Change of change IMEI Xiaomi Phones: Instructions, Risks and Alternatives

Change of change IMEI On Xiaomi smartphones, a theme surrounded by myths, technical complexities and legal nuances, this unique identifier, sewn into the device modem, is used by carriers for login and manufacturers for tracking warranty obligations. In some cases, users are faced with the need to adjust it: for example, after a failed firmware, when buying a device with a broken device» IMEI Or to unlock regional constraints, but the procedure is far from as simple as it seems.

It is important to understand that the change IMEI In most countries, it is considered a violation of communications laws and may result in administrative or criminal liability if used for fraudulent purposes (e.g. to disguise a stolen phone). IMEI It's justified, like recovering the original ID after a failure. In this article, we'll discuss the technical methods of modifying it. IMEI Xiaomi, its implications, and alternative solutions that can help avoid risks.

What is IMEI and why is it changed to Xiaomi?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is a 15-digit code that is assigned to each mobile device during the manufacturing phase:

• 📡 Network Identification: Telecom operators use IMEI To authorize the device and prevent access to uncertified gadgets.
• 🔒 Blocking in case of loss: when the phone is stolen, 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 (especially on two-size models) SIM-cards such as the Redmi Note 10 pro POCO X3 Pro) IMEI It can go off after a failed firmware update, manual interference with system files, or custom recaps, in which case the phone stops catching the network, and the settings show an error. IMEI: Null/Null or IMEI.

Some users are also trying to change IMEI for the following reasons:

• 🌍 Bypassing regional restrictions: for example, to use the Chinese version of Xiaomi with global SIM-map.
• 📱 Recovery after firmware: if IMEI was erased when installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
• 🔄 Replacement with original: if the device was purchased with a fake or damaged device IMEI.

⚠️ Attention: In Russia and the EAEU countries, the change IMEI without valid grounds (for example, to bypass the lock operator) qualifies as a violation of article 13.3 of the administrative code of the Russian Federation (“illegal use of electronic means.

Verification of the current IMEI Xiaomi: 4 Ways

Before we proceed with the change IMEI, Make sure it's the real problem. Here's how to check your current ID:

1. By dialing: Open the Phone app and enter *#06#. A window with a screen will appear. IMEI (two-way IMEI dual-SIM models).
2. In Settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → General information → Status, scroll down to the block. IMEI.
3. Enter ##4636##, select Phone Information and see the line IMEI.
4. On the box or under the battery: original IMEI indicated on the sticker under the battery (on models with a removable battery) or on the device box.

If not IMEI If you see Null, 000000000000000000 or Invalid, it means that the ID is erased or corrupted, and then the phone will not be able to connect to the mobile network, even if you have a mobile phone. SIM-card.

Legal ways to restore IMEI on Xiaomi

If IMEI It is lost or damaged, and can be restored legally without having to change to any code, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi, POCO mi.

1.Recovery through the Engineering Menu (MTK-chip)

For smartphones with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) recoverable IMEI through the engineering menu:

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app from Google Play.
2. Open it and go to Connectivity. → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. Choose a Phone. 1 (first-slot SIM) field AT+ enter: AT +EGMR=1,7,"Yours_IMEI_1"
4. Press Send. AT Repeat for Phone 2 with another IMEI.
5. Reboot the phone.

2. Recovery through QCN-file (Qualcomm)

For Qualcomm Snapdragon devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T, POCO F3) need QCN-file IMEI. It can be removed from another work phone of the same model or requested at a service center.

• 📥 Download the tools. QPST and QCN Rebuilder.
• 🔧 Connect the phone in mode EDL (This may require short circuiting of test contacts).
• 🖥️ V QPST Select a port and download it. QCN-file.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL-The mode on locked bootloaders (Xiaomi blocks it after 2018) can lead to hard-brick (complete failure of the device.

Illegal methods of change IMEI: risks and consequences

There are ways to completely replace IMEI Free code, but they carry serious risks:

• 🚫 Legal liability: in most countries, changes IMEI without legal basis is considered fraud.
• 🔧 Technical Failures: Incorrect Recording IMEI It can cause network loss, modem errors, or complete device failure.
• 🛡️ Loss of warranty: Xiaomi cancels warranty if it detects interference in system partitions.
• 📵 Blocking by the operator: if the new IMEI If it is blacklisted, the phone will be blocked on the network.

One common method is to use applications like Chamelephon or IMEI Changer, but they require root rights and don’t work on all models. For example, on Xiaomi with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processors (as in Xiaomi 12 Pro), these applications often cause errors due to the secure boot chain.

Another method is editing a file /efs/imei through ADB or TWRP, But it requires deep knowledge and can lead to loss. IMEI forever if you make a syntax error, like the wrong format. IMEI (for example, 123456789012345 instead 861234567890123) Makes the phone unsuitable for calls.

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Before any manipulations with IMEI Save the original code in a safe place (e.g., in an encrypted file) and help restore it if something goes wrong.

How to avoid problems with IMEI: prevention and alternatives

In most cases, the change IMEI It is not necessary – the problem can be solved in other ways:

1. Update firmware through Mi Flash

If IMEI missing after unsuccessful update, try to reflash the phone with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the latest firmware version for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
3. Select the Clean All option and wait for the process to complete.

2. Use of patches for custom firmware

If you have installed custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), and IMEI I'm missing, try it:

• 🔄 Set the patch. IMEI Repair through TWRP.
• 📲 Restore Stock Modem and Persistent with Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Modem modem.img fastboot flash persist persist.img

3. Contact the service center

If IMEI It's damaged without any recovery, and the safest option is to go to an authorized Xiaomi service center:

• 🔧 Refuse the modem with the original IMEI (cost: ~1,500–3,000 rubles).
• 📄 Provide documents for unblocking IMEI The operator (if the phone was blocked by mistake).

Xiaomi models with protected IMEI: features and circumvention

Since 2019, Xiaomi has tightened its protections. IMEI Most models, like smartphones with Snapdragon processors. 8xx (Xiaomi Mi 11, Black Shark 4, for example IMEI Without special equipment, it is almost impossible because of:

• 🔐 Blocked. EDL-Mode: Authorization is required through the Xiaomi server.
• 🛡️ Signed Modem Partitions: Any Change Leads to a Verification Error.
• 📱 Hardware binding IMEI: In some models, the identifier is “stitched” into the memory chip and is not subject to software replacement.

To circumvent these restrictions, some users resort to:

• 🔓 bootloader exploits: for example, DirtyCOW vulnerability to get root on older versions of Android.
• 🔧 Use boxes (for example, UFi Box or Medusa Pro), but they cost from 20 000 rubles and require skills.
• 📡 Flashing through test points: physical connection to the board to unlock EDL.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (e.g. Xiaomi 13) an attempt to change IMEI Without the original auth file, it will lead to a permanent modem lock, which can only be eliminated by replacing the motherboard.

Legal aspects: what the law says

In most countries, the change IMEI It's regulated by communications laws. Let's look at the keys for different regions:

The only legal basis for the change IMEI — This is a recovery from a failure, backed up by documents (like a check to buy a phone) if you bought a device that was damaged. IMEI, recommended:

1. Ask the seller to return the money or replace the phone.
2. Submit documents to the Xiaomi Service Center for official restoration.
3. If the phone is stolen, report it to the police and the operator to block the original IMEI.

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Change of change IMEI And in most cases, it's not just a technical risk, it's a violation of the law, and in most cases, it can be solved legally, through firmware reflashing, service call, or backup restoration.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing IMEI to Xiaomi