How to change the IMEI on Xiaomi phone: all the ways and warnings

Changing the IMEI on Xiaomi smartphones is a theme surrounded by myths and technical nuances. This unique identifier (15-digit code) is assigned to each device in the factory and used by operators to log in to the network. In some cases, users want to change it: when buying a used phone with a “broken” IMEI, after a failed firmware update or when using the device in regions with restrictions. But it is important to understand that unauthorized change of IMEI can violate the laws of your country and deprives of warranties.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to change IMEI to Xiaomi (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.), their legality, technical risks and alternative solutions. From official methods through service centers to engineering modes and software interventions with detailed instructions and warnings. If your goal is to unlock the network or restore the device to work, there may be safer ways.

Why users want to change the IMEI to Xiaomi

The reasons for changing the IMEI can be divided into three categories: technical problems, legal restrictions, and unfair manipulation.

• 🔧 Damaged. IMEI after firmware or repair (the device does not catch the network, shows "Void" IMEI" In Settings → The phone).
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: the phone is purchased in China (the domestic version) and does not work with local customers SIM-map.
• 📱 Clone IMEI on a used device (two phones with the same identifier that blocks the network).
• 🔄 Recovery after reset via fastboot or EDL-the original regime, if the original IMEI worn.

However, there are also illegal motives: bypassing the locking of the operator (for example, after theft), masking the device for fraudulent schemes or using “pure” IMEIs to circumvent customs restrictions, such actions are prosecuted by law in most countries, including Russia (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation – illegal access to computer information).

⚠️ Attention: Change IMEI on Xiaomi with a firmware version MIUI 14+ Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets 8 Gen 2/3 Mediatek Dimensity 9000+ It is often locked at the hardware level. Attempts to bypass can lead to a "brick" (complete failure) of the device.

Official Ways: When Changing the IMEI Is Legal

The only legal way to change the IMEI is to contact a Xiaomi authorized service center with supporting documents.

1. Warranty repair: if the IMEI is damaged due to a factory defect (for example, after upgrading through an OTA).
2. Recovery after repair: If the motherboard has been replaced and a new IMEI is not prescribed.
3. Unlocking the region: for devices purchased abroad (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro for the European market, but used in Russia).

This will require:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of legal acquisition).
• 🆔 Passport of the owner.
• 📱 The device itself with original firmware (without root rights).

Service centers use special equipment (QC Firehose for Qualcomm or Mediatek Auth Tool) and official IMEI databases from Xiaomi. It is impossible to repeat the procedure on your own - you need access to the manufacturer's closed servers.

Informal methods: engineering menus and programs

If the official path is not available, some users resort to non-warranty methods, which fall into three categories:

1. Through the engineering menu (for old models on Mediatek).
2. With help. ADB-commands (requires an unlocked boot loader).
3. Modified NVRAM firmware (risk of "brick").

Let’s look at each method in detail, with the models they work on.

1. Engineering menu (MTK Engineer Mode)

Suitable for Mediatek devices (Redmi 9A, POCO M3, Mi A3, etc.) with MIUI firmware 12 or older.

Make sure the model is on the Mediatek chipset (check in Settings → About Phone → Version of the kernel)

Download the MTK Engineering Mode application from a verified source

Record the original IMEI (in case of rollback)

Connect to stable Wi-Fi (the process should not be interrupted)-->

1. Open the MTK Engineer Mode app (if not, download the APK from Uptodown).
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 AT+ field, type the command: AT + EGMR = 1.7, "New IMEI" For example: AT + EGMR = 1.7, "123456789012345" (replace with your IMEI).
5. Press Send AT Command and restart your phone.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Qualcomm chipsets (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) It's not working. Trying to use it can lead to the loss of the network forever.

2. ADB-Teams (for Qualcomm)

The method requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights. Suitable for models on Snapdragon (POCO F4 GT, Xiaomi 12 Pro, etc.).

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and run in ADB: adb shell su setprop sys.usb.config diag,adb
4. Use QPST or QXDM to firmware a new IMEI through the Diag port.

You can download QPST from XDA Developers, but note: the program requires Qualcomm HS-USB drivers and works only on Windows.

3. NVRAM firmware

The most risky method, suitable for power users, requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
• 🖥️ PC with Mi Flash Tool and drivers installed Qualcomm/Mediatek.
• 📂 Backup copy of the original NVRAM (file BPLG or modemst1/st2).

Instructions:

1. Download stock firmware for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Unpack the archive and find the file nvram.bin (or modem.bin).
3. Open it in a hexadecimal editor (such as HxD) and find the original IMEI.
4. Replace it with a new one (accepting the format: 15 digits, the last one is the checksum).
5. Fastboot: fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin fastboot erase modemst1 fastboot erase modemst2

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Before you run NVRAM, check the checksum of the new IMEI using the IMEI Checksum Calculator. The wrong amount will result in an Invalid IMEI error.

Risks and Consequences of Changing the IMEI

Even if the procedure is successful, the consequences may come later.

Legal consequences: In Russia, the change IMEI without the permission of the operator or manufacturer qualifies as a violation of Art. 13.3 of the Administrative Code (“Unauthorized connection to the communication network”). ₽, for legal entities - up to 100 000 ₽. In the EU and the US, such actions may lead to criminal liability.

Technical limitations: Starting with the Xiaomi 12 Series and Redmi Note 11, the manufacturer has implemented anti-Rollback protection, which blocks the change IMEI It's at the bootloader level. You can only get around it through EDL-Mode (emergency firmware), but this requires an authorized Xiaomi account.

💡

If your goal is to unlock your phone for another carrier, consider buying an official unlock code (for example, through UnlockUnit) or using services like DC-Unlocker (paid but legally).

Alternative solutions: when to change the IMEI is not necessary

In 80 percent of cases, users try to change the IMEI to solve problems that can be solved in other ways, and here are the most common scenarios and solutions.

• 📵 The phone does not catch the network after firmware → Restore the original NVRAM Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Modem NON-HLOS.bin fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
• 🌐 Restrictions of regional firmware → Install a global version MIUI Using the Mi Flash Tool (select a region) EEA for Europe or RU for Russia).
• 🔒 SIM-card not activated → Check if the phone is blocked by the operator (use IMEI.info service).
• 🔄 Clone IMEI → Contact the service center with proof of purchase - they will assign a new official IMEI.

For models with Dual SIM support (such as Xiaomi 13 Lite), sometimes resetting the network settings helps:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select Network Settings Reset (this will remove saved APN access points).
3. Restart the phone and wait for the operator’s automatic settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing IMEI to Xiaomi

Conclusion: Is the game worth the candle?

Changing IMEI to Xiaomi is a last resort, and should only be done if all alternatives are exhausted: 90% of network or regional issues are solved by flashing, resetting, or going to a service center, and the risks from losing warranty to completely failing the device outweigh the potential benefits.

If you are still going through the procedure:

1. Backup NVRAM and the original IMEI.
2. Use only proven tools (QPST, Maui META).
3. Check the new IMEI for legality (not to be blacklisted).
4. Be prepared for the possibility that after the MIUI update, the IMEI may reset.

For most users, the best solution would be to buy an unlocked version of the phone or use official unlock services. If the device is already locked in by the operator, consider options with eSIM or alternatives. SIM-cards (for example, from virtual operators like Tinkoff Mobile or Yota).