Change IMEI to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: risks, methods and step-by-step actions

Introduction: Why Change Your IMEI and When It’s Justified

Changing the IMEI on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T smartphones is a theme surrounded by myths and technical nuances: This unique identifier, sewn into the device modem, is used by operators for authorization on the network, and manufacturers for tracking warranty obligations. In most countries, self-replacing the IMEI is considered a violation of communication laws, unless it is associated with restoring the original number after a failure.

However, there are legitimate reasons for such manipulations: restore functionality after firmware with errors, unlock the device after buying from the “gray” market (where). IMEI It could be blocked by an operator, or it could be the fixing of duplicate numbers on cloned devices. 8T (model M1908C3XG) has two slots SIM-cards, which means two IMEI, and change them synchronously to avoid conflicts in the modem.

This article does not call for violation of the law.We will consider the technical side of the process, the risks (including loss of warranty and network locking), as well as legal alternatives - for example, contacting the Xiaomi service center to restore the original IMEI. If your goal is to bypass the operator's lock, first check the status of the device through the service IMEI.info.

Preparation: What to Know Before Changing Your IMEI

Before you start the procedure, make sure you understand the implications.A change to the IMEI on the Redmi Note 8T requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader. Without it, you can't get root rights or flash modified software.
• 📱 Data backup.The process can cause the device to reset to factory settings.
• 💻 PC with installed drivers for Xiaomi and tools like ADB/Fastboot.
• 📡 Stable Internet connection for downloading firmware and utilities.

Note: On the Redmi Note 8T with Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, the IMEI is stored in the modemst1 and modemst2 section. Incorrect editing of these partitions can lead to network loss or "bricking" of the device (completely inoperable).

⚠️ Note: If your smartphone is purchased on credit or leasing, change IMEI This may be considered fraud. Check the contract with the operator before the procedure.

IMEI Change Methods: From Simple to Complex

There are several ways to change the IMEI to the Redmi Note 8T, but not all of them are equally safe.

1. Through the engineering menu (the simplest, but not always the most effective method) and suitable for root-enabled devices.
2. Chamelephon (requires root and may not support new MIUI versions)
3. Manual editing of modemst1/2 partitions via Hex editor (for experienced users).
4. Modified modem firmware (the riskiest method is to lose the IMEI forever).

The most reliable and less disruptive way is to use the engineering menu, but it doesn't work on all versions of MIUI. If your device is upgraded to MIUI 12.5+, this method can be blocked.

Step-by-step: change the IMEI through the engineering menu

This method is suitable for devices with root rights. If you don't have one, get root first with Magisk or SuperSU.

Follow the instructions:

1. Open the MTK Engineering Mode app (if not installed, download the APK from a trusted source).
2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. Select SIM 1 or SIM 2 depending on which IMEI you want to change.
4. In the AT+ field, type the command: AT + EGMR=1.7, "New IMEI" Replace NEW IMEI with a 15-digit number (e.g., AT + EGMR=1.7,"123456789012345").
5. Press Send AT Command. If the command is successful, you will see a message OK.
6. Restart the device and check the new IMEI via *#06#.

⚠️ Note: Some operators are blocking IMEI, The number starts with 0044 or 3520 (codes for test devices) and can result in a network lock.

If the command doesn’t work, try an alternative syntax:

AT +EGMR = 1,10, "New IMEI"

or for the second slot:

AT +EGMR = 1.11, "New IMEI"

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Before you type in the command, check your current IMEI via *#06# and save it in a notebook, which will help you return the original number if something goes wrong.

Alternative methods: partition editing and modem firmware

If the engineering menu didn't work, you can try changing the IMEI by directly editing the modemst1 and modemst2 partitions.

• 🖥️ Established ADB and Fastboot on PC.
• 🔧 Hex-editor programs (for example, HxD).
• 📄 Backup copies of original sections.

Instructions:

1. Connect the Redmi Note 8T to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol Down when you turn on).
2. Dump the partitions: fastboot getvar all fastboot flash modemst1 modemst1.img fastboot flash modemst2 modemst2.img
3. Open the dump in HxD and find the string with the current IMEI (look for a 15-character sequence).
4. Replace her with a new one. IMEI, Save the changes and swipe the modified file back: fastboot flash modemst1 modified_modemst1.img

⚠️ Risk: Incorrect editing of hex code can lead to loss IMEI If you're not sure about your skills, you should go to the service center.

What to do if the IMEI is missing or the device is not catching the network

If your Redmi Note 8T has stopped seeing the network after manipulating the IMEI, don't panic.

1. Check the current IMEI via *#06#. If Null or 000000000000000000 is displayed, then the data in the modemst partitions is corrupted.
2. Restore the original IMEI from the backup (if any) or try flashing the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Reset the modem settings: adb shell su echo "AT+EGMR=1,7,\"Original_IMEI\"" > /dev/pttycmd1
4. If nothing works, contact the service center with a check for the purchase, in some cases, the IMEI can be restored by the serial number of the device.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi Note 8T Hands and don't have a check, recovery IMEI It might not be possible to use a service center, and in this case, the only way out is to run a custom modem firmware, but it's risky.

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If your device stops catching the network after changing the IMEI, check if the new IMEI is blocked by the operator first.

Legal Alternatives: How to Unlock a Smartphone Without Changing the IMEI

If your goal is to unlock the Redmi Note 8T from the operator (for example, after buying a locked device), you do not need to change the IMEI.

• 📞 Ask the operator to unlock the device. some companies (e.g. T-Mobile or AT&T) do so after payment of all contractual payments.
• 💳 Buy the official unlock code on sites like UnlockBase or DoctorSIM (cost – from the Internet) $10. $30).
• 🔄 Use it. SIM-card of another operator within 30 days, some devices automatically unlocked after the contract expires.
• 📱 Write global firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (not working on all models).

Before you pay to unlock, check the status of your device through the carrier service. For example, T-Mobile has a Device Unlock page where you can request to unlock online.

If you do decide to change the IMEI, remember: this does not guarantee unlocking. Modern carriers use additional binding mechanisms, such as MEID or ESN, which do not change when editing IMEI.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions