How to change IMEI on an Android phone: all methods and their consequences

Change IMEI on an Android device is a topic surrounded by myths and technical nuances. This unique 15-digit code does more than just identify your smartphone online: it determines operator blocking, the ability to track the device if it is stolen, and even compatibility with certain services. But why do users want to change it? The reasons vary: from a banal desire to unlock a phone tied to an operator, to the need to bypass hardware limitations (for example, after an unsuccessful board repair).

It is important to understand: IMEI is registered not only in the software, but also in modem the device. Changing it may violate the warranty, lead to problems with the law (in some countries this is equivalent to forgery), or even make the phone a brick. This article does not call for illegal actions - we will analyze all legal ways to change IMEI (for example, through the engineering menu on supported models) and honestly warn about the risks of illegal methods.

If your goal is to unblock the operator’s network, first check alternative options: official unlocking through the operator (often paid, but safe) or purchasing an unlock code from trusted services. Changing IMEI should be a last resort.

What is IMEI and why change it

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique identifier for your phone, which is assigned by the manufacturer. It consists of 15 digits and includes information about the model, country of manufacture and serial number. This code is used:

• 📡 By telecom operators —to identify a device on the network and block it if it is stolen.
• 🔒 Manufacturers —to track warranty obligations.
• 🚔 Law enforcement agencies —to search for stolen phones.
• 🔧 Service centers - to check the originality of the device.

The main reasons why users want to change IMEI:

Reason	Risks	Alternative solutions
Unlocking from the operator	Loss of warranty, problems with the law	Official unlocking through the operator
Device on the blacklist (stolen/lost)	Blocking at the network level, criminal liability	Purchasing a new phone
Incompatibility with local networks	Loss of connection, errors in modem operation	Use adapters or local SIM
IMEI error after flashing	Network loss, "unknown base" in settings	Recovery via backup

Changing IMEI on modern Android devices (especially with chips Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Mediatek Dimensity 9000) has become much more complicated due to hardware protections. Manufacturers like Samsung i Google have implemented mechanisms that block the phone when a fake IMEI is detected.

⚠️ Attention: In Russia and most CIS countries, independently changing IMEI without good reason (for example, recovery from a failure) can be qualified as a violation of the Law “On Communications” (Article 13.3). Before taking action, check your local laws.

How to check the current IMEI on Android

Before you think about changing, make sure that the problem is really in the IMEI. You can check it in several ways:

1. Via USSD code: Dial on the phone keyboard *#06#. The IMEI will be displayed automatically (on devices with two SIM cards there will be two codes).
2. In settings: Go to Settings → About phone → General information → IMEI (the path may differ depending on the shell).
3. On the box or under the battery: On original devices, IMEI is duplicated on a sticker under the battery (if it is removable) or on the box.
4. Via ADB: Connect the phone to the PC and run the command:

   adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3

   (requires USB debugging to be enabled).

If, when checking, you see IMEI: Unknown or Null, this means that the code is erased or damaged. In this case, the phone will not be able to connect to the cellular network. The reasons may be different:

• 🔄 Unsuccessful firmware or reset to factory settings.
• 🛠️ Damage to the module NVRAM (non-volatile memory where IMEI is stored).
• 💥 Hardware failure after a fall or moisture.

Legal ways to change IMEI

The only completely legal way to change IMEI is to contact the manufacturer’s service center. However, this is only possible in limited cases:

• 📄 Official restoration after a failure (for example, if the IMEI was reset due to a firmware error). You will need a purchase receipt and a warranty card.
• 🔄 Replacement of the motherboard under warranty. The new IMEI will be registered by the manufacturer.
• 📡 Unlocking from the operator through an official request (for example, at MTS, Beeline or MegaFon). Cost - from 500 to 3000 rubles depending on the model.

Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Realme) provide recovery tools IMEI via engineering menu. To do this:

1. Type on the keyboard ##3646633## (code may vary!).
2. Go to the section Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. In the field AT+ enter the command:

   AT +EGMR=1,7,"NEW_IMEI"

   (replace NEW_IMEI with the correct 15-digit code).

4. Press Send and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: This method only works on devices with processors Mediatek (for example, Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3). On Qualcomm (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23) it will not work - specialized equipment will be required.

Illegal methods: risks and consequences

On the Internet you can find dozens of “instructions” for changing IMEI using applications like IMEI Changer, MTK Engineering Mode or Chamelephon. However, most of them:

• 🚫 Do not work on modern Android (starting from version 10+).
• 🛡️ Require root accesswhich voids the warranty and opens vulnerabilities.
• 💣 They can “brick” the phoneif IMEI will not be recorded correctly.
• 👮 They break the law in most countries.

Let's look at popular "methods" and why they are dangerous:

Method	How it works	Risks
Applications from the Play Market (for example, IMEI Changer)	Change IMEI at the OS level, but not in the modem	Does not work on 99% of devices can install spyware
Firmware via SP Flash Tool	Writes modified NVRAM with new IMEI	High risk of damage to the bootloader, loss of IMEI forever
Use of boxes (for example, Z3X or Octopus)	Professional equipment for service centers	Expensive, requires skills, can block the phone
Manual entry via ADB	Commands for changing modem parameters	Works only on older Androids, can break the network

It is especially dangerous to use applications that promise to change IMEI without root. Often they:

• 🔍 Collect your data (IMEI, serial number, information about SIM card).
• 💸 Subscribe to paid services.
• 📲 Install malware (for example, Trojans for stealing SMS).

How to restore IMEI after a failure (without change)

If your IMEI is lost after flashing or resetting, it can be restored original code without breaking the law. To do this you will need:

1. Find the original IMEI. It is indicated on the box, under the battery or in the receipt from the store.
2. Install drivers. For Mediatek — MTK USB Drivers, for Qualcomm — QDLoader HS-USB Driver.
3. Use specialized utilities:
   • For Mediatek: SN Write Tool or Maui META.
   • For Qualcomm: QPST or QFil.

Example of recovery via SN Write Tool (for Mediatek):

1. Download and install SN Write Tool + drivers.
2. In the folder with the utility, find the file target_bin and replace it with firmware of your model.
3. Open SN Write Tool, select the computer port and specify the path to target_bin.
4. Enter the original IMEI in the fields IMEI_1 and IMEI_2 (if there are two SIM cards).
5. Press Start and wait for completion (the phone must be turned off and connected to the PC).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using firmware not for your model, the phone may stop turning on. Always check compatibility target_bin with your device.

What to do if, after restoring the IMEI, the phone does not connect to the network?

1. Check whether the IMEI is entered correctly (must match the original).

2. Restart your phone and wait 5-10 minutes - sometimes the network does not connect right away.

3. Manually select the operator in the settings: Settings → Mobile network → Network operators.

4. If all else fails, try resetting the network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

Changing IMEI on popular brands: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei

The process of changing IMEI greatly depends on the manufacturer and model. Let's consider the features for top brands:

Samsung (Exynos/Qualcomm)

Phones Samsung (for example, Galaxy S23 or Galaxy A54) have multi-level IMEI protection:

• 🔒 On processors Exynos IMEI is stored in a protected section EFS.
• 🛡️ On Qualcomm use QFuse is a hardware fuse that burns out if unauthorized changes occur.
• 🔧 The only working way is to use professional boxes (Z3X, Octopus), but they require a license and cost from $50 per month.

Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (Mediatek/Qualcomm)

Devices on Mediatek (for example, Redmi Note 12) allow you to restore IMEI through the engineering menu (see. section above). For Qualcomm (for example, POCO F5) you will need:

1. Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Edit the file /efs/imei/mp0b_001 (root access required).

Huawei/Honor

Since 2019 Huawei blocks any IMEI changes at the software level. Even with root access and the engineering menu, the change is impossible without specialized equipment (HCU Client or SigmaKey).

What happens if you change IMEI illegally

The consequences depend on how and why you changed the IMEI:

• 📵 Network loss: If the new IMEI is incorrect or already is used by another device, the phone will stop catching the network.
• 🚨 Blocking by the operator: If the IMEI is on the black list (stolen/lost), the operator can block it again.
• 🔍 Warranty problems: The service center will refuse to repair if it detects a fake IMEI.
• ⚖️ Legal risks: In some countries (for example, India, UAE) a fine or even a prison sentence is provided for this.
• 💥 "Skipping": On devices with Qualcomm incorrect IMEI entry can lead to modem failure.

Practical example: the user changed the IMEI to Samsung Galaxy A71to bypass operator blocking. A month later, the phone stopped turning on - the module PMIC (power management) burned out due to a conflict with the modem firmware. The repair cost 80% of the cost of a new phone.

Another case: the owner Xiaomi Redmi 9 changed the IMEI through an application downloaded from the forum. A week later, I discovered that money was being debited from his SIM card for unknown services - a Trojan was built into the application.

Alternative solutions: when changing IMEI is not needed

In 80% of cases, the goal of changing IMEI can be achieved in other ways:

Goal	Alternative solution	Cost/complexity
Unlocking from the operator	Official unlock request from the operator	500–3000 ₽ / low
Bypassing the IMEI blacklist	Purchasing a new phone or communication module	From 5000 ₽ / average
Recovery after a failure	Manufacturer's service center	1000–5000 ₽ / low
Incompatibility with local networks	Using local SIM or roaming	From 300 ₽/month / low

If your goal is unlocking from operator, try the following steps:

1. Check the unlocking conditions with the operator. For example, MTS requires that the phone be online for at least 6 months.
2. Buy an unlock code on trusted services (for example, UnlockBase or DoctorSIM). Cost - from 500 to 2000 rubles.
3. Use a SIM card from another operator and enter the unlock code when prompted.

For devices that do not connect to the network due to damaged IMEI, sometimes resetting the settings helps modem:

1. Go to the engineering menu (##4636##).
2. Select Information → Run Ping Test.
3. If the test does not pass, try manually updating the modem firmware via Flashtool.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing IMEI

Is it possible to change IMEI without root access?

On most modern Android devices (especially with processors Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and newer), changing IMEI without root impossible. An exception is some models on Mediatek (for example, Redmi 9A), where you can use the engineering menu. However, even in this case, the changes may be reset after a reboot.

What happens if you enter an incorrect IMEI?

If the new IMEI has an incorrect format (for example, less than 15 characters or contains letters), the phone may:

• Stop catching the network (No Service).
• Give an error Invalid IMEI in the settings.
• Loop on loading (bootloop).
• On devices with Qualcomm —completely lose connection due to damage NVRAM.

You can restore functionality only by flashing it or in a service center.

How to check if the IMEI is in black list?

Check IMEI status on the following services (free):

• IMEI.info —shows the phone model and blocking status.
• Swappa ESN Checker —checks blacklists of US/European operators.
• IMEI24 —determines the country of origin and status.

If the IMEI is listed as stolen, changing it will not help - operators block such codes at the network level.

Is it possible to return the original IMEI after changing?

Yes, but only if:

• You saved the original IMEI (from the box or receipt).
• The device supports recovery through the engineering menu or SN Write Tool.
• The hardware fuse has not blown (on Qualcomm — QFuse).

On some phones (for example, Huawei P40) the original IMEI is stored in protected memory and is restored automatically after a reset.

Is it legal to change IMEI in Russia?

In Russia, changing IMEI is regulated by:

• Federal Law "On Communications" (Article 13.3) —prohibits the falsification of equipment identifiers.
• Criminal Code (Article 272) - unlawful access to computer information (if the change of IMEI is associated with hacking).

Exception - restoration of the original IMEI after a failure (for example, if it was reset due to a firmware error. In this case, it is recommended to contact the service center with a receipt). purchase.