Restoring IMEI on Android: 5 proven methods (including null-IMEI)

Loss or reset IMEI on a smartphone Android is a problem that users face after unsuccessful firmware, reset to factory settings or experiments with modified firmware (custom ROM). Without the correct identifier, the device loses access to the mobile network, stops receiving the operator’s signal, and in some cases is even blocked by the system. In this article we will look at legal and safe ways to restore IMEIincluding manual methods for experienced users and automated solutions for beginners.

It is important to understand: IMEI is tied to the smartphone's hardware (module Baseband), and changing it without good reason may violate the laws of some countries. We only consider recovery original IMEIthat was lost for technical reasons - not to bypass locks or disguise the device. If your smartphone was stolen or blocked by an operator, restoring the IMEI will not help you unlock it legally.

The instructions in the article are relevant for most modern devices on Android 10–14, including models Samsung Galaxy (series A, S, Note), Xiaomi Redmi/POCO, Huawei/Honor, Realme, Oppo and others. For older devices (pre-2018 release), alternative methods may be required - we will also mention them.

1 How. check the current IMEI and diagnose the problem

Before restoring IMEI, make sure that the problem is really in it. Often users confuse the lack of a network with a malfunction SIM cards or the communication module. Here's how to check:

• 📱 Through the USSD code: Type on the keyboard. phone *#06#. If instead of the 15-digit code you see null, 000000000000000 or an error, the IMEI is damaged.
• 🔍 In settings: Go to Settings → About phone → General information → IMEIMissing data or incorrect characters - a sign. problems.
• 📡 Checking the network: If the phone does not see the operator (even with a working SIM card) or shows "Emergency calls only" - this is an indirect sign of IMEI failure.

If the IMEI is displayed correctly, but the network does not work, the problem may be:

• 🔌 Malfunction SIM cards or slot (try another card).
• 📶 APN settings (check the mobile data settings with your operator).
• 🔧 Damage to the module Baseband (requires repair at a service center).

What is Baseband and why is it important for IMEI?

Baseband is low-level software responsible for the operation of modems (2G/3G/4G/5G) in a smartphone. IMEI is stored in the NV-data section of this module. If damaged Baseband (for example, due to incorrect firmware), the IMEI may be reset or become unreadable. IMEI restoration often requires flashing this particular component, and not the entire system.

2. Reasons for losing IMEI on Android and how to avoid them

IMEI can disappear or become damaged for several reasons. Knowing the reasons will help prevent the problem in the future:

Cause	Explanation	How to avoid
Incorrect firmware	Installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) without backup NV-data.	Always make a backup via TWRP or SP Flash Tool before flashing the firmware.
Reset to factory settings	On some devices (MediaTek) reset may reset the IMEI.	Use Fastboot to reset instead of the recovery menu.
Partition damage NV-data	Errors when writing to memory (for example, when manually editing via MTK Engineering Mode).	Do not change the settings modem without knowing the consequences.
Hardware failure	Falling, moisture, overheating can damage the memory chip with IMEI.	Avoid mechanical damage and overheating.

Device with processors are especially vulnerable MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 8/9, Realme 5/6). On them, the IMEI is stored in the NVRAMsection, which can easily be damaged by careless manipulation. Owners of such smartphones are recommended create a backup copy of IMEI to create a backup copy in advance. IMEI

3. Restoring IMEI through the engineering menu (for MediaTek)

The most common method for devices on chips MediaTek (MTK) is using the engineering menu. It does not require root access, but does not work on all models. Instructions:

1. Open the application Phone and dial the code:

   ##3646633##

   If the code does not work, try #15963# or ##4636##.

2. In the engineering menu, go to the 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 AT+ enter the command:

   AT +EGMR=1.7,"Your_IMEI_1"

   For the second SIM card, use AT +EGMR=1.10,"Your_IMEI_2".

5. Press Send AT Command. Reboot the phone.

If the IMEI has not been restored after reboot:

• 🔄 Repeat the procedure, making sure the entered code is correct.
• 🔧 Check if your model supports this method (on some Xiaomi engineering menu is locked).
• 📱 Try an alternative code to enter the engineering menu (see instructions for your model).

Make sure that the phone is on a MediaTek processor

Find the original IMEI (on the box or via *#06# to failure)

Charge the phone at least 50%

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (in case of downloading drivers)

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4. IMEI recovery via ADB i Fastboot (universal method)

For devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, Google Pixel) method using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is suitable. It requires USB debugging enabled and drivers installed.

Step 1. Preparation:

• 🖥️ Install ADB and Fastboot on your computer.
• 📱 Enable USB debugging in Settings → For developers (activated by pressing 7 times on Build number in About the phone).
• 🔌 Connect the phone to the PC and confirm permission to debug.

Step 2. Repair IMEI:

1. Open command line line (cmd) in the folder with adb.exe.
2. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   Wait for the device serial number to appear.

3. Run the command to record IMEI (replace IMEI_1 and IMEI_2 to your values):

   adb shell
   su
   setprop ril.specific.imei IMEI_1
   setprop ril.specific.imei2 IMEI_2
   reboot

If the command does not work, try the alternative method via Fastboot:

fastboot oem writeimei IMEI_1
fastboot oem writeimei2 IMEI_2
fastboot reboot

5. Restoring IMEI on Samsung via Odin i EFSfirmware

Device Samsung store IMEI in the section EFS. If it is damaged, flashing the original EFS-file through Odinwill help. This method is suitable for models Galaxy S, Note, A-series. data-i="177">Step 1. Download the necessary files (2016–2023 model years).

Step 1. Download the necessary files:

• 📁 Firmware EFS for your model (look on the forums XDA Developers or SamMobile).
• 🖥️ app Odin (version 3.14.1 or later).
• 🔧 Drivers Samsung USB Drivers.

Step 2. Firmware via Odin:

1. Turn off the phone and switch it to mode Download Mode (press Volume down + Power + Bixby for new models or Volume down + Home + Power for old ones).
2. Connect your phone to the PC and open Odin.
3. In the field AP select the downloaded file EFS (usually in the format .tar or .md5).
4. Press Start and wait for completion (the phone will reboot automatically).

Important: Firmware of a non-original EFSfile may lead to permanent loss of IMEI or blocking of the device. Use only files intended for your model and region (CSC code).

6. Alternative methods: applications and service centers

If manual methods do not work or you are not confident in your abilities, consider alternative options:

• 📱 IMEI repair applications:
  • Chamelephon (requires root) - allows you to change IMEI on some devices.
  • MTK Engineering Mode - simplified access to the engineering menu for MediaTek.
  • IMEI & SN Writer - works with chips Spreadtrum (rarely found on modern smartphones).

  ⚠️ Attention: Most of these applications require root access and may be blocked by an antivirus. Use them at your own risk.

• 🔧 Contacting a service center:
  • Official centers Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei can restore IMEI under warranty (if the problem is not caused by the user).
  • Unofficial workshops often offer the service for 500–1500 rubles, but the risk of running into scammers is high.
• 📞 Help from a telecom operator:
  • Some operators (for example, MTS, Beeline) can relink the number to a new IMEI if you provide documents to the phone.
  • This will not restore the original IMEI, but will restore access to the network.

Is it possible to restore IMEI without a computer?

Theoretically, yes, but only if you have root access and a backup copy of the partition NV-data or EFS. Applications like TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery allow you to restore a backup directly from your phone. However, without preliminary preparation (creating a backup), this method will not work.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When restoring IMEI, users often make critical mistakes that can aggravate the problem. Here are the most common:

• 🔢 Incorrect IMEI entry:
  • IMEI must consist of 15 digits (without spaces, dashes or letters).
  • Last 6 digits - this is the serial number of the device, they cannot be changed.
• 📵 Use of other people's IMEI:
  • In some countries (including Russia) IMEI cloning is prohibited by law and can lead to blocking of the device by the operator.
  • Use only the original IMEI of your phone (printed on the box or under the battery).
• 🔌 Interrupting the firmware process:
  • If you turn off the phone while recording IMEI via ADB or Odin, section NV-data/EFS may be damaged beyond repair.
• 🛠️ Incompatible firmware:
  • Firmware EFS or NV-data from another phone model will lead to complete loss of IMEI.

8. Prevention: how to protect IMEI from loss

The best way to avoid problems with IMEI is to take precautions in advance. Here's what you can do:

• 📲 Create a backup copy of the partition NV-data/EFS:
  • For MediaTek: use MTK Droid Tools or SP Flash Tool.
  • For Qualcomm: backup via TWRP (section EFS).
• 🔄 Check the firmware before installation:
  • Download firmware only from official sources (Xiaomi.eu, SamMobile, LineageOS).
  • Avoid "cut" firmware without modem and baseband.
• 🔒 Block changes to system partitions:
  • Disable root access after use.
  • Do not edit files in /efs or /nvdata without necessary.

If you often experiment with firmware, keep on hand:

• 📝 Record the original IMEI (take a photo of the sticker under the battery or box).
• 💾 Backup copy of the partition EFS/NV-data.
• 🔧 Recovery instructions for your model (save in the cloud).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about restoring IMEI

❓ Is it possible to restore IMEI without root access?

Yes, but only on devices with processors MediaTek through the engineering menu. For Qualcomm usually requires unlocked bootloader and ADB.

❓ The phone shows "IMEI: 000000000000000". What to do?

This means that the partition with IMEI is completely erased. Try methods for null-IMEI (firmware EFS/NV-data or contacting the service).

❓ After restoring IMEI, the phone does not connect to the network. What's the matter?

Possible reasons:

• Incorrectly entered IMEI (check the numbers).
• Damaged module Baseband (reflashing required).
• Operator blocking (if IMEI was changed illegally).

Try to reflash modem or contact the service.

❓ Is it legal to restore IMEI yourself?

Restoring original IMEI does not violate the law, since you are returning the device to factory settings. However replacing IMEI with someone else's is prohibited in most countries (including Russia) and may result in blocking the device by the operator.

❓ Is it possible to restore IMEI on a blocked phone bootloader?

On most devices - no. To record IMEI via Fastboot or ADB an unlocked bootloaderis required. The exception is some models Xiaomiwhere IMEI can be restored via Mi Flash in mode EDL (an authorized account is required).

If none of the methods helped, or you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact a service center. Incorrect manipulation of partitions EFS or NV-data can lead to total loss of connection or "bricking" the device.