A situation where a smartphone suddenly loses its network and stops seeing SIM-The card often causes panic among Xiaomi owners, and on the screen can appear messages about the lack of network or, worse, the status of “Emergency Calls Only”, in most cases, this indicates damage or complete loss. IMEI-code - a unique identifier, without which the device cannot work in cellular networks.
Recovery of this parameter is a technically complex procedure, but it is feasible at home with basic knowledge and care. Without a backup of the NVRAM (memory partition), full recovery of the factory IMEI may not be possible, but there are methods to restore the functionality of the communication module even in difficult cases.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the causes of failure, preparatory steps and step-by-step algorithms for different models of Redmi and Poco. You will learn how to use engineering menus, software packages for PCs and what to do if software methods do not help. It is important to understand the risks and act consistently so as not to turn a smartphone into a brick.
Causes of IMEI loss and diagnosis of the problem
Before starting resuscitation, you need to understand the nature of the error, most often IMEI flies after a failed firmware reflash, when the user installs a global version of the firmware on top of Chinese (or vice versa) without first unlocking the bootloader and cleaning the data, and the cause can also be interference with the system files root rights or viral activity.
Diagnostics start by checking the current status of the identifiers. To do this, open the Phone app and type *#06#. If the screen shows zeros, bars, or the message "IMEI null", the problem is there. In some cases, one slot may work and the other one does not, which indicates partial data corruption in the NVRAM section.
You should also check the network in the engineering menu, and the transition is done by code ##4636##. If the connection status changes or is absent in the "Phone Information" item, this confirms that the modem malfunctions, ignoring the problem will lead to complete inability to make calls or use the mobile Internet.
⚠️ Note: If your smartphone was purchased with your hands and IMEI disappeared suddenly, it is possible that the device is listed in theft or has a changed identifier that was blocked by the operator.
Understanding the cause helps you choose the right tool to solve, and if you crash after a software update, you're likely to have a software error that can be corrected by resetting or flashing, and if the phone falls or is exposed to moisture, the problem may be physical damage to the board.
Preparation of the device and the necessary software
The success of the operation depends on 90% of the quality of preparation. You need a Windows computer that works. USB-cable (preferably original) and battery charged smartphone at least 60%.Be sure to back up important data before starting any manipulations, as the process can lead to complete deletion of information.
To work with system partitions, you need to install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on your Xiaomi processor); without properly installed drivers, the computer will not see the device in boot mode; and you will need superuser rights (Root), which can be obtained through Magisk or TWRP recaps.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Remember to include USB debugging in the Developer menu, which allows you to transfer commands from computer to smartphone. If the developer menu is hidden, activate it by quickly clicking seven times on the build number in the About Phone section.
Download specialized software, such as SN Writer for MediaTek processors or QPST/QCAL for Qualcomm. These utilities allow you to write new values to the modem memory. The search for the appropriate version of the program should be conducted specifically for the model of your processor, since there are no universal solutions.
Recovery Method through Engineering Menu (MTK)
For devices based on MediaTek processors (most low-end and mid-range Redmi models), there is a built-in way to adjust network settings, which does not require a PC connection, but requires Root rights and a special application, such as the MTK Engineering Mode.
Once you install the app, run it and go to the MTK Settings section, and you're interested in the Connectivity or CDS Information tab. You'll want to select Radio Information and find the Set IMEI bar. Enter the 15-digit code that's usually listed on the factory box or under the battery (if it's removable).
It is important to follow the syntax of the command. For the first slot, the command looks like AT+EGMR=1.7, "YOUR IMEI," and for the second, AT+EGMR=1.10, "YOUR IMEI." There must be a space between the numbers 1 and 7 (or 10).
What if the team doesn’t leave?
Once the command is successfully executed, restart the device. Check the IMEI status again via *#06#. If the numbers are correctly displayed, the problem is solved. This method is considered the most secure, since it does not require deep interference with the file system.
⚠️ Warning: Entering the wrong command format or erroneous characters can cause the modem to freeze. Copy commands carefully, observing all spaces and commas.
Use of PC and SN Writer utility
If the mobile method doesn't work, the SN Writer computer utility comes to the rescue, which is designed to record serial numbers and IMEIs in devices on MediaTek chips. Before running the program, make sure that the VCOM drivers are installed correctly.
Launch SN Writer on behalf of the administrator and click the "Target Type" button by selecting "Smart Phone." Next, click "Com Port" and select the port that appeared in the Device Manager after connecting the phone turned off (press the volume down when connecting to log in to boot mode). In the "File Path" field, specify the path to the target file (Target File), which comes with the program.
Press the "Write Start" button and plug in your phone. It automatically reads the current data and suggests you write new ones. In the window that opens, type in IMEI, WiFi and Bluetooth addresses. If you have a dual-symbol phone, fill in both IMEI fields.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find it. |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI 1 | Primary identifier | On the box/under the battery |
| IMEI 2 | Additional identifier | On the box (for 2 SIM) |
| WiFi MAC | Address of the wireless module | On the device sticker |
| BT Address | Bluetooth address | On the device sticker |
After filling the fields, press "Write." The process will take a few seconds. Upon completion, you will see a message "Write Success." Turn off the phone, remove and paste the battery (if possible), or simply restart the device in the usual way.
💡
SN Writer only works with original or unlocked downloaders. On devices with blocked BL, recording may be prohibited by security policies.
Recovery for Qualcomm processors
Xiaomi’s flagship models and Poco series devices are often based on Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, and the procedure is different for them, requiring the use of a QPST (Qualcomm Product Support Tools) kit and a QCAL or EFS Professional utility.
The first step is to switch the smartphone to EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which is done by a combination of volume buttons and PC connectivity, either through the ADB command: adb reboot edl. In this mode, the device is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
Using QPST Configuration allows you to add a device port and run Software Download. However, to work with IMEI, specialized software is more often used that can edit EFS files. The most reliable way is to find the EFS partition backup for your model and restore it through TWRP.
If you don't have a backup, you can try using a donor IMEI file from a similar model, but it's risky. In the case of Qualcomm, network resets often help: go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, cellular networks and Bluetooth. This won't restore zero IMEI, but can fix configuration errors.
For advanced users, there is a method of editing hex code in persist files, but it requires deep knowledge and can permanently disable the modem. Beginners should limit themselves to restoring from backup via recoveries.
Alternative methods and resetting settings
Sometimes the problem isn't physical loss of code, but software conflict. Try doing a full Wipe Data/Factory Reset via the Recovery menu, which will delete all the data, but return the system files to their original state.
Another method is to flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode. Download the official firmware for your model (Fastboot version) from miui.com. Launch the program, connect the phone in Fastboot mode (press the volume down when you turn on) and select the cleaning mode.
Warning: Clear All erases data completely, and Clear All and Lock also blocks the bootloader. Use only Clear All if you don't want to have any problems with your Mi Account. Once you're firmware, the phone will be as new, and maybe the IMEI will recover automatically from the hidden partition.
⚠️ Note: Flashing may not help if the section NVRAM It's physically damaged or erased, and you'll need to solder and flash the memory chip at the service center.
Remember that there are service codes for resetting your radio settings, but they don't work on all versions of MIUI. Try entering ##726633## (code may vary). If the system says "Data created", then the network configuration is updated.
Prevention and Frequently Asked Questions
To avoid losing your IMEI in the future, never interrupt the firmware process.Always back up the EFS section immediately after you buy a new smartphone, especially if you plan to experiment with software.
Avoid installing dubious applications that promise to “speed up the internet” or “unlock operators” as they often modify modem system files. Use only proven firmware sources, such as the official website or 4PDA and XDA forums.
Can I restore IMEI without Root rights?
Is it dangerous to change your IMEI to another?
What to do if IMEI is not restored?
Will IMEI reset after an Airborne Update (OTA)?
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Save a screenshot or photo of a sticker from your smartphone box in cloud storage.This is the only reliable way to keep your original IMEI from losing forever.