How to change the IMEI on Xiaomi phone: all ways with explanations and warnings

Changing the IMEI on Xiaomi smartphones is a theme surrounded by myths, technical nuances and legal risks. This unique identifier, sewn into the device modem, is used by operators to log in to the network, and law enforcement agencies to track stolen gadgets. Owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi may face the need to change the IMEI for various reasons, from a banal error in the firmware to restore functionality after a failed repair.

Before you start the process, however, it is important to understand: IMEI on modern Xiaomi smartphones with Qualcomm (Snapdragon) or MediaTek processors (Helio/Dimensity) It is technically possible, but legally possible, only in service centers with official access to the manufacturer's databases, and self-manipulation can lead not only to loss of warranty, but also to the blocking of the device by the operator or even criminal liability in some countries. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods – from “gray” engineering teams to hardware solutions – with an emphasis on Xiaomi models. 12/13/14 series, Redmi Note 11/12 and POCO F4/F5.

Why users want to change their IMEI to Xiaomi

The reasons range from technical to ethically questionable, and here are the most common scenarios:

• 🔧 Faulty modem: After firmware or falling, the phone stopped catching the network, and IMEI dropped on 000000000000000000000 or repeat sequence, which is typical for devices with damaged NVRAM (non-volatile memory).
• 📱 Cloning of the device: In some countries, fraudsters are replacing IMEI Xiaomi is actively fighting this by blocking such devices through the Mi Cloud.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: Phones purchased in China (C-suffix versions) may not support local frequencies 4G/5G. Shift. IMEI Sometimes it helps to get around it.
• 🔄 Post-Reset Error: After Hard Reset or Fastboot Flashing IMEI It can go. It's treated by restoring backup. NVRAM.

Xiaomi has tightened protection since 2021 on new models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi). K60 Pro) modification IMEI It's almost impossible to use software without physically tampering with the modem. IMEI Bootloader-level.

Legal risks: What the law says

In most countries, switching the IMEI for no good reason (e.g., recovering from a breakdown) is equated to fraud or illegal interference with communication networks.

• 📜 Russia: According to Art. 272 of the Criminal Code (“Illegal access to computer information”), the amendment IMEI It may be considered a breach if it results in damage to the operator or the owner of the network.
• 🇪🇺 EU: Directive 2018/1972/EU prohibits modification of device identifiers without the manufacturer's permission. €50 000.
• 🇺🇸 USA: FCC (Federal Communications Commission considers this a violation of the Communications Act, with possible confiscation of the device.
• 🇨🇳 China: Punishment from fine to 3 years in prison (Article 287 of the Criminal Code of the People's Republic of China).

⚠️ Attention: Even if you are recovering IMEI After a failure, the operator can lock the device if it detects a non-conformity with the original value. Before the procedure, save the purchase check and the data from the box - this will help prove the legality of the actions.

Xiaomi also keeps a blacklist of suspiciously active devices, and if the phone stops being checked by Mi Account after the IMEI change, it can only be unlocked through the official service, and then not always.

Preparing for IMEI Change: What You Need to Know

Before you start, follow the mandatory steps:

Make backup data (photos, contacts, messages)

Check the current IMEI via *#06#

Write down original values (2 pieces for Dual SIM)

Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%

Download the necessary tools (see section below)-->

Also check:

• 🔍 Processor model: Qualcomm and MediaTek use different utilities. You can find out the chipset in Settings → The phone. → Full specification.
• 🔒 Bootloader status: Most methods don't work on a locked bootloader. Unlocking erases all data!
• 📡 Network support: After the change IMEI mayhem 5G Test the connection immediately after the procedure.

Xiaomi models on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi 10A or POCO M4 Pro) will require the MTK Engineering Mode utility, while Qualcomm (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) will need QCN Rebuilder or QPST. Only download programs from proven sources (e.g., XDA Developers) to avoid viruses.

💡

If you’re not sure about the chipset model, use the CPU-Z app from Google Play, which will show you accurate information about the processor and modem.

Method 1: Recovery of IMEI through the Engineering Menu (for MediaTek)

This method is suitable for devices with MediaTek processors (Helio G88, G96, Dimensity 700/900, etc.) in which the IMEI “got off” after firmware. It does not change the original identifier, but restores it from a backup.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337## (or #4636## → Phone information).
2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. Choose a Phone. 1 (first SIM) field AT+ command: AT +EGMR=1,7,"Yours_IMEI_1" Replace yours_IMEI_1 Original identifier (without spaces!).
4. Repeat for the Phone 2 (If you have a Dual SIM), team-wise: AT +EGMR=1,10,"Yours_IMEI_2"
5. Restart your phone and check the IMEI via *#06#.

⚠️ Note: If the phone makes an error after entering the command ERROR, So the engineering menu is blocked by the manufacturer, and on new Xiaomi models (released after 2022), this method only works with root rights.

For Android 12+ devices, you may need to pre-activate the developer mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press) and enable debugging over USB.

Method 2: Software change IMEI via QPST (for Qualcomm)

Snapdragon devices (e.g. Xiaomi 11T Pro, POCO F3 GT) require a more sophisticated approach using a PC.

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (driver for Qualcomm).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Utilities: QPST, QCN Rebuilder, Qualcomm drivers HS-USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install QPST (version 2.7.468 or later).
2. Connect the phone in EDL (Emergency Download Mode): Turn off the device. Press Volume up + Volume down and connect the cable to your PC. Wait for the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 port to appear in Device Manager.

QPST Configuration

Start Clients → Software Download

Programmer Path

prog_emmc_firehose.mbn

Restore

.qcn

QCN Rebuilder

Start

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL-The mode on the locked Bootloader can lead to a hard brick (completely inoperable) device. 12S Ultra is guaranteed to lock the phone permanently.

Method 3: Hardware replacement of IMEI chip (extreme variant)

If the software methods don’t work (for example, on the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 or Black Shark 5), the radical solution remains – replacing the physical NVRAM chip or flashing the modem through JTAG.

• 🔧 Soldering equipment (soldling station, flux, soldering).
• 🛠️ Donor chip or firmware with correct IMEI.
• 💻 Specialized software (JTAG Box, Easy-JTAG).

The process includes:

1. Disassemble the phone and search for an NVRAM chip (usually next to the modem).
2. Connect to contacts via JTAG-connector or direct soldering.
3. Read/write a memory dump with correct IMEI.
4. Check the network after assembly.

The cost of such a service in service centers starts from 5 000 rubles, and the risk of damage to the fee when working independently is extremely high. On Xiaomi with Secure Boot protection (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), this method may not work without an official key from the manufacturer.

How to check if IMEI has changed successfully

After any of the procedures, you need to make sure that the network is working correctly.

• 📞 Calls and SMS: Try calling another number and sending a message.
• 🌐 Mobile Internet: Enable data transfer and open the browser.
• 📡 4G/5G: B Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks check available networks.
• 🔍 IMEI Enter *#06# - new values should be displayed.

If the network is down:

• Reboot the phone.
• Reset your network settings (Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings).
• Check if the operator has blocked the device (call for support).

💡

After the shift IMEI phone stopped seeing SIM-The card is likely damaged by the modem firmware. Repair it via Fastboot or EDL with the original file for your model.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users face problems, and here are the typical mistakes and solutions:

Another common problem is IMEI duplication, where if you copied the ID from another phone, the carrier can lock both devices, and always use unique values generated by Luhn algorithm (you can use online calculators).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions