Shift. IMEI Xiaomi: All the ways from legal to extreme measures

Change of change IMEI On Xiaomi smartphones, it's a theme surrounded by myths and technicalities, and many users are looking for this method to solve network problems, unlock a device after a hand-held purchase, or restore functionality after a failed firmware. IMEI It does not solve real problems, but only creates new ones – from loss of warranty to complete locking of the device by the operator.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of changing. IMEI Xiaomi, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others, their legality, technical risks and alternative solutions. It is important to understand that most methods require an unlocked bootloader, root rights or special equipment.

Before you get to the instructions, answer two questions: Why do you need to change your mind? IMEI Are you ready for the device to stop working? SIM-If in doubt, skip the risky methods and pay attention to the section on alternative solutions.

1.What is IMEI and why is it changed to Xiaomi

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique 15-digit code that is assigned to each mobile device, used by telecom operators to identify a phone on the network, and by law enforcement agencies to track stolen devices. On Xiaomi smartphones (as well as on other Android devices) IMEI It is registered in the modem and duplicated in several places:

• 📱 Sticker under the battery (on removable batteries of old models)
• 📋 Box of the device (on the label with the serial number)
• 🔧 Engineering menu (available by code *#06#)
• 📁 System partition (files) /efs/imei or /nvdata)

The main reasons why users want to change IMEI Xiaomi:

⚠️ In Russia and most countries, the change IMEI without good reason (e.g. repairs with replacement motherboards) is considered a violation of the law. IMEI, a) Law enforcement agencies to initiate fraud proceedings.

2. Official Modes of Change IMEI (rootless)

If you need to change IMEI For a legitimate reason (e.g., after a motherboard has been replaced), there are legal methods that require supporting documents and contacting Xiaomi’s service center.

Method 1: Through an Authorized Service Center

• 📄 Provide a check for purchase and documents on the phone
• 🔧 Explain the reason (e.g., "no network after repairs")
• 💳 Payment for the service (from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles depending on the model)

Method 2: Through the Xiaomi Flash Tool (Service Centers Only)

The official Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool allows you to flash devices in mode EDL restoring IMEI. But it's necessary:

• 🔑 Authorized Service Center Account
• 📡 Special cable for EDL-regime
• 📥 Original Firmware with Correct IMEI

⚠️ Note: Trying to use the Mi Flash Tool without authorization will lead to an error "SLA Auth Failed. This means the device is locked for unofficial firmware.

💡

If you have Xiaomi warranties, never try to change. IMEI Go to the service center with a check, it's free and safe.

3. Informal methods (require root or engineering menu)

These methods are suitable for advanced users who are prepared for risks, all of which require an unlocked bootloader and can result in a loss of warranty or a brick.

Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu (MTK-chip)

Works on devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO M3). Instructions:

1. Enter the code ##3646633## (or #4636## on some models)
2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information
3. Select Phone 1 (for the first one) SIM-map)
4. In the field AT+ command: AT +EGMR=1.7,"new_IMEI"
5. Press Send. AT Command and restart the device

Method 2: Chamelephon application (requires root)

Chamelephon app allows you to temporarily change IMEI without modification of /efs. However:

• ⚠️ IMEI reset after reset
• ⚠️ It doesn’t work with new Qualcomm Snapdragon models
• ⚠️ This could cause problems with Google Services.

Method 3: Editing files in /efs (riskiest)

This method requires access to system files and can result in loss of IMEI Forever:

Backup section. /efs|Establish root rights (Magisk)|Download Root Explorer|Write down the current one. IMEI (in case of restoration)-->

1. Open Root Explorer and go to the /efs
2. Find the imei files, nv_data.bin Nvram (name depends on the model)
3. Open the file in HEX-Editor and find the current IMEI
4. Replace it with a new one (only if you know the structure of the file!)
5. Save the changes and restart the phone

⚠️ Note: Incorrect editing of files in /efs It will cause the network to be lost forever. IMEI After that, you can only do it through EDL-service-centre.

4. Shift IMEI Xiaomi with Qualcomm processor

Devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T, POCO F4) Protected better and changed IMEI It's harder on them:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader
• 📱 Diag Mode (9008)
• 💻 Programme QCN rebuilder QPST

Step-by-step:

1. Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers
2. Put the phone in mode. EDL (press Vol.+ Vol- when connected to a PC)
3. Open up. QPST and select Software Download
4. Download the file. prog_emmc_firehose.mbn for your model
5. In the section IMEI Enter a new number and press Start.

⚠️ Important: On new Xiaomi models (2023 and later), this method may not work due to Secure Boot protection.

5. Risks and consequences of change IMEI

Even if you have successfully changed IMEI, This can lead to serious problems:

Legal risks:

• 📜 Russia's change IMEI without legal grounds qualifies as fraud (Article 159.6 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation)
• 🌍 In the EU and the US, this is a violation. FCC/CE certification
• 📱 Operators can lock the device without warning

⚠️ If you bought Xiaomi from hand and found out that you had a IMEI changed -- return the phone to the seller or contact the police, and using this device could lead to legal problems.

6. Alternative solutions (when the change of IMEI don't)

80% of users try to change IMEI, To solve problems that can be solved in other ways:

• 📶 No network after firmware → Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Modem NON-HLOS.bin fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
• 🔒 The phone is blocked by the operator → Contact the Salon of Communication with Documents
• 🔄 IMEI slipped off → Restore with the Mi Flash Tool EDL-mode
• 📱 Problems with SIM-card → Try another one. SIM or reset the network settings

If you need a second one. IMEI (second SIM-map):

On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) You can activate the second slot for SIM changeless IMEI:

1. Enter the dialer: ##4636###
2. Select Phone Information
3. Click Enable the radio for the second slot
4. Reset the device

💡

Before you change IMEI, Try resetting your network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Reset) or reflash the modem. 9 out of 10 times it solves the connection problem.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users make mistakes when trying to change the IMEI. Here are the most common:

How to check IMEI validity?

Use the IMEI.info service or calculate the check digit manually:

1. Multiply every second digit by 2 (starting with the second)
2. Add all the numbers (if the result is two-digit, add the numbers together)
3. The last figure of the amount must be the same as the check figure. IMEI

Example IMEI 861354051234567:

8(1) 6(2→12→1+2=3) 1(3) 3(4→8) 5(5) 4(6→12→3) 0(7→14→5) 5(9) 1(10→2) 2(11→4) 3(12→6) 4(13→8) 5(14→10→1) 6(15→12→3) 7(16→14→5)




Amount: 8+3+1+8+5+3+5+1+2+4+6+8+1+3+5 = 63 → check digit 3 (coincides with the last IMEI digit)

FAQ: Frequent questions about change IMEI Xiaomi