How to change IMEI Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: legal and technical methods

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro

IMEI

However, the procedure for changing IMEI β€” This is not just a technical manipulation, but an interference with the system data of the smartphone, which can lead to serious consequences: from the loss of warranty to the complete inoperability of the communication module. In this article, we will discuss all available methods – from legal (via the engineering menu) to risky (flashing with modified files), and also explain why 90% of cases change the way you use the software. IMEI Does not solve the user’s real problem.

Important: the article is of an exclusively informative nature. IMEI may violate the laws of your country (for example, in the Russian Federation it qualifies as an administrative offense under Art. 13.3 of the Administrative Code.

What is it? IMEI Why should I change it to the Redmi Note 8 Pro?

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

  • πŸ” Identification: Telecom operators and law enforcement use it to track devices.
  • πŸ“‘ Blocking: if theft or loss of the smartphone can be blocked by the IMEI operator.
  • πŸ”§ Technical binding: some firmware and modems require correct IMEI network.

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the begonia model) IMEI It's written in two places: in the modem (hardware) and in the firmware (software:

  • πŸ“΅ Smartphone does not catch the network after firmware (IMEI knocked-down).
  • πŸ”’ The device is blocked by the operator (for example, when buying a contract abroad).
  • πŸ”„ Incorrect. IMEI after recovery from backup or reset.
  • πŸ› οΈ Replacement of the motherboard (new) IMEI It doesn't match the original).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 8 Pro has stopped catching the network after the update MIUI, 80% of the time, the problem is solved by resetting the modem settings through the engineering menu, not changing the modem settings. IMEI. Try this method first!

Before you start the change, check the current one. IMEI for your device:

  1. Please enter the phone app *#06#.
  2. Or go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ General information.

If instead of 15 digits you see Null, 0000... or an incorrect number, this is a direct sign of a problem with the number. IMEI.

Risks and Consequences of Changing the IMEI

Before you change IMEI Redmi Note 8 Pro, assess the possible negative consequences:

Type of riskEffects of consequencesProbability.
Loss of communicationThe device will stop catching the network even after rollback changesTall (30-40%)
Blocking of Mi AccountXiaomi may block the device for suspicious activityAverage (15-20%)
Problems with OTA-updateSmartphone will no longer receive official updates MIUIHigh (50%)
Legal responsibilityIn some countries, the change IMEI prosecutedLow (depending on jurisdiction)

Critical: Redmi Note 8 Pro with MediaTek Helio processor G90T change IMEI through the engineering menu (method) MTK) can lead to a "brick" of the modem part, if the conditions for compatibility of the firmware and version are not met MIUI.

Alternative solutions that are worth trying before the change IMEI:

  • πŸ”„ Resetting settings to factory (Settings) β†’ Additionally. β†’ Recovery and discharge).
  • πŸ“² Reflashing to official MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.
  • πŸ“‘ Update the radio module (modem) via Fastboot.
  • πŸ”§ Contact Xiaomi Service Center (if warranty is valid).
πŸ“Š Why do you want to change? IMEI On the Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Does not catch the net after firmware
I bought a B/O with a lockdown. IMEI
Incorrect. IMEI post-repair
Other

Preparation for change IMEI: what you'll need

If you are determined to change IMEI, Prepare everything you need in advance. Redmi Note 8 Pro will require:

Backup all data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your smartphone at least 70%

Download MediaTek drivers and utilities (MTK Engineering Mode, SN Writer)

Find out the current version MIUI and modem firmware

Prepare original IMEI (box-off)-->

Details on each item:

  1. Data Backup: Use Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root) are especially important to keep the data of applications associated with the root. SIM-card (banks, messengers).
  2. Battery Charging: The process can take up to 30 minutes, and an interruption due to discharge will cause a failure.
  3. Drivers and Utilities: For Windows: MediaTek USB VCOM Drivers, utility: MTK Engineering Mode, SN Writer Tool, Maui META. For Linux/macOS: libusb and python-serial.

The original IMEI

online calculators

Also check if you have a bootloader unlocked.

  1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
  2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in the Developer Menu.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot oem device-info If in the answer Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 8 Pro with locked bootloader change IMEI You will need pre-unlocking through the official Xiaomi tool, which will reset all data.

Method 1: Change IMEI through the engineering menu (without root)

The most common way for devices on MediaTek is to use a hidden engineering menu, which doesn't require superuser rights, but only works on some versions. MIUI.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and type in the code: ##3646633## If the code doesn't work, try ##4636## or ##8255###.
  2. You will be taken to Engineer Mode. Go to Connectivity β†’ CDS Information β†’ Radio Information.
  3. Select Phone 1 (for the first one) SIM-Cards or Phone 2 (for the second).
  4. In the field AT+ command: AT +EGMR=1.7,"new_IMEI" For example: AT +EGMR=1.7,"123456789012345" (replace with yours) IMEI).
  5. Press Send. AT Command. If the team is successful, you'll see OK.
  6. Restart your phone and check the new IMEI via *#06#.

πŸ’‘

If the engineering menu does not open, try installing the app. MTK Engineering Mode from Google Play. It emulates hidden features for MediaTek devices.

Method 2: Use of the SN Writer Tool (for advanced tools)

This method is suitable for cases where IMEI It's completely erased or the engineering menu is not available. It'll require a Windows PC and a special utility. SN Writer Tool.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install. SN Writer Tool (version) 1.2026.XX or newer).
  2. Unpack the archive with the modem firmware for Redmi Note 8 Pro (look for files with the.mbn or.bin extension).
  3. Launch it. SN Writer Tool on behalf of the Administrator.
  4. In the Target Type field, select Smart Phone, and in Com Port, select the port of your device (you can find out in Device Manager).
  5. Press System Config and specify the path to the modem firmware file.
  6. In the section IMEI Enter a new 15-digit code (without spaces!).
  7. Connect the phone to the PC by clamping Volume up + Volume down (BROM mode).
  8. Press Start and wait for the process to be completed (3-5 minute).

If the utility makes a mistake BROM ERROR: SLA AUTHENTICATION FAIL (6045, then:

  • πŸ”Ή You have a firmware patch installed. SLA (Secure Boot).
  • πŸ”Ή Requires a rollback to an older version MIUI (for example, V12.0.3.0).
  • πŸ”Ή You need to use an alternative utility Maui META.
How to get around a mistake SLA AUTH (6045)
To bypass the defense SLA 1. to install the patch loader through SP Flash Tool. 2. Use the utility MTK Auth Bypass (risky, could lead to a breech). 3. Return to stock firmware via EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account) We recommend contacting the service center if you are not sure of your actions.

Method 3: Change IMEI through TWRP Magisk (for root users)

If you have a custom recavator installed TWRP and obtained root rights, can be changed IMEI It's more robust, but it requires technical skills.

Instructions:

  1. Install Magisk Manager and TWRP Recovery (version for begonia).
  2. Download the module. IMEI Changer for MTK.
  3. Reboot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
  4. Install the module via Install β†’ Select the file β†’ Swipe to Confirm.
  5. Once installed, reboot to the system and open Terminal Emulator.
  6. Enter the commands: su setprop sys.usb.config rndis,diag,adb echo'AT +EGMR=1,7,"NEW_IMEI"' > /dev/ttyUSB0
  7. Reboot the phone.

Advantages of this method:

  • πŸ”Ή It works on most custom firmware.
  • πŸ”Ή It does not require a PC connection.
  • πŸ”Ή IMEI persists after rebooting.

Disadvantages:

  • πŸ”Έ Requires an unlocked bootloader and root.
  • πŸ”Έ Risk of data loss in case of incorrect installation TWRP.
  • πŸ”Έ Some banking applications can block work on rooted devices.

πŸ’‘

If, after the change, IMEI through TWRP The network is not working, check the file. /efs/imei/mp0b_001 β€” It must contain the correct IMEI hex-format.

What to do if you have a shift IMEI no net

If you've successfully changed IMEI, But Redmi Note 8 Pro still doesn’t catch the net, follow these steps:

  1. Reset modem settings: Dial ##4636##. Select Information β†’ Reset RIL.
  2. Manual operator selection: Go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Network selection. Turn off automatic selection and select operator manually.
  3. Check Modem Files: Through Root Explorer, Check Files in /efs and /nvram. If files are missing, restore them from the backup or reflash the modem.

Updating the radio module

  • Download the latest version of modem firmware for begonia.
  • Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Modem NON-HLOS.bin

If none of these methods worked, the problem is probably:

  • πŸ”Ή Hardware malfunction modem (requires a replacement chip).
  • πŸ”Ή Incompatibility of firmware and modem versions.
  • πŸ”Ή Blocking IMEI Operator level (check in ##4636## β†’ DSDS Information).

⚠️ Note: If you have been manipulated with IMEI The phone stopped turning on or got stuck on the Redmi logo, don't try to sew it yourself! modemst1/st2. Contact the service center to restore the firmware through EDL-regime.

FAQ: Frequent questions on change IMEI on the Redmi Note 8 Pro

❓ Can we change? IMEI computer-free?
Yes, but only if you have unlocked the bootloader and installed TWRP So in this case, you can use modules like this. IMEI Changer for MTK Or edit files manually through Root Explorer. Without root and PC, only temporary solutions through the engineering menu are possible, which are reset after a reboot.
❓ Is it legal to change? IMEI Russia?
In the Russian Federation, change IMEI The fine for individuals is from 1,500 to 2,500 rubles. The exception is the restoration of the original IMEI after the failure (for example, if it lost on Null after firmware), in this case, we recommend keeping checks and documents confirming the legality of the actions.
❓ Why not after the shift? IMEI Mobile data has stopped working?
This is a problem with an incorrect record. IMEI section modemst1. Try: Remove and Re-Add APN-settings (Settings) β†’ Mobile network β†’ Access points (APN)). Reset network settings via the engineering menu (##4636## β†’ Reset RIL). Swipe the modem separately from the main firmware (file) NON-HLOS.bin). If the problem persists, check if the new one matches. IMEI file-data /efs/imei/mp0b_001 and /nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI/....
❓ Can I bring back the original? IMEI post-mortem?
Yes, but success depends on the method you have changed. IMEI: If you use an engineering menu, just repeat the procedure with the original IMEI. If you've been through SN Writer – Repeated firmware with the correct IMEI. If you edited the files in /efs β€” restore the backup or run the stock modem in the most difficult cases (for example, after unsuccessful use of Maui). META) You may need to complete the re-interpretation through EDL with Xiaomi account authorization.
❓ What are the alternatives to change IMEI exist?
Before you take risks, try these solutions: πŸ”Ή Unlock Operator: Contact the seller or operator to request that you unlock the device (for example, through UnlockIt). πŸ”Ή Replacement SIM-Sometimes the problem is in the card itself, not the phone. πŸ”Ή Firmware Update: Install the latest version MIUI through settings β†’ Updating the system. πŸ”Ή Use eSIM: If your operator supports virtual SIM, This will bypass the lockdown. IMEI.