The question of how to remove IMEI on Android often arises among users who encounter software glitches after flashing, or among enthusiasts seeking to change the device identifier. International mobile equipment identifier is a unique digital code that is assigned to each smartphone at the factory. Its absence or incorrect value makes it impossible to register in a cellular network, making the gadget virtually useless for calls and mobile data.
It is worth immediately indicating that complete and irrevocable removal of this code from non-volatile memory is almost impossible on modern devices without the use of specialized factory equipment. Qualcomm, MediaTek and Samsung processors have protected sections where this number is recorded during production. However, a software failure or inept intervention can lead to a situation where the system stops reading this data, displaying zeros or the “Null IMEI” message instead.
Before moving on to the technical details, it is necessary to understand the legal side of the issue. In most countries, including the Russian Federation, changing or substituting this identifier in order to bypass blocking by telecom operators is an illegal act. Since 2026, Russia has had a law obliging operators to block devices with a changed or missing IMEI at the request of law enforcement agencies. Therefore, all manipulations should be considered solely in the context of restoring factory values after a failure, and not to bypass blocking.
What is IMEI and where is it stored in the Android system
To understand the processes associated with its change or loss, you need to understand the data storage architecture. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that serves as your phone's passport to the world of cellular communications. It is used by operators to authorize a device on the network, and also allows you to track stolen gadgets. Unlike the SIM card, this number is tied specifically to the hardware of the device.
Physically, this data is located in a special memory section, which is often called EFS (Encrypted File System) on Samsung devices or NVRAM on MediaTek chips. This section is hidden from the average user and is not accessible through a standard file manager, even with superuser rights. The operating system accesses this storage through the radio (base station) every time you turn on the phone.
There is a common misconception that a factory reset can erase this code. This is wrong. The standard procedure Wipe data/factory reset affects only the user section and system settings, without touching low-level modem parameters. However, flashing custom recovery or incorrect software update can damage the partition table, which will lead to loss of access to ID data.
⚠️ Attempts to independently change IMEI using root access on modern versions of Android (10, 11, 12 and higher) often lead to irreversible damage to the modem. Google Play Protect anti-virus mechanisms and bootloader integrity (Verified Boot) block such actions.
It is important to distinguish between a software failure, when the number is simply not displayed, and physical damage to the memory chip. In the first case, the data can be restored from a backup or service menu; in the second, soldering and flashing the memory chip with a programmer is required.
Consequences of missing or changing the identifier
If your device's IMEI has disappeared or been changed to incorrect, you will face a number of critical limitations. The first and most noticeable symptom will be a complete lack of network signal. In the status bar, the icon of a crossed out SIM card or the inscription “Emergency calls only” will light up, even if the SIM card is working and active.
In addition to communication problems, difficulties may arise with the operation of applications based on the uniqueness of the device. Banking applications and corporate security services often check the integrity of system partitions. Detection of a modified identifier may be regarded as a hacking attempt, which will lead to blocking access to the account.
- 📉 Inability to make calls and send SMS via the cellular network.
- 📉 Blocking access to the mobile data (3G/4G/5G).
- 📉 Refusal to operate Google Play services and some games due to a violation of system integrity.
- 📉 Risk of the device being blacklisted by operators if the new number matches the number of a stolen phone.
It is also worth noting the impact on the warranty. Any interference with the modem’s software code, recorded in the service logs, is grounds for refusal of warranty service. Manufacturers clearly monitor changes in sections NVRAM and EEPROM.
Is it possible to delete IMEI programmatically
Technically, it is impossible to “delete” the number so that its place is taken by emptiness. The memory must contain some data. Therefore, deletion is usually understood as recording zero values (000000000000000) or a random set of numbers. On older versions of Android (before 6.0), this could be done through the engineering menu by entering a special USSD code.
On modern smartphones, access to the engineering menu is often closed, or the commands for changing IMEI in them do not work without a digital signature from the manufacturer. To make changes, you need root access and specialized software, such as Chamelephon or Xiaomi IMEI Changer. However, these tools do not work on all models.
The process usually looks like this: the user gains superuser rights, installs the application, enters a new number and reboots the device. But even in this case, success is not guaranteed. Bootloader can check the partition checksums and roll back changes, returning old data, or the phone will go into an endless reboot (bootloop).
⚠️ Attention: Engineering menu interfaces and the set of commands vary greatly depending on from the processor manufacturer. Commands for MediaTek will not work for Snapdragon, and vice versa. Using inappropriate commands can “brick” the communication module.
There is also a method via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). By connecting your phone to your computer, you can try to send commands directly to the modem. However, this requires in-depth knowledge and often does not work on devices with a locked bootloader.
Why can't you just change the IMEI on new Androids?
Starting with Android 7 and especially in versions 10+, Google has implemented strict system integrity checks (Treble compatibility, Project Mainline). The partition storing IMEI is now often encrypted and tied to a unique processor key, which cannot be forged programmatically without access to the developer’s factory keys.
Instructions for restoring IMEI after a failure
If your goal is not to change the number, but to return the original IMEI, which disappeared after unsuccessful firmware, the situation is solved more simply. Often the data is not deleted, but simply ceases to be read correctly. The first step is to check for the number on the box or under the battery (if it is removable). You will need this recovery code.
The second step is to try to reset your network settings. This is a secure operation and does not delete personal data. You need to go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. After the reboot, the phone will try to register on the network again.
☑️ Algorithm of actions in case of loss of IMEI
If a soft reset did not help, deeper intervention will be required. Xiaomi phones, for example, there is a utility Mi Repair IMEIthat requires authorization through a Mi account. For Samsung, a app is used SamFw Tool or similar service utilities that can overwrite the EFS partition if the user has access to a Samsung account.
If software methods are powerless, the option of flashing remains. via SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek) or QFIL/QPST (for Qualcomm). To do this, you need to find a dump of the NVRAM partition specifically for your phone model. Loading someone else's dump can lead to the loss of unique antenna calibration data, which will worsen signal reception.
| Method | Required rights | Risk of damage | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering menu | No | Low | Only old Android (up to 6.0) |
| Root applications | Root | Medium | Low (depending on the model) |
| Service utilities (PC) | ADB/Fastboot | High | High (if backup is available) |
| Hardware programmer | Disassembly | Critical | 100% (for complex cases) |
Sometimes a double reboot or waiting in the off state for 5-10 minutes is required to correctly initialize the modules.
Always make a full backup of the EFS/NVRAM partition before any experiments with IMEI. Save the file to the cloud or computer - this is the only way to quickly bring your phone back to life in case of an error.
Using the engineering menu for diagnostics
The engineering menu is a hidden interface designed for testing hardware components. You can enter it through a set of special codes in the “Phone” application. The most universal code for Android is ##4636##. If the code works, you will be taken to the "Testing" menu, where you can select "Phone Information".
This section displays the current IMEI status. If you see zeros or empty fields there, it means that the connection between the operating system and the modem is broken. For devices based on MediaTek, the code ##3646633##often works, opening the full engineering menu. The tab Connectivity or Telephony allows you to see detailed logs of the radio module.
It is worth noting that on Huawei, Honor phones and many modern models, access to the engineering menu is closed by the manufacturer. Attempts to install third-party applications to open this menu (for example, MTK Engineering Mode) may not work due to limitations of the Android version.
If zeros are displayed in the IMEI column in the engineering menu, this confirms the need to flash the corresponding partition. If the number is displayed correctly, but there is no connection, the problem may lie in the APN settings, damage to the antenna module, or blocking by the operator.
⚠️ Attention: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu if you are not sure of their purpose. Resetting the calibration of frequencies or signal strength may cause the phone to stop “seeing” the network even with a working IMEI.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to remove IMEI without root access?
Without root access, it is impossible to delete or change IMEI on modern Android. The operating system does not allow applications to write data to the system partitions where this identifier is stored without superuser rights.
What happens if you enter someone else's IMEI?
If you enter a number that is listed in the database of stolen phones, your device may be blocked by telecom operators. In addition, network conflicts are possible if two phones with the same IMEI try to register in the same cell at the same time.
Is the IMEI reset when flashing?
When installing the official firmware via a standard update (OTA), the IMEI is not reset. When flashing firmware through a computer with a complete memory clear (Clean All), there is a risk of losing IMEI if the EFS/NVRAM partition is not backed up.
How to find out IMEI if it is not displayed in the system?
Try typing the code *#06#. If it is also empty, look at the original box of the device, under the battery (if it can be removed) or find the purchase receipt, where this number is often stamped by the cash register.
Does unlocking the bootloader affect the IMEI?
Unlocking the bootloader itself does not remove the IMEI. However, incorrect actions after unlocking, such as formatting partitions, can lead to its loss.
The most reliable way to avoid problems with IMEI is to never try to change it unless absolutely necessary and always save backup copies of system partitions before modifying the system.
In conclusion, it is worth emphasizing that IMEI is a critical element of device identification. Its “removal” or incorrect modification turns the smartphone into a mini-tablet without communication capabilities. Restoring your original number is a complex procedure that requires accuracy and an understanding of the risks. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a specialized service center where there is equipment for safe work with the modem memory.