How to Change IMEI to Xiaomi: All Ways With Detailed Instructions

Changing the IMEI on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that raises questions among users. This unique identifier connects the device to mobile networks, and its modification may be necessary in rare cases: when recovering from a crash, buying a used phone with a broken IMEI or testing software. However, it is important to understand that changing the IMEI incorrectly can lead to a lock of the device in carrier networks or loss of warranty.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of changing. IMEI on Xiaomi, including models on MIUI 14/15 And HyperOS, their legality, their technicalities, their risks, from official methods through the engineering menu to software solutions, you get the whole picture to make an informed decision. IMEI without good reason may violate local law.

If your goal is simply to restore communication after a firmware or reset, first check if resetting through Settings → About Phone → Resetting. 80% of the time, this solves the problem without having to change the IMEI.

What is IMEI and why is it changed to Xiaomi?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit code that uniquely identifies your smartphone on mobile networks, written in a modem chip and duplicated on the device box (under a barcode).

• 📱 In settings: Settings → The phone. → General information → Status
• 📞 By code: dial *#06# in the application "Phone"
• 📦 On the sticker under the battery (for models with removable battery)

The main reasons for changing the IMEI to Xiaomi are:

1. Firmware recovery – Incorrect software updates can erase IMEI, leaving the phone without communication.
2. Buying a used device – if the previous owner blocked the phone through IMEI (for example, in the theft).
3. Software testing – developers sometimes change IMEIs to check how networks work across devices.
4. Bypassing regional restrictions – some Xiaomi models (e.g. India) are carrier-specific.

⚠️ Attention: In Russia and EAE countries, independent change IMEI without the permission of the operator or manufacturer, it may be qualified as a violation of Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Illegal access to computer information.

On the new Xiaomi 13/14 and Redmi Note 12 with HyperOS, it is almost impossible to change the IMEI software – the manufacturer has closed most vulnerabilities.

Official ways to restore IMEI on Xiaomi

If the IMEI is missing after a firmware update or reset, try the official recovery methods first.They do not require root rights and are safe for warranty.

1. Through the Engineering Menu (for Qualcomm)

Many Xiaomi smartphones on Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) allow you to restore IMEI through a hidden menu:

1. Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##.
2. Select "Phone Information" (or "Phone Information").
3. Scroll down to the IMEI block and click "Update".
4. If the field is inactive, try entering the original IMEI (from the box) and clicking "Update".

This method only works if the IMEI was lost (for example, after a reset), but not intentionally changed. If the menu is missing, then the manufacturer has disabled this feature in your version of MIUI.

2. via Mi Flash Tool (for "bricks")

If the phone is not turned on ("brick") due to a damaged IMEI, you can try to restore it using the Mi Flash Tool:

Download Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi official website

Install Qualcomm drivers (for your model)

Connect your phone in EDL mode (via clamped volume buttons)

Have an original IMEI (from a box or check)

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Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (usually Loudness up + Loudness down + Power).
2. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Fastboot firmware for your model.
3. In the NVRAM file (in the firmware archive), find the string with IMEI and replace it with the original one.
4. Switch the device with a clean all checkmark.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect firmware in mode EDL It can turn your phone into a brick without any recovery.If you're not sure what you're doing, contact Xiaomi's service center.

For models on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO M3), there are no official ways to restore IMEI - root or specialized software will be required.

Informal methods of changing IMEI

If the official methods didn’t work, there are informal methods, but they require an unlocked bootloader and root rights. Use them at your own risk!

1. via the Chamelephon app (MediaTek only)

Chamelephon allows you to change the IMEI on devices with MediaTek chips:

1. Install Chamelephon (root required).
2. Open the application and enter a new IMEI (should be valid, check on imei.info).
3. Click Apply new IMEIs and restart your phone.

Example of valid IMEI: 861234567890123 (the last digit is a control, calculated using the Moon algorithm). Do not use random combinations - this can lead to a lock in the network.

2. Through ADB and engineering teams (for Qualcomm)

For Qualcomm devices, you can use ADB:

adb shell


su




setprop sys.usb.config rndis,diag,adb




echo 'AT +EGMR=1,7," NEW IMEI" > /dev/ttyUSB2

This method does not work on all models and may require additional Qualcomm drivers. After changing the IMEI, be sure to check the communication - some operators block devices with "suspicious" IMEI.

3. via NVRAM firmware (advanced method)

For power users, there is a way to change the IMEI by editing the NVRAM section:

1. Backup the NVRAM partition via TWRP or Fastboot:
2. Open the dump in a hexadecimal editor (for example, HxD).
3. Find a string with the current IMEI and replace it with a new one (saving the format).
4. Sweep the modified NVRAM back.

This method requires deep knowledge and can lead to the loss of IMEI forever. On new Xiaomi models (for example, Xiaomi 13T), the NVRAM partition is protected, and editing it is impossible without special equipment.

Yes, in an official way.

Yes, by the informal method.

No, but I'd like to know how.

No, I don't plan on.

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Risks and Consequences of Changing the IMEI

Changing the IMEI is not a harmless procedure, but here are the main risks you need to be aware of:

Especially careful should be the owners of models with eSIM (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra), in such devices IMEI is tied to the hardware module eSIM, and its change can disrupt the virtual SIM-cards.

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Before changing the IMEI, save the original code in a safe place (such as an encrypted file) to help restore it if something goes wrong.

How to check if the IMEI has been changed successfully

After changing the IMEI, be sure to check:

1. Type *#06# and the new IMEI should be displayed.
2. Check the link: insert SIM-card and make a test call.
3. Make sure the device is detected on the network: 📡 In settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Status 🌐 On the operator's website (a new one should be displayed in the personal account) IMEI)

If the phone does not catch the network after changing the IMEI:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📶 Manually select the operator in the network settings.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: If after the change IMEI The phone stopped turning on or stuck on the logo MIUI, Fastboot your original firmware immediately, and 90% of the time, it helps you restore your workflow.

Alternative solutions: when to change the IMEI is not necessary

In most cases, communication problems on Xiaomi are solved without changing the IMEI. Before you start to risk manipulation, try:

• 🔄 Resetting settings: Settings → The phone. → Resetting. In 60 percent of cases, it restores the connection.
• 📥 Update: Install the latest version MIUI or HyperOS through Settings → Updating the system.
• 📶 Manual network selection: In settings SIM-Select the operator manually.
• 🔧 Antenna check: If the phone doesn't catch the network after a fall, the antenna plume may have moved away (disassembly required).

If the problem is IMEI locking (for example, after buying a used phone), contact the previous owner - he can unblock through the operator. Xiaomi also has a support service for such cases: mi.com/support.

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95% of Xiaomi communication problems are solved without change IMEI. Start with simple methods: resetting settings, firmware updates, or checking SIM-map.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing IMEI to Xiaomi