How to change IMEI to Xiaomi: technical analysis and methods

The question of how to change IMEI Android Xiaomi, often occurs in users faced with the locking of the device operator or the desire to use a second slot SIM-maps on some specific firmware modifications. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique mobile device identifier that is assigned to the manufacturer and recorded in the permanent memory of the communications controller. On modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco, this process is complicated by the security system. MIUI and hardware limitations of MediaTek and Qualcomm processors.

It should be noted that changing this identifier is a complex technical procedure that can lead to the complete inoperability of the communication module. In most countries of the world, including the Russian Federation, cloning or changing the IMEI to bypass the locks of operators or use illegal equipment can be a violation of the law.

Before we get to practical steps, we need to understand the storage architecture of modern smartphones. Unlike push-button phones of the early 2000s, where code could be entered with a simple key combination, Android 10, Android 11 and newer access to the NVRAM partition (where calibration data and IMEI are stored) is closed at the bootloader level. The user interface does not provide regular tools to edit these values, so you have to resort to using engineering menus or third-party software.

⚠️ Warning: Self-interference in system partitions can lead to loss of warranty, network errors (No Service) or complete “bricking” of the device, requiring soldering of the memory chip.

What is IMEI and why is it changed to Xiaomi?

The hardware identifier is a 15-digit number that cellular networks use to identify the device. SIM-map, network matching IMEI If the phone is stolen and wanted, the operator blocks access to the network using that number. There are also situations when users buy devices that are re-imbroidered for the Chinese market, where one of the slots can be software "sewn" incorrect or identical to the other slot identifier.

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to change IMEI when buying a used device with a “broken” identifier or when using modems and routers, where you need a replacement MAC-address IMEI However, it is worth remembering that Root rights (superuser rights) are a prerequisite for any manipulation of system files.

There is a myth that the shift IMEI It helps to hide from surveillance or improve security. That's not true. IMSI-code SIM-It's not a phone ID, it's a left-handed device" IMEI may cause suspicion among algorithms of cell towers, which fix anomalies in the registration of equipment in the network.

• 📱 Restoration of serviceability: Return of network access after firmware failure when the original IMEI was lost.
• 🔓 Unlocking Slots: Activating the Second SIM-slot on some models where it was software-disabled.
• 🛡️ Bypassing locks: Attempting to bypass the operator lock (does not always work and depends on the type of lock).
• 🔧 Testing: Checking the operation of the network module by service center engineers.

Preparation of a smartphone and obtaining Root rights

Any change to system identifiers on Xiaomi starts with unlocking the bootloader, which is the official manufacturer's method for making changes to the system partition. The process requires filing an application on the MI Unlock site, linking the Mi Account to the device and waiting 7 to 168 hours. Without the unlocked bootloader, installing superuser rights is impossible.

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you need to install custom recaps like TWRP and use it to implement Root rights, most often using Magisk. This is a critical step, since standard applications do not have access to the /data/misc/radio/ file system where network settings are stored. The process of obtaining rights requires exact follow the instructions for a particular model, whether it is Redmi Note 10 or flagship Xiaomi 13.

It's important to back up all partitions, especially EFS and Persist. These partitions contain calibration data from cameras, sensors, and most importantly, network identifiers. If you damage that data without a backup, you can't software-restore the original IMEI. You can use specialized modules in TWRP or applications like Swift Backup for backup.

⚠️ Note: After unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi devices, some banking applications and Google Pay (Wallet) stop working due to a breach of security integrity.

Method of change through the engineering menu (MediaTek and Qualcomm)

The most common, but not universal, way is to use an engineering menu: On smartphones with MediaTek processors (such as older Redmi or entry-level Poco models), it is often accessed through dialing. In the dial box, you need to type the combination ##3646633## or ##4636###. If the menu is opened, you need to go to the Connectivity or CDS Information tab.

Inside the menu, you'll find the Radio section and select the Phone. AT-For the change of teams. IMEI form AT+EGMR=1.7, YOUR_IMEI" for the first slot and AT+EGMR=1.10, YOUR_IMEI" The second one is to follow the syntax: quotes must be English, and there should be no extra spaces between the commas.

Qualcomm's (Snapdragon) processors are more complicated. Standard engineering menus often don't allow input. AT-In this case, users resort to using special terminal applications that require Root access, such as Chamelephon or Xiaomi. IMEI Changer: These programs try to send the necessary signals to the modem by emulating the actions of the engineering menu. MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS are often blocked at the kernel level.

Use of PC and programmers (QPST, SP Flash Tool)

A more advanced and reliable method involves using a computer and specialized software. QPST (Qualcomm Product Support Tools and the Program QCN Writer. The essence of the method is to connect the phone in diagnostic mode (diag). ADB adb shell setprop sys.usb.config diag,adb is activated.

After connecting the device, which is determined in the task manager as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 or similar COM-port, we can start QPST Configuration. Start Clients selects Software Download, and you can download a pre-prepared.qcn file that contains network settings and IMEI. File. QCN You can back up another phone of the same model or edit your own phone. HEX-Editorial staff that requires a deep knowledge of data structure.

MediaTek devices use the legendary SP Flash Tool, which works at a lower level, allowing data to be written directly into memory. However, changing IMEIs through the SP Flash Tool usually requires a modified scatter.txt file and having the rights to write to the corresponding memory addresses, a method considered "heavy artillery" and used when software methods through Android do not work.

• 💻 Drivers: Make sure Qualcomm drivers are installed on the PC HS-USB QDLoader or MediaTek VCOM/Preloader.
• 🔌 Cable: Use the original USB-cable, as poor contact can interrupt the recording and damage the bootloader.
• 📁 Files: Never use QCN-Files from other phone models – it is guaranteed to kill the network.

⚠️ Warning: Recording incorrect QCN-The file can cause antenna calibration to lose (Wi-Fi will get worse, Bluetooth will work intermittently) and disappear. IMEI forever.

Problems with MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS

With the release of new versions of the shell MIUI And with the HyperOS transition, Xiaomi has significantly enhanced the integrity protection of the system. IMEI, now often in a secure area of TrustZone or has read-only attributes even for a user with Root rights. AT-The team returns the execution error.

In addition, new firmware hash-checked system partitions when booting. If you changed the IMEI but didn’t recalculate checksums (which is extremely difficult to do manually), the system can go into a cyclic reboot or block access to the network, displaying the status of “Emergency Calls Only.” Magisk modules, which promise to change the IMEI “one click”, on current versions of Android are often non-functional or malicious.

The only relatively working, but difficult way for the new Xiaomi is to use specialized paid services remote unlock (via server accounts), which can scour the region of the device or reset the lock IMEI, if it was imposed officially. Local change through ADB to Android 12+ is almost impossible for the average user.

💡

If the IMEI changes, the speaker loses the audio or Wi-Fi stops working, immediately restore the Persist partition from the backup. This data is often stored in neighboring memory cells.

Recovery of the original IMEI and problem solving

If the experiment failed and the phone stopped seeing the network, panic early. The first step should always be to restore from the backup of the EFS and Persist partitions, which you had to do before you started. If you have a backup, just boot into TWRP and restore those partitions through the Restore menu, and that will return the factory calibration data.

If there is no backup, you can try resetting the network settings, either in the engineering menu (if available) or through the ADB Adb shell am broadcasting -a com.android.phone.MMI_REQUEST_NETWORK_SELECTION (command may vary, you can initiate re-registration, and a full reset to factory settings (Wipe) helps. Data/Factory Reset, but it will delete all user data.

If IMEI snatched off on Null", "000000000000000" Or "Invalid," and the software methods don't help, but you can still flash the stock image over Fastboot. persist.img (If you have an original image, it can save the day. In critical cases, when the modem boot sector is damaged, only flashing the entire device through the device will help. EDL-Emergency Download Mode with an authorized Mi-Flash Pro account.

💡

The most reliable way to return the original IMEI is to recover from pre-made backup sections of EFS/Persist. Without a backup, the chances of success are reduced to 30%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)