Shift. IMEI on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones 9 — This unique identifier, embedded in a device's modem, determines its legality in carrier networks, affects the quality of communication, and can even block mobile Internet access if it does not fit into a region. 9 (model M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS) are faced with the need for change IMEI in three cases: after a failed firmware, when buying a "gray" device with a duplicate number or when recovering from a software failure.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t officially provide tools to change IMEI, and any manipulation of it is against carrier license agreements. However, there are workarounds, from engineering menus to specialized utilities like Maui META or SN Write Tool. In this article, we’ll look at current 2026 methods, legal alternatives, and hidden pitfalls that are not mentioned in forums.
If you’re looking for a way to bypass carrier lock or reconnect after a reset, first check if a safer method – like flashing through Fastboot with the original one – will help. ROM or reset the modem settings. IMEI It should be a last resort when other options are exhausted.
Why You Should Change Your IMEI to Redmi 9
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is not just a set of numbers, but a passport of your phone in carrier networks. On Xiaomi Redmi 9, it is written in two copies (for each phone). SIM-cards) in a special chip EFS (Encrypted File System: Here are real-life situations where users resort to changing it:
- 📱 Dubbed IMEI: When buying a gray machine (especially from China), both slots can have the same number, which blocks the second slot. SIM-map.
- 🚫 Operator Blocking: The phone is blacklisted (lost/stolen) or tied to a foreign carrier (e.g. Verizon in the U.S).
- 🔧 Failure after firmware: Incorrect update MIUI customization ROM may» IMEI, leaving fields empty (000000000000000000000000000000000).
- 🌍 Regional restrictions: Some Redmi 9 models (e.g. Indian version) do not support Russian carrier frequencies without adjustments IMEI.
However, before you go into the system files, check if simpler actions will solve the problem:
Check the relevance of firmware in Settings → About the phone → System update
Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings
Make sure that SIM-The card is not damaged (try on another phone)
Check the IMEI with the code *#06# - it may just not show up due to the interface glitch-->
If none of the items helped, and the phone does not catch the network or shows an error “Not registered in the network”, proceed to the diagnosis of the current IMEI status.
How to check the current IMEI on Xiaomi Redmi 9
Before you change the IMEI, you need to make sure that it's the problem. Redmi 9 has three ways to check:
- USSD-Code: Dial on the phone keyboard *#06#. A window with one or two numbers will appear (for two numbers) SIM-map).
- System settings: Go to Settings → About Phone → All specs. Scroll down to the IMEI block.
- Engineering menu: Enter ##4636##, select Phone Information and look at IMEI SV and IMEI lines.
Pay attention to the following signs of malfunction:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Should I change the IMEI? |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI is displayed as 000000000000000000000000 | Erased after firmware or EFS reset | Yes. |
| The same IMEI for both slots | Duplicate (typical for "gray" devices) | Yes. |
| IMEI is there, but the network is not catching | Problem with modem or antenna | No (check the hardware part) |
| IMEI starts at 86, but the operator blocks the device. | Phone blacklisted | Yes (but the risk of blocking remains) |
If the IMEI is missing or duplicated, move to the next section. If the number is correct but the network is not working, the problem may lie in the APN settings or modem malfunction (Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chip in Redmi 9).
IMEI wiped after firmware
Dubbed IMEI on two SIMs
The phone is blocked by the operator
Another problem.-->
Preparing the phone for the change in IMEI
Changing the IMEI is a process that requires preparation, and without it, you risk getting a brick or losing access to certain features.
- Back up EFS: The /efs folder contains critical modem data, including IMEI. Use TWRP Recovery or ADB to save it: adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst1 modemst1.img adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst2 modemst2.img
- Unlock the bootloader: Redmi 9 has it locked by default. To unlock you need the official Mi Unlock Tool utility and linking your Mi Account to the device (it will take 7 days to wait).
- Install TWRP Recovery: Castom Recovery will allow you to recover your phone in the event of a crash. Download the version for Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) from twrp.me.
- Check the firmware version: Change methods IMEI It may not work on the latest versions. MIUI (14+). The best option is firmware based on Android 10 (MIUI 12).
Also prepare:
- 🔋 Charged phone (at least 60%) – interruption of the process can damage the modem.
- 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (for utility like Maui META Qualcomm drivers are needed).
- 📋 New IMEI (You can generate on sites like imei.info, but it is better to use a number from another phone of the same model).
💡
If you've never worked with ADB or TWRP, practice on an unnecessary phone or emulator.A mistake when changing the IMEI could make the Redmi 9 unusable for calls forever.
How to change the IMEI on Xiaomi Redmi 9
There are three main ways to change IMEIs to Redmi 9s, which are complex and risky, and we've put them from the safest to the most dangerous.
Method 1: Engineering menu (for duplicated IMEIs)
If both slots show the same IMEI, sometimes it is enough to generate a second number through a hidden menu.
- Open the Phone app and type ##3646633## (or #4636## → Phone Information).
- Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
- Select SIM 1 or SIM 2 (depending on which IMEI you want to change).
- In the field below, type the command: AT + EGMR=1.7," NEW IMEI" For example: AT + EGMR=1.7,"861234567890123"
- Press Send AT Command and restart your phone.
⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all versions. MIUI. If after the reboot IMEI You are back, move on to the next method.
Method 2: Maui META (requires PC)
For phones on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset (as in Redmi 9), Maui META is suitable. It allows you to rewrite IMEI directly to the modem, but requires an unlocked bootloader and Qualcomm drivers:
- Download Maui META 3G (version 10.1632.0.00) and install it on PC.
- Connect Redmi 9 in mode EDL (For this, turn off the phone. Press the Volume up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-cable.
Maui META
COM
IMEI Download
SIM1
SIM2
Download
⚠️ Attention: If Maui META Can’t see the phone, check the driver or try another one USB-Using unofficial versions of the program can cause modem damage.
Method 3: Through SN Write Tool (for power users)
This is the most radical way, requiring a firmware file (.mbn) for your model, which is suitable if previous methods have not worked:
- Download the SN Write Tool and the firmware for Redmi 9 (search for Lancelot).
- Unpack the firmware and find the file prog_emmc_firehose_*.mbn.
- Connect your phone in EDL mode (as in method 2).
- In the SN Write Tool, specify the path to the.mbn file and enter new IMEIs.
- Press Start and wait until the process is finished (it takes 5-10 minutes).
Alternative solutions (try them before changing the IMEI):
| Problem. | A safe alternative |
|---|---|
| Dubbed IMEI | Contact the service center for flashing the modem |
| Phone blacklisted | Buy a new device or clarify with the operator the reason for the lock |
| No network after firmware | Recover the original ROM with the Mi Flash Tool |
| Frequency not supported | Use an external modem or change operator |
If you have changed your IMEI after the procedure:
- Check the new number in *#06#.
- Check your phone and mobile phone on both SIM-card.
- Back up /efs again in case of future crashes.
💡
Changing IMEI does not guarantee a solution to communication problems. If the phone does not initially support your carrier’s frequencies (e.g. Redmi 9 for India does not work with Yota in Russia), changing the number will not help.
How to Restore the Original IMEI if Something Goes Wrong
If the phone stopped catching the network after manipulation, shows an error "IMEI is invalid" or does not turn on at all, try to return the original settings.
- Restore the EFS backup: adb push modemst1.img /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst1 adb push modemst2.img /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst2 If there is no copy, download the stock firmware for Redmi 9 and extract the modemst1/modemst2 files from it.
- Flip your phone through the Mi Flash Tool: Download the official ROM for your model from Xiaomi. Unpack the archive and launch MiFlash.exe. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power). Select the firmware folder and press Flash.
Reset the modem settings
adb shell su
echo "AT+EGMR=1,7,\"ORIGINAL_IMEI\"" > /dev/ttyHS0Replace. ORIGINAL_IMEI on the factory number (on the box or under the battery).
If the phone doesn't turn on at all (black screen, no charging response), the bootloader may be damaged, in which case only a service center with flashing equipment through Test Point will help.
💡
After recovery, IMEI The phone still does not catch the network, check the settings APN. Sometimes they are reset after manipulating the modem. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).