How to change the IMEI on the phone Xiaomi Redmi: the complete guide

Shift. IMEI On Xiaomi Redmi devices, this procedure raises many questions for advanced users trying to restore the functionality of the smartphone after a failed flashing or wanting to hide their identity on the network. Unlike simple system settings, changing this unique identifier requires a deep understanding of the Android architecture and the risks associated with interfering with basic hardware settings. Many owners face a situation where, after installing custom firmware or a module failure, they are not able to use the software. NVRAM The phone stops seeing SIM-map or displays a zero code.

It should be emphasized that in most countries of the world, changing the IMEI is a legally controversial or completely prohibited action, since this number is used to block stolen devices at the operator level. However, from a technical point of view, the process of restoring or replacing the factory value is possible with the presence of Root rights and specialized software. In this article, we will discuss the technical aspects of the procedure in detail, not calling for violation of the law, but providing comprehensive information for those who restore their gadgets.

It is worth noting that modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS shells have enhanced protection against unauthorized changes to critical data. Attempting to change IMEI on a locked bootloader is impossible without using paid authorized Mi Account accounts. This is an important nuance that beginners often miss when trying to use old instructions. Before starting any manipulations, you should weigh all the pros and cons, since an error can turn a smartphone into a brick without the ability to restore network functions.

What is IMEI and why should you change it to Redmi?

International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique 15-digit code assigned to each mobile device in production. It serves as a phone passport on cellular networks, allowing operators to identify equipment and provide communication services. In Xiaomi smartphones, this code is stored in a special memory section, access to which is limited for the average user.

Often users are looking for a way to change the IMEI on the Redmi Note or other models to bypass the carrier lock. If the phone is lost and locked using a unique code, changing the ID theoretically allows the device to be brought back to life. However, it is worthwhile to understand that modern 4G/LTE and 5G networks use additional authentication methods, and simply changing the number may not have the desired effect.

On the technical side, it involves low-level modem commands, using special engineering modes or programmers, and without deep knowledge of telecommunications, it's easy to damage the software part of the modem, which will lead to a lack of signal even if there is a signal.-valid SIM-So the approach should be as careful and balanced as possible.

⚠️ Attention: Change IMEI This information may result in the operator blocking the device or the manufacturer's warranty being cancelled, and only use this information to restore the performance of your own equipment for educational purposes.

It's important to distinguish between "shift" and "recovery." If your phone lost code due to a malfunction, a return to a factory value is a repair. If you plan to set a random number to hide your identity, it's bypassing security systems. In the context of this article, we're going to look at the technical methods that apply to both scenarios, but with a focus on restoring functionality.

📊 What is your purpose of the shift? IMEI?

Recovery after failure

Bypassing operator lockdown

Software testing

Just curious.

Hide the device from the network

Necessary tools and device preparation

Before you start changing system identifiers, you need to prepare a software environment. Android standard means to do this is impossible, so you need third-party software. The main requirement for most methods is the presence of superuser rights (Root). Without them, access to the modem configuration files will be closed. The most popular tool for obtaining rights is Magisk, which allows you to modify the system without full firmware.

In addition to Root rights, you often need an unlocked bootloader. In Xiaomi devices, this is done through the official Mi Unlock Tool on your PC. The unlock process completely clears the user's data, so you need to back up important information in advance. You will also need a computer with drivers installed. ADB and Fastboot, and USB-A good quality cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery.

The most common applications for direct code change are those that are available in the public domain or in the forums, including Chamelephon, Xiaomi IMEI Changer, and MTK Engineering Mode. The choice of a specific tool depends on the processor of your device: MediaTek or Qualcomm Snapdragon. The processor architecture dictates the method of accessing NVRAM memory.

☑️ Preparation for the procedure

Charge your phone above 50%Make a complete backup of the dataUnlock the bootloader (Bootloader)Getting Root Rights (Magisk)Install ADB drivers on PC

Done: 0 / 5

Remember, there's a high risk of error when you're working with system files, and one wrong command can cause the phone to stop detecting. SIM-So the preparation involves not only installing the software, but also morale about the possible outcome. Make sure you download the version of the program that is compatible with your version of Android.

Method through Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors)

MediaTek-based devices (such as some entry-level Redmi models) have built-in engineering menus that can be accessed via a standard dialer, which is considered the easiest method, since it does not require additional software to be installed unless the menu is blocked by the manufacturer.

Once you enter the engineering menu, you go to the Connectivity tab, then select CDS Information and then Radio Information. Here you will see the command fields. To set the new IMEI, you enter the AT+EGMR=1.7 command "YAS IMEI" for the first SIM card and AT+EGMR=1.10 "YAS IMEI" for the second. It is important to observe the syntax: quotes and commas should stand exactly as indicated.

Once you enter the command, press the Send AT Command button. If it goes well, the system will respond with OK. After that, you need to restart the device. However, newer versions of MIUI often close access to this menu and input fields may be inactive, in which case you need to use special patches or activator applications, such as the MTK Engineering Mode from the Play Market.

⚠️ Note: In the engineering menu, do not change other settings unless you are sure of their purpose.Resetting the radio module settings can lead to loss of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signal.

It is worth noting that the method through Engineering Mode only works if the NVRAM partition is intact and has the correct structure. If the phone was flashed with the wrong firmware (for example, global to the Chinese version or vice versa without conversion), this partition may not be readable, in which case simple AT commands will not help, and deeper intervention through the PC will be required.

Using root applications to change the identifier

For smartphones where the engineering menu is unavailable or blocked, applications that require superuser rights are used. One of the most popular solutions is the Chamelephon app, which is available on Google Play and allows you to change IMEIs on root-access devices. The interface is simple: you enter a new 15-digit code and click the application button.

The process of using such applications is as follows: after installing and granting rights to Root, the program reads the current identifiers. You enter new values in the corresponding fields. The application then writes the data to the system file /data/nvdata/WIFI or similar, depending on the model. After recording, a mandatory reboot is required. On Xiaomi devices with Snapdragon processors, this method may require steps, since the memory structure of Qualcomm is different from MediaTek.

There are also specialized utilities like Xiaomi IMEI Changer that are specifically tailored to the Mi ecosystem. They can automatically determine the device model and offer compatible recording methods. However, the effectiveness of such programs varies from the Android version. On Android 10 and above, Google has imposed strict restrictions on access to hardware identifiers, so older versions of applications may not work.

What to do if the app says "Failed"?

If the application reports a recording error, try clearing the Phone and Settings app cache, then restart. Also make sure that the antivirus or built-in protection is in place. MIUI They don't block access to system files, sometimes it helps to temporarily shut down the Internet, they may contain errors or be incompatible with your particular firmware version. Before launching, always check the date of the last update of the application and user reviews with similar phone models. If the application has not been updated for a long time, the probability of success on the fresh Redmi tends to zero. IMEI via computer and ADB A more advanced and versatile method involves the use of a computer and debugging bridge ADB. This way you can send commands directly to the system without the interface constraints. USB. In the developer menu (Settings) → The phone. → 7 once MIUI") activate the Debugging item USB. Once connected, open the command line on your computer and enter the command to check the connection: adb devices. If the device is displayed, you can proceed to enter commands to change. IMEI. However, the standard ADB The team does not allow you to write directly to NVRAM There's no root access on the device itself, so it's often a bunch of people. ADB + Root-Shell: The team looks something like this: adb shell su echo"AT+EGMR=1,7,"123456789012345"" > /dev/smd0 Here's the way. /dev/smd0 It can vary depending on the processor model. Snapdragon is often used with utilities like QXDM or QPST, which work in conjunction with the diagnostic port. To activate the diagnostic port on Xiaomi, the dialer enters the code ##717717## (does not work on all models) or uses the code ####. ADB command: adb shell setprop sys.usb.config diag,adb. The method through the PC is considered the most reliable for recovering "killed" phones, but it requires high qualification. HEX-The code or address of the memory cell can lead to irreversible consequences. Beginners are advised to use this method only as a last resort and strictly follow the instructions for a particular processor model. ⚠️ Attention: When working with ADB and diagnostic ports make sure that the correct Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers are installed on the computer. Using the wrong drivers can lead to a freeze. USB-port or system, factory repair IMEI From backup, the safest way to "change» IMEI — It's a return to factory value. Every certified phone has a sticker on the box and under the tray. SIM-maps (or the About Phone menu) where the original code is listed. NVRAM or EFS (For Qualcomm, it takes a couple of minutes to recover, and it's ideal if the changes were made for a test or a network problem, and you can use the same tools to recover from the backup as you do for the record, for example, MTK Engineering Mode or specialized recovery scripts. If you have a backup file (usually with the.img or.bin extension), you can fill it back up via Fastboot mode. nvram.img (This will return the phone to its factory identity. If there is no backup but you know the factory number, just type it manually through any of the methods described above. Use of the native» IMEI Ensures better interoperability with carrier networks and stable operation of all communication modules. Cloning of other people's numbers or using random values can lead to conflicts in the network and lockdown. IMEI for Xiaomi devices: Method Difficulty Needed Root Error Risk Engineering Mode Low No (often) Medium Root Apps Medium Yes Medium ADB + Diag Port High Yes High Backup Recovery Low Depends on Minimum Possible Problems and Solutions During the Shift IMEI And the most common problem is that the phone says "No service" or "Emergency Calls Only" after the reboot. IMEI has not been registered in the network or has been entered incorrectly (for example, failed to pass the checksum). Check that you're typing numbers correctly, especially the last one, which is the control. IMEI This suggests that the recording has gone into RAM or a temporary file, but has not been fixed in a permanent storage. NVRAM. In such cases, it helps to repeat the procedure with the mandatory check for the presence of a flag file that prohibits change, or the use of more powerful utilities to "freeze" values, and the complete failure of the communication module is also possible. SIM-Even after returning to factory settings, the modem or radio partition may have been damaged, in which case only flashing the full set of original images (stock firmware) through the Mi Flash Tool utility in Clean All mode will help. 💡The surest way to avoid problems is to back up all partitions associated with the modem before any experiment. Don't ignore error messages. If a program writes "Write Failed," don't try to repeat the operation endlessly. It is better to analyze logcats to understand what exactly blocks the record: access rights, file employment or hardware error. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Can we change? IMEI Xiaomi without Root? No, standard system condition. NVRAM, stored IMEI, However, on some older models with MediaTek processors and an unblocked engineering menu, it is possible to change the code through special codes in the dialer without getting full Root access, but this is rare for new devices. IMEI post-refresh MIUI or reset? If IMEI has been modified software through an application or Engineering Mode, then a full reset (Wipe Data) usually does not affect the section NVRAM, However, flashing the phone over the Fastboot and clearing all partitions will return the factory to the same. IMEI, Because the entire system section will be rewritten, does it pose a criminal liability for the change? IMEI? Legislation of many countries (including the Russian Federation, the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation Art. 272, 273) equates the change to the law. IMEI It is not normally prosecuted to traffic in special equipment or to interfere with computer information, if it is done to bypass locks or cloning. It is not usually prosecuted to restore your factory number, but you will have to prove that you have restored your number. What to do if you have a shift IMEI Is it a sign of damage to adjacent memory areas or driver conflict. Often, IMEI recording affects neighboring cells responsible for calibrating antennas or audio codec. The solution is one – complete flashing with the original dump (Stock ROM) through the Mi Flash Tool with mandatory cleaning (Clean All). Does the IMEI change to Android 12/13/14? On new versions of Android, Google has implemented the Project Treble mechanism and tightened access to hardware ID. Standard methods through Engineering Mode are often blocked by manufacturers. It requires an unlocked bootloader and specific kernel patches, which makes the procedure much more complicated than on Android 9 or 10.