Owners of Android devices are sometimes faced with a situation where they need to “delete” or “reset” IMEI —a unique 15-digit phone identifier programmed into the modem. The reasons may be different: from blocking by the operator after theft to the desire to bypass regional restrictions. However technically, complete removal of IMEI is impossible this is a piece of hardware protected at the chip level. In this article, we will look at why attempts to erase IMEI are dangerous, what legal risks they carry, and what can be done instead.

It is important to understand: any manipulation of IMEI violates the laws of most countries, including Russia (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Illegal access to computer information”) and international agreements on combating the theft of mobile devices. Even if your purpose is legal (for example, unlocking after buying a used phone), changing the IMEI can lead to loss of warranty, network blocking, or criminal liability. Instead, we will offer legal alternatives to solve typical problems.

What is IMEI and why it cannot be removed

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique serial number assigned to each mobile device at the production stage. It consists of 15 digits and includes:

  • 🔢 TAC (Type Allocation Code) - the first 8 digits identifying the model and manufacturer (for example, 86095703 for some models Xiaomi).
  • 📱 SNR (Serial Number) - 6 digits of the device serial number.
  • 🔄 CD (Check Digit) - the last digit for authentication.

IMEI is recorded in non-rewritable memory (eFuse) of the device modem. Even if the phone is completely re-flashed or the motherboard is replaced, the IMEI remains the same. “Removing” implies:

  • 🔧 Hardware intervention - resoldering the modem chip (which is almost impossible without a specialized one). equipment).
  • 💻 Software substitution —temporary change of the displayed IMEI through the engineering menu (does not affect the real identifier).
⚠️ Attention: Any attempts to change IMEI lead to irreversible loss of warranty and may be qualified as fraud (for example, when registering a device with someone else's IMEI). Telecom operators block such devices in their networks.

In some countries (for example, in India) changing IMEI is punishable imprisonment for up to 3 years.. In Russia, such actions can be regarded as illegal access to critical information (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) or falsification of identification data (Article 327 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

Why users want to remove IMEI: real reasons and risks

On forums and social networks, you often find queries like “how to erase IMEI to unlock your phone.” Let's consider typical scenarios and theirs. consequences:

Cause What is really happening Legal solution
The phone is blocked by the operator (for example, AT&T or MTS) The operator has linked IMEI to the black list due to non-payment or theft Contact the operator with proof of purchase or pay debt
The device does not catch the network after the firmware The modem firmware is damaged (IMEI remains intact) Restore the original firmware via Fastboot or Odin
Desire to bypass regional restrictions (for example, on IMEI is tied to the region of sale (for example, for Europe) data-i="83">IMEI remains in the database of stolen devices ( Samsung Galaxy) IMEI is tied to the region of sale (for example, SM-G991B/DS for Europe) Use a VPN or buy devices without region lock
The phone is stolen, I want to “clean” it before selling it IMEI remains in the database of stolen devices (GSMA) Return the device to the owner or turn it in to the police

Most often, users confuse IMEI blocking (when the operator adds it to the black list) with damage to the modem firmware (when the phone stops receiving the network). In the first case, no technical manipulations will help - you need an official request to the operator. In the second, it is enough to reflash the device.

📊 Why are you looking for information about removing IMEI?
The phone is blocked operator
Doesn’t catch the network after flashing
I want to bypass regional restrictions
Other

Myths about IMEI removal: what “instructions” from the Internet actually do

On the Internet you can find dozens of “ways” to remove IMEI - from use MTK Engineering Mode before flashing via SP Flash Tool. Let's look at what they actually do:

  1. Engineering menu (##4636## or ##36446337##)

    Allows you to view the current IMEI, but not change it. Some “instructions” suggest entering a new IMEI manually - this only works until the first reboot, after which the original identifier is restored.

  2. apps like Chamelephon or IMEI Changer

    These utilities mask IMEI at the OS level, but do not change it in the modem. Operators see the real ID, and the device can be blocked for suspicious activity.

  3. Firmware via SP Flash Tool or Odin with a modified NV-data

    Can lead to total loss communicationif the NV-data files do not match the phone model. It is often impossible to restore the original IMEI after this.

All “working” methods of changing IMEI are based on exploitable vulnerabilities in old firmware versions (for example, for chips MediaTek before 2018). Modern devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon or Exynos have hardware protection that cannot be bypassed..

What happens if you try to change the IMEI on a modern smartphone?

On devices with chips Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or newer, any attempt to change IMEI leads to the activation of protection QFuse —a hardware fuse that permanently blocks the modem. The phone stops connecting to the network even after returning the original IMEI. Similar protection is available for Samsung Exynos (technology eFuse) and MediaTek Dimensity (protection Secure Boot).

Instead of risky manipulations with IMEI, let's consider legal methods of solving typical problems:

  • 📵 The phone does not connect to the network after flashing

    Restore the original firmware through official utilities:

    • Samsung: Odin + proprietary firmware with samfw.com.
    • Xiaomi: Mi Flash Tool + firmware with xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.
    • Realme/Oppo: MSM Download Tool (requires authorization).

  • 🔒 The device is blocked by the operator

    Contact support with proof of purchase (receipt, contract). For example:

    • MTS/Beeline/Megafon: provide IMEI and passport details.
    • AT&T/T-Mobile (USA): an unlocking fee may be required (~$50).

  • 🌍 Regional restrictions

    If the phone does not support local networks (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23 for the USA does not work with Russian operators), use:

    • Official unlocking via Samsung Members (paid).
    • Local VPN to bypass restrictions at the software level (will not help for hardware locks).

Check the SIM card in another device

Make sure that the IMEI is displayed in *#06#

Restore the original firmware

Contact your operator with proof of purchase

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If you bought a used phone with a “broken” IMEI (for example, after unsuccessful firmware), the only reliable way is to contact a service center for replacing the motherboard. The cost varies from 5,000 to 20,000 rubles depending on the model.

What to do if the IMEI is already damaged

If after unsuccessful experiments the IMEI is displayed as 000000000000000 or Null, try the following steps:

  1. Restoring via backup

    If you have a backup NV-data (for example, made via MTK Droid Tools), restore its: 

    fastboot flash modemst1 modemst1.bin

    fastboot flash modemst2 modemst2.bin

  2. Use of official tools

    For devices on MediaTek try SN Write Tool (requires an authorization file from the manufacturer). For Qualcomm — QPST or QFil.

  3. Contacting the service center

    Specialists can reflash the modem using JTAG or ISP, but this is expensive (from 3,000 rubles) and does not guarantee results.

⚠️ Attention: If the IMEI is damaged due to an attempt to change it, some service centers may refuse repairs for ethical reasons. In this case, the only option left is to replace the motherboard.
💡

Before any firmware, save the original IMEI! To do this, enter data-i="167">in the dialer and take a photo of the screen. This will help prove the legality of the device when blocked. *#06# and take a photo of the screen. This will help prove the legality of the device when blocked.

In most countries of the world, changing IMEI is considered criminal offense. Let's consider the key aspects:

Country Article of the law Punishment
Russia Art. 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Illegal access”) Fine up to 200,000 ₽ or correctional labor
India Section 66C IT Act Imprisonment up to 3 years + fine
USA 18 U.S. Code § 1029 (Fraud and related activity) Fine up to $10,000 and/or prison up to 10 years
EU Directive 2013/40/EU (Cybercrime) Fine up to €50,000 or imprisonment

Even if you are not selling the phone, but are simply trying to unlock it for personal use, telecom operators can:

  • 📵 Block the device on their network forever.
  • 📞 Transfer the data to the policeif the IMEI is listed in the stolen database.
  • 💳 Refuse warranty servicehaving discovered traces of tampering.

In Russia, since 2021, there has been a system UAIS Ministry of Internal Affairsthat monitors all IMEIs in the country. If your phone was stolen or lost and then found with a changed IMEI, you may be held accountable for deliberate concealment of a crime (Article 316 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

Alternatives: how to legally unlock your phone

If your goal is to unlock your phone for use with another operator or in another region, consider the following options:

  • 🔓 Official unlocking through an operator

    Most operators (for example, T-Mobile, AT&T, MTS) provide an unlocking service for a fee (from 500 to 5,000 rubles). Required:

    • Device IMEI.
    • Proof of purchase (receipt, contract).
    • Owner's passport details.

  • 📱 Purchase of an unlocked phone

    Devices marked «Unlocked» or «Global Version» (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23 SM-S911B/DS) work with any SIM cards. The cost is 10–20% higher, but this eliminates problems.

  • 🌐 Using eSIM

    Some operators (for example, Tinkoff Mobile or Airalo) offer virtual SIM cards that are not tied to IMEI. Suitable for travel.

If you buy a used phone, always check its IMEI through the services:

  • IMEI.info — check for theft and blocking.
  • SNDeeP —base of stolen devices in Russia.
  • Swappa —check for American devices.
💡

The only legal way to “reset” the IMEI binding is to buy a phone with an official unlock or replace the motherboard. Any other methods carry legal and technical risks.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about IMEI

Can I delete IMEI permanently?

No. IMEI is recorded in the modem’s non-rewritable memory (eFuse). Any “deleted” IMEI is restored after a reboot or factory reset. The only way to get rid of it is to physically replace the motherboard.

What will happen if you enter the wrong IMEI in the engineering menu?

On most modern devices this will lead to modem blocking. The phone will no longer connect to the network, and it will be possible to restore the original IMEI only through a service center (cost - from 3,000 rubles).

Is it possible to bypass IMEI blocking by the operator?

No. Operators synchronize IMEI blacklists through the GSMAbase. Even if you change the IMEI programmatically, the original identifier will remain in the database and the device will be blocked again. The only way out is official unlocking.

How to check if my IMEI is on the blacklist?

Enter IMEI on the sites:

  • IMEI.info (international database).
  • SNDeeP (Russian database of stolen phones).

If the status is Blacklisted, contact the previous owner or the police.

What to do if you bought a phone with a broken IMEI?

Return the device to the seller or contact a service center for diagnostics. If IMEI is damaged due to the firmware, sometimes restoration via Fastboot or Odinhelps. If there is a hardware malfunction, the board will need to be replaced (the cost is comparable to buying a new phone).