Restore IMEI on Xiaomi: from the engineering menu to the service center

Why Xiaomi’s IMEI is Losing and What to Do About It

Loss of IMEI on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a common problem after a failed firmware, reset or experiment with modified firmware. Without the correct IMEI, the device loses access to mobile networks: it stops catching the operator's signal, can not make calls or use the mobile Internet. In 90% of cases, it is a software failure, not a hardware failure, so you can restore the work on your own.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for recovering IMEI – from simple (via the engineering menu) to complex (flashing the nvram module). All instructions are relevant for the 2018-2026 models, including Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 13/14 and older devices on Qualcomm and Mediatek processors. If you are not sure about your abilities, skip the technical sections and contact the service center (the list of official partners of Xiaomi is given at the end of the article).

⚠️ Warning: Misconduct with the IMEI All manipulations you perform at your own risk. If the smartphone is purchased on credit or leasing, check with the operator / bank permission to change the device. IMEI.

Checking the current IMEI status: Is there a problem?

Before you restore the IMEI, make sure it is really lost. On Xiaomi smartphones, you can check the status in three ways:

  • 📱 Through Settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → General information → Status IMEI. If the 15-digit code is displayed as Null, Unknown or 000000000000000000000 — IMEI damaged.
  • 📞 Service code: Dial in the application "Phone" combination *#06#. On the screen will appear a window with the phone. IMEI (erect).
  • 🔧 Engineering menu: Enter ##4636##, select Phone Information and check the lines IMEI SV and IMEI.

If IMEI is missing, but the smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi and running in tablet mode, it's a software problem. If the device doesn't turn on or respond to charging, it could be a hardware failure (damaged modem chip), in which case it is impossible to restore yourself.

📊 What processor is installed in your Xiaomi?
Qualcomm Snapdragon
Mediatek Helio/Dimensity
Google Tensor
Other
I don't know.

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

This method is suitable for Xiaomi smartphones on Mediatek chips (for example, Redmi 9/10, POCO M3/M4, Xiaomi Civi). It does not require root rights or a connection to a PC, but only works if the nvram module is not critically damaged.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##3646633## (or #4636## → Phone Information → Radio Settings).
  2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
  3. Select Phone 1 (for the first one) SIM-Cards or Phone 2 (for the second).
  4. In the field AT+ command: AT +EGMR=1,7,"Yours_IMEI_1" and press Send at Command. SIM Use the same command, but with AT +EGMR=1,10,"Yours_IMEI_2".
  5. Reboot your smartphone and check the IMEI via *#06#.

⚠️ Note: If an error occurs after entering the command ERROR or COMMAND NOT SUPPORTED — So the nvram module is damaged. Go to method 3 (firmware recovery).

☑️ Preparations for recovery IMEI

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Recovery through ADB (for Qualcomm)

Smartphones powered by Qualcomm processors (Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X3/X4, Xiaomi 12/13) require a different approach, where IMEI is stored in the modemst1/modemst2 section, and it will require ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and root access to restore it.

Step-by-step:

  1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC (or use the Mi Flash Tool).
  2. Activate Developer Mode on your smartphone (7 taps by build number in Settings → About Phone) and enable Debugging via USB.
  3. Connect the device to the PC and execute in the command line: adb shell su echo 'AT +EGMR=1,7,"IMEI_1"' > /dev/pttycmd1 echo 'AT +EGMR=1,10,"IMEI_2"' > /dev/pttycmd1 Replace. IMEI_1 and IMEI_2 original values (from a box or check).
  4. Reboot your smartphone.

If after the reboot IMEI If you have not appeared, try an alternative method through file editing. nv_data.bin:

  • 🔧 Download. QPST maui META (Mediatek).
  • 📂 Find the file in the firmware nv_data.bin (file-file /vendor/rfs/msc/nvm).
  • 🖥️ Open it in a hex editor (for example, HxD) and find a line with IMEI (Search for the first 8 characters).
  • 🔄 Replace the damaged data with the original and save the file.
  • 📲 Squeeze corrected nv_data.bin Back to fastboot flash nv_data nv_data.bin.

💡

If you don't have the original IMEI, try finding it on the battery sticker (on collapsible models) or on the purchase check.Using someone else's IMEI is prohibited by law!

Method 3: Flashing the NVRAM module (for both types of processors)

If IMEI If you lost your firmware after a bad firmware, the most reliable way is to restore the nvram partition (for Mediatek) or modemst (for Qualcomm). SP Flash Tool (Mediatek) or Mi Flash (Qualcomm).

Instructions for Mediatek:

  1. Download the stock firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
  2. Unclose the firmware and find the file nvram.bin (or nvdata.bin).
  3. Open up. SP Flash Tool, select Download Agent and specify the path to the file MTK_AllInOne_DA.bin.
  4. In the Scatter-loading section, download the file MTxxxx_Android_scatter.txt firmware.
  5. Check only the NVRAM and click Download.
  6. Connect the switched off smartphone to the PC (without the battery, if it is removable).

Instructions for Qualcomm:

  1. Download the firmware in.tgz format from the official Xiaomi website.
  2. Unpack the archive and find the images folder with the non-hlos.bin file.
  3. Open Mi Flash, select Clean All mode and specify the path to the firmware folder.
  4. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power) and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: Firmware unofficial versions of firmware (such as custom recavators) can lead to locking the bootloader and "bricking" the device. Use only official firmware from the Xiaomi site.

What to do if the firmware ends in an error?
If SP Flash Tool is an error S_FT_ENABLE_DRAM_FAIL, try: 1. Use the other USB-cable (preferably original). 2. Disable antivirus on PC. 3. Reinstall Mediatek Preloader drivers. 4. Try to flash on another Windows PC 10/11 (Linux may have problems with drivers).

Method 4: Recovery through service codes (for older models)

On some Xiaomi models from 2016-2019 (e.g. Redmi 4/5, Mi A1/A2), IMEI can be restored through hidden service menus.This method does not require a PC, but does not work on all devices.

List of working codes:

ModelService codeAction.
Redmi 4/4X##3646633##EngineerMode Menu → CDS → Radio Information
Mi A1/A2##7378423##Service menu → Service Tests → IMEI
Redmi Note 5/6##4636##Phone information → IMEI SV
POCO F1##232338##Wi-Fi/MAC/IMEI test

If the menu doesn't open after you enter the code, the manufacturer has blocked this method in your firmware version. Try upgrading your device to the latest official version of MIUI.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all of the above methods fail, the only option is to contact an authorized service center.

  • 🔧 Modem chip damaged (hardware malfunction).
  • 📱 The device is not powered on or determined by the PC.
  • 🔒 IMEI It was changed illegally (for example, when buying a used phone).
  • 📦 The smartphone has a guarantee (independent intervention cancels it).

Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia and CIS:

TownAddressPhone.
MoscowLetnikovsky Street, 10, p. 4+7 (495) 120-44-20
St. PetersburgMarshal Govorov Street, 35+7 (812) 385-44-20
KievVladimirskaya str., 49/2+38 (044) 390-44-20
AlmatyZharokova Street, 227B+7 (727) 313-44-20

⚠️ Attention: Cost of Recovery IMEI The service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and the cause of the breakdown. If the device is warranty, repair will be free, but only if the device is not repaired. IMEI It is not the fault of the user (for example, after the official update).

💡

If you buy a used Xiaomi smartphone, always check the IMEI through *#06# and check it against the box. The discrepancy could mean the device is wanted or has been recovered illegally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can we restore it? IMEI codeless?
No, using someone else's IMEI or generating random code is prohibited by law (Article 13.3 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation), the original IMEI can be found on a box, a purchase check or under the battery (on older models), if you lose this data, contact the seller or service center.
❓ Why is it after recovery? IMEI smartphone does not catch the network?
Possible causes: 📶 Incorrectly entered IMEI (Check through *#06#). 🔄 You need to update the modem firmware (reflash the modem section). 📡 The antenna or SIM-map (try another SIM card). 🔧 Failure in operator settings (go to Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and drop them).
❓ Can we restore it? IMEI Xiaomi with a blocked bootloader?
Yes, but with limitations. If the bootloader is locked, you can't flash nvram or modemst through fastboot. In this case, only methods are left through the engineering menu (if available) or access to the service. Unlocking the bootloader on official MIUI firmware requires you to link your Mi Account and wait 7-15 days.
❓ What happens if you use a smartphone without IMEI?
Device without IMEI: ❌ Cannot connect to mobile networks (calls, SMS, 4G/5G). ✅ It will work in tablet mode (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, applications). ⚠️ It can be blocked by the operator as an “uncertified device». 📵 Will not pass the check at sale (for example, on Avito or in a pawnshop).
❓ How to avoid loss IMEI firmware?
Not to lose IMEI: 🔄 Always make a backup copy of the section nvram/modemst before the firmware (through TWRP or ADB). 📥 Use only official firmware from the Xiaomi website. ⚡ Do not interrupt the firmware process (even if it is “hang-up»). 🔧 Don't edit files. nv_data.bin or modem_config manually without knowledge of structure.