How to restore IMEI to Xiaomi with MediaTek (MTK) processor: all working ways

Losing IMEI on Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek chipset (MTK) is a common problem after a failed firmware, factory reset or experimenting with a system modification. Without the correct IMEI, the device loses access to mobile networks, stops catching the operator's signal and actually turns into a "brick" with the functionality of the tablet. You can restore a unique identifier yourself, but the process requires accuracy: errors when working with the NVRAM partition or modem can lead to complete loss of communication or even damage to the firmware.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of recovery. IMEI Xiaomi with Helio G, Dimensity and others MTK-chips – from manual input through the engineering menu to the use of specialized utilities like Maui Meta or SN We will pay special attention to the nuances for models with a locked bootloader (bootloader) and those cases when standard methods do not work. If you have never encountered the firmware of smartphones, we recommend first familiarize yourself with the basic concepts – this will help to avoid critical errors.

Why Xiaomi MTK IMEI is Losing and How to Check It

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is stored in a special partition of NVRAM memory, which is responsible for the operation of the modem. On devices with MediaTek processors, this partition is especially vulnerable to:

• 🔄 Wrong firmware through SP Flash Tool or Fastboot without backup NVRAM.
• 🧹 Hard Reset over the Recavers, if the backup has not been saved before.
• 🛠️ Manual editing of system files (for example, /efs or /nvdata) structureless.
• ⚡ Power failures during firmware update or modification.

To make sure that the problem is in the IMEI, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the *#06# combination. If a 15-digit code is displayed as Null, 000000000000000000 or an error is IMEILost.
2. Check the availability of the network: if the smartphone does not catch the operator (even with the installed one) SIM-map, this is an indirect sign of the problem.
3. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Status. SIM-Lack of data on the maps IMEI or status "Unknown" confirms the diagnosis.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 pro POCO X3 Pro) after loss IMEI The serial number may also be missing (S/N). This makes recovery difficult, as many utilities require original ones. S/N for generating correct data.

Preparing for Recovery: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start recovery, be sure to follow the following steps – they will help you avoid irreversible errors:

Make a backup copy of the current firmware (via TWRP or SP Flash Tool)|Download the original firmware for your Xiaomi model|Make sure the battery is at least 60%|Prepare. USB-cable (preferably original)|Install MediaTek drivers (VCOM preloader)|Write down the originals IMEI (If they were known before)-->

Pay special attention to drivers, without properly installed drivers. VCOM-utility drivers like SP Flash Tool or Maui Meta will not be able to connect to your smartphone in mode BROM. For Windows. 10/11 It is recommended to disable the verification of the digital signature of drivers:

1. Open the Command Prompt on behalf of the administrator.
2. Follow the command: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on
3. Restart your PC and install drivers manually through Device Manager.

If you restore the IMEI on a model with a locked bootloader (such as the Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro), you will need to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool.

SP Flash Tool|Maui Meta|SN Writer Tool|Engineering Menu (MTK)|Other method-->

Method 1: Recovery of IMEI through Engineering Menu (MTK)

The easiest way is to manually enter IMEI through a hidden engineering menu, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models on MediaTek, if:

• ✅ The device is turned on and running (no bootloop).
• ✅ Physical access to the keyboard (you can enter commands).
• ✅ Known originals IMEI (like a box or a check).

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type in ##3646633## This will open the MTK engineering menu (some firmware may require code ##4636###).
2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. Select Phone 1 (for the first one) SIM-Cards or Phone 2 (for the second).
4. In the field AT+ command: AT +EGMR=1,7,"Yours_IMEI_1" Replace yours_IMEI_1 original 15-the code of the second. SIM use AT +EGMR=1,10,"Yours_IMEI_2".
5. Press Send AT Command and restart your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: If after the entry IMEI Smartphone stopped catching the network or gives an error Invalid IMEI, So the code was incorrectly entered, re-entering the modem can block the modem, and then you have to restore it. NVRAM through SP Flash Tool.

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If the engineering menu doesn't open, try using the MTK Engineering Mode app from Google Play, which emulates the standard menu and works on most firmware.

Method 2: Recovery through Maui Meta (for advanced users)

Maui Meta is MediaTek’s official modem utility, which allows you to recover IMEI, serial number, and other NVRAM settings, but requires care: wrong actions can lead to the loss of the network forever.

Download the latest version of Maui Meta (e.g. v10.2026) from the official MediaTek website or verified sources (e.g. XDA Developers).

• 📋 Original. IMEI (Both of these, if the smartphone is two-sim).
• 🔌 USB-Type C cable with data support (not all cables are suitable!).
• 💻 PC running Windows 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux utility doesn't work).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone and connect it to your PC without pressing buttons (should be defined as MediaTek Preloader).
2. Start Maui Meta on behalf of the administrator.
3. In the Connection section, select Smart Phone and press Connect.
4. Go to IMEI Download and enter both IMEIs in the respective fields.
5. Press Download and wait for the process to complete (usually 10–30 seconds).
6. Turn off your smartphone, turn it on and check the IMEI via *#06#.

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If Maui Meta doesn’t see the device, try connecting the smartphone in Meta Mode mode: to do this, hold Volume up + Volume down when connecting to USB.

Method 3: Recover NVRAM with SP Flash Tool

If IMEI missing due to section damage NVRAM, It can be restored from a backup or original firmware. SP Flash Tool – a universal tool for working with MediaTek devices.

Important: This method is only suitable for an unlocked bootloader! if the bootloader is locked, unlock it first through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Instructions:

1. Download the SP Flash Tool (v5.2124 or later) and the original firmware for your Xiaomi model (e.g., from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site).
2. Unpack the firmware and find the NVRAM file (usually.bin and located in the images folder).
3. Launch it. SP Flash Tool, click Choose in Scatter-loading File and select the file MTxxxx_Android_scatter.txt firmware.
4. In the section list, uncheck all boxes except NVRAM.
5. Press Download, connect the switched off smartphone to the PC and wait for the process to be completed (green circle).

⚠️ Note: If you are not using firmware for your model, section NVRAM It might not work, it'll lead to loss. IMEI, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Always check compatibility by device code (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro has a code sweet).

Method 4: Use of the SN Writer Tool (for new models)

The SN Writer Tool is an alternative to the Maui Meta, which often works with newer MediaTek chipsets (e.g., Dimensity 700/900/1200), and has the advantage of supporting automatic IMEI recovery and serial number based on firmware data.

Download the latest version of the utility (for example, v2.2026.05) and follow the instructions:

1. Unpack the archives with SN Writer Tool and launch SN_Writer.exe on behalf of the administrator.
2. In the Target Type field, select Smart Phone.
3. In the IMEI section, enter both IMEIs (if the smartphone is two-sim).
4. Press Start, connect the switched off smartphone to the PC (should be defined as MediaTek DA USB VCOM Port).
5. Wait for the message Download OK and restart the device.

On Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and others with Dimensity, an additional auth.svg file may be required to bypass protection.It can be generated via the MTK Auth Bypass Tool.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users face problems with restoring IMEIs, and here are the most common errors and ways to solve them:

• 🔴 IMEI reset after reset → Reason: Incorrect access rights to the section NVRAM. Solution: pass NVRAM through SP Flash Tool with Format All Checkmark + Download.
• 🔴 Smartphone is not defined in Maui Meta/SN Writer → Reason: There are no drivers VCOM or protection is included DAA. Solution: Use LibUSB-Win32 manually.
• 🔴 After recovery, there is no network, but IMEI map → Reason: modem partition is damaged. Solution: Sweeve the full firmware with the modem checkmarks and NVRAM.
• 🔴 Utilities are making a mistake SLA Auth Fail → Reason: Secure Boot protection activated. Solution: Use MTK Bypass Tool or Downgrade Firmware.

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be a modem hardware failure, which would require a service center diagnosis using equipment like the DC-Phoenix or UFi Box.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions