How to change IMEI to Xiaomi Redmi 8: all the working methods and risks

Why IMEIs are Changed on Smartphones and When It’s Legal

Changing the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) to the Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a procedure that has raised questions among users, and this unique 15-digit code is tied to each phone and used by operators to identify the device on the network. In most countries, replacing the IMEI without good reason is considered illegal, as it can be used to mask stolen devices or bypass locks.

However, there are legal scenarios where the change of IMEI Justified: Redmi 8 with damaged communication module (for example, after unsuccessful repair), devices with broken» IMEI after firmware, or phones purchased on the secondary market with incorrect data, in such cases, the restoration of the original or the appropriation of a new IMEI It is not legal to prosecute through official channels (e.g. Xiaomi service center), but it is important to understand that even a technically possible replacement is not a legal option. IMEI It can lead to loss of warranty, locking of the device by the operator or problems with updates. MIUI.

Before proceeding with the procedure, check the current IMEI To do this, dial the *#06# combination in the phone application - one or two numbers will appear on the screen (for devices with two support). SIM-If you see Null, Invalid or repeating characters instead of numbers, this is a direct sign of a malfunction that you can try to fix.

Official and semi-official ways: what Xiaomi offers

Xiaomi does not provide users with tools to change their IMEIs, but in some cases, the problem is solved through service centers. If your Redmi 8 is no longer identified on the network due to a firmware failure or hardware damage, contact an authorized service with a check for purchase.

• 🔧 Restore the original IMEI backup NV-linkage.
• 📱 Reflash the modem part (modemst1 and modemst2) factory-data-preserving.
• 🔄 Replace the charge with the communication module (if the physical damage is caused).

The cost of such services varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the complexity, the main advantage is the guarantee of operability and no risk of blocking, and minus - not all services are taken for such work, especially if the phone is bought "by hand" or has signs of informal repair.

The semi-official method is to use Xiaomi’s engineering menu (available on some versions of MIUI).

1. Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##.
2. Go to the tab Information about the phone.
3. Check status. IMEI — If it appears as Unknown, try resetting the network settings to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

⚠️ Note: The engineering menu on Redmi 8 may be missing or blocked in newer versions MIUI. Do not try to enter change commands. IMEI This menu will cause you to lose all communication!

IMEI change methods through firmware: risks and instructions

If the official methods did not help, some users resort to flashing the modem part, which requires an unlocked bootloader and installing a customized Recovery (for example, TWRP).

For the firmware of the modem part will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Qualcomm drivers installed and ADB.
• 📁 Firmware files modemst1.bin and modemst2.bin For your model (only download from trusted sources, such as Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the archive with the firmware and unpack it. Find the files modemst1.bin and modemst2.bin.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol Down when the device is off).
3. Open the command line in the file folder and execute the commands: fastboot flash modemst1 modemst1.bin fastboot flash modemst2 modemst2.bin fastboot reboot

After the reboot, check the IMEI with *#06#. If the error still appears instead of the digits, the EFS partition may be damaged and you will need to restore it through specialized utilities (for example, QPST or Maui META).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware modem part on Redmi 8 with Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 439 may result in loss IMEI forever if the modemst files do not match the version of your device. Always check the compatibility table! MIUI Codename Compatible Modemst Files Loss Risk IMEI MIUI 11–12 olive modemst1/2 firmware V11.0.5.0 Low. MIUI 12.5 Olive Only Original Files from Stock Firmware Medium Castom Firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) Olive Requires a patch for modemst High Software Utility for Recovery IMEI: QPST maui META For advanced users willing to take risks, there are tools like Qualcomm Product Support Tools (QPST) maui META. They allow you to work directly with NV-partitions IMEI. These utilities are originally designed for engineers and require a deep knowledge of smartphone repair. To take advantage QPST on the Redmi 8: Download and install. QPST (version 2.7.424 Or newer. Put the phone on mode. EDL (This may require short circuiting of the test points on the board. QPST Configuration and select your device's port. Open Software Download, download the firmware file with the correct modemst and start the process. META It is suitable for devices on MediaTek chips, but Redmi 8 It's a Qualcomm processor, so it's not applicable here. EDL-If you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better see a specialist. 💡Before use QPST Create a full backup section EFS through TWRP. To do this, select Mount in the Recavérie. → System, then copy the folder /efs computer. What happens if you change? IMEI Illegal: Consequences of Self-Replacement IMEI without good reason can have serious consequences: 🚔 Legal liability: In Russia and most CIS countries, change IMEI without the permission of the operator or manufacturer is equivalent to fraud (Article 159.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), if such a fact is detected, the phone can be seized, and the owner faces a fine of up to 80,000 rubles. 📵 Blocking by the operator: Modern networks (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) automatically scan suspicious IMEI. If the number is on the blacklist, SIM-card will stop working. 🔄 Update issues: Xiaomi may block access to updates MIUI for devices with non-original IMEI. 🛠️ Refusal of warranty repairs: any manipulation of the IMEI cancel the warranty, even if the failure is not related to the communication module. It is especially risky to use generators. IMEI Or buy "clean" numbers on forums. IMEI They are often duplicates or belonging to stolen phones, which is guaranteed to lead to lockdown. IMEI from the sticker under the battery (if it is saved) or contact the service center. 💡Even if you have successfully changed IMEI, The operator may detect the discrepancy in a few months. Always weigh the risks before starting the procedure. IMEI It doesn’t change if you try to restore everything. IMEI Redmi 8 was unsuccessful, consider alternatives: 📶 Use an external modem: Connect your phone to the network via Wi-Fi or USB-modem if the mobile connection is not working. 🔄 Replacement of motherboard: Some services offer to shift the fee with workers IMEI from another Redmi 8 (cost - from 3 000 rubles). 📱 Buying a new phone: If the Redmi 8 is outdated, it might be more logical to consider a smaller model (e.g., Redmi). 10C or POCO M5), You can also check if the network problems are related to other factors: 🔌 Malfunction SIM-Cards (try inserting them into another phone). 📡 Poor operator coverage in your area. ⚙️ Failure in settings APN (Check the parameters in the settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)). If the phone is not catching the network, but IMEI the problem may be hidden in the antenna module or contacts SIM-If you're looking at a service center, can you trick the operator by changing the data? IMEI?No. Modern operators are not only using IMEI, but also other identifiers (e.g, IMSI, TAC-Even if you change the code. IMEI, The system can lock the device in other ways, especially if it is listed in the database of stolen items. FAQ: Frequent questions about change IMEI Xiaomi Redmi 8 ❓ Can we change? IMEI No, for modem firmware or partitioning. EFS on the Redmi 8 You need to have an unlocked bootloader, and without that, you're limited to system partitions. ❓ What to do if you have a shift IMEI The phone stopped turning on? There was probably a bug in the modem firmware. modemst1.bin and modemst2.bin If the phone doesn't respond, you'll need firmware in the EDL-mode QPST service-seeking. ❓ How to find out the original IMEI, if it's worn off? Original. IMEI It's on a sticker under the removable phone lid (near the battery) or on the device box. If you don't have a sticker, try looking for a check or a warranty card, which might also include a check. IMEI. ❓ Can the operator lock the phone if I restore the original phone? IMEI? If IMEI It's factory-grade and not blacklisted, but if the phone was previously wanted or locked, it won't be locked. IMEI (For example, for default on the loan, the restoration of the original number will return the lock. ❓ Are there legal programs to change? IMEI? No, all programs that promise an easy shift IMEI (for example, IMEI Changer, MTK Engineering Mode, which are illegal and can harm the device. Xiaomi and other manufacturers do not release such software for end users.