How to restore IMEI on Xiaomi with Qualcomm chipset: 3 working methods

Losing IMEIs on Xiaomi smartphones with Qualcomm processors is a common problem after a failed firmware, factory reset or experimenting with modified firmware. Without a correct IMEI, the device loses access to mobile networks, cannot make calls or use the mobile Internet. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved software, but it is important to understand that the recovery method depends on the model of the smartphone, the firmware version and the current state of the bootloader.

In this article, we will discuss three proven ways to restore IMEI Xiaomi with Snapdragon chipsets (4xx/6xx/7xx/8xx series, including methods through EDL-mode, utility QPST We'll focus on the nuances of locked bootloaders and the models based on the system. MIUI 14/15. All instructions are relevant to 2026 Years and years of testing on Redmi Note models 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11 others.

Why is IMEI missing from Xiaomi with Qualcomm?

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is stored in a special section of modemst1/modemst2 on the Qualcomm chip.

• 🔄 Incorrect firmware via Fastboot or Recovery when files are NVRAM (Non-volatile memory) is damaged or erased.
• 📱 Reset to factory settings on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🔧 Manual file editing nv_data.bin or nv_item.bin root-access.
• ⚡ Hardware failures (less commonly) – damage to a memory chip or modem controller.

On Xiaomi with Qualcomm, the IMEI can “fly” even after an official update via MIUI Updater, if the firmware contains errors in the modem section. For example, users of the Redmi Note 9 Pro (model joyeuse) massively faced this problem after upgrading to MIUI 13.0.4 in 2022.

⚠️ Attention: If IMEI disappeared after installing a custom recavérie (TWRP), Never try to restore it through Wipe. → Format Data in Recovery. This will permanently delete modemst partitions!

Preparing for IMEI Recovery: What You Need to Know

Before starting the procedure, make sure that:

Backed up data (IMEI tied to hardware, but other data may be affected)

Learn the exact IMEI of your device (on the box, under the battery or via the command *#06# on the second device)

Download the right drivers for your model (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008)

Prepare the original USB cable (do not use extension cords or hubs)

Charged the smartphone at least 50% (to avoid disconnection during the process)-->

It is critical not to confuse IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 (for dual-sim models) If you restore the same IMEI On both slots, the network will only work on one. SIM-Original values. IMEI find:

• 📦 On the sticker under the battery (for models with a removable back cover).
• 📄 In the warranty card or device box.
• 🖥️ Using *#06# on another phone (if you saved a screen photo from the phone) IMEI).

If the original IMEI is lost, it cannot be restored – you will have to generate a new one (which contradicts the legislation of many countries).In Russia, since 2021, the use of devices with non-original IMEI is prohibited (FZ-472), so we recommend restoring only the native IMEI values indicated on the box or under the battery.

Method 1: Recover IMEI through the engineering menu (for unlocked bootloader)

The easiest way, which works on 70% of Xiaomi devices with Qualcomm and unlocked bootloader, is suitable for models on MIUI 12-15, as long as the modemst partitions are not critically damaged.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##4636## If the code doesn't work, try ##36446337## (for newer versions of MIUI).
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block and find the IMEI SV or IMEI fields.
4. Enter the original IMEI (no spaces!) in both fields (for dual-sim models) and click Apply.
5. Reset the device.

If the IMEI does not appear after the reboot (check with *#06#), then the modemst partitions are damaged and one of the following methods is needed.

💡

On some models (e.g. POCO F3), the engineering menu is hidden. To open it, install the MTK Engineering Mode app from the Play Market, even if you have a Qualcomm chipset.

Method 2: Qualcomm Product Support Tools (QPST)

Universal method for devices with a locked bootloader, but requires a Windows PC and original USB-It works on all Xiaomi with Snapdragon, including the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+ 5G, Mi 10T others.

Steps:

1. Download and install: 🖥️ QPST 2.7.422 (official version). 🔌 Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (Search by your device model).
2. Turn off your smartphone and transfer it to EDL-Mode: For most models: Press Volume Up + Volume down and connect the cable to your PC. If it doesn't work, use adb reboot edl (unlocked bootloader and debugging enabled). USB).
3. Open QPST Configuration, go to the Ports tab and check that your device is identified as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (COMX).
4. Launch it. QFIL (partition QPST) and select: Flat Build → point the way to the file prog_emmc_firehose_*.mbn (downloaded separately for your model). XML → select files rawprogram_unsparse.xml and patch0.xml (stock-stack).

Download

⚠️ Attention: If QFIL Sahara Communication Failed, check if the phone is connected to the back USB-port (front ports often do not provide stable power) are all programs to work with the port disabled COM-port (for example, Mi Flash Tool or ADB). Does the firehose file match your model (download only from trusted sources, for example, XDA Developers).

Method 3: Manual editing of NVRAM via ADB (for power users)

This method is suitable if you have root access or unlocked bootloader, but QPST It's very careful because it's editing errors. nv_data.bin This can lead to total network loss.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC.
2. Connect the phone in USB debugging mode and execute: adb shell su dd if=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst1 of=/sdcard/modemst1.bin dd if=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst2 of=/sdcard/modemst2.bin This will back up the modemst1 and modemst2 partitions on the memory card.
3. Download HxD Hex Editor and open the modemst1.bin file.
4. Find a string with the current IMEI (search AT+EGMR=1.7," and replace it with the original IMEI in HEX format. For example, IMEI 123456789012345 in HEX will look like 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 30 32 33 34 35.
5. Save the file and download it back: adb push modemst1.bin /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst1 adb reboot

For dual-sim models, repeat the procedure for modemst2.bin by substituting a second IMEI. If the network does not appear after the reboot, check the file rights:

adb shell


su




chmod 644 /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst1




chmod 644 /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst2

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right instructions, users face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones.

• 🔌 The device is not defined in QPST: Check that the phone is in EDL-mode (screen must be black, no vibration) Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008 from the list. try another one USB-cable (original, without adapters).
• 📱 IMEI Recovered but the network is not working: Check that APN-Operator settings are loaded (manually add) APN, if necessary, make sure that SIM-The card is active (try inserting it into another phone) Reset the network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 🔧 QFIL Download Fail: Firehose: Download another file prog_emmc_firehose For your model (for example, for Snapdragon) 720G File from Redmi Note is suitable 9 Pro. Try another version. QPST (for example, 2.7.404 instead 2.7.422). Disable the antivirus (it can block access to ports).

💡

If none of the methods worked, check the integrity of the modem partition via the command fastboot getvar all. If the output has a line modem: NO, then the partition is corrupted and you need a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock option (but this will block the bootloader!).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions