How to change IMEI Xiaomi Redmi 7: all the ways and consequences

Change of change IMEI On the Xiaomi Redmi 7, it's a theme surrounded by myths and technicalities, and many users are looking for this method to solve network problems, unlock the device after a handheld purchase, or restore functionality after a failed firmware: IMEI — It is a unique identifier of your phone tied to the hardware, and changing it can have legal and technical consequences.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of changing. IMEI Redmi 7, from official (e.g., through a service center) to engineering techniques using ADB You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to check the current one. IMEI, And what to do if the phone stops catching the network after the changes, and we'll also analyze the risks, from loss of warranty to locking the device by the carrier.

Warning: Change of the IMEI without good reason (e.g., recovery from hardware failure) may be classified as fraud in some countries.This article is purely informative in nature - we do not call for violations of laws or warranty terms.

What is it? IMEI Why would you change it to a Redmi 7?

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

• 🔐 Identification of the device in the operator’s network – without correct IMEI The phone will not be able to connect to cellular communication.
• 🛡️ Protection against theft: operators can block the stolen device IMEI, rendering it useless.
• 📡 Network compatibility control: some devices (e.g., imported from abroad) may not support local frequencies.

At Xiaomi Redmi. 7 (model M1901F7G/M1901F7H) IMEI It's written in two places: in the firmware and in the modem module. The reasons for changing it are usually the following:

• 📵 Phone does not catch network after firmware or reset settings (IMEI downed at 000000000000000000 or null).
• 🔄 Buying a used device with a dirty" IMEI (For example, it is listed in the database of stolen).
• 🌍 Use of foreign devices in local networks (some operators block uncertified devices).
• 🔧 Experiments with the Firmware, after which IMEI fly off or duplicate.

Before you start making a change, check if the problem is real. IMEI. Often the lack of network is associated with: settings APN, damage SIM-For diagnostics, enter the dialer:

*#06#

If two are shown the same IMEI or codes of the form 004999010640000 (default for MediaTek), so you need to restore.

Legal and Official Change Methods IMEI

If your goal is to restore the original IMEI After a failure (not a change of someone else's), start with official methods.

1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

• ✅ Pros: Guarantee of preservation of operability, no risks of blocking.
• ❌ Cons: Paid service (from 1,500 to 3,000) ₽), A check or confirmation of purchase is required.

Service centers can be restored IMEI serial number (SN), If it's not changed, the wizard uses official Mi Flash software and firmware with correct data.

Recovery via Mi Account (for authorized devices)

If your Redmi 7 is tied to a Xiaomi account, try:

1. Go to Settings → The phone. → All characteristics.
2. Push it. IMEI 5-7 times – sometimes it triggers synchronization with Xiaomi servers.
3. Reset the device.

This method only works if IMEI was hit by software (for example, after a failed root access), but not physically changed.

3. Use of backup copy NVRAM

On MediaTek chips (and Redmi 7 is built on Snapdragon 632, but the method is suitable for some versions as well) IMEI stored in NVRAM. If you have a backup of this section (made before the crash), it can be restored through SP Flash Tool or Miracle Box, more about this in the next section.

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Before any manipulations with IMEI Make a backup copy of the section NVRAM through TWRP or MTK Droid Tools, which will help roll back changes if something goes wrong.

Preparation for change IMEI: security tools and measures

If the official methods did not help, and you decided to change your own IMEI, prepare the following:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (Some utilities require drivers under 32-bit system).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original, with data transmission support).
• 📱 Charged phone (at least 60%) – interruption of the process can lead to “bricking".
• 🛠️ Software: ADB & Fastboot Tools (for debugging). QPST maui META (for devices on Qualcomm). SN Write Tool or Chimera Tool (for MediaTek, but also for some Redmi 7 versions).

Before the work begins,

1. Make a full data backup with Mi PC suite TWRP.
2. Make sure the phone is on debugging. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Additional settings → For developers).
3. Disable the antivirus on the PC – it can block utilities to work with IMEI.

Also check if the bootloader is unlocked on your Redmi 7.

fastboot oem device-info

If you have Device unlocked: true, you can continue. If false, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting for new accounts).

Make a data backup|Charge the phone. ≥60%|Install Qualcomm drivers|Enable debugging on USB|Unlock the bootloader (if necessary)|Download the right utilities-->

Step-by-step instructions: how to change IMEI Redmi 7 via the Engineering Menu

This method is suitable for Qualcomm Snapdragon 632-based devices (like Redmi 7) and requires superuser rights (root).If you don't have them, get root access first through Magisk or SuperSU.

Step 1: Installation of drivers and phone connection

1. Download and install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (can be found on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums).
2. Connect Redmi 7 to PC in mode EDL (For this, turn off the phone. Press the Volume up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the port appears. COM device-controller.

Step 2: Use of QPST alteration IMEI

1. Launch it. QPST Configuration and select your phone port.
2. Go to the Start Clients tab → Software Download.
3. In the Programmer Path field, specify the path to the file. prog_emmc_firehose_8953.mbn (You can download from the firmware for Redmi 7).
4. In the tab. IMEI Enter a new 15-digit code (e.g., generated on imei.info).
5. Press Start and wait for the process to complete (3-5 minutes).

Step 3: Verification of the result

After restarting your phone, check the new one. IMEI *#06#. If the data is correct but the network is still not catching, you may need to reset the network settings: → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

Alternative methods: SN Write Tool and Chimera Tool

If QPST If it didn’t work or you prefer more automated solutions, consider these tools.

Method 1: SN Write Tool (for MediaTek, but also for some Qualcomm)

• ✅ It works without root rights (but requires Meta Mode).
• ⚠️ Risk of damage NVRAM, break off.

Instructions:

1. Download. SN Write Tool and firmware for Redmi 7 (e.g. fastboot rum).
2. In the firmware folder, find the BPLGUInfoCustomAppSrcP file and open it in a notebook.
3. Replace the lines with IMEI new values, for example, IMEI_1=123456789012345).
4. Launch it. SN Write Tool, select the port and press Start.

Method 2: Chimera Tool (paid but reliable)

• ✅ It supports most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 7.
• ✅ Automatically checks the correctness of the input IMEI.
• ❌ Requires activation (from $20 in 30 days).

The algorithm of the work:

1. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
2. In Chimera Tool, select Redmi 7 and Repair IMEI.
3. Enter new ones. IMEI (You can generate directly in the program).
4. Click Do Job and wait until it is completed.

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Use only proven tools from official sources (e.g. XDA-Developers or other sources). 4PDA). Downloading utilities from questionable sites can lead to PC infection with viruses or damage to your phone.

Risks and Consequences of Changing the IMEI

Even if the process is successful, the change IMEI This can cause serious problems:

⚠️ If you bought a Redmi 7 with your hands and found out that it was a real one. IMEI modified, there is a risk that the phone is listed in the stolen database. Check it on imei.info or through the operator's service (for example, #06# → send out USSD-Quote #06# to your operator).

Please also note that after the change IMEI There may be problems with:

• 📶 4G/LTE: Some operators link access to high-speed Internet to the original IMEI.
• 🔄 OTA-Xiaomi may block updates for devices with incorrect updates IMEI.
• 💳 Mobile banking: some banks are checking IMEI authorization.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, there can be failures. Let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them.

1. The phone is not determined in QPST/Chimera Tool

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (try USB 2.0).
• 🖥️ Reinstall the driver manually (disable automatic installation in Windows).
• 🔄 Reset the phone to mode EDL or Fastboot again.

2.After the change IMEI no net

• 📡 Check that the new one is IMEI correct (15 digits, the last one is the control number).
• 🔧 Perform a reset of network settings: Settings → SIM-map → Reset.
• 📥 Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Modem NON-HLOS.bin (file NON-HLOS.bin is derived from stock firmware).

3. IMEI I got lost on "0000..." after the firmware.

• 🛠️ Restore a backup copy of the section NVRAM (if).
• 📎 Use Maui. META record IMEI Meta mode.
• 🔄 Return to stock firmware via Mi Flash (choose the clean all option).

⚠️ If, after the manipulation, the IMEI The phone stopped turning on or got stuck on the Mi logo, do not try to re-stitch it without diagnosis. 80% In some cases, this indicates damage to the section. modemst1/st2, You will need professional recovery through Test Point.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions