How to change IMEI Xiaomi smartphone: all working methods in 2026

Change of change IMEI Xiaomi smartphones are a theme surrounded by myths and technical nuances, and many users are looking for this method to restore communication after a failed firmware, unlock the device under another operator or solve problems with identification on the network. IMEI — This is an interference with system data, which can lead to serious consequences, up to the complete loss of warranty and locking the device by the manufacturer.

In this article, we will discuss legal and technically possible ways to change the situation. IMEI on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices POCO, topical 2026 You'll learn what methods work on modern firmware. MIUI 14/15, What are the past with Android? 10. We will also analyze the risks, security implications and legality of such actions in different countries.

Warning: Change of the IMEI on devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon chip 8 Gen 2/3 and the latest versions MIUI It requires special equipment and may not be possible without physical access to the motherboard. 12 or POCO M6 Pro) the odds are higher, but even there the process is fraught with risks.

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

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique 15-digit code that is assigned to each mobile device:

  • 📡 Network Identification – Telecom operators use IMEI to authorize the device and provide access to mobile networks.
  • 🔒 Protection against theft – in case of loss or theft of a smartphone, the operator can block it by IMEI, rendering useless to intruders.
  • 📦 Warranty control – manufacturers track devices by IMEI to confirm the authenticity and duration of the guarantee.

On Xiaomi smartphones (as well as on other Android devices) IMEI written in several places:

  1. V NVRAM (nonvolatile memory chipset).
  2. On the sticker under the battery (for models with a removable battery).
  3. In the firmware (sometimes duplicated in the /efs or /persist).

Reasons why users want to change IMEI:

  • 🔄 Recovery after resetting - if IMEI It was erased after a failed firmware or reset to factory settings (Hard Reset).
  • 📶 Unlocking for another carrier – some devices are tied to a specific provider (especially contract models).
  • 🚫 Bypassing blacklists – if the device was stolen and locked IMEI (illegally!).
  • 🔧 Software testing – developers sometimes change IMEI emulate.

⚠️ Attention: Change IMEI The article is a criminal offence in many countries, including Russia (Article 159.6 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - fraud in the field of computer information.

Risks and consequences of change IMEI Xiaomi

Before starting the procedure, assess the possible negative consequences:

Type of riskEffects of consequencesProbability.
Loss of guaranteeThe manufacturer cancels the warranty obligations upon detection of the changed IMEI.90%
Locking the deviceXiaomi can block the smartphone through activation servers (especially on new models with the help of the smartphone). MIUI 14+).70%
Network problemsWrong. IMEI It can lead to a lack of signal, errors in registration in the network or a drop in Internet speed.80%
Loss of dataIn case of errors in the process, a brick (complete failure of the device) is possible with the loss of all data.50%
Legal responsibilityUse of counterfeit IMEI Bypassing blocking is punishable by law.30%

The risks are particularly high on devices with:

  • 🔹 Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets 8xx (For example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F5 Pro) — protection at the hardware level.
  • 🔹 MIUI 14/15 with activated Find Device function (remote lock).
  • 🔹 Two. SIM-Cards – both need to be changed IMEI, complicating.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek Helio G (e.g. Redmi Note 12) after the change IMEI Access to VoLTE and ViLTE (voice calls via the Internet) may be lost 4G). It's tied to the binding. IMEI modem-module.

📊 Why do you want to change? IMEI Xiaomi?
Restore after discharge
Unlock under another operator
Software testing
Other
I don't plan to change.

Preparation for change IMEI: What to do in advance

If you've decided to change IMEI, Prepare carefully for the procedure:

Make a backup copy of all data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the current IMEI via *#06#

Charge your phone at least 70%

Install ADB and Fastboot drivers on PC

Download the original firmware for your model

Disable the "Find Device" function in MIUI

Prepare the cable. USB Data transfer support (not just charging)

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Step 1: Checking the current IMEI

Make sure yours is yours. IMEI It really needs to be rebuilt:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Dial the combination *#06#.
  3. Write down the display. IMEI (either IMEI, If you have a two-sim device).

If you see Null, Invalid or 0000000 instead of numbers... — IMEI erased and needs restoration.

Step 2: Determine the chipset model

The processor type depends on the method of change. IMEI:

  • 🔹 Qualcomm Snapdragon – requires the use of QCN-file QPST.
  • 🔹 MediaTek is changing through Maui META or SN Writer Tool.
  • 🔹 Unisoc (Spreadtrum) – rare on Xiaomi, but possible on budget models.

You can find the chipset in the application CPU-Z or in the settings: Settings → The phone. → Full specification.

Step 3: Backup NVRAM

Before any manipulations with IMEI Please keep the current section firmware NVRAM. For that:

  1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC.
  2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
  3. Follow the command:
fastboot getvar all

Then create a backup section:

fastboot backup nvram

💡

If you have a model with MediaTek, use the utility MTK Droid Tools for backup NVRAM. It automatically saves all critical sections, including IMEI.

Method 1: Recovery of IMEI through the Engineering Menu (for MediaTek)

This method is suitable for devices on MediaTek Helio chipsets (for example, Redmi). 10A, POCO C50, Xiaomi Redmi Note 11.It doesn't change IMEI It is free, and restores the original, if it was erased.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and dial ##3646633## (or #4636## for new versions).
  2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
  3. Choose. SIM-map, SIM1).
  4. In the AT+ field, enter the command:
AT + EGMR = 1.7 "Your IMEI"

Where's yours_IMEI — original 15-digit code (e.g. 861234567890123).

  1. Press Send AT Command.
  2. Reboot the phone.

For the second. SIM-Repeat the steps by replacing the team with:

AT + EGMR = 1,10,"Your IMEI_2"
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
On the new versions MIUI (14+) You can block access to the engineering menu, in which case, try it: 1. Install the application MTK Engineering Mode from Google Play. 2. Use it. ADB-Team: Adb shell am start -n com.mediatek.engineermode/.EngineerMode 3. Some models require first activation of the developer mode (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI, press 7 once).

If, after the reboot, IMEI changed:

  • 🔹 Check if the code is correctly entered (it should be exactly 15 digits).
  • 🔹 Make sure you have enough rights (root or unlocked bootloader needed).
  • 🔹 Try repeating the procedure after resetting (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).

Method 2: Change IMEI through QPST (for Qualcomm)

Devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T, POCO X5 Pro, Redmi K60) It requires a more complex approach to use QPST (Qualcomm Product Support Tools This method is suitable for restoring the original IMEI or replace it with another (for example, when buying a used phone with a broken one) IMEI).

Tools required:

  • 🖥️ Windows PC 7/10/11 (macOS and Linux QPST doesn't work).
  • 🔌 Cable USB data-supported.
  • 📦 Archives with QPST 2.7.496 and Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
  • 📄 File. QCN original IMEI (You can get it out of the backup or from another similar device).

Step-by-step:

  1. Install Qualcomm drivers (download from the official website or from a trusted source).
  2. Turn off the phone and put it in mode. EDL (Emergency Download Mode: For Most Xiaomi: Click Loudness Up + Volume down and connect the cable to the PC. For some models: use the command adb reboot edl (requires an unlocked bootloader).

QPST Configuration

QDLoader 9008

Software Download

QCN

Start

Turn off your phone and turn it on normally.

If after the procedure the phone does not turn on or hovers on the logo MI:

  • 🔹 Try flashing the device through the Mi Flash Tool with cleaning all partitions (clean all).
  • 🔹 Check if it's appropriate. QCN-file for your model (you can not use files from other devices!).
  • 🔹 Make sure Qualcomm drivers are installed correctly (there should be no exclamation points in Device Manager).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F5) regime EDL Unblocking will require an authorized Xiaomi account or special equipment (for example, DC-Phoenix).

💡

Use of the QPST — The most reliable way for Qualcomm, but requires exact matching QCN-A mistake in choosing a file can lead to loss of IMEI forever.

Method 3: Use of applications (root only)

If you have unlocked bootloader and installed root rights, you can try to change the IMEI This method does not work on all devices and is fraught with locking, but is suitable for experiments.

Popular applications:

  • 📱 IMEI Changer (requires root and Xposed Framework).
  • 📱 Mobile Uncle Tools (for MediaTek).
  • 📱 Chamelephon (powered by some Qualcomm but often blocked by Xiaomi).

Instructions for Chamelephon:

  1. Install the application from APK (It's removed from Google Play).
  2. Give root access.
  3. Enter a new one. IMEI (must be valid, for example 861234567890123).
  4. Press Apply and restart the device.

Limitations of the method:

  • 🔹 It only works on Android 9 and below (on the MIUI 12+ lock-in).
  • 🔹 After the firmware update IMEI drop off.
  • 🔹 Many operators have found fake" IMEI and block access to the network.

💡

Before using applications for change IMEI You can check them for viruses through VirusTotal "IMEI-Changers contain malicious code to steal data.

How to check if IMEI has changed successfully

After any of the procedures described, it is necessary to make sure that the new IMEI It is used correctly and the device is stable.

Methods of verification:

  1. *#06# - a new command must be displayed IMEI.
  2. Phone Settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → General information → Status, check the section. IMEI (each SIM-map).

Network test

  • Put it in. SIM-Map and try to make a call.
  • Check the availability of mobile Internet (2G/3G/4G/5G).
  • Make sure your operator is not identified (emergency calls only).
  • Check through ADB: adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3 Must return line with new IMEI.

If IMEI It has changed, but the network is not working:

  • 🔹 Check if your company supports the new IMEI (Some people block "suspicious" codes).
  • 🔹 Make sure that APN-Settings are reset (go to Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and select the automatic setting).
  • 🔹 Try to manually register on the network through the engineering menu (team) AT+COPS=?).

If IMEI changed:

  • 🔹 Repeat the procedure, making sure the data entered is correct.
  • 🔹 Check if the antivirus or PC firewall blocks the work of the utilities (for example, QPST).
  • 🔹 For Qualcomm devices, try another one. QCN-file (possibly the current file is corrupted).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the correct following of the instructions, users often face problems.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Invalid IMEI post-injectionWrong format IMEI (Not 15 digits or an incorrect checksum).Use a valid generator. IMEI Check the code through Luhn Algorithm.
The phone will not turn on after QPSTIncompatible QCN-file.Swipe the device through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode.
No network after shift. IMEIIMEI blocked by the operator or incorrectly spelled out in NVRAM.Check it out. IMEI through the engineering menu and repeat the procedure.
Device not found in QPSTQualcomm drivers are not installed or the phone is not in mode EDL.Check the Device Manager and reinstall the drivers.
IMEI reset after updatingThe firmware overwrites NVRAM.Make a backup. NVRAM before the update and restore it after.

Additional recommendations:

  • 🔹 Always use the original IMEI from other Xiaomi devices (don’t make up random numbers).
  • 🔹 On Android 12 devices+ and MIUI 13+ post-mortem IMEI may require a discharge FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
  • 🔹 If the phone after the procedure began to warm or quickly discharge, check the integrity. NVRAM — Other system data may be damaged.
❓ Can we change? IMEI Xiaomi without root?
On most modern devices (MIUI 12+) without root or unlocked bootloader change IMEI The exception is the restoration of the original. IMEI through the engineering menu on MediaTek if it was erased.
❓ What happens if you introduce an infidel? IMEI?
If IMEI It doesn't validate (e.g., it contains letters or the wrong number of digits), it can lose communication with the network or stop turning on altogether. In some cases, it helps to reset via Fastboot: fastboot erase nvram fastboot reboot But this will delete all data in the network. NVRAM, including MAC-Wi-Fi and Bluetooth addresses.
❓ Can I bring back the original? IMEI post-mortem?
Yeah, if you have a backup. NVRAM or QCN-file IMEI. For recovery: Swipe the backup through SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek) or restore QCN through QPST (If there is no backup, try to find IMEI on the device box or under the battery (for older models).
❓ Why not after the shift? IMEI doesn't work 4G?
This is because modern networks (4G/5G) linking the modem parameters to IMEI. Solutions: Update the operator profile (dial ##4636## → Phone information → Update profile. Manually add APN-check if your new operator is able to support IMEI work 4G (left-wing" IMEI limited 2G/3G).
❓ Is it legal to change? IMEI Russia?
Russia's change IMEI prohibited if the purpose is to bypass the lock operator or conceal information about the device (Article 159.6 of the Criminal Code). IMEI after failure is not prosecuted because it does not violate the rights of third parties.In some countries (e.g. India, Pakistan) IMEI Only certified service centers are allowed.