How to change IMEI-Xiaomi Phone Code: Safe and Risky Ways

Change of change IMEI-The code on Xiaomi smartphones is a theme surrounded by myths and technical nuances, and this unique identifier, sewn into the hardware of the device, is used by carriers for authorization on the network, and manufacturers for tracking warranty obligations. In most countries, self-modification IMEI without good reason (e.g., recovering from a software failure) is considered a violation of the law, but there are legal scenarios where such a procedure is justified, for example, if the original IMEI was lost after a failed firmware or the device was in the “black list” mistakenly.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the IMEI on Xiaomi (including models from 2023-2026 based on Qualcomm and MediaTek), their technical features and potential risks. Importantly, the materials are purely informative. We do not call for violation of legislation or warranty agreements. If your phone is blocked by the operator for objective reasons (theft, default on credit), changing the IMEI will not solve the problem legally – contact official support channels.

What is IMEI and why should I change it?

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

• 🔢 TAC (Type Allocation Code: The first 8 digits identifying the model and manufacturer (e.g. 271002 for Redmi Note 12).
• 📱 SNR (Serial Number: The following 6 digits, unique serial number of the device.
• 🔄 CD (Check Digit – the last digit calculated using the Moon algorithm to verify the authenticity of the code.

The main reasons why users want to change the IMEI are:

• 📵 The phone is blocked by the operator (for example, due to non-payment of the contract) and does not catch the network.
• 🔧 Recovery after "bricking" the device, when the original IMEI It is the only legal case if you have proof of a phone purchase).
• 🛡️ The desire to conceal the original identifier for privacy reasons (legally controversial).
• 🔄 Replacement of a faulty communication module (for example, after motherboard repair).

⚠️ In Russia, the EU and most countries the change IMEI If you do not have the permission of the operator or manufacturer, it is equivalent to fraud (Article 159.6 of the Criminal Code).Even if you restore the phone after a failure, keep checks and warranty documents - they may be necessary to prove the legality of the actions.

Official and semi-official methods

If your Xiaomi lost its IMEI after a firmware or reset, the first thing you should do is try to restore it legally.

Recovery through Engineer Mode (MTK)

For devices running MediaTek chipsets (e.g. Redmi 10A, POCO M4 Pro), you can try to restore IMEI through an engineering menu, which works if the code is simply erased but not blocked by the operator.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##3646633##.
2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. Select Phone 1 (for the first one) SIM-Cards or Phone 2 (for the second).
4. In the field AT+ command: AT +EGMR=1,7,"Yours_IMEI_1"AT +EGMR=1,10,"Yours_IMEI_2" (where_IMEI_1 — original code specified on or under the battery).
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ If after this procedure the phone stopped catching the network, then, IMEI The operator has blocked the connection, and further manipulation could result in a complete loss of communication.

Make a backup copy of the data|Check out the original IMEI box-stick|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Have it on hand SIM-map

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2. firmware via Mi Flash Tool

If the IMEI is missing after a failed update, sometimes it helps to completely flash the device through the official software through the Mi Flash Tool. This method is suitable for phones on Qualcomm (for example, Xiaomi 13, POCO F5).

Algorithm:

• 📥 Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
• 🔌 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down) + Power with the device switched off).
• 🖥️ In the Mi Flash Tool, select the Clean All option and flash the device.

After flashing, the IMEI should recover automatically if it has not been blocked at the operator level.

Yes, I did it myself | Yes, I did it in service | No, but I heard about this problem | I don't know what IMEI is.

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Informal methods: risks and implementation

If the official methods have not worked, some users resort to unauthorized methods, and we describe them only for informational purposes, emphasizing the high risks:

1.Using utility like ChimeraTool or Maui META

These programs allow you to overwrite the IMEI through a computer, but require:

• 💻 ROOT-(a) that automatically deprives the guarantee of).
• 🔌 The debugging bridge ADB and drivers for your model.
• 💰 Paid licenses (free versions often contain malware).

Example of the team for ChimeraTool:

chimeratool.exe --imei=123456789012345 --port=COM3

(where COM3 is the port of the connected phone)

⚠️ Note: After using these tools, the phone may lose access to Google services (due to SafetyNet activation) or stop updating by air.

2. Manual editing of nvram file (for MediaTek)

On devices with MediaTek chipsets, the IMEI is stored in /data/nvram. It can be edited manually through Root Explorer, but it can be fraught with:

• 📵 Network loss forever (if Check Digit is incorrectly calculated).
• 🔥 Processor overheating (due to damage to the calibration data of the communication module).

Example of the structure of an nvram file:

[IMEI]


123456789012345




987654321098765

(The first line is the IMEI of the first SIM, the second line is the second line).

How to check out the new IMEI?

After any manipulation of the IMEI, be sure to check whether it is used correctly.

1. Through USSD-team

Dial on the phone keyboard: *#06#

A new IMEI (or two if you have dual-SIM) should appear on the screen.

2.In Android settings

Go to: Settings → The phone. → General information → Status SIM-map

The current IMEIs for each SIM will be listed.

3. Through the engineering menu

For MediaTek: #3646633## → Connectivity → Radio Information

For Qualcomm:

#

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Risks and Consequences of Changing the IMEI

Even if you manage to change the IMEI, it can cause serious problems:

• 📵 Blocking by the operator: If a new IMEI Blacklisted (for example, stolen), phone will lose access to the network in 1-3 days.
• 🔒 Loss of warranty: Any unauthorized interference will void Xiaomi’s warranty obligations.
• 🛡️ SafetyNet issues: Phone may stop supporting Google Pay, Netflix HD Other services that require certification.
• 🔍 Legal Liability: In some countries forgery IMEI There are fines or even criminal prosecutions.

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Alternative solutions to the problem

Before you change your IMEI, consider legal alternatives:

• 📞 Contact the operator: If the phone is locked for non-payment, sometimes it is enough to pay off the debt to unlock it.
• 🔧 Xiaomi Service Center: If IMEI erased after firmware, the official service can restore it under warranty (if there is a check).
• 📱 Buy a new communication module: On AliExpress or in repair shops, spare parts with original parts are sold IMEI (But it's expensive and not always legal).
• 🌍 Use eSIM: Some operators (e.g. MTS or Tele2) offer virtual SIM-cards that are not tied to IMEI.

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FAQ: Frequent questions about IMEI on Xiaomi