Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 In some regions, it remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, and one of the common reasons users are looking for ways to change the way they do. IMEI This device has problems with network connectivity after unofficial firmware, buying a phone with a broken ID, or wanting to circumvent regional restrictions. IMEI There are legal and technical risks that many people do not understand.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of changing. IMEI on Mi 9T (including methods through Engineer Mode, ADB We will explain why some of them stopped working after Xiaomi security updates, and provide a checklist to check the current status. IMEI. Special attention will be paid to the consequences for the guarantee, work 4G/5G Possible operator locks.
Warning: Change of the IMEI in most countries it is considered illegal if it is performed without the permission of the manufacturer or operator.
What is it? IMEI Why is it changing to Xiaomi Mi? 9T
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique 15-A code that is assigned to each mobile device, used by telecom operators to identify the phone on the network, and also by law enforcement agencies to track stolen devices. 9T (model M1903F10I/M1903F11I) IMEI written in the firmware and on the physical chip of the communication module.
The main reasons why the owners of the Mi 9T change IMEI:
- ๐ต Network malfunction: After running through Fastboot or installing custom software (for example, LineageOS), the phone stops catching the network or only works in mode 2G.
- ๐ Regional restrictions: device purchased in China ROM), It does not support certain frequencies. 4G Europe or Russia.
- ๐ Dubbed IMEI: When cloning firmware, two phones receive the same identifier, which leads to conflicts in the network.
- ๐จ Operator lock: the phone is blacklisted (for example, as stolen or with unpaid credit).
It is important to understand that IMEI It's hardware-based, and you can't change it on the fly without tampering with system files:
| Type of method | Example | Risks. | Works for Mi. 9T? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software (via software) | Engineer Mode, Chamelephon, Xposed modules | Reset to factory, network lock, loss of warranty | Partially (depending on the MIUI version) |
| Hardware (flashing module) | Solding chip, replacing the communication module, QCN-file | Complete failure of the module, high cost | Yeah, but it requires equipment. |
| Legal (through operator) | Official replacement in case of defect | Long process, not always possible | Only in the case of guarantee |
โ ๏ธ Note: Since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened protection against change IMEI on devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 processor (including Mi) 9T). Methods that worked on old firmware (for example, through MTK Engineer, now blocked by Anti-Rollback security system.
How to check the current IMEI Xiaomi Mi 9T
Before you try to change IMEI, Make sure he's the real problem. 9T There are several ways to check:
- By dialing: type in the phone keyboard *#06#. A window with one or two will appear. IMEI (two-way SIM-map).
- In Settings: Go to Settings โ The phone. โ All parameters. โ Status SIM-map.
- Through ADB: Connect your phone to your PC, turn on Debugging USB and execute the command: adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3 The answer will be in Result: Parcel format (00000000 '123456789012345'...), where 123456789012345 is yours. IMEI.
If IMEI It's displayed as 000000000000000000 or null, which means it's erased or damaged, and then the phone won't be able to connect to the carrier's network.
Make a backup of data through Mi Cloud|Check the current one. IMEI all|Make sure the problem isn't SIM-map|Record the original IMEI (will be needed)|Check the version. MIUI (Some methods only work on old firmware)
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Please note if you have a Mi 9T two-way SIM-The device will have two cards. IMEI โ They can be changed independently, but both must be valid.
Changes. IMEI Xiaomi Mi 9T: step-by-step
Below we will look at three main methods that theoretically can work on the Mi. 9T. However, due to security updates Xiaomi and Qualcomm most of them require unlocked bootloader (Bootloader Unlock) and superuser rights (Root).
Method 1: Engineer Mode (MTK Engineer)
This method worked on older versions. MIUI (up to 12.0), but it's now blocked by the system.
- Install the app MTK Engineering Mode from APKMirror (official Play Market does not contain it).
- Open the application, go to the Connectivity section โ CDS Information โ Radio Information.
- Select Phone 1 (for the first one) SIM-Cards or Phone 2 (for the second).
- In the field AT+ command: AT +EGMR=1.7,"new_IMEI" For example: AT +EGMR=1,7,"123456789012345".
- Press Send Command and restart the phone.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On Mi 9T With a Snapdragon processor, this method doesn't work -- it's designed for devices on MediaTek chips. It can lead to a network reset or total loss. IMEI!
Method 2: Through ADB and root access
A more reliable, but also more risky way, requiring an unlocked bootloader and superuser rights. MIUI 12โ14.
- Unlock Bootloader on Mi 9T via the official Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the Xiaomi website).
- Install custom restoration (TWRP) And you get a Root through Magisk.
- Connect your phone to your PC, turn on Debugging. USB and execute the commands: adb shell su setprop sys.usb.config rndis,adb
- Download Chamelephon utility (requires Xposed Framework) or use manual method via file editing /efs/imei (Only for experienced users!).
Example of manual editing (requires Root Explorer):
- Open the file. /efs/imei text-edit.
- Replace the line with the current one IMEI new (without gaps!).
- Save the file and restart the phone.
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Before editing files in /efs Make sure to back them up! Damage to the data in this section can lead to the "bricking" of the communication module.
Method 3: Through QCN-File (for experienced users)
The most difficult, but also the most effective way is to install modified QCN-file via Qualcomm Tools:
- Windows PC;
- Utilities. QPST and QCN Rebuilder;
- USB-TypeC Cable with Diag Mode support
- Backup copy of the original QCN.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install. QPST 2.7.480 (newer versions may not work).
- Translate Mi. 9T In Diag Mode mode, the command: adb shell setprop sys.usb.config diag,serial_cdev,dpl,rmnet,adb
- In QPST, select Start Clients โ Software Download.
- Download the modified QCN new IMEI (can be created through QCN Rebuilder).
- Sweat the file and restart the phone.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Wrong firmware QCN may result in loss IMEI forever, even after you roll back to the original file, and this method is recommended only to specialists!
Risks and consequences of change IMEI Xiaomi Mi 9T
Change of change IMEI โ It's not a harmless procedure, and even if you've successfully changed your ID, the consequences can come later:
- ๐ด Blocking by the operator: if the new IMEI blacklisted (for example, as stolen), the phone will lose access to the network.
- ๐ง Loss of warranty: Xiaomi cancels warranty if it detects a modified warranty IMEI, Even if the problem is not related to it.
- ๐ Legal problems: in most countries (including Russia, EU, USA) forgery IMEI It is equal to fraud and is punishable by fines.
- ๐ Problems with updates: after the change IMEI The phone may stop receiving OTA-Update or work incorrectly.
Besides, on the Mi. 9T With the Snapdragon 730 processor, there is a risk of activating the Anti-Rollback protection, which can lock the bootloader permanently, in which case the phone will turn into a brick".
What to do if you have a shift IMEI phone stopped catching the network?
Legal alternatives to change IMEI
If your goal is to restore the network, rather than cheating the operator, consider legal ways to:
- ๐ Recovery through EFS: if IMEI missing after the firmware, try to restore the partition /efs backup.
- ๐ก Firmware Update: Sometimes network problems are solved by installing the latest version MIUI.
- ๐ ๏ธ Official repair: if the phone is warranty, contact Xiaomi with a complaint about the "loss of the network".
- ๐ Replacement of the communication module: in service centers can be soldered chip with the original IMEI (cost ~3-5 thousand rubles).
If you bought a Mi. 9T punched" IMEI, If you buy it from hand, you can ask for compensation, a phone with a broken phone. IMEI It costs 2-3 times cheaper than the market price.
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Before any manipulations with IMEI Check if the problem is solved more easily: resetting the network, replacing it. SIM-maps or reflashing to official software.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Most failures in the change IMEI on Mi 9T associated with typical errors:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid IMEI post-command | Incorrect format (IMEI It should be 15 digits, the last one is the control) | Check it out. IMEI Validity through an online calculator (e.g. imei.info) |
| Phone not visible in QPST | Diag Mode not activated or Qualcomm drivers missing | Install the QDLoader driver HS-USB and repeat the adb command |
| After the reboot. IMEI throw off | The changes were not recorded in /efs or the protection of Xiaomi worked | Try the method with QCN or return the original IMEI |
| Device is locked in the Mi Flash Tool | Unlocked Bootloader | Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires to link the account to the device) |
If you encounter an error not listed in the table, do not try to repeat the procedure repeatedly - this can aggravate the problem. 4PDA or XDA-Developers, specifying the exact phone model and firmware version.