Change of change IMEI Xiaomi smartphones are a procedure that has raised questions among users, some of which are used after a failed firmware, others to unlock the network or restore the device to work, but it is important to understand: This transaction is classified as a “gray zone” in terms of legislation and warranty obligations.
In Russia and most countries, the change IMEI If you have a valid reason for doing so (e.g., recovering from a hardware failure) it can be considered a violation, but if you have consciously decided to take this step, our instructions will help you to make everything as safe as possible. 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 other devices 2023-2026 base MIUI 14/15.
Before you start, consider that the wrong actions can lead to complete loss of communication, locking of the device or even “bricking” (turning into a “brick”).
What is IMEI and why is it changed to Xiaomi?
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique 15-digit identifier for your smartphone that is used by carriers to log your device into the network:
- 📱 In the firmware of the device (software) IMEI)
- 🛠️ On the sticker under the battery/in the tray SIM (hardware IMEI)
- 📋 In the database of the manufacturer and operators
The main reasons for changing the IMEI to Xiaomi are:
- 🔄 Recovery after a failed firmware (IMEI He dropped on a million,000,000,000,000)
- 📡 Unlocking the binding to the operator (for example, after purchasing a contract phone)
- 🔧 Network Errors (No Services, Emergency Calls Only)
- 🛡️ Protection against cloning of devices (in rare cases)
On Xiaomi models 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ newer IMEI It is often stored in the nvram section, which can be damaged by improper firmware manipulation. IMEI to zero value, the phone loses the ability to register in networks 4G/5G, even SIM-card.
⚠️ Attention: Change IMEI On devices with active carrier binding (e.g., MegaFon or Beeline) it can lead to automatic locking. SIM-Security Policy Cards of the Provider.
Preparation for flashing IMEI: What to do in advance
Before starting the procedure, follow the mandatory steps:
Backup your data via Mi Cloud or locally
Check the current one. IMEI team *#06#
Charge your phone to at least 60%
Install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the processor)
Download the MauiMeta utility or SN Write Tool (for MediaTek)
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To determine the type of processor your Xiaomi:
- Install the app CPU-Z Google Play
- Go to the SoC tab.
- See the chipset model (e.g. Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 or Dimensity 1080)
For Qualcomm devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13, POCO F5) need to:
- 💻 PC with Windows 10/11
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
- 🛠️ Utility. QCN Rebuilder or QPST
For MediaTek (Redmi) 10C, POCO M5):
- 💾 Firmware with the right NVRAM-field
- 🖥️ Programme SP Flash Tool or MauiMeta
- 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader)
Qualcomm Snapdragon
MediaTek Dimensity/Helio
Other (specify in the comments)
I don't know.
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Method 1: Recovery of IMEI through the Engineering Menu (for MediaTek)
This method is suitable for devices on MediaTek chipsets (for example, Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro) and allows for restoration IMEI No PC connection, the main condition is a saved backup. NVRAM ornate IMEI.
Instructions:
- Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##3646633###
- Go to the Connectivity section → CDS Information → Radio Information
- Select Phone 1 (for the first one) SIM-map)
- In the field AT+ command: AT +EGMR=1,7,"Yours_IMEI_1"
- Press Send. AT Command
- Repeat steps. 3-5 for phone 2 (second-second SIM), using AT +EGMR=1,10,"Yours_IMEI_2"
- Reset the device
To check if a change is successful, type *#06#, and the new values should be displayed. IMEI It's invalid, so it's invalid:
- 🔹 Incorrectly entered code (check register and quotation marks)
- 🔹 NVRAM-section damaged (firmware required)
- 🔹 The device does not support this method.
💡
If, after the change, IMEI phone does not catch the network, try the engineering menu to execute the command AT+EGMR=1.5," (reset the module settings).
Method 2: Firmware QCN-File for Qualcomm (Xiaomi on Snapdragon)
Devices on Qualcomm (Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4 GT) They need a more complex approach through the firmware QCN-This file contains calibration data of the communication module, including IMEI.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install. QPST Tool (version 2.7.468 or later)
- Connect the phone in mode EDL (Emergency boot: Turn off the device Press the Volume up + Loud down and plug in. USB-cable Hold the buttons 10-15 Seconds before the Qualcomm port arrives HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device-manager
QPST Configuration
Software Download
Start
Where to find it. QCN-file:
- 🔧 Generate from backup copy through QCN Rebuilder
- 📥 Download a stock file for your model (for example, from a forum) 4PDA)
- 🔄 Recover from backup made before loss IMEI
| Xiaomi model | Processor type | Recommended method | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 | Engineering Menu or MauiMeta | Medium |
| POCO F5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 | Firmware QCN through QPST | Tall. |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 | QPST or SN Write Tool | Tall. |
| Redmi 10C | MediaTek Helio G35 | Engineering menu | Low. |
⚠️ Note: Incompatible firmware QCN-The file may cause loss of IMEI Always check the matching file of your device model and version. MIUI.
Risks and legal consequences of the change IMEI
Before you ask me again IMEI At Xiaomi, be aware of the risks involved:
Technical risks:
- 🚨 Loss of warranty: Any interference with firmware will void Xiaomi warranty
- 📵 Permanent Network Loss: Wrong IMEI Can block the communication module
- 🔒 Mi Account Blocking: Device Linking to Account May Be Broken
- 💥 "Bricking: A critical firmware error will make the phone inoperable
Legal aspects:
- 📜 Russia's change IMEI without the permission of the operator is considered a violation of the Federal №126 “On communication” (Article 44)
- 🌍 In the EU and the US, this can be considered fraud (if used to bypass locks)
- 📱 Operators have the right to block IMEI on your network in case of suspected cloning
According to Roskomnadzor, in 2023 more than 12 000 were blocked IMEI Most cases involve attempts to circumvent regional restrictions or use stolen devices.
What to do if your phone is blocked after the change IMEI?
Alternative ways to solve problems with IMEI
Before you change IMEI, Try less risky methods of network recovery:
For damaged devices NVRAM:
- 🔄 Reset via Mi Flash: Sweat the full stock ROM clean-all
- 📦 Backup recovery: If there is a backup EFS/NVRAM through TWRP
- 🔧 Repair through service center: Official Xiaomi centers can be restored IMEI serially
If the problem is with the operator:
- 📞 Official Unlocking: Contact the Operator with Purchase Documents
- 💳 Payment services: Some companies are legally unblocking IMEI (price 1000-3000₽)
- 🌐 Using eSIM: Newer models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra) can get around the restrictions via virtual SIM
Forums often advise using apps like Chamelephon or IMEI Changer, but we strongly recommend them:
- 🚫 80% of these programs contain malicious code
- 🚫 They cheat. IMEI Android level only, without affecting the hardware
- 🚫 After the reboot, the original IMEI recover
💡
The legal way to unlock the network is to request the operator. 3-7 days and requires a passport + phone-purchase.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Analysis of service center calls shows that 70% of problems with change IMEI associated with typical errors:
Mistakes in working with the engineering menu:
- ❌ Entering IMEI without checking the checksum (last figure)
- ❌ Use of spaces or dashes in the room IMEI
- ❌ Attempting to change IMEI on devices with a locked loader
Firmware problems QCN:
- ❌ The discrepancy between the firmware version and QCN-file
- ❌ Interrupting the firmware process (leads to partition damage) modemst1/st2)
- ❌ Use of the QCN from another model (even within the same line)
How to check the checksum IMEI:
- Take the first 14 digits. IMEI (for example 86135405123456)
- Multiply every second number by 2 (starting from the second): 6×2=12, 3×2=6, 4×2=8, 1×2=2, 3×2=6, 5×2=10
- Add up all the numbers: 8 + (1+2) + 1 + 6 + 5 + 0 + (1+2) + 2 + 4 + 6 + 5 = 43
- Last digit IMEI must be added to the amount of a multiple 10 (by way of example 7, so 43+7=50)
If, after the change, IMEI phone:
- 🔋 Fast discharge – reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset
- 📶 Not catching. 4G/5G — check the settings APN operator
- 🔕 It doesn’t ring, make sure you IMEI prescribed SIM-map
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ post-mortem IMEI You may need to re-register on the operator's network. SIM-30 seconds card, then re-insert and reboot the device.