How to change the IMEI on Xiaomi phone: all the ways and risks

Changing the IMEI on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that may be required in rare cases: after a failed firmware update, when buying a device with a “broken” ID or to restore network functions. However, it is important to understand that unauthorized replacement of IMEI without good reason can violate the laws of many countries, including Russia (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation on illegal access to computer information).

In this article, we will discuss the legal ways to restore the original IMEI (if it was lost) and explain why changing it to an arbitrary number is strongly recommended. All instructions are tested on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13T with MIUI 14/15 firmware based on Android 13/14.

What is IMEI and why should you change it to Xiaomi?

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

• 📡 To identify the phone in mobile networks (without correct identification) IMEI Your smartphone will not be able to call or use mobile Internet)
• 🔍 To block stolen devices (operators can block) IMEI at the request of the police)
• 🛠️ For diagnostics of malfunctions (service centers check) IMEI warranty-repair)

On Xiaomi smartphones, IMEI issues usually occur after:

• ⚡ Incorrect firmware via Fastboot or EDL (Especially when using informal ROM)
• 🔄 "Hard reset via Mi Flash Tool with clean all and lock mark
• 🛠️ Failed repair of the motherboard (damage to the storage area) IMEI memory)

⚠️ Attention: Change IMEI A random number (not original) can lead to the device being blocked by the operator. Russia has been operating the EAIS MTS system since 2021, which monitors the discrepancy. IMEI database.

How to check the current IMEI on Xiaomi

Before you try to change the IMEI, make sure it's really damaged. Check it in three ways:

1. By dialing: Open the Phone app and type *#06#. A window with one or two numbers will appear on the screen. IMEI (two-device SIM-map).
2. In settings: Go to Settings → About Phone → General information. Scroll down to the IMEI block.
3. Through the box: The original IMEI is listed on the sticker under the barcode on the device box. Compare it to what's displayed on the phone.

If you see 15 digits instead of:

• 🚫 Null IMEI or 000000000000000000 - eraser ID.
• 🔢 Invalid IMEI — number damaged.
• 🔄 Two identical IMEI two-way SIM-Cards - Possible firmware error.

Method 1: Recovering IMEI through the Engineering Menu (without root)

If the IMEI is missing after a firmware update, it can be restored through Xiaomi’s engineering menu, a method that works on most models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO F4).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination to log in to the engineering menu: ##4636## Some models may require code ##36446337###.
2. In the menu that opens, select Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the block. IMEI. If the fields are empty or contain incorrect data, press and hold the button. IMEI (or IMEI_SV) near 5 seconds.
4. In the window that appears, enter the original IMEI (from the box) and click Apply or Save.
5. Reboot the phone. Once turned on, check the IMEI with *#06#.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) engineering menu may not allow modification IMEI. In this case, you will need to use Maui. META or SN Write Tool, but they need access to Port Diag (Diagnostics connector).

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If the engineering menu doesn’t open, try using the MTK Engineering Mode app from Google Play (for MediaTek devices only).

Method 2: Recovering IMEI through firmware (for advanced)

If the engineering menu didn't work, you can restore the IMEI by flashing the NVRAM module (where the identifier is stored).

• 🖥️ Computer with Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers installed (depending on the processor)
• 🔌 Cable. USB (preferably original)
• 📦 Stock firmware ROM For your model (download only from official sources, for example, miui.com)

Instructions for Qualcomm (via QFil or Mi Flash):

1. Download the firmware in.tgz or.zip and unpack it. Find the file nvdata.bin or nvitem.bin, which stores IMEI.
2. Connect the phone in EDL mode (to do this, turn off the device, press Volume up + Volume down and connect the cable to the PC).
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, and press Flash. Make sure the settings check the Flash all except storage box.
4. Once the firmware is complete, the phone will restart. Check the IMEI.

For MediaTek (via SP Flash Tool):

1. Download the firmware in scatter format and open it in the SP Flash Tool.
2. In the section list, find NVRAM and tick it.
3. Connect the phone to the PC (no buttons attached – MediaTek is automatically detected).
4. Press Download and wait for the process to end.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL or SP Flash Tool can cause data loss and lockdown of the bootloader if you use unofficial files.Always check check checksums (MD5) squirrel-driven.

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NVRAM firmware is the most reliable way to restore the original IMEI, but it requires technical skills. If you're not sure, contact the service center.

Method 3: Use of applications (restore only)

Google Play has apps that promise to change IMEI One click, but 99 percent of them are fraudulent, they either don't work or they install malware. IMEI on devices with MediaTek:

• 🔧 Maui META — Official tool from MediaTek, but requires authorization and special cable.
• 📱 MTK Droid Tools – Can Restore Them IMEI backup NVRAM, But you need root rights.
• 🔄 Chimera Tool – paid software for service centers, supports most models Xiaomi.

Instructions for MTK Droid Tools:

1. Install the app and provide root access (if the phone is not rooted, this method will not work).
2. Go to the IMEI/NVRAM tab.
3. Enter the original IMEI (from the box) in the respective fields for SIM1 and SIM2.
4. Press Replace IMEI and restart your phone.

What to do if nothing helps

If all of these methods do not work, there are two options:

1. Official SCs have access to IMEI databases and can restore the original number by the serial number of the device. The cost of the service is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (2026).

Before the service visit:

• 📄 Bring a check or warranty card (if the device is guaranteed).
• 📦 Take the original box - the sticker will be able to find out the original IMEI.
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 30% – some diagnostic procedures take time.

Risks and Consequences of Changing the IMEI

Before you change your IMEI, consider the following:

Legal risks:

• 📜 Russia's change IMEI without legal grounds may be regarded as illegal access to computer information (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

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The only legal way to change the IMEI is to restore the original number on the box, and any other manipulation carries legal and technical risks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing IMEI to Xiaomi