How to register (restore) IMEI on Android: official and alternative methods

Loss or reset IMEI on an Android smartphone is a problem that users face after unsuccessful firmware, reset to factory settings or hardware failures. Without the correct IMEI, the device loses access to mobile networks, stops receiving the operator’s signal and actually turns into a “brick” with Wi-Fi function. In this article we will look at legal and technically sound methods for restoring IMEI, relevant for modern devices on chips MediaTek (MTK), Qualcomm, Exynos and others.

It is important to understand: changing IMEI may violate the terms of the warranty, local legislation (in some countries this is equivalent to forgery) and the policies of telecom operators. We focus on restoring the original IMEI, and not on replacing it. If your smartphone was stolen or blocked by an operator, the methods in this article will not help you unlock it legally.

Before you begin, check whether the problem is really in the IMEI: enter the code in the dialer *#06#. If "Null", "0000...0000" or an error is displayed, the IMEI has been reset. If the code is displayed, but the network does not pick up, the reason may be different (for example, damage to the communication module).

1. What is IMEI and why is it reset?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) —a unique 15-digit identifier for your device, which is assigned at the production stage. It is used by operators for:

• 📡 Authorization of a device on the network (without IMEI, a smartphone will not be able to connect to cellular communications).
• 🔒 Blocking stolen phones (at the request of the owner or law enforcement agencies).
• 📊 Statistics and traffic analysis (operators track device models in network).

IMEI is stored in two places:

1. Hardware memory (in the communication module chip, for example, in Modem Partition on MTK devices).
2. Software firmware (in files nvram, modemst1/modemst2 or similar sections).

Reasons for resetting IMEI:

• 🔄 Incorrect firmware through SP Flash Tool, Odin or other tools (especially if the "Format All + Download" checkbox is not checked for MTK).
• 🧹 Hard reset (Hard Reset) or partition wipe nvram.
• 🔧 Hardware damage (for example, after a fall or moisture).
• 🛠️ Unsuccessful intervention in the engineering menu (for example, changing settings RF Calibration).

IMEI is not a “password” for unlocking the network - it only identifies the device. If the smartphone is locked by the operator (for example, under a contract), restoring the IMEI will not remove the lock.

2. Preparing to restore IMEI: what you need to know?

Before you begin recovery, take several critical steps:

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

Write down the original IMEI (if it was displayed previously)

Check the chipset model (via CPU-Z or AIDA64)

Charge the smartphone at least 50%

Prepare a USB cable and PC (for methods with ADB)-->

Determination of the chipset model —key point. The choice of method depends on this:

• 📱 MediaTek (MTK): use MTK Engineer Mode or SN Write Tool.
• 📱 Qualcomm Snapdragon: you will need QCN file and QPST or QFil.
• 📱 Samsung Exynos: often restored through Odin or service firmware.
• 📱 HiSilicon Kirin (Huawei): methods are limited due to manufacturer policy.

For devices with unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader) process is simplified, but the risk of “scaling” increases. If the bootloader is locked (as on most Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus), additional manipulations or official tools will be required.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10+ chipsets Qualcomm Snapdragon 8xx/7xx IMEI repair through the engineering menu is often blocked on firmware level. In such cases, a service center may be required.

3. Method 1: Restoring IMEI through the engineering menu (for MTK)

This method is suitable for smartphones on chips MediaTek (for example, Redmi, Realme, Tecno, Infinix). It does not require connection to a PC, but only works if the partition nvram is not critically damaged.

Instructions:

1. Open dialer and enter the code:

   ##36446337##

   Or alternative code for new versions of MTK:

   ##4636##

   After entering it will open Engineer Mode (engineering menu).

2. Go to section Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. Depending on the number of SIM cards, select SIM1 or SIM2.
4. In the field AT+ enter the command (replace 123456789012345 with your original IMEI):

   AT +EGMR=1,7,"123456789012345"

   For the second SIM use AT +EGMR=1,10,"123456789012345".

5. Click Send AT Command. If the command is completed successfully, a message will appear OK.
6. Reboot your smartphone and check the IMEI code *#06#.

If after reboot the IMEI is reset again, then the partition nvram is damaged. In this case, you will need to flash it via SP Flash Tool with a checkmark Format All + Download.

4. Method 2: Using SN Write Tool (for MTK)

SN Write Tool is the official tool from MediaTek to write IMEI, serial number and other identifiers. It works with most MTK devices, but requires a connection to a PC and an unlocked bootloader.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with Windows (7/10/11).
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 📄 File scatter.txt for your model (can be extracted from the firmware).
• 🛠️ Utilities: SP Flash Tool, SN Write Tool, drivers MTK USB VCOM.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Install drivers MTK USB VCOM (download from the official MediaTek website or forums like XDA Developers).
2. Download and unpack SN Write Tool (the version must match your chipset).
3. In the folder with the utility, find file config.ini and edit it by adding the line:

   [ComPort]
   ComPort=COMX

   (where COMX is the port number that will appear after connecting the phone in the mode Meta Mode).

4. Turn off the smartphone, hold Volume up + Volume down (or only Volume up for some models) and connect to the PC. The device should be detected as MediaTek Preloader USB VCOM Port.
5. Run SN Write Tool, select Smart Phone in section Target Type.
6. B field IMEI enter the original IMEI (without spaces). For two SIMs, enter both IMEIs separated by commas.
7. Press Start and wait for the process to complete (green text OK).
8. Turn off the smartphone, turn it on and check the IMEI.

⚠️ Attention: If after use SN Write Tool the smartphone stopped turning on, which means the bootloader was damaged. In this case, you will need to flash it via SP Flash Tool with the file preloader.bin.

5 Method 3: Restoring IMEI on Qualcomm. (QPST/QFil)

Devices on chips Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, Google Pixel) restore IMEI through QCN files - backup copies of communication module data. This method is more complicated than for MTK, and requires an exact match to the smartphone model and version. firmware.

Required tools:

• 🖥️ Qualcomm Product Support Tools (QPST) or QFil.
• 📄 QCN file for your model (can be found on the forums or create a backup copy from a working device).
• 🔌 Drivers Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader (for most models).

Instructions:

1. Install drivers Qualcomm and QPST.
2. Turn off the smartphone and switch it to EDL (Emergency Download Mode)mode. To do this:
   • Hold Volume up + Volume down and connect the USB cable.
   • Or use the ADB command:

     adb reboot edl

Run QFil, select Flat Build and specify the path to prog_emmc_firehose.mbn (file from the firmware).

In the section Select Port select port Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Click Load XML, select files rawprogram.xml and patch.xml from the firmware.

Go to the tab Tools → QCN Backup Restore.

Select Restore QCN and specify the path to your .qcnfile.

Wait for the process to complete (10-15 minutes) and reboot the device.

What to do if the QCN file is missing?

If you do not have a backup copy QCN, you can try to create it from another identical device (same model and firmware version) via QPST → QCN Backup Restore → Backup QCN. However, this is risky: a mismatch of versions can lead to network loss or communication module errors.

Chipset	Tool	Does the bootloader need to be unlocked?	Risk of "bricking"
MediaTek (MTK)	SN Write Tool, Engineer Mode	No (except new models)	Low
Qualcomm Snapdragon	QPST, QFil	Yes (for most)	Medium
Samsung Exynos	Odin, Z3X Box	Yes	High
HiSilicon Kirin (Huawei)	HiSuite, DC Phoenix	Yes (since 2019)	Very high

6. Method 4: Applications for IMEI repair (with reservations)

There are applications on Google Play that promise to restore IMEI "in one click" (for example, IMEI Changer, MTK IMEI Tools). However, most of them:

• 🚫 Work only on older versions of Android (up to 7.0).
• 🚫 Require root access (which voids the warranty).
• 🚫 May contain malicious code (especially if downloaded from third-party sources).
• 🚫 They do not restore IMEI at the communication module level, but only mask it in the system.

If you still decide to use such an application, follow the rules:

1. Check reviews and ratings on 4PDA or XDA Developers.
2. Download only from the official one Google Play.
3. Create a backup copy of your data.
4. Do not enter other people's IMEI (this is illegal!).

Example of legal use: application MTK Engineering Mode (it only opens access to the engineering menu, but does not change the IMEI on its own).

⚠️ Attention: Applications like Chamelephon or IMEI Changer Pro may lead to IMEI blocking by the operator. In some countries (for example, India) there is criminal liability for replacing IMEI.

7. Method 5: Contacting the service center

If all of the above methods did not work, there are two options left:

1. Official service center (for example, Samsung Service, Xiaomi Authorized Center). Pros:
   • ✅ Work guarantee.
   • ✅ Use of original firmware and tools.
   • ✅ Maintenance of the warranty (if the device is under warranty).

   Disadvantages: high cost (from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model).

2. Unofficial workshops. Pros:
   • ✅ Lower price (from 500 rubles).
   • ✅ Fast completion (often in 1-2 hours).

Cons: risk of using pirated software or non-original firmware.

What to ask the technician before repair:

• 🔧 "What method will I use to restore IMEI?" (the answer should be: through official tools or firmware).
• 📋 "Will the warranty still apply?" (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔄 "Do you provide a guarantee for the work?" (minimum 3 months).

Cost of IMEI restoration in services (approximate prices):

Brand	Cost (rub.)	Term (hours)
Xiaomi/Redmi (MTK)	800–1 500	1–2
Samsung (Exynos/Snapdragon)	1 500–3 000	2–4
Huawei (Kirin)	2 000–4 000	3–5
Google Pixel (Snapdragon)	2 500–5 000	4–6

8. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

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

• 🔢 Incorrect IMEI entry: for example, instead of 15 digits, enter 14 or 16. Check the code on the website imei.info.
• 📱 Using IMEI from another device: this violates the law and can lead to network blocking.
• 🔌 Interrupting the firmware process: if you disconnect the USB cable while writing IMEI via SN Write Tool or QFil, the smartphone may stop turning on.
• 🔧 Incompatibility of tool versions: for example, use SN Write Tool v5 for a chipset MT6785that requires v6+.
• 📂 Damage section nvram: often occurs with incorrect firmware through SP Flash Tool without a checkmark Format All.

How to avoid problems:

• 📌 Always make a backup copy nvram before experiments (via MTK Droid Tools or TWRP).
• 📌 Use only the original IMEI (written on the box or under battery).
• 📌 Check the compatibility of the firmware and tools on the forums (4PDA, XDA).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ chipsets MediaTek Dimensity or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 restoring IMEI through the engineering menu often is blocked. In such cases, service equipment is required (for example, UFi Box, Octoplus).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Is it possible to restore IMEI without a computer?

Yes, but only on devices with a chipset MediaTek via engineering menu (see Method 1). For Qualcomm or Exynos you can’t do without a PC.

❓ What happens if you enter someone else's IMEI?

This violates the law in many countries (including Russia). The operator may block the IMEI, and the device will lose access to the network. In addition, the original owner of the IMEI can file a complaint, and your smartphone will be blacklisted.

❓ Why, after restoring the IMEI, does the smartphone not connect to the network?

Possible reasons:

• IMEI is written incorrectly (check with the code *#06#).
• Partition damaged modem or nvram (re-flashing required).
• SIM card is not activated (check in settings Mobile network).
• Blocking by the operator (if the device is blacklisted).

❓ How to find the original IMEI if it has been reset?

Methods:

• Look at the sticker under the battery (if removable).
• Check the box from your smartphone (IMEI is indicated on the barcode).
• If an account is linked Google or Mi Account, IMEI can be saved in the cloud (for example, in Find My Device).
• Contact the communication store where you bought the phone (if it is linked to your passport).

❓ Is it possible to restore the IMEI on a phone blocked by the operator?

No. If the operator has blocked the IMEI (for example, due to loss or non-payment), restoring the original IMEI will not remove the blocking. In this case, you need to contact the operator with documents for the device.