How to change IMEI to Xiaomi: all ways to explain the risks

Changing the IMEI on Xiaomi smartphones is a topic surrounded by myths and technical nuances, and many users are looking for this way to solve network connection problems, unlock a device after a software failure or restore functionality after a failed firmware, but it is important to understand that replacing the IMEI on your own without good reason can lead to a locking of the device by the operator or even legal consequences in some countries.

In this article, we will discuss the legitimate reasons for the change. IMEI (For example, after-reset recovery to factory settings, official methods from Xiaomi, as well as alternative solutions with a detailed analysis of the risks of each approach, POCO X5 Pro and other current devices from 2023 to 2026, where the procedure may differ from the old instructions.

What is IMEI and why is it changed to Xiaomi?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique 15-digit code that identifies your smartphone on mobile networks, it is written in the firmware of the device and duplicated on a sticker under the battery (or slot). SIM-without the correct maps. IMEI The phone will not be able to connect to the operator’s network, even if SIM-card.

The main reasons why Xiaomi users want to change their IMEI are:

• 📵 Incorrect. IMEI after firmware or reset (displayed as 000000000000000000 or null).
• 🔄 Cloning IMEI to restore the network after the motherboard replacement (officially allowed only by service centers).
• 🚫 Blocking by the operator due to loss/theft (modification) IMEI in this case illegally!).
• 🌍 Roaming problems when using the device in another country.

Important: in most countries, changing the IMEI without the permission of the operator or manufacturer violates the law, for example, in Russia it is regulated by article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Improper access to computer information”), the exception is the restoration of the original IMEI after a failure.

Official ways to restore IMEI on Xiaomi

If your Xiaomi stopped catching the network because of an IMEI reset (for example, after a failed update via Fastboot), first try legitimate recovery methods.

1. Through the engineering menu (for models on Qualcomm)

Many Xiaomi smartphones on Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO F4) allow you to restore IMEI through a hidden engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##.
2. Go to the phone information section.
3. Scroll down to the IMEI block – if it is empty, click Update (if the button is active).

If this method didn’t work, try the alternative code: ##36446337## (for some MIUI firmware).

2. via Mi Flash Tool (only for unlocked bootloader)

If the IMEI is reset after the firmware is via Fastboot, you can restore its original value using the official Mi Flash Tool:

Note: This method is not suitable for changing the IMEI to another one – it only restores the original code from the NVRAM firmware file.

Alternative methods (with risks)

If the official methods do not help, some users resort to unauthorized methods, we do not recommend using them unless absolutely necessary, but we will describe for completeness of information.

1.Vy ADB (requires root rights)

For devices with unlocked bootloader and root access, you can try to restore IMEI through ADB:

adb shell


su




setprop sys.usb.config rndis,adb




echo 'AT +EGMR=1,7,"YE IMEI" > /dev/pttycmd1

Replace your IMEI with the original code (can be found on the box or sticker under the battery) This method does not work on all models and may result in a loss of warranty.

2. Through applications (e.g. Chamelephon)

There are apps like Chamelephon on Google Play that promise to change the IMEI without root.

• ⚠️ Most of these apps are fraudulent (they ask for payment but don’t work).
• ⚠️ Starting with Android 10, the change IMEI programmatically locked at system level.
• ⚠️ Risk of installing malware that steals your data.

💡

Before using any third-party methods, make a full data backup via Mi Cloud or TWRP. If you fail, the phone can turn into a “brick” (it will not turn on).

How to check IMEI on Xiaomi

Before you change your IMEI, make sure it's the problem. Here's how to check your current code:

1. Dial on the phone keyboard *#06# - one or two will appear on the screen IMEI (two-device SIM-map).
2. Check the sticker under the battery (if the case is removable) or on the device box.
3. In settings: Settings → About phone → General information → IMEI status.

If the IMEI is displayed as 000000000000000000 or missing, this confirms the problem. If the code is there, but the network is not working, the cause may be different (for example, a malfunction of the communication module).

Risks and Consequences of Changing the IMEI

Before you start any manipulation of the IMEI, consider the possible consequences:

⚠️ Attention: Change IMEI On Xiaomi with the unlocked bootloader can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account. the company tracks such actions and can block the device remotely through the services Find Device.

Other risks:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty – any unauthorized interference will void warranty obligations.
• 📡 Network problems are incorrect IMEI It can cause errors when connecting to 4G/5G.
• 🛑 Blocking by the operator - if IMEI It's in the database of stolen devices.
• 🔧 Hardware failure – if the error in the process, the phone may stop turning on.

If you bought Xiaomi off the hook and found that its IMEI was changed, it’s better to return the original code through a service center.Using someone else’s IMEI (even if the phone is “not stolen”) can lead to problems when crossing the border or checking by the operator.

💡

The only legal way to change the IMEI is to contact a Xiaomi authorized service center with purchase documents.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make critical mistakes when trying to change their IMEI, and the most common ones are:

1. Using an IMEI from another device is illegal and can result in locking both phones (yours and the one whose IMEI you “borrowed”).
2. Unofficial firmware – some custom firmware (like LineageOS) can reset IMEI. Always check for compatibility with your model.
3. Interrupting the process – if you switch off your phone during the IMEI change via Fastboot or ADB, it may stop booting.
4. Ignoring backup – Before any manipulations, be sure to save data via Mi Cloud or TWRP.

If the phone doesn’t turn on after a failed attempt, try reflashing it in EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode using the Mi Flash Tool. This will require an authorized Xiaomi account and official firmware for your model.

Xiaomi models with features of changing IMEI

On some Xiaomi devices, the IMEI recovery process has nuances. Consider current models from 2023-2026:

For devices on MediaTek (e.g., Redmi) 12C) Maui utility is often required META, But it only works with authorized service center accounts, and self-use can lead to blocking. IMEI forever.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions