What does incorrect imei mean on Android phones? Restoring IMEI on a smartphone using MtkDroidTools

Any smartphone or tablet Android based has a unique 15-digit radio module identifier (IMEI), which can be verified in several ways. But sometimes the IMEI may go missing, and there may also be a need to replace or restore it.

What is IMEI and how to find it on Android devices

IMEI - individual number of the radio module that is included in each Android device or another operating system. IMEI is needed to authorize devices in mobile network operator. Without it, the user will not be able to make and receive calls, as well as SMS messages. If the gadget uses two SIM cards at once, then two IMEI codes will be displayed at once.

You can find out the IMEI of your device in several ways:

• dial the combination *#06# in the dialing menu;
• go to the settings menu of your smartphone or tablet in the information section “About the device”;
• find information on back cover gadget, SIM card tray or on the device box.

After which a 15-digit code will be displayed on the screen - this is the IMEI.

How to restore IMEI if it is missing or lost

In rare cases, a system window with the message “Invalid IMEI” may appear on the device screen, due to which the smartphone is not authorized in the mobile operator’s network. If this error occurs, the user cannot work with the network, that is, make calls, receive calls and use the mobile Internet.

The error of incorrect IMEI can be solved by restoring it using programs or the engineering menu

There may be several reasons for the appearance of error information about the loss of the IMEI identifier or the display of an empty window when checking using a USSD request. For example, due to an unsuccessful attempt to flash the gadget or hard-reset (reset to factory settings). It is worth noting that if problems arise with IMEI, all functions of the device are fully functional, in addition to those related to the radio module (network coverage).

If it suddenly happens that your device does not display the IMEI when prompted, there are several ways to restore it.

Repairing IMEI using the engineering menu

To call engineering menu(Engineer Mode), you need to use special combination, which may differ for different devices. You can find out which combination will help you call up the engineering menu from the instructions or documentation that comes with the device.

If for some reason the documentation is lost or is not nearby, try using the code *#3646633#. If it doesn't work, you can try to select a code from the options for different manufacturers.

Table: IMEI call commands for various smartphone models

After the engineering menu has been called up, you need to do the following:

Video: how to restore IMEI after unsuccessful firmware using Engineer Mode

How to repair IMEI using IMEI&SN Writer app

One of the frequently used IMEI repair applications is IMEI&SN Writer. Since this program is very easy to use and does not require root rights, every user can use it to restore the IMEI of their device. To restore the IMEI identifier, you will need Android device drivers, database files of the type of processor used by the gadget, and an IMEI&SN Writer.

1. Install device drivers on PC. Next, run the utility, select SMART PHONE in the PlatForm field, USB under it, fill in the IMEI_1 and IMEI_2 fields. Click the Select DB button.

   

   In the IMEI&SN Writer program that opens, select required characteristics, click Select DB

2. In the window that appears, first select the modem part database file. Typically it starts with the characters BPLGU.

   

   Select the device database file that starts with BPLGU

3. Then open the processor part file. In most cases, its name begins with APDB.

   

   Open the processor part file starting with APDB

4. In the main window, click Start to begin the recovery.

   

   The last step of IMEI repair using IMEI&SN Writer application is to press the START button

5. After completing these steps, connect your Android device to your computer and wait until the recovery procedure is completed and the IMEI recording success message appears.
6. Turn on your smartphone or tablet, enter the USSD request *#06# and make sure that the IMEI is displayed.

If the user does not have the original factory firmware and is unable to find it, he should try using the firmware of a gadget with a similar processor model.

Video: IMEI repair using IMEI&SN Writer

Changing IMEI ID using applications

There may be several reasons for changing IMEI, for example, if you want:

• disable device tracking;
• change invalid code IMEI for new one;
• reset the settings to factory defaults or update the device.

To change the IMEI identifier, you can use special programs, but most of them require root access. These rights allow you to change the system settings of your Android device, including deleting system applications. Initially, the user does not have root rights and must be obtained. But it should be noted that upon receipt of them, the manufacturer’s warranty of the gadget used becomes invalid, so choosing this method is recommended only for experienced users.

Device Id IMEI Changer Xposed

By using Device applications Id IMEI Changer Xposed you can not only change IMEI, but also ID, MAC address and Network SSID. IN Google Play Market are available both paid and free version, but in the paid version it is possible to return to the previous settings.

Video: how to change IMEI on Android using Device Id Changer Free

Chamelephon

The Chamelephon application is also suitable for changing IMEI, but this requires root rights.

Video: replacing IMEI on Android with Chamelephon

How to use IMEI to find a stolen or lost device

It is worth noting that the chances of finding a lost or stolen gadget on your own are very low for two reasons:

• No necessary equipment to search by IMEI: in order to find a stolen or lost device, you must have access to special equipment, as well as databases of all mobile operators in the country where the loss or theft occurred. It is thanks to this that you can determine the location of a lost device and a new one. mobile number, which is used by the gadget. The problem is that only representatives have access to equipment and information law enforcement agencies;
• there is no access to information about the location of the device: absolutely all online services that the user can find on the Internet, as well as applications and programs supposedly for searching smartphones by IMEI, are completely ineffective. Operator only cellular communications has the right to provide information about the location of devices at the request of the police, who accepted a statement from the owner about the theft. So you shouldn’t turn to online services and various applications to search for stolen or lost devices.

The only sure way to find your gadget is to contact law enforcement agencies to file a theft report. The police, in turn, submit a request mobile operator to search for a device. Quite often this method leads to the discovery of smartphones and tablets.

Search process lost devices happens with using IMEI-identifier

Google service "Find my device"

Google provides a service that can help you find your device if it is authorized in account Gmail.

To quickly find your smartphone if you lose it, it is recommended to follow some tips:

• fill out a business card with contact information on your smartphone or tablet. This will help, in case of loss of the device, the finder to find the owner of the device to contact him;
• install the TheftAlert application on your device, which is designed to send an SMS message when changing the SIM card to a phone number specified in advance;
• If you lose your device, immediately use one of the services (for example LoSToleN), which will allow you to add the IMEI of the gadget to the database of stolen devices. Also in many similar services You can specify the amount of return reward.

Is it possible to remove IMEI

Since IMEI is a very important identifier for any device and there is no way to deliberately remove it.

But sometimes under the word " complete removal" also implies the following:

• force the IMEI not to be displayed on the screen by dialing *#06#, which is possible with certain knowledge in the field of programming;
• prohibit reading or accessing a memory cell. But what cannot be read, for example, via the RS-232 channel (computer port), can be read by a USB-Jig device (used in service centers to restore “bricked” Android devices) or, in extreme cases, by a programmer (a device designed for writing and reading information in ROM - read-only memory);
• forcing you not to release IMEI to the network upon request is problematic, but possible. But in this case, there is a high probability that service will be denied or the phone will never find the network.

Each operator has an IMEI database, request individual number The radio module is required when registering on the network, and if the network operator does not receive a 16-digit number upon request, it will not allow the phone to use the network. From all that has been said above, we can conclude that “complete IMEI removal” is impossible.

Due to the fact that IMEI is really important in every Android device, it is recommended to check it on all gadgets, rewrite it and save it in a safe place. If any difficulties arise, you can use methods to restore or replace IMEI.

After prolonged use, any smartphone may begin to work incorrectly and produce errors. Both global brands (HTC, Samsung, Lenovo, etc.) and Chinese fakes. In extreme cases, it is necessary to flash the system, reset the device to factory settings, after which the IMEI may be lost, which should be restored.

What to do if after the firmware the phone does not see the network

Users do not always turn to the service center for help. Changing the firmware is not a simple process, after which problems with the device may arise, so successful installation very important for the performance of the smartphone. One of possible consequences due to an error during the procedure - the phone does not see the network. If this happens, you need to check if you have a code in your phone. If it is missing, then below are ways to restore IMEI on Android after flashing it.

How to restore memory on Android yourself

The absence of an imey code on Android leads to the loss of the smartphone’s communication signal. Your gadget turns into useless device, which can neither send SMS nor make calls. After unsuccessful firmware It is better to take the device to a specialist, but if you wish, you can try to restore the code yourself. In some cases, reinstallation helps new version OS. There are several options for how to register IM on your Android phone:

• using specialized programs;
• manual recovery via the engineering menu.

Manual recovery on Android

To make sure there is no imei code, dial *#606#. If nothing appears on the screen, it’s time to start restoring. Find identification number It can be inside the phone itself (usually written under the battery) or on the device box. If the device is designed to work with two SIM cards, then there should be two IMEI. Instructions on how to restore it manually through the engineering menu:

1. Take out the SIM card.
2. Make a call using the number combination *#*#364633#*#*. It will take you to the engineering menu.
3. Go to "CDS Information", then click on "Radio Information" and select "Phone 1"
4. At the top after AT+, type the combination EGMR=1,7,“IMEI”.
5. Click “SEND AT COMMAND” to confirm the action.
6. If the device is designed for 2 SIM cards, then you need to repeat the procedure, but enter the combination AT+EGMR=1.10, “IMEI”.

The above method is written for Alcatel phones, Philips, Fly. But to go to the engineering menu on other models, other combinations are needed. Try one of the following for your phone:

• gadgets with MTK processor - *#*#54298#*#*;
• Samsung – *#*#4636#*#*;
• HTC – *#*#3424#*#*;
• Sony – *#*#7378423#*#*.

Using special programs

If you were unable to manually register your phone again, then there is another option on how to restore IMEI on Android after flashing the firmware. For this you can use the MTK65xx.zip application. The procedure is as follows:

1. Remove the SIM card.
2. Unpack and copy the application to your device via cable.
3. Launch the program, click the “Read” button if the program did not automatically determine the identifier.
4. Cancel the “same IMEI” option and enter the required numbers in the appropriate field.
5. Click the "Exit" button and reboot your device.

After turning it on, call the combination *#06# and the number lost after the firmware will be restored. If the above method does not work, you can use another method:

1. Download and unzip the restore_imei archive on your computer.
2. Find and open the run.bat document using standard notepad.
3. Enter your ID in the appropriate field and click the “Save” button.
4. Run the same file double click. The file should appear in the folder - MP0B_001.
5. Copy it to your device's SD card.
6. Download and install “Root Browser” on your Android.
7. Using this application, move MP0B_001 to the following path /data/nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI/MP0B_001.
8. Restart the device and it should display correctly.

Video instruction: recovery via the engineering menu

IMEI is unique code radio module of an Android smartphone. The number of SIM cards that the smartphone works with simultaneously affects the number of IMEI. If two SIM cards are used, there will also be two IMEIs. This code is designed to enable the device to pass identification on the network. It turns out that this is a kind of “passport” of the device.

This article will look at the main ways to restore IMEI, both using a smartphone and using a third-party application.

There are two ways to restore the IMEI of a smartphone running Android through the engineering menu. Both of them require the user to manually enter the IMEI.

You can find out your unique code by examining the phone box or the information under the battery.

First way

Important! To set the second IMEI, you must repeat the procedure described above in item Phone 2.

Second way

If the phone's engineering menu differs from the one described in the first method, you can use this option.

Repair IMEI using Chamelephon app

Important! Before you start restoring using this method, make sure that you have root rights on your Android smartphone.

Conclusion

It is rare, but there are cases when IMEI cannot be restored. If nothing works out for you, you need to reflash the phone with another firmware and try again to restore the IMEI using one of the methods described above.

Have you flashed your Android smartphone and it stopped seeing the network? Did you buy a second-hand device that periodically loses the network and cannot make calls? Are there incoming calls, but outgoing ones are constantly being dropped? Smartphone does not receive or send SMS? All these errors are somehow related to wrong IMEI- “empty”, null or non-unique. In our guide, we will tell you what to do to prevent IMEI from being damaged, how to check IMEI on Android, and most importantly, how to restore or change it if something goes wrong. We will also consider situations when it is necessary to change IMEI while remaining within the legal framework.

What is IMEI and how to find it?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) - international identifier mobile equipment. This 15-digit number is essentially a serial number. mobile device. But unlike the serial number of a car, refrigerator or laptop, this identifier is actively linked to network protocol GSM and it is with the help of IMEI that the cellular network identifies your smartphone. Every time your device moves from one base station to another, it broadcasts the IMEI over the air and the station registers your device, allowing it to operate. Or not allowing it if there is something wrong with IMEI.

How to view IMEI

1. The easiest one is to open the battery compartment cover, remove the battery and look at the IMEI on the sticker. The method will only work if the smartphone has not been flashed, because... with firmware that affects the EFS partition (we'll talk about it later), the IMEI will probably change.
2. If the smartphone has been flashed or its battery is non-removable, then the first method will not work. In this case, we use the universal USSD request, which works on any platform: Android, iOS and even simple dialers. Open the “phone” application, select dialing using the keyboard and enter the request: “*#106#”. The smartphone will display a window with its IMEI. If the device has two SIM cards, the IMEI for each of them will be displayed.
3. IN operating system Android IMEI can also be viewed in system settings. Go to the menu, then - -
4. You can view IMEI on Apple devices in a similar way: - -

The skills to view IMEI will be very helpful when buying a smartphone in person or at an online flea market. After all, it is much easier not to buy a device with a “crooked” IMEI than to then spend time and money bringing it back to normal.

Why does the ID disappear?

The reason for the disappearance of IMEI may be software or hardware problems, depending on the model and manufacturer of the device. But common problems look something like this:

• IMEI disappeared when flashing the smartphone or resetting it to factory settings using the service utility. The problem is especially common in Chinese smartphones based on MTK processors. With ill-conceived firmware (or firmware assembled from someone else's device), you can overwrite or erase the EFS partition, which contains such important data as IMEI, MAC address of the Wi-FI wireless adapter, BlueTooth identifier. After such unsuccessful firmware, not a single wireless interface will work on the device;
• The smartphone was repaired, where the radio module was re-soldered, and along with it the EEPROM with service information. As a result, the device’s IMEI is incorrect or empty;
• IMEI was deliberately reset by the previous owner. This often happens with devices with a dark past. At best, the IMEI has been erased to bypass operator blocking, which is typical for contract smartphones, and at worst, the device is stolen. If the sticker in the battery compartment is missing or damaged so that the numbers cannot be read, the smartphone is 100% stolen. not the previous owner, but the one before last and it is better not to mess with such a device. Read the Criminal Code.

How to restore or change IMEI on Android

Now we will consider a situation where the IMEI was not reset intentionally, there is a sticker with the code - therefore it is known to us. For owners of devices whose battery cannot be removed, I strongly recommend writing down the IMEI, serial number, MAC address of the network card and saving this information in a safe place.

Using the engineering menu

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove the SIM cards from it;
2. Turn on the power, launch the “phone” application and enter the access code into the engineering menu. Depending on the device manufacturer, the code may vary. For example, for Samsung smartphones the code will be<*#*#4636#*#*>. After this, the device will launch the engineering menu, in which we will change the IMEI.
3. Go to the tab , and in it - to the section
4. In the next window, go to the menu item
5. Select menu item In the input field, immediately after writing “AT+”, add the following command:

   EGMR=1.7,”IMEI”,
   where "IMEI" is the number that we need to restore.
   After entering the number you need in the field, click the button<Send at command>. If the command is not executed, try adding a space immediately after “AT+”.

6. If the smartphone has two SIM cards, step 5 must be repeated, but the command will be different:
   AT+EGMR=1,10,“IMEI”
7. <*#106#>

The codes for entering the engineering menu are different for different manufacturers. Here is a table with the most famous

Via Android applications

If it was not possible to restore IMEI using the engineering menu, on smartphones with a processor of the MTK family (most of the Chinese devices) you can use a program specially written for this - MTK65xx.

How to change IMEI using a file manager and Root access

This method is the most complicated, but it works without problems on almost any smartphone running the Android system.

1. Make sure your smartphone has Root access.
2. Download and install any file manager on your device, for example ES Explorer.
3. Download the Restore IMEI archive to your computer.
4. Unzip the archive to a folder on your hard drive. Find the “run.cmd” file in the folder and open it with Notepad.
5. Instead of the numbers following the program name “imei.exe”, enter the IMEI code you need. After that, save the file and close Notepad. Run the file "run.cmd" double click mice.
6. If you did everything correctly, it will appear in the folder new file- “MP0B_001”, which we will need to copy to a specific folder on the smartphone.
7. Connect your smartphone with a cable to your computer. Copy configuration file on microSD card smartphone or to any folder in the user section.
8. Launch on your smartphone file manager ES Explorer. Move the configuration file copied from your computer to the address “/data/nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI/MP0B_001”. The system will issue a warning that the file will be overwritten. Agree to this by clicking the button<ОК>
9. Reboot your smartphone and check IMEI using USSD commands <*#106#>.

Changing IMEI - why is it necessary?

Changing the IMEI code is done in the same way as restoring, just instead of the “native” code, you enter the one you need. And this has to be done for several reasons:

• bought a smartphone with a “blank” IMEI;
• want to remove the IMEI lock from a contract device;
• arrived in a country where foreign IMEIs are blocked (for example, Turkey).
• you need two devices with the same IMEI, which will work in turn.

As a new IMEI code, it is best to choose codes from old non-working ones mobile phones, of which there are always a couple or three at home. If you generate a code using a generator program, there is a chance that someone will already have the same IMEI when trying to register in cellular network your smartphone will display an error.

Let me also remind you that change IMEI for fraudulent purposes or on stolen/found devices is a criminal offense. Be clean before the law.

How to find a stolen smartphone by ID

From the technical side, there are no problems finding a stolen (lost) device: base stations operator mobile communications using triangulation, they can determine the location of the smartphone with an accuracy of up to 10 meters. And it’s also easy to see from billing which number is associated with a given IMEI.

But the mobile operator will carry out such search activities only at the request of law enforcement agencies. Therefore, the simplest and quick way find a stolen smartphone by IMEI - contact the police. But keep in mind: the first thing they will do when buying stolen devices is to change the IMEI.

Is it possible to remove IMEI?

IMEI cannot be removed. But when changing IMEI, you can make it with zero values. A device with a zero IMEI will not register in the operator’s network, and accordingly, it will not be able to work as a phone or modem. Such manipulation may be necessary if you need to limit the functionality of a smartphone or tablet for children, for example, so that they use the device only as a media player. Or for company employees who need to limit Internet access to a corporate channel with configured blocking and a blacklist of sites.

I would also like to add that on almost all models Apple smartphones, on the top Samsung smartphones And Sony software IMEI change is not possible. It is necessary to reprogram the EEPROM of the radio module, which can only be done in service center using specialized equipment.

All methods of changing or repairing IMEI seem simple, but the variety of hardware configurations of smartphones makes such work difficult. Carefully select the necessary tools, study the experience of working with similar smartphones on specialized forums and luck will definitely smile on you. If the problem cannot be solved programmatically, there is always the “cherry on the cake” - a trip to the service center, where professionals will be happy to help you.

Those who use smartphones based on Chinese MediaTek processors know very well what an incorrect IMEI is. What to do if IMEI on Android is lost? Most often this happens after flashing the firmware or general reset of the smartphone. Don't worry, most of these errors can be corrected.

IMEI repair on Android it won't take much time if you backup NVRAM and NVDATA from your device in advance.

Where is IMEI stored on Android?

To make a backup of IMEI you need to know where it is stored. On devices with MediaTek processors (90% Chinese smartphones and 50% budget devices well-known manufacturers) IMEI is stored in NVRAM. In addition to IMEI, it stores calibration data wireless modules, identification information (IMEI, MAC), as well as settings of some equipment.

The device’s firmware provides a separate memory area called NVRAM; during the first startup of the smartphone, information from there is copied to the directory /data/nvram. After this, the data in this directory may change for various reasons, including problems with the firmware.

How can NVRAM be damaged?

• Formatting a smartphone via SP Flash Tool
• Usage wrong version SP Flash Tool
• Memory re-partitioning
• Partial firmware
• Interrupted smartphone firmware process

Signs of damaged NVRAM, or how to find out that IMEI has been lost

• When entering *#06# appear in the dialer empty fields under IMEI 1 and IMEI 2
• When Wi-Fi is turned on, it appears virtual network « Nvram warning err = 0x10»

Backup IMEI on Android using SP Flash Tool

To make an IMEI backup, the first thing you need to do is charge your smartphone to at least 40%. Next, you need to install drivers for your device, as well as . Next in order:

For smartphones with MT67xx series processors, you additionally need to save NVDATA. Do everything the same as in the instructions above, starting from point 3.

Repairing IMEI after flashing using SP Flash Tool

1. In SP Flash Tool, specify your Scatter file and click " CTRL+ALT+V»
2. IN top menu programs mark the item Window – Write Memory
3. Switch to tab Write Memory
4. Fill in the item File Path by clicking on the folder icon and selecting your backup NVRAM
5. At point Region choose EMMC_USER(for MT6592 and above)
6. Open your Scatter in a text editor and copy linear_start_addr to line Begin Address (HEX)
7. Click Write Memory
8. Connect the switched off smartphone to the computer using a standard cable. The program will see the smartphone and write down the specified memory area, that is, it will eliminate the incorrect IMEI.

For MT67xx smartphones, you need to do the same for NVDATA.

After this, you need to flash the device with full factory firmware in accordance with the instructions for your smartphone. After flashing the firmware, you need to turn on the phone and reset it through the settings. Sometimes you need to flash full firmware in Firmware Upgrade mode.

This IMEI firmware should always be stored on the computer or cloud service, the main thing is that you always have access to it, it’s much easier than correcting an incorrect IMEI manually.

Restoring IMEI through the engineering menu

The main advantage of this method is that you do not need any root rights, nor any additional programs, everything is done directly on the phone. So, to change IMEI through the engineering menu, you will need the IMEI itself, which can be found on the smartphone box or under the phone cover.

How to change IMEI through the engineering menu:

1. Open your phone and enter *#*#3646633#*#* (the combination for your device may vary)
2. The engineering menu has opened, open the tab Connectivity
3. Go to CDC Information - Radio Information
4. This submenu has 2 items: Phone 1 And Phone 2, this is the first and second slot for SIM cards, open Phone 1
5. In the line where " AT+» enter the letter « E» in English and click on AT+EGMR=1.7,"IMEI" (instead of IMEI you need to enter your first IMEI) and press Send AT Command. After this, a message with the phrase Ok should appear, which means the IMEI is in place.
   

   IMPORTANT! After AT+ you need to put a space!

6. Do the same operations with Phone 2, only here you need to select AT+EGMR=1.10,"IMEI". Don't forget the space after AT+.
7. Reboot your smartphone and check the IMEI with the command *#06# .

Ready! You changed IMEI through the engineering menu. I strongly recommend that you enter the exact IMEI that was on the phone, otherwise there may be problems with mobile communications..

Repair IMEI with MAUI META

This method requires a PC. You will need a program MAUI META, installed drivers (complete package And CDC driver) and a newly flashed phone via SP Flash Tools (preferably). You will also need the file "BPLGUInfoCustomAppSrcP****" from installed firmware.

The main difficulty of restoring IMEI via MAUI META is correct connection devices in META Mode, one of the ways:

1. Install and run MAUI META
2. Click Reconnect, the indicator in the program will start flashing
3. Turn off your phone, press Volume Up and connect to PC
4. In Device Manager under " Ports» the device will appear MTK USB Port
5. Disconnect the device from the PC, disconnect and connect the battery, click Reconnect in the program and connect again with Volume Up, it will appear again MTK USB Port and the program will give an error, press Disconnect
6. Enable the option " Connect smartphone in META mode» and press Reconnect
7. Connect the device without pressing any buttons
8. The blinking indicator turns yellow, which means the smartphone is connected, you can restore IMEI!

The methods for entering META Mode are different for all devices!

If after a successful connection a program window pops up, close it, click Action - Open NVRAM database and select the file " BPLGUInfoCustomAppSrcP****"from the installed firmware. Following are the instructions:

1. From the drop down menu select IMEI download
2. The IMEI editing window appears, click Change NVRAM Database file and select the file from the firmware again
3. Enter the IMEI without the last digit in the IMEI field and press Download to Flash, do the same with the second IMEI if you have one
4. Close the window, click Disconnect and restart your smartphone
5. Check IMEI combination *#06#

More clearly in the video.