Even the most reliable and proven smartphone models can break sometimes. One of the most unpleasant situations occurs when the IMEI of the phone gets lost.
How to restore IMEI on a phone
In some cases, when the smartphone starts to fail, users decide not to carry it to the service center, but they independently flash the device. It also happens that in some cases the firmware is installed normally, everything works correctly, but you cannot call from the device. This means that the phone has lost IMEI. What is IMEI and how to restore it on Android, we'll try to figure it out a little later. It should be borne in mind that everything that you are going to do with your device, you do at your own peril and risk.
What is IMEI
IMEI is an abbreviation of the English term International Mobile Equipment Identity. Literally translated, it means International Mobile Equipment Identifier. In other words, it is a special code that is used to detect and identify the phone in mobile network... This is not about the whole phone, but only about the radio module. Without this 15-digit number, the phone simply will not be able to receive and send calls. Finding out the IMEI is pretty simple. To do this, you need to dial the combination * # 06 # on the phone keypad. The code will be displayed on the screen. If, instead of the usual numbers, you see a combination of incomprehensible characters, this means that your IMEI has flown. This could have been caused by a “crooked” firmware or inept user actions. Nothing wrong. In most cases, IMEI is recoverable. This article will describe the process of repairing IMEI on Android smartphones. different models... The order of work will depend on the processor used in the device and the specific manufacturer.
Root rights
To use some software methods for repairing IMEI on your smartphone, you may need to be rooted. These rights make it possible to change the system settings of the phone at a deep level, up to deleting system applications... Superuser mode is initially disabled on all smartphones. If you choose to receive it, you should be aware that the current manufacturer's warranty will then be invalidated.
Devices based on MTK processor
Each manufacturer has devices based on MTK processors in their arsenal. If you use just such a device, then you can consider yourself very lucky. For MTK, the issue related to IMEI repair on Android is not relevant. It is enough to use several commands of the engineering menu. So what needs to be done? Here's a step-by-step guide.
Step # 1. We enter the code of the engineering menu. By default, this is a combination * # * # 3646633 # * # *. This code makes it possible to access the engineering menu of the phone. Through it, you can delve into previously inaccessible system functions of the device, as well as restore IMEI.
Step # 2. Enter the IMEI repair command. With this action, everything is not at all so simple. Each manufacturer has its own specific code. For Samsung, these are ### 8255 ## and ## 4636 ##, for HTC smartphones- ## 3424 ##, ## 8255 ##, ## 4636 ##, for Sony Xperia## 7378423 ##, for Fly, Alcatel, Philips - ## 3646633 ##, for Huawei - ## 2846579 ##.
Step 3. When the required commands are entered, you need to reboot the device for the changes to take effect. If, after rebooting, the mobile device began to search for a mobile network and was able to successfully register in the network, then you did everything correctly. If not, then it means this way doesn't suit you.
There are a number of problem smartphones with which this trick does not work.
How to restore IMEI to Samsung Galaxy S3
There are some "problematic" mobile devices in which special protection against changing the factory settings is installed. You can't figure out such phones without special tricks. One such device is the Samsung Galaxy S3. It is very difficult to recover the IMEI number on it. Only the iPhone is more problematic. First, you need to download and install on your computer EPS program Professional. This program allows you to create copies of IMEI, as well as recover lost IMEI number.
However, the program can only restore the IMEI number from backup... If you do not have one, then you will have to do everything manually. In the system folder of the firmware of the mobile device, you must find the EFS folder. To do this, you must be root. Next, you need to copy the contents of the folder to your computer. The EFS folder should contain the .nv_data.bak, nv_data.bak.md5, .nv_core.bak.md5, .nv_core.bak files. If these files are in place, then you can roll back to previous version firmware installed by default.
After successful flashing, you need to remove the .bak extension in the copied files and move them to the EFS folder on the phone. Next, you need to reboot the device. As a result, IMEI should be restored. If this operation fails, there will be only one thing left - to carry the device to the service center. You cannot do anything else on your own. You can try to find information about repairing IMEI on Android after Samsung firmware Galaxy S3. There may be other ways to repair IMEI.
How to restore IMEI to mobile devices ah from Lenovo
Lenovo devices may also experience IMEI recovery issues, although they are not as severe as Samsung devices. The Chinese are ahead of the Koreans in this matter. First of all, to repair IMEI you need a program called Mobile Uncle Tools. This program is distributed free of charge, you can find and download it without much difficulty. You can also use the Maui Meta 3G program. However, Mobile Uncle Tools is more popular, so let's consider using this program. So, how can you restore IMEI to Android smartphone from Lenovo? First of all, you need to install the Mobile Uncle Tools program and all the drivers required for your device. After that, start the program and click on the Engineer Mode button, then MTK Engineer Mode.
As a result, you will find yourself in the engineering menu. It is important that in the process of performing all these manipulations, the phone is not disconnected from the computer. You also need to write off the IMEI of the phone. To do this, you need to open the back cover of the device and take out the battery. Now connect your phone to your computer and find the CDS Information tab in the program. Press Radio Information and Phone 1. In command line the program needs to enter the command AT + EGMR = 1.7, "imei". As "imei" you need to enter the phone IMEI you wrote off. Now click on the Send AT Command button and wait a while. After successful completion of this operation, you need to restart the device and check the IMEI.
As you can see for yourself, you don't have to worry about IMEI recovery in Lenovo devices for a long time. The fact is that the manufacturer did not block access to file system on their smartphones. Special thanks to them for this. The Mobile Uncle Tools program is generally suitable for any device based on MTK processors. So, if you didn't succeed when using the engineering codes described in the first method, you know how you can restore IMEI on Android after flashing. The Mobile Uncle Tools program should help in solving this issue. Plus, it's pretty simple to use. The main thing in this matter is to follow all the instructions exactly.
Otherwise, you risk getting a "brick", which will be very difficult to revive on your own. If all operations are performed correctly, the device will delight you with stable operation for a long time. If you did not manage to correct the situation on your own, you will have to contact the service center. However, few service centers today agree to take on the repair of smartphones, in the system of which someone has already managed to dig. Most likely there you will be immediately offered to replace motherboard, and this is completely different money.
Repair IMEI on Explay smartphones
This Russian manufacturer has been known for a long time on the mobile device market. Devices from this manufacturer combine an attractive price and high quality. Everything here is almost like the Chinese. In general, there are some similarities between smartphones from Lenovo and Explay. How can I restore IMEI on Explay devices? Everything here is the same as for the Lenovo smartphone. Both manufacturers use MTK processors. For this reason, you can use the same method as when restoring IMEI on a device from Lenovo, namely by the Mobile program Uncle Tools.
You can also try using the original Maui Meta 3G program. You need to download and install the Maui meta 3G program. You also need to set for the device required drivers... After that, run the program, and in the Action tab, click on the Open NVRAM Database File button. Select the BPLGUInfoCustomAppSrcP_MT6582 file from the pre-downloaded firmware for your mobile device. After that, you need to click on the Disconnect button and turn off the phone. Now connect it to your computer. Click on the Download IMEI button and enter the written-off IMEI without the last digit in the window that appears. Then she will appear herself. Click Download To Flash and wait.
When the process is complete, disconnect the device and start it. Check IMEI. If everything goes well, the program window can be closed. As you can see for yourself, repairing IMEI on smartphones from Explay is no big deal. In many ways, this process is similar to a similar operation for a Lenovo smartphone. Only Samsung decided to hide its phone system from users. On the one hand, this approach is quite logical - after all, there is no danger that users who inadvertently got into the firmware will “kill” the phone. Perhaps this is exactly what Samsung engineers were counting on. It is almost impossible to restore IMEI on such a device on your own. We'll have to pay a considerable sum for service in the service center.
Repair IMEI in Chinese smartphones
To begin with, it would not hurt to figure out which smartphones can be attributed to purebred "Chinese". Usually such a phrase is called cheap copies of expensive smartphones, assembled from cheap components by Chinese workers. Such a smartphone is usually distinguished by a "crooked" translation of the system into Russian, as well as the presence of many unnecessary additional functions... Quite often, such smartphones have a television receiver. As a rule, screens in such devices are not capacitive, therefore, in order for them to function normally, they have to be poked with something subtle. But despite this, such devices are sometimes put Android system... This means that the issue of IMEI repair is also relevant for such fakes.
It should be noted separately that IMEI repair for Chinese phones the process is quite complicated. If there is at least some logic in the construction of system folders for "normal" mobile devices, then in the case of Chinese smartphones it is completely absent. Much easier to download desired file from the Internet. If the required firmware for the smartphone is found, this does not mean that the difficulties are over. The thing is that cheap chinese smartphones to the computer using USB cable, and for the firmware you will need a cable with a different pinout. This means that you will have to solder with your own hands. On specialized Internet resources, you can find the correct wiring diagrams for certain models of smartphones. When the cable is unsoldered and the required firmware is found, the task of repairing IMEI will be greatly simplified.
There are often situations when, for example, after updating the firmware and then installing all applications, you cannot access the Internet, make calls or write SMS. The fact is that along with the firmware change, the software shell of the device changes, while the codes are updated, unwanted processes are removed, and a new structure is created.
But you need to understand that any mistake made during the installation of any elements of the program can cause a violation in the system, leading to the loss of IMEI - a special number stored in the firmware of the device and identifying it on the network. You can see it on the package (box), in the instructions attached to the smartphone (warranty card), under the battery of the device itself.
If your device is designed for two SIM cards, then two IMEIs will be indicated.
On a normally functioning phone, it is not difficult to find out the identification number - in the phone number input field, you need to dial the following combination of characters: * # 06 # (on some devices the call button is still pressed), then the corresponding information should appear on the screen. If your request was unsuccessful, then the same failure occurred, which is mentioned above.
But, not everything is so hopeless - the identification number has not changed and has not gone anywhere, but simply lost its own registration force, this is the reason for the failure of the basic functions of your device. We will now tell you about what can be done in this situation.
There are several ways to restore the functionality of an Android device.
The first and most reliable is to trust the services specialized service, you just need to find out its location. But we are not used to looking for easy ways!
Those who love experimentation and those who are confident can skip straight to the second method.
Before using this method, you should know that you need "Superuser" (or) rights. Now, you need to write down the IMEI of your device (see the paragraph above), then step by step:
Download and install the program.
Open the utility, give permission to the request and find the "data" folder, go into it, then find the "nvram" folder, then "md.", Where the "NVRAM" folder is located, which we delete and wait until our Android creates the files again , after which a window should appear in which the operator of the used network will be determined.
Go to engineering menu by typing the following combination of characters in the number input field: * 2366 * #
We are looking for CDS Information, then - Radio Information, and - Phone 1.
In the line after the letters AT + we enter E, it should turn out: AT + EGMR = 1.7, "" and also AT + EGMR = 1.10, ""
Now, choosing AT + EGMR = 1.7, "" in quotes, enter your identification number of the first SIM card (it turns out AT + EGMR = 1.7, "967311665444199"), after that, under the line press SEND AT COMMAND, below should appear the entry "AT command is mSent".
Any smartphone or tablet on Android base has a 15-digit unique radio module identifier (IMEI) that can be verified in several ways. But sometimes IMEI can crash, and it may also be necessary to replace or restore it.
What is IMEI and how to find it on Android devices
IMEI - individual number of the radio module, which is available in each Android device or other operating system... IMEI is needed to authorize devices in the operator's mobile network. 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 the smartphone or tablet in the information section "About the device";
- find information on the back cover of the gadget, the SIM card tray or on the box from the device.
After that, a 15-digit code will be displayed on the screen - this is the IMEI.
How to restore IMEI if it is missing or crashed
In rare cases, a system window with the inscription "Invalid IMEI" may appear on the device screen, which is why the smartphone is not authorized in the mobile operator's network. When this error occurs, the user cannot work with the network, that is, make calls, receive calls and use the mobile Internet.
The error of the wrong IMEI can be solved by restoring it using programs or the engineering menu
There can be several reasons for the appearance of information about the loss of the IMEI-identifier error 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 in case of problems with IMEI, all functions in the device work completely, in addition to those related to the radio module (network coverage).
If it suddenly happens that your device does not display IMEI when prompted, there are several ways to restore it.
Repairing IMEI using the engineering menu
To call up the Engineer Mode menu, you need to use a special combination, which may differ from device to device. You can find out which combination will help to call 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 does not fit, you can try to pick up the code from options for different manufacturers.
Table: IMEI call commands for different smartphone models
After the engineering menu has been called, you need to do the following:
Video: how to repair IMEI after unsuccessful firmware using Engineer Mode
How to Repair IMEI Using IMEI & SN Writer App
One of the commonly used IMEI repair apps is IMEI & SN Writer. Since this program is completely simple to use and does not require root-rights, each user can use it to restore the IMEI of his device. To recover the IMEI identifier, you need Android device drivers, database files of the type of processor used by the gadget, and IMEI & SN Writer.
- Install the device drivers on your PC. Next, run the utility, in the PlatForm field, select SMART PHONE, under it - USB, fill in the IMEI_1 and IMEI_2 fields. Click the Select DB button.
In the opened IMEI & SN Writer program, select the desired characteristics, click Select DB
- In the window that appears, first select the database file of the modem part. It usually starts with BPLGU characters.
Select the device database file that starts with BPLGU
- Then open the cpu file. In most cases, its name starts with APDB.
Open the cpu file starting with APDB
- On the main window, click Start to begin recovery.
The last step of IMEI Repair with IMEI & SN Writer App is pressing START button
- After completing these steps, connect your Android device to your computer and wait for the recovery procedure to complete and a message indicating that the IMEI has been successfully written appears.
- 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 there is no way to find it, then you should try using the firmware of a gadget with a similar processor model.
Video: Repair IMEI with IMEI & SN Writer
Changing the IMEI identifier using applications
There can be several reasons for replacing the IMEI, for example, if you want:
- disable device tracking;
- change the invalid IMEI code to a new one;
- reset to factory settings or update your device.
You can use special programs to change the IMEI identifier, but most of them require root rights. These rights allow you to change the system settings of an Android device, up to and including uninstalling 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 for the used gadget becomes invalid, therefore it is recommended to choose this method only for experienced users.
Device Id IMEI Changer Xposed
Using the Device Id IMEI Changer Xposed application, you can not only change the IMEI, but also the ID, MAC address and SSID of the network. V Google play Market, both paid and free version, but in the paid one there is an opportunity to return to the previous settings.
Video: How to Change IMEI on Android with Device Id Changer Free
Chamelephon
The Chamelephon application is also suitable for changing IMEI, however, this requires root privileges.
Video: Replacing IMEI on Android with Chamelephon
How to find a stolen or lost device using IMEI
It is worth noting that the chances of finding a lost or stolen gadget on your own are very small for two reasons:
- there is no necessary equipment for searching by IMEI: in order to find a stolen or lost device, it is imperative to have access to special equipment, as well as databases of all cellular operators in the country where the loss or theft occurred. Thanks to this, it is possible to determine the location of the lost device and the new mobile number that is used by the gadget. The problem is that only law enforcement officials have access to equipment and information;
- there is no access to information about the location of the device: absolutely all online services that a user can find on the Internet, as well as applications and programs supposedly for searching smartphones by IMEI are completely ineffective. Operator only cellular has the right to provide information about the location of devices at the request of the police, which has accepted a statement from the owner about theft. So don't go to online services and various apps to find stolen or lost devices.
The only sure way to find your gadget is to contact law enforcement agencies to file a report on theft. The police, in turn, submits a request to the mobile operator to find the device. Quite often, this method leads to finding smartphones and tablets.
The process of finding lost devices occurs with using IMEI-identifier
Google Find My Device
Google provides a service through which you can find your device if it is authorized in account Gmail.
In order to find your smartphone faster in case of loss, it is recommended to follow some tips:
- fill out a business card with contact information on your smartphone or tablet. This will help the finder to find the owner of the device in case of loss of the device to contact him;
- install the TheftAlert application on the device, which is designed to send an SMS message when changing a SIM card to a pre-specified phone number;
- 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 the return reward.
Is it possible to remove IMEI
Since IMEI is a very important indicator for any device and there is no way to purposefully remove it.
But sometimes under the word " complete removal"Also implies the following:
- force not to display IMEI on the screen by dialing * # 06 #, which is possible with certain knowledge in the field of programming;
- put a ban on reading a memory cell or accessing it. But what cannot be read, for example, via the RS-232 channel (computer port), will be read by the USB-Jig device (used in service centers to restore "ripped" Android devices) or, in extreme cases, a programmer (a device designed to write and read information in ROM - read-only memory);
- to force not to issue IMEI to the network upon request is problematic, but possible. But in this case, there is a high probability that they will refuse service or the phone will never find the network.
Each operator has an IMEI base, a request for an individual radio module number is mandatory when registering in 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 of the above, we can conclude that "complete removal of IMEI" 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 you have any difficulties, you can use the methods for repairing or replacing IMEI.
Most users of phones, smartphones and 3G tablets do not know or very vaguely imagine what IMEI is, why it is needed and live happily ever after) If the device is functioning normally (and not stolen), you do not need to boggle your head with unnecessary information. Let the police deal with crime, but we will consider the case of IMEI recovery as a result of a failure software devices powered by MTK processors, which are increasingly used in the model lines of a number of manufacturers.
First of all, in a nutshell, what is IMEI. IMEI Is an abbreviation that stands for International Mobile Equipment Identifier(international mobile equipment identifier). Simply put, it is a unique number for each GSM device. When connected to the operator's network, IMEI is automatically transmitted to the network and, based on its analysis, the device is registered in the selected network. If the IMEI is missing or incorrect, you will see the following message on the screen:
It is clear that unsuccessful registration can mean hardware problems, so first of all check your IMEI or a combination *#06# or in the device information. If instead of the IMEI that is indicated on your device itself, on the box or on the warranty card, you see “null”, “invalid”, “unknown”, all zeros or completely different numbers - you have come to the address)
On processors from MediaTek Inc. now a great variety of devices are being assembled, both from global brands and from countless Chinese manufacturers. Lenovo, Fly, Alcatel, Acer, Huawei, HighScreen, THL, Zopo, Explay, etc. and so on - they all actively use MTK processors. Along with the indisputable advantages of devices based on these processors, unfortunately, they also have their own disadvantages - the loss or damage of IMEI as a result of flashing, software failure, or even simply as a result of a factory reset - one of the most common breakdowns.
If you do not have any experience in the "firmware" of your device, it is better to contact the specialists. If you have such experience, albeit minimal, you can easily restore the device to work at home. There are quite a few ways to restore IMEI (engineering menu, AT-terminal, MtkDroidTools, etc.), but some of them either no longer work on new devices and firmware, or require ROOT rights, which complicates the process and requires additional knowledge, or restore IMEI before the first update or reset.
Actually, there is a service utility from the manufacturer - MauiMETA , but to deal with it "from scratch" is not so easy and it is quite demanding to connect to the device. It will not be difficult to find this utility on the Internet, but, just in case, here latest version- MauiMETA_3G_v7.1444.0. However, before using the "heavy artillery", we recommend trying to solve your problem with an easier-to-use utility. Both of these utilities DO NOT require ROOT rights!
What is required for successful IMEI repair:
- Drivers for your device
- Utility
- Database files for your processor type (usually contained in the factory firmware)
So let's get started. First of all, you need to install the device drivers on your PC. Next, we launch the utility, set the settings in accordance with the figure and press the "Select DB" button:
In the window that appears, first select the database file of the modem part (as a rule, it starts with BPLGU):
Then the cpu file (usually starts with APDB):
We connect off a device with an installed battery to the computer and wait for the end of the process with a message that the IMEI recording was successful. We turn on the device, dial the combination * # 06 # and make sure that the IMEI is in place and correct. We insert the SIM-card, call friends and share our joy ...)
Note 1 If there is no original factory firmware and it is not possible to find it, try using the database files from the device firmware with a similar processor.
Note 2 The device may not "pick up" the first time. And from the second) Various devices can enter the required mode " meta mode " differently. Sometimes it is enough just to connect the cable, sometimes you first need to connect the switched off smartphone, press "Start" and turn on the device with the Power button, sometimes the process starts when the device is turned OFF, some devices are entered into meta mode with a certain key combination - try it.
Download archive with database files for different MTK processors: DataBasefiles
Each smartphone has a unique IMEI. Its code contains 15 digits, decrypting which, you can get information about the origin of the device, the series number and much more. When the firmware flies, it becomes necessary to install a new one. Even if the process went well, and after all the actions the firmware on Android did not fly off, there is a possibility that you will lose your number. Many users are interested in how to restore imei to Android. This can be done through manipulations in the engineering menu or a specialized application.
Why restore
You spent a lot of time to learn how to restore the firmware on Android, and a lot of effort on the process itself. Take the time to check the serial number. How to find out imei phone? Just dial the combination * # 06 # on your phone. Two 15-digit combinations will appear on the screen (for phones with two SIM cards). You can check these numbers against the ones on the sticker in your phone.
Many do not know why it is imperative to perform imei recovery... The problem is that if your phone is stolen, it will be possible to prove your ownership to law enforcement agencies only with the help of this serial number. You will have to bring the box and documents to the device where the IMEI code will be written. If after unsuccessful firmware he folded, proving something to the police will be much more difficult, because some other incorrect code will be automatically recorded. That is why after the Android firmware it is necessary to change imei to Android for the correct combination.
Engineering menu features
The safest way to restore the correct imei on Android after flashing the gadget is to resort to the advanced functionality of the android smartphone through the engineering menu. The imei change takes place within 10-15 minutes. We recommend that you take a picture on a computer or other gadget of the code located on a sticker in the phone. So it will be much more convenient to change imei.
To know how to change imei, follow the steps in the following instructions:
If everything is written correctly, congratulations! You managed to change imei. As you can see, there is nothing difficult. How can I change the number if the error "this command is not allowed in userbuild" appears (says there is no command)? This is a common question. What if it occurs? The solution is pretty simple. After AT +, add one space. This will help resolve the "this command is not allowed in userbuild" error. Now you know how to set the serial number using the standard functionality of the gadget.
Using specialized applications
If you cannot enter the engineering menu for some reason, perhaps this method seems too complicated for you, you can use it to restore special programs... Their advantage lies in the fact that they provide the user with a convenient interface, while they do not require knowledge of the combination of entering the engineering menu. The change can be made directly in the interface.
A popular tool is the MTK65xx IMEI Change program. This software is suitable if you have an MTK processor. You can find this application on the Internet. If you don't know how to change imei, then follow the instructions:
In most cases, this software changed without problems serial numbers have it. It should be understood that the installation third party applications may harm the system.
Via computer
An alternative option is to restore via a computer. To do this, you need:
Now you know all the ways how to change imei number on Android.