Repair IMEI on Android 11: a complete guide with working methods

Loss or reset IMEI on a smartphone with Android 11 is a common problem after unsuccessful firmware, reset to factory settings or experiments with system modifications. Without the correct IMEI, the device loses access to mobile networks, stops picking up the operator’s signal and actually turns into a “brick” with tablet functionality. There are several ways to restore a unique identifier, but it is important to understand: the procedure requires accuracy and knowledge of technical nuances.

In this article we will examine 5 working methods IMEI restoration on Android 11, including manual entry through the engineering menu, the use of ADBcommands and specialized utilities like MauiMeta or SN Write Tool. We will pay special attention to precautionary measures: incorrect actions may lead to total loss of connection with the modem module the need to reflash the smartphone at a service center. All instructions are adapted to the latest firmware versions of 2026 and tested on devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme and other popular brands.

Why does IMEI disappear on Android 11?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code “tied” to your smartphone’s modem. Its loss is most often associated with:

• 🔄 Incorrect firmware (especially custom ROMs without patches for the modem).
• ⚡ Hard reset (wipe) via TWRP or standard recovery.
• 🛠️ Repairing the motherboard (replacing the modem chip or resoldering components).
• 📱 Updating to Android 11 with "crooked" firmware from the manufacturer (relevant for budget models).
• 🔧 Manual editing files /efs or /nvram without backup.

On Android 11 the problem is aggravated by the fact that Google has tightened control over modifications of system partitions. For example, on some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy A51 or Redmi Note 9) after resetting the IMEI, access to Diag-portmay be blocked, which complicates recovery through standard utilities. Before starting repairs, check the current IMEI status:

⚠️ Attention: If your smartphone was purchased from an official operator (for example, MTS or Beeline), restoring the IMEI may lead to unlocking the SIM card. In some cases, this violates the terms of the contract - check the details in the operator’s personal account.

To find out the current IMEI, enter the command in the phone application:

*#06#

If instead number is displayed Null, 000000000000000 or an error - proceed to recovery.

Preparing to restore IMEI: what needs to be done in advance

Before restoring IMEI, complete the required preparatory steps. This will minimize the risk of damaging your smartphone and increase the chances of success:

1. Make a backup of the partition /efs. This section stores unique modem data, including IMEI. To make a backup, use TWRP or the command:

   adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst1 modemst1.img
   adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst2 modemst2.img

2. Find out the original IMEI. It is indicated on the device box, under the battery (if removable) or on a sticker under the back cover. Also check the receipts or warranty card.
3. Charge the smartphone to 70% or more. Interruption of the process due to low battery can lead to irreversible damage to the NVRAM partition.
4. Install the drivers. To work with utilities like MauiMeta or QPST you need drivers Qualcomm or Mediatek (depending on the processor). Download them from the official websites of chipset manufacturers.

If you are restoring IMEI on a device with a processor Mediatek (for example, Redmi 9A or Realme C21), additionally check the presence of the file APDB for your model. It can be found on thematic forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

I made a backup of the /efs partition|

I know the original IMEI (I wrote it down from the box)|

I installed drivers for my chipset|

Charged the phone by at least 70%|

Downloaded the necessary utilities (MauiMeta, SN Write Tool, etc.)-->

Method 1: IMEI recovery through the engineering menu (for Mediatek)

This method is suitable for smartphones on chipsets Mediatek (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, Realme 6i, Tecno Spark). It does not require a connection to a PC, but only works if the engineering menu is not blocked by the manufacturer.

Steps:

1. Open the application Phone and enter:

   ##3646633##

   (on some devices it may required ##4636## → Phone information).

2. Go to section Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. Select Phone 1 (for the first SIM card) or Phone 2 (for the second).
4. In the field below screen, enter the command (replace IMEI_1 with your original number):

   AT +EGMR=1,7,"IMEI_1"

   For the second SIM card, use:

   AT +EGMR=1,10,"IMEI_2"

5. Press Send AT Command and reboot the smartphone.

If after reboot the IMEI is not appears, try repeating the command or check if access to the engineering menu is blocked (relevant for some firmware MIUI 12+).

Method 2: Using the MauiMeta utility (for Mediatek)

MauiMeta —an official utility from Mediatek for working with the modem. It allows you to restore IMEI, even if the engineering menu is not available. Important: the app only works with chipsets MTK (for example, Helio G80, Helio P60 etc.).

Instructions:

1. Download and install MauiMeta (version 9.1844 or later). You will also need a driver Mediatek Preloader.
2. Turn off the smartphone and connect it to the PC without pressing the power button (make sure the driver detects the device as Mediatek Preloader USB VCOM Port).
3. Run MauiMeta, select the port COM of your device and click Connect.
4. Go to the tab IMEI Download.
5. Enter the original IMEI in the fields IMEI_1 and IMEI_2 (if two SIM cards).
6. Press Download to Flash and wait for the process to complete (usually takes 10-30 seconds).
7. Turn off the smartphone, turn it on and check the IMEI command *#06#.

⚠️ Attention: On chipsets Mediatek newer Helio G90 (for example, Dimensity 700) may be required to unlock access to the modem. It can be obtained from the manufacturer or from paid services like authorization file (.auth) to unlock access to the modem. You can get it from the manufacturer or through paid services like DC-Unlocker.

Method 3: IMEI restoration via ADB (universal method)

If the engineering menu is blocked, and MauiMeta is not suitable (for example, you have a smartphone with Qualcomm Snapdragon), try restoring IMEI via ADB. This method works on most devices with Android 11, but requires root access.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Activate USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Number assembly (press 7 times) → For developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to the PC and check the connection with the command:

   adb devices

   (your device should be displayed).

3. Enter the commands one by one (replace IMEI_1 with yours number):

   adb shell
   su
   setprop ril.radio.imei "IMEI_1"
   setprop ril.radio.imei2 "IMEI_2" # for the second SIM card
   reboot

4. After rebooting, check the IMEI.

If the IMEI is reset after turning off the smartphone, it means that the changes are not saved in NVRAMB. In this case, you will need to edit the files manually:

adb shell
su
echo 'IMEI_1' > /efs/imei
echo 'IMEI_2' > /efs/imei2
chmod 644 /efs/imei
chmod 644 /efs/imei2
reboot

adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount /efs

Method 4: SN Write Tool for Qualcomm (QCN files)

Chipset devices Qualcomm (for example, Samsung Galaxy A71, OnePlus Nord, Xiaomi Mi 10T) require a different approach. Here the IMEI is stored in a file QCN, which can be edited via SN Write Tool or QPST.

Required tools:

• 📌 QPST (version 2.7.484 or newer).
• 📌 Drivers Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 📌 File QCN for your model (can be extracted with a backup or downloaded on the forums).

Recovery process:

1. Install QPST and drivers. Connect the switched off smartphone to the PC in EDL mode (this may require short-circuiting the test points on the board).
2. V QPST select Start Clients → Software Download.
3. In the Backup section, create a backup copy of the current QCNfile (in case of errors).
4. Open SN Write Tool, select the port COM and download the edited QCNfile with the correct IMEI.
5. Click Start and wait for completion (do not disconnect the cable!).

⚠️ Attention: On devices Samsung s Exynos or Qualcomm after 2021 release, protection may be enabled RMM Stateblocking access to EDL-mode. In this case, you will need a reset RMM via Odin or a service cable.

Method 5: Recovery via custom recovery (TWRP)

If you have custom installed recovery (TWRP), you can restore IMEI by editing the files manually or using specialized ZIP firmware. This method is suitable for experienced users.

Method 1: Manually editing files

1. Load into TWRP (Power + Volume Up).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Open file /efs/imei (or /nvram/MD/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI/NVD_IMEI1 for Mediatek) and edit it by entering the original IMEI.
4. Save the changes and reboot.

Method 2: Flashing a ZIP file from IMEI

Some developers create ZIP archives for IMEI repair. For example, for Xiaomi you can use:

• 📦 IMEI Repair ZIP (search on 4PDA for your model).
• 📦 NVRAM Restore Tool (for Mediatek).

Flash ZIP via Install to TWRP and clear the cache (Wipe → Dalvik/Cache).

Common errors and how to avoid them

When restoring IMEI, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common of them and how to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, perhaps the problem lies deeper:

• 🔧 The modem is damaged. Check the integrity of the files in /vendor/rfs/msm/mpss (for Qualcomm) or /vendor/firmware_mnt (for Mediatek).
• 🔌 Problems with the antenna. If after restoring the IMEI the network still does not appear, check the antenna cable or SIM card contacts.
• 📡 Operator blocking. Some operators (for example, Megafon) block IMEI if a change is suspected. In this case, only contacting a communication store will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions