How to Change IMEI to Xiaomi Redmi: Legal and Illegal Methods (2026)

Why to change IMEI to Xiaomi and what it threatens

Changing the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a topic surrounded by myths and technical nuances. Many users are looking for ways to change this unique identifier for various reasons, from the trivial desire to bypass the carrier lock to trying to “clear” the history of the device before selling. However, in 90% of countries, self-replacing IMEI is equated with fraud and is prosecuted – even if you do it on your own phone.

Technically, Redmi (like other smartphones on Qualcomm or Mediatek) allows you to change the IMEI through an engineering menu or firmware, but the consequences can be unpredictable. From losing warranty to completely bricking the device, the risks outweigh the potential benefits. In this article, we will discuss all current methods (including those that work on MIUI 14/15), their legal alternatives, and explain why in most cases it is better to abandon this idea.

Before you get to the instructions, answer two questions: 1. Why do you need another IMEI? (If the answer is “to unlock the network,” read the section on legal methods.) 2. Are you ready for the phone to stop catching the network or not to turn on at all?

If in doubt, scroll to alternative solutions.

What is IMEI and why it can’t be changed for nothing

IMEI is a 15-digit code that is assigned to each mobile device during the manufacturing phase, and it performs three key functions: (1) Identification of the operator’s network (without a correct IMEI, the phone will not be able to call or surf the Internet), (2) Protection against theft (operators block stolen phones via IMEI), (3) Monitoring of service centers (using IMEI to determine if the device is not blacklisted).

In most countries (including Russia, the EU and the United States) self-replacement IMEI For example, in Russia, this is regulated by article 272 of the criminal code ("Illegal access to computer information") and can be punished by a fine of up to 200 thousand rubles. IMEI is already an offence.

• 🔍 How do operators detect counterfeits when connected to the network? IMEI checked in the database GSMA. If the code does not match the factory code or is listed in a blacklist, access to the network is blocked.
• ⚖️ Legal consequences: In the event of a conflict (for example, if the phone is wanted), you may be accused of intentionally concealing information.
• 🛠️ Technical risks: Incorrect firmware IMEI It causes the phone to lose communication with the Modem module, making it a “brick” without the possibility of recovery.

However, there are legitimate cases where changing the IMEI is justified, such as if your Redmi was stolen and then returned with a fake IMEI (such cases are recorded after buying used phones), in which case the only way out is to contact the Xiaomi service center with the purchase documents.

How to check the current IMEI on Xiaomi Redmi

Before you change anything, make sure you correctly identify the current IMEI. On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (including Note 11/12/13, POCO X4/X5, Redmi 10/10A) there are three ways to check:

1. By code: Dial in the phone app *#06#. A window with one or two will appear. IMEI (If the phone supports two SIM-map).
2. In settings: Go to Settings → About Phone → General information → IMEI Status.
3. On the box/under the battery: The original Xiaomi IMEI package is listed on the sticker, and on older models (before the Redmi 9) it can be seen under the removable lid.

Note that if you type *#06# and see a zero IMEI (all digits are 0) or an Invalid IMEI message, it means that the code has been erased or corrupted, in which case the phone will not be able to connect to the cellular network, but the problem is solved by restoring the factory IMEI (more on this in the next section).

⚠️ Note: If you have found out during the inspection that IMEI The box and phone do not match, which may mean that the device: - Was recovered after a serious breakdown (and IMEI Is a fake (especially relevant for purchases on AliExpress or Avito), – Unofficial repairs with replacement of the motherboard have been carried out.

Legal ways to solve the problem without changing the IMEI

In 80% of cases, users are looking for ways to change IMEIs to bypass carrier locks or restore communication after a crash, but there are legitimate alternatives that do not require tampering with system files:

• 📡 Network unlocking from the operator: If the phone is locked under a specific provider (for example, MTS or Beeline), contact the salon with a check to purchase.
• 🔧 Rebuilding the factory IMEI: If IMEI reset after firmware, it can be restored from backup (see section below).
• 🛒 Exchange under guarantee: If IMEI Not readable due to factory defect, Xiaomi is required to replace the phone under warranty (provided you didn't open the case).
• 📱 Use of eSIM: Newer models (Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) can be activated virtually SIM, non-attached IMEI.

💡 Useful advice: If you bought a used Redmi with a blocked IMEI, Check it out through IMEI.info, and the previous owner may have forgotten to take the phone off the record after the theft, and in this case, the only legal way out is to return the device to the seller.

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Before any manipulation of IMEI, try official unlocking methods, and 95% of the time, the problem is solved without breaking the law.

How to Restore Factory IMEI After Failure (Unchanged)

If your Xiaomi Redmi has stopped catching the network and when you check *#06# shows a zero IMEI or error, it does not mean that the code is lost forever. On most models, the IMEI is stored in two places: 1 in non-volatile memory (NVRAM), 2 on a sticker under the battery or in a box.

To restore the original IMEI, follow the instructions:

Make sure your phone is at least 50 times charged%|Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website|Install Qualcomm or Mediatek drivers (depending on the processor)|Use the utility QCN Rebuilder or Maui META Only for restoration, not change. IMEI-->

1. Download firmware: Go to MIUI Download, select your model (like Redmi Note 12) and download the latest stable version of Fastboot ROM.
2. Install drivers: Qualcomm processors need QDLoader HS-USB drivers, MediaTek Preloader for Mediatek. Without them, the computer will not see the phone in firmware mode.
3. Restore NVRAM: Use the Mi Flash Tool (for Qualcomm) or SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek) to flash only the nvram or nvdata partition from the official firmware.

⚠️ If you are using unofficial tools like IMEI Tool or ChimeraTool, there is a risk of damaging the Modem partition, making the phone unusable for calls. These programs often contain malicious code or require payment for "unlocking" that doesn't actually work.

For models on Qualcomm (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+), you can use the QCN Rebuilder utility to restore the IMEI from a backup.

1. Connect the phone in EDL mode (on the device turned off, press Volume up + Volume down and connect USB).


2.In QCN Rebuilder, select the firmware file and specify the original IMEI (from the box).




3. press Rebuild and wait for completion.

Important:

Illegal methods of changing IMEI: risks and step-by-step instructions

If you do decide to change the IMEI, remember that it violates the warranty of Xiaomi and the laws of most countries.The following are the current methods for 2026, but we do not recommend using them.

Methods differ depending on the processor: - For Qualcomm (most Redmi Note and the most common ones). POCO) — through the engineering menu or QCN-For Mediatek (budget models like Redmi) 10A) — via Maui META or SN Writer.

Method 1: Engineering Menu (Qualcomm only)

This method works on the Redmi Note 10/11/12 with Snapdragon processors.

• Ruth-Right (established by Magisk),
• MTK Engineering Mode or Qualcomm Engineer Mode (depending on the model)
• Original Xiaomi cable (important for stable connectivity)

Instructions:

1. Install MTK Engineering Mode from APKMirror.
2. Open the app, go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. In the AT+ field, type the command: AT + EGMR = 1.7, "New IMEI" (replace the NEW IMEI by 15 digits, but remember: using someone else's IMEI is a criminal offense).
4. Restart your phone and check the new IMEI via *#06#.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14/15 The engineering menu can be blocked, and then you'll have to roll back to an older version of the firmware, which is risky.

Method 2: Through QCN firmware (Qualcomm)

A more reliable, but also more dangerous way to edit QCN-A file that stores the modem data:

1. Download the QPST Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
2. Connect your phone in Diag Mode (Dial ##717717## or use ADB-command: adb shell setprop sys.usb.config diag,serial_cdev,rmnet,adb
3. V QPST Select Restore and download the modified QCN-file IMEI.

🔴 Critical Risk: Wrong QCN-The file can damage the Modem partition, and the phone will no longer be able to call forever.

Xiaomi models that cannot be changed to IMEI

Every year Xiaomi tightens protection against changing the IMEI. On the following models, any manipulation of IMEI is blocked at the firmware level:

• 📱 Redmi Note 13 Pro/Pro+ (HyperOS protection),
• 📱 Xiaomi 14 Series including 14 Ultra),
• 📱 POCO F5 Pro (Blocking with Anti-Rollback),
• 📱 Redmi K60/K70 (bootloader-level protection).

On these devices, even recovering the original IMEI after a failure requires a service center, and attempts to circumvent protection result in:

• 🔴 Loss of warranty,
• 🔴 Blocking of Mi Account Account,
• 🔴 Irreversible damage to Modem.

💡 Tip: If you need to unlock the network on a new model, contact the operator with a request to provide an unlock code (for example, for the use of a new model). MTS It's called "Unlocking the Phone" -- it costs about 500 to 1,000 rubles, but it's legal and safe.

What to do if the phone does not catch the network after changing the IMEI

If you do change your IMEI and are experiencing problems (no network, only emergency calls, constant reboots), try the following steps:

1. Reset network settings: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Restore the original IMEI: Use the methods in the Factory IMEI Restoration section.
3. Sweep the modem separately: Download the official firmware for your model and through the Mi Flash Tool, flash only the modem section.
4. Check the antenna: If you have manipulated the IMEI phone stopped seeing SIM-map, possibly, the antenna contact has departed (relevant for Redmi with removable cover).

⚠️ Note: If after the changes the phone stopped turning on or stuck on the logo MI, Don't try to sew it yourself. Contact the service center with the wording "does not turn on after the update" - this will save you time and money.

If neither method worked, there are two options: 1 Use the phone as a tablet (via Wi-Fi), 2 Sell it for spare parts (a motherboard with a damaged modem costs ~30-50% of the price of a new phone).

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In 99% of cases, problems after changing the IMEI are solved only by replacing the motherboard, which is expensive and impractical for low-end Redmi models.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing IMEI to Xiaomi