Recovery of IMEI on Xiaomi smartphones: from diagnosis to repair

Loss or reset of IMEI on Xiaomi smartphones is a common problem after unsuccessful firmware, factory reset or experiments with modified software. Without the correct IMEI, the device loses access to mobile networks, stops catching the operator's signal and actually turns into a "brick" with Wi-Fi. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved programmatically, but it is important to act carefully: improper manipulations can lead to the complete loss of the network module and the need to replace the motherboard.

This article covers all the current recovery methods IMEI for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including the models from 2023-2026 based on Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek).We will learn how to check the current status IMEI, restore it through the engineering menu, flash the QCN- file or use the official Mi Flash Tool tools.

How to Check the IMEI on Xiaomi before Recovery

Before you start recovering, make sure the problem is really IMEI-related. There are three ways to check on Xiaomi devices:

• 📱 By dialing: Enter *#06# in the Phone app. If Null is displayed instead of a 15-digit code, 000000000000000000 or IMEI is corrupted.
• 🔧 In settings: go to Settings → About Phone → General Information → Status IMEI. No code or incorrect characters confirm the problem.
• 🖥️ Through ADB: connect your phone to your PC, activate debugging by USB and execute the command: adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3 In the answer, look for getImeiForSlot strings – if they are empty, IMEI is missing.

If the IMEI is displayed but the network is still not working, the problem may lie in damage to the communication module (for example, after a drop or moisture) or blocking by the operator (for example, when buying a device on credit), in such cases, restoring the IMEI will not help - you will need a diagnosis at the service center.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with MediaTek (e.g., Redmi Note 12 4G or POCO M5), the *#06# combination may not work. Use an alternative method via Settings or Engineering Mode.

Xiaomi’s IMEI Loss: Why It Happens

The IMEI is stored in a dedicated memory partition (NVRAM) on the motherboard, and can be damaged or reset for the following reasons:

On devices with MediaTek processors (such as the Redmi 10C or POCO M4 Pro), IMEI is more likely to be lost due to errors when working with tools like the SP Flash Tool. For Snapdragon devices (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K60), the typical reason is incorrect use of QPST or QFil.

Important: If the IMEI disappeared after an OTA update, the problem may be due to a firmware error, in which case a rollback to the previous version of MIUI or waiting for a patch from Xiaomi will help.

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

This method is suitable for MediaTek-based devices (e.g. Redmi 9/10/Note 11, POCO M3/M4). It does not require a PC connection, but only works if the NVRAM partition is not critically damaged.

Enable Developer Mode (7 times press "Version" MIUI" customized)

Activate debugging over USB

Record the original IMEI (on the box or under the battery)

Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

Steps to recover:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##36446337## (or #4636### for older models).
2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. Select Phone 1 (for the first slot SIM) and enter the command: AT +EGMR=1,7,"Your IMEI_1" Replace your IMEI_1 with the original 15-digit code.
4. Repeat step 3 for Phone 2 if you have a two-sim.
5. Restart the device and check the IMEI via *#06#.

⚠️ Warning: Some firmware MIUI 14+ may have the engineering menu blocked. If the code doesn't work, try typing it through the MTK Engineering Mode app (available on Google Play).

If IMEI is reset back to Null after the reboot, this means that the NVRAM partition is corrupted. In this case, you will need the QCN- file firmware (see the 3 method).

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Before you enter commands in Engineering Mode, take a screenshot of the current communication module settings (Radio Information section) to help roll back changes if something goes wrong.

Method 2: Recover IMEI via Maui META (for older MediaTek models)

Maui META is suitable for MediaTek devices until 2020 (e.g. Redmi 7/8, POCO X2). For newer models (Dimensity 700/900/1000+), this method does not work due to changes in the chip architecture.

What you need:

• 💻 PC with Windows 7/10/11 (32- or 64-bit version).
• 🔌 Cable USB (original, undamaged).
• 📄 Maui META 3G (version 9.1628 or later)
• 🔑 Original IMEI (from the box or stickers under the battery).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Maui META from MediaTek's official website, and avoid pirated versions, which may contain viruses.
2. Disable driver signatures in Windows (via gpedit.msc or bcdedit/set testsigning on CMD on behalf of the administrator).
3. Connect the phone to the PC by clamping Volume up + Volume down (to log into Meta Mode).
4. In Maui META, select the COM port of your device and press Connect.
5. Go to the IMEI Download tab, enter the original IMEI and click Download To Flash.

Once you've successfully recorded, restart the device. If Maui META issues a "BROM Error: SLA Auth Fail" error, it means that the chip is locked, and only the firmware through the SP Flash Tool with an authorized account will help.

Method 3: QCN- file firmware for Snapdragon devices

For smartphones on Qualcomm Snapdragon (Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi K50, POCO F4/F5), recovery of IMEI is performed through the QCN- file firmware, a backup of network settings. This method requires a backup or donor file from an identical model.

Tools required:

• 💻 Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 📁 Program QPST (version 2.7.482 or later).
• 🔧 QCN- file for your model (can be found on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (important for stable connection).

QCN firmware instructions:

1. Install QPST and Qualcomm drivers. Reboot your PC.
2. Turn off the phone and turn it into EDL mode (9008): For unlocked bootloader: enter adb reboot edl in the ADB terminal. For locked: press Volume up + Volume down and connect the cable to the PC.

QPST Configuration

Add new port

Start Clients

QCN Backup Restoration

QCN File

Restore

⚠️ Warning: Firmwareing a QCN- file from another model or region will cause network loss forever. For example, a file from Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G (Global) will not work for the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G (China), even if the hardware is identical.

If after the firmware QCN phone does not catch the network, check:

• 🔄 The correctness of the selected file (must match the model and version of MIUI).
• 📡 Settings APN (sometimes reset after recovery IMEI).
• 🔧 The state of the antenna module (possibly the problem is in the hardware).

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QCN firmware is the most reliable way for Snapdragon devices, but requires a precise match to the phone model file. An error in the selection of a file can lead to irreversible damage to the communication module.

Method 4: Recover IMEI with Mi Flash Tool (official method)

If the IMEI is missing after running through the Mi Flash Tool, you can try to restore it by repeating the procedure with the correct settings.

What you need:

• 💻 PC with Mi Flash Tool installed (last version).
• 📁 Official Fastboot firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi website).
• 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (checked by the fastboot oem device-info command - Device unlocked: true).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model (e.g. tissot_global_images_V14.0.2.0.TMIMIXM_20230315.0000.00_12.0_global for Mi A1).
2. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\fastboot).
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All and Lock (important!), then click Flash.
6. After the firmware is completed (5-10 minutes), the phone will automatically restart.

This method only restores the IMEI if it was lost due to incorrect firmware.If the problem is NVRAM damage, additional recovery through QCN or Engineering Mode will be required.

Important: The Clean All and Lock option will block the bootloader. If you need to save unlock, use Clean All (but this does not guarantee IMEI recovery).

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all software methods have not worked, the problem may be related to:

• 🔧 Damage to the communication module (e.g., after falling or falling moisture).
• 🔄 Incompatibility between firmware and hardware (e.g., firmware version for China on the global model).
• 🔒 Hardware lock IMEI (occurs on devices purchased on credit or lease).

In these cases, self-repair is not possible – a diagnosis is required at an authorized service center. Xiaomi provides warranty service in case of loss of IMEI, if:

• 📄 Warranty device (usually 12–24 months from the date of purchase).
• 🔧 The problem occurred without user intervention (e.g., after OTA- update).
• 📱 The phone is not unlocked bootloader and custom firmware is not installed.

How to prepare for a visit to the service:

1. Keep a check or a warranty card (electronic or paper).
2. Write down the original IMEI (from the box or stickers under the battery).
3. Reset your phone to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
4. Remove root access and return stock Recovery if they have been installed.

The cost of repairs outside the warranty depends on the model:

• Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X4: 1 500-3 000 ₽ (replacement of the communication module or flashing NVRAM).
• Xiaomi 12/13, Mix Fold: 3 000–6 000 ₽ (including diagnostics).

⚠️ Note: Informal service centres may offer “recovery” IMEI" It's a code that's fake, it's against the law (IMEI It's tied to a device in the factory, and it can cause the operator to lock the phone!

FAQ: Frequent questions about IMEI recovery on Xiaomi