Loss or damage of IMEI on Xiaomi smartphone is a problem that users face after a failed firmware, reset or hardware failure. Without a correct IMEI, the device loses access to mobile networks, stops catching the 4G/5G signal and actually turns into a “brick” with Wi-Fi. In this article, we will discuss legal ways to restore IMEI on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models – from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
It is important to understand: change IMEI In some countries it is regulated by law (for example, in Russia it is only allowed to restore the original number). IMEI To bypass operator locks or mask the device, all instructions below are intended solely to restore the factory's operating system. IMEI after-failure.
Before you start, check if the problem is real in IMEI: enter the dial code *#06#. If instead of a 15-digit number you see "Null", "Invalid" or an empty field - your Xiaomi needs help.
Why Xiaomi’s IMEI is Losing and How to Avoid It
The main reasons for losing IMEI on Xiaomi devices are divided into software and hardware, and the user is most often to blame for the wrong actions when running the firmware or unlocking the bootloader.
- 🔄 Failed firmware: Using custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) without backing up modem and nvram partitions, especially at risk for owners of MediaTek (Redmi series) devices 10/Note 11).
- 🔓 Unlock bootloader: Officially unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool sometimes resets IMEI, if the conditions are not met (for example, linking your Mi Account to your device for less than 7 days).
- ⚡ Factory reset: Hard reset (Fastboot or Recovery) can erase the data of the communication module if a copy of the nvdata is not previously saved.
- 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions: Chip damage RF (radio modules after falling or getting moisture, in which case software methods will not help - you need repairs.
Prevention is simple: before any manipulations with the firmware, be sure to save a backup copy of the modem, nvram and nvdata partitions via TWRP or Mi Flash Tool. For devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5), the persist.img file is critical - its loss leads to the "zeroing" of the IMEI.
⚠️ Attention: If IMEI disappeared after updating MIUI OTA, Don't try to flash the device back in. First, try to roll back to the previous version via Fastboot, which often restores the connection.
Method 1: Recover IMEI through the Engineering Menu (for MediaTek)
MediaTek devices (Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO M4/M5) allow you to recover the IMEI through a hidden engineering menu, which works if you have the original number (for example, on a box or in a warranty card).
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code ##3646633## (or #4636## for newer versions of MIUI).
- Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
- Select Phone 1 (for the first one) SIM-Cards or Phone 2 (for the second).
- In the input field, enter the command: AT +EGMR=1,7,"Yours_IMEI_1" For the second. SIM: AT +EGMR=1,10,"Yours_IMEI_2"
- Press Send AT Command and restart the device.
If the IMEI does not appear after the reboot, check the correct number (should consist of 15 digits without spaces). Some devices (Redmi 9A/9C) may require you to enter the command twice.
Keep the original IMEI (from box/tax invoice)
Charge your phone at least 50%
Connect to stable Wi-Fi (in case of network reset)
Download drivers for your model from the Xiaomi website-->
Method 2: Firmware modem and nvram partitions via SP Flash Tool (MediaTek)
If the engineering menu didn't work, you'd have to flash system partitions, and you'd need the SP Flash Tool and the official firmware for your model, and it's only suitable for MediaTek devices!
Steps:
- Download the Fastboot ROM for your model from en.miui.com. Uncivilize it.
- Install MediaTek Preloader drivers (instructions are available on 4PDA for your model).
- Launch it. SP Flash Tool, click Scatter-loading and select the file MTxxxx_Android_scatter.txt firmware.
- In the list of sections, tick only: modem nvram nvdata
Download
It takes 2-5 minutes. After a successful firmware, IMEI should recover automatically. If not, repeat the procedure by pre-clearing the partitions through Format All + Download in the SP Flash Tool.
⚠️ Warning: Do not flash the full firmware (Download All) - this can block the bootloader! Use only selective firmware of the specified partitions.
| Xiaomi model | Chipset | Appropriate method | The risk of blocking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 | SP Flash Tool | Low. |
| POCO X5 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G | QCN-file QPST | Medium. |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 | Mi Flash + persist.img | High-pitched |
| Redmi 10A | MediaTek Helio G25 | Engineering menu | Absent. |
Method 3: Recovery IMEI Snapdragon on Snapdragon through QPST and QCN-file
Devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon (Xiaomi) 12T, POCO F4, Redmi K50) They need a different approach. QCN-file is a backup of the communication module data that can be created in advance or found for your model (e.g., on a computer). 4PDA).
Instructions:
- Download and install QPST (Qualcomm Product Support Tools) and Qualcomm HS-USB drivers.
- Turn on Diagnostic Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. 5 times click on the MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Diagnostics.
QPST Configuration
Qualcomm HS-USB Diagnostics
Software Download
Start
Critically: QCN-The file should be for your model and region! Using someone else's files will lead to a broken connection or lock. IMEI.
What if QPST can’t see the phone?
Method 4: Recovery via Mi Flash and persist.img (for Snapdragon)
If QPST didn’t help, try flashing persist.img through the official Mi Flash Tool.This method works for most Snapdragon devices, but requires an unlocked bootloader.
Step-by-step:
- Download Fastboot ROM for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
- Unclose the firmware and find the persist.img file in the images folder.
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers.
- Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when turned on).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the Select option, specify the firmware folder, then press Refresh – the device must be determined.
- In manual mode, select only the persist partition and press Flash.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone is warranty, don't open it yourself! Contact Xiaomi's Authorized Service Center - Recovery IMEI is included in the warranty obligations provided that the failure occurred not through the fault of the user.
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Before visiting the service center, make a backup copy of the data - during hardware repairs, a complete reset of the device may be required.