEI without root access?

On most modern devices (Android 10+) - no. For older models (before Android 8) there were vulnerabilities that allowed you to change IMEI through the engineering menu, but they have long been closed by manufacturers. An exception is some phones on Mediatek with vulnerability in Diag Port, but this does not work on all firmware.

❓ What happens if you enter a non-existent IMEI?

The phone will either not register on the network (will show "Only emergency calls"), or will stop turning on altogether. Some operators block “left” IMEI ranges, so even if the connection appears, it may be turned off after a few days. Always check the validity of the new IMEI before use.

❓ Is it possible to return the original IMEI after changing?

Yes, if you have saved the original code. To do this, you need to repeat the change procedure, replacing the factory IMEI. However, on some devices (especially those with Snapdragon 8xx), after several changes, protection is triggered QFuse, and it becomes impossible to return the original IMEI without replacing the motherboard.

❓ Does changing IMEI work on iPhone?

On iPhone (even with jailbreak) it is impossible to change IMEI programmatically - Apple uses hardware binding to the chip Secure Enclave. The only way is re-soldering Baseband chip, which costs 5,000-10,000 rubles. and voids the warranty. Moreover, since iOS 14 Apple has introduced additional IMEI integrity verification through activation servers.

❓ How do operators detect a changed IMEI?

Operators use several detection methods:

  1. Checking IMEI history - if the code was previously registered with another device
  2. Behavior analysis - sudden change of phone model with the same IMEI
  3. Comparison with the database of stolen phones (for example, GSMA IMEI Database)
  4. Checking the IMEI checksum (incorrect algorithm Moon)

If a suspicious IMEI is detected, the operator can block access to the network without warning.