How to change IMEI to Xiaomi Redmi 9: all working methods and warnings

Change of change IMEI on a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone 9 β€” A procedure that may be required in cases of network loss after a failed firmware, recovery from a bricking or purchase of a device with a damaged ID, but it is important to understand that officially Xiaomi does not support manual change. IMEI, Incorrect actions can lead to a complete loss of warranty and locking the device by the operator.This article will discuss in detail all current methods for Redmi. 9 (model M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS), Risks and legitimate alternatives.

Before you start, check if the problem is really in IMEI. Often the lack of network is due to wrong APN settings, damage to the communication module or locking the operator. Use the command *#06# to check the current IMEI - if 0 or Null is displayed, then the ID has reset. Otherwise, look for the reason in another.

Why You Should Change Your IMEI to Redmi 9

There are several legitimate reasons why users use this procedure:

  • πŸ”„ Firmware recovery: Incorrect software updates via Fastboot or custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) can nullify IMEI, Depriving the device of access to the mobile network.
  • πŸ“± Buying a used phone with a "broken" IMEI: Often, the secondary market sells devices after unsuccessful repairs, where the identifier was deleted or damaged.
  • 🚫 Blocking by the operator: In rare cases IMEI may be blacklisted (for example, if lost or stolen by a previous owner).
  • πŸ”§ Networking Testing: Developers and engineers sometimes change IMEI Check compatibility with different networks.

However, there are also illegal reasons, such as bypassing the IMEI block after theft or fraud.We strongly recommend against using this instruction for illegal actions, this is prosecuted by law in most countries, including Russia (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

⚠️ Attention: Change IMEI voids Xiaomi’s warranty and may result in permanent loss of communication if the new identifier is already in use by another device or blocked. TWRP.

Preparing for IMEI Change: What You Need to Know

Before you start, make sure that:

Device charged at least 70% | Important data backup | MediaTek drivers installed (for PC) | Find My Device disabled in Mi Account settings | Compatibility with your firmware version checked-->

The following methods are suitable for the Redmi 9 (MediaTek Helio G80 chipset):

MethodDifficultyYou need a PC?Risk of "bricking"Works on MIUI 14?
Engineering Menu (MTK)Low.No.Medium.Yes (partially)
ADB + MauiMetaMediumYes.High-pitchedYes.
SN Writer ToolTall.Yes.criticalNo (requires downgrade)
Chimera ToolVery high.Yes.criticalYes (paid license)

The safest way is to use an engineering menu, but it doesn’t work on all versions of MIUI. If your Redmi 9 is upgraded to MIUI 13/14, you’ll likely need ADB or specialized tools like MauiMeta.

Engineering menu |ADB + MauiMeta|SN Writer Tool|Chimera Tool|Not decided-->

Method 1: Change the IMEI through the Engineering Menu (MTK)

This is a good way to use MediaTek devices with an unlocked bootloader, which doesn't require a PC connection, but it doesn't work on all firmware.

Steps:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
  2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
  3. Scroll down and find Select Network (if not, the method is not suitable).
  4. Return to the home screen and type ##36446337## (this will open the MTK engineering menu).
  5. Go to Connectivity β†’ CDS Information β†’ Radio Information.
  6. Select Phone 1 (for the first one) SIM-Cards or Phone 2 (for the second).
  7. In the field AT+ command: AT +EGMR=1,7,"NEW_IMEI_1" Replace the new_IMEI_1 yours 15-a significant identifier (e.g, 861234567890123).
  8. Press Send AT Command and restart your phone.

For the second. SIM-Repeat step 8 by replacing the command with:

AT +EGMR=1,10," NEW IMEI_2"

⚠️ Note: If after rebooting IMEI dropped to 0 or your phone stopped seeing the network, so your version MIUI It blocks change. Try the method of ADB or return the original IMEI through SN Writer Tool.

πŸ’‘

If the engineering menu doesn't open, try entering ##36446338##, an alternative path for some versions of MIUI.

Method 2: Using ADB and MauiMeta (for power users)

It requires a PC connection and specialized tools, and it's more reliable, but it's also more risky.

Tools required:

  • πŸ–₯️ Windows PC 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux may not work).
  • πŸ”Œ Installed MediaTek drivers (you can download from MediaTek or DriverPack Solution).
  • πŸ“₯ Archive with MauiMeta and ADB (Download from the official MediaTek website or forum XDA Developers).
  • πŸ”“ Unlocked Bootloader on Redmi 9.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Developers β†’ Debugging over USB.
  2. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
  3. Open the command prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
  4. Launch MauiMeta on behalf of the administrator.
  5. In the program, select the COM port corresponding to your phone (you can find out in Device Manager).
  6. Go to the IMEI tab and enter new values for SIM1 and SIM2.
  7. Press Write and wait for the process to be completed.
  8. Restart your phone and check the new IMEI via *#06#.
What if MauiMeta can’t see the phone?
If the program does not detect the device, try it: 1. Reinstall MediaTek Preloader drivers manually through Device Manager. 2. Use the other USB-cable (preferably original). 3. Disable the signature of drivers in Windows (for this, enter in the CMD from the administrator: bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks on). 4. Try another PC – sometimes other installed drivers conflict (for example, from Qualcomm).

Method 3: SN Writer Tool (for advanced users)

This tool allows you to rewrite not only the IMEI, but also the serial number (SN) of the device, which is suitable for cases where other methods have not worked, but requires caution.

Warnings before use:

  • πŸ”΄ High risk of 'bricking': Misconduct can lead to loss NVRAM β€” memory section where it is stored IMEI.
  • πŸ”΄ Downgrade firmware required: On new versions MIUI SN Writer may not work without rolling back to an older version.
  • πŸ”΄ Original files required: Dump will be required NVRAM from working Redmi 9 or official firmware.

Instructions:

  1. Download the SN Writer Tool and the firmware for your model (M2003J15SC or M2003J15SS).
  2. Unpack the firmware and find the NVRAM file (usually with the.bin or.img extension).
  3. Open SN Writer and upload the NVRAM file.
  4. In the field IMEI Enter new values for both SIM-map.
  5. Connect the phone to the PC by clamping Volume up + Volume down (BROM mode).
  6. Press Start and wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off the cable!).
  7. After the reboot, check the IMEI.

πŸ’‘

If you stop turning on after using the SN Writer Tool, try flashing the original NVRAM through the SP Flash Tool, which restores performance in 80% of cases.

Checking the result and eliminating errors

After you change the IMEI, you need to make sure it's a success.

  1. IMEI Verification: Dial *#06# and a new identifier should be displayed.
  2. Network test: Insert SIM-check for a signal. Try making a call or sending a message. SMS. Make sure that the mobile internet is working (turn on) 4G/5G customized).

Checking IMEI in settings

Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ General information β†’ Status

Typical errors and solutions:

Mistake.Possible causeDecision
IMEI dropped 0 after rebootingMIUI blocks changes or damages to NVRAMUse the SN Writer Tool or run the original NVRAM
The phone doesn't see the network, but the IMEI is correct.Incompatibility with the operator or damage to the communication moduleCheck your APN settings or swipe the modem module through Fastboot
MauiMeta can't see the phoneNo MediaTek Preloader driversInstall drivers manually through Device Manager
After the change in IMEI, the phone does not turn onNVRAM or firmware damagedSweep the full firmware image through the SP Flash Tool

⚠️ Note: If after all the manipulations, the network has not appeared, and IMEI If the display is correct, the problem may be in the hardware (for example, damaged antenna module or chip MediaTek.

Before you change the IMEI, consider legal ways to address the problem:

  • πŸ”§ Recovery with Mi Account: If the phone was tied to a Xiaomi account, try restoring the original one IMEI via official service (not available for all regions).
  • πŸ“‘ Firmware update: Sometimes IMEI It's reset due to bugs in the software. Install the latest version. MIUI via the Mi Flash Tool or the Mi Flash Tool.
  • πŸ“ž Contact the operator: If IMEI Blocked, provide documents about the purchase - the operator can unlock the device.
  • πŸ”„ Replacement of the motherboard: Xiaomi service centers can restore the original IMEI, if the problem is in the hardware.

If you bought a Redmi 9 handheld and found that the IMEI was changed by the previous owner, it is better to return the device or claim compensation – such phones often have hidden problems (for example, they may be wanted).

FAQ: Frequent questions about change IMEI on the Redmi 9

❓ Can we change? IMEI loader-free?
No, most methods (except the engineering menu) require an unlocked Bootloader. To unlock it, you need to link the device to your Mi Account and wait 72 hours (by Xiaomi rules).
❓ What happens if you introduce an infidel? IMEI?
If the IMEI is not validated (e.g., it contains letters or less than 15 characters), the phone may lose the network or stop turning on altogether.
❓ Can I bring back the original? IMEI post-mortem?
Yes, if you have a backup of NVRAM or the original firmware. Use the SN Writer Tool or SP Flash Tool to restore factory settings.
❓ Why not after the shift? IMEI doesn't work 4G?
This may be due to the incompatibility of the new IMEI with your carrier or damage to the APN settings. Try manually adding the Internet settings (they can be found on the operator's website) or return the original IMEI.
❓ Is it legal to use generators? IMEI?
No, most online IMEI generators offer identifiers that are already used by other devices or blocked, which can lead to legal problems and loss of communication, preferably using the original IMEI or officially obtained.