Even the most reliable and proven smartphone models can sometimes break down. One of the most unpleasant situations occurs when the phone’s IMEI goes wrong.
How to restore IMEI on your phone
In some cases, users, when a smartphone starts to fail, decide not to take it to a service center, but rather independently update the device’s firmware. It also happens that in some cases the firmware is installed normally, everything works correctly, but you cannot make a call from the device. This means that the phone's IMEI has gone wrong. What is IMEI and how to restore it on Android, we’ll try to figure it out a little later. It is worth considering that everything you are going to do with your device, you do at your own peril and risk.
What is IMEI
IMEI is an abbreviation for the English term International Mobile Equipment Identity. Literally translated, this means International Mobile Equipment Identifier. In other words, this is a special code that is used to detect and identify a phone on a mobile network. We are not talking about the entire phone, but only about the radio module. Without this 15-digit number, the phone simply will not be able to receive or send calls. Finding out IMEI is quite simple. To do this, you need to dial the combination *#06# on your phone keypad. The code will appear on the screen. If instead of the usual numbers you see a combination of strange characters, this means that your IMEI has failed. This could have been caused by crooked firmware or inept user actions. It's OK. In most cases, IMEI can be restored. This article will describe the process IMEI repair on Android smartphones of various models. The operating procedure will depend on the processor used in the device and the specific manufacturer.
To use some software methods Repairing IMEI on your smartphone may require root access. These rights make it possible to change the system settings of the phone at a deep level, even deleting system applications. Superuser mode is initially disabled in all smartphones. If you decide to get one, you should be aware that your current manufacturer's warranty will no longer be valid.
Devices based on MTK processor
Each manufacturer has in its arsenal devices based on MTK processors. If you use just such a device, you can consider yourself very lucky. For MTK, the issue related to IMEI restoration on Android is not relevant. It is enough to use several engineering menu commands. So what needs to be done? Let's give step by step instructions.
Step #1. Enter the engineering menu code. The default combination is *#*#3646633#*#*. This code allows you to access the phone's engineering menu. 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 so simple. Each manufacturer has its own special code. For Samsung it is ###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 necessary commands have been entered, you must reboot the device for the changes to take effect. If, after rebooting, the mobile device begins to search mobile network and managed to successfully register online, then you did everything correctly. If not, then this method doesn't suit you.
There are a number of problematic smartphones with which this trick does not work.
How to restore IMEI on Samsung Galaxy S3
There are some “problem” mobile devices that have special protection against changing factory settings. 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 iPhones cause more problems. First you need to download and install it on your computer. EPS program Professional. This program allows you to create copies of IMEI, as well as restore a lost IMEI number.
However, the program can only restore the IMEI number from a backup copy. If you don't have one, then you'll have to do everything manually. In the system firmware folder mobile device you need to find the EFS folder. To do this, you must have root rights. Next, you need to copy the contents of the folder to your computer. The EFS folder should contain the files .nv_data.bak, nv_data.bak.md5, .nv_core.bak.md5, .nv_core.bak. If these files are in place, you can roll back to previous version firmware installed by default.
After successful flashing, you need to remove the .bak extension from the copied files and move them to the EFS folder on your phone. Next, you need to reboot the device. As a result, IMEI should be restored. If this operation fails, there is only one thing left to do - take the device to a service center. There is nothing more you can do on your own. You can try to find information about restoring IMEI on Android after Samsung firmware Galaxy S3. There may be other ways to repair IMEI.
How to restore IMEI on Lenovo mobile devices
Lenovo devices may also experience problems related to recovery IMEI numbers, although they are not as serious as those of devices from Samsung. The Chinese are ahead of the Koreans in this matter. First of all, to repair IMEI, you will 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 consider the option of 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, launch 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 while performing all these manipulations, the phone is not disconnected from the computer. It is also necessary to write off Phone IMEI. To do this, you need to open the back cover of the device and remove 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 must enter the IMEI of the phone you wrote off. Now click on the Send AT Command button and wait for a while. After successfully completing this operation, you need to reboot the device and check the IMEI.
As you can see for yourself, you don’t have to rack your brains for a long time over restoring IMEI in Lenovo devices. The fact is that the manufacturer did not block access to file system on their smartphones. For this it is worth saying a special thank you to them. The Mobile Uncle Tools program is generally suitable for any device based on MTK processors. So, if you did not succeed when using the engineering codes described in the first method, you know how you can restore IMEI on Android after flashing it. The Mobile Uncle Tools program should help resolve this issue. Moreover, it is quite simple to use. The main thing in this matter is to strictly follow all instructions.
Otherwise, you risk getting a “brick” that will be very difficult to revive yourself. If all operations are performed correctly, the device will delight you with stable operation for a long time. If you cannot correct the situation yourself, you will have to contact a service center. However, few service centers today agree to undertake the repair of smartphones whose system has already been tinkered with by someone. Most likely they will immediately offer you a replacement. motherboard, and this is completely different money.
Repairing IMEI on Explay smartphones
The Russian manufacturer has been known on the mobile device market for quite some time. 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 a Lenovo smartphone. Both manufacturers use MTK processors. For this reason, you can use the same method as when restoring IMEI on a Lenovo device, namely 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. It is also necessary to install for the device necessary 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 previously downloaded firmware for your mobile device. After this, 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 decommissioned IMEI without the last digit in the window that appears. Then she will appear on her own. Click Download To Flash and wait.
When the process is completed, disconnect the device and start it. Check IMEI. If everything goes well, the program window can be closed. As you can see for yourself, there is nothing complicated in restoring IMEI on smartphones from Explay. 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. This approach, on the one hand, is quite logical - after all, there is no danger that users who inadvertently accessed 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. You will have to pay a considerable amount for service service center.
Repair IMEI in Chinese smartphones
To begin with, it would not hurt to figure out which smartphones can be classified as purebred “Chinese”. Typically, this phrase refers to 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, the screens in such devices are non-capacitive, so in order for them to function normally, you have to poke something thin into them. But despite this, such devices are sometimes installed Android system. This means that the issue of IMEI restoration is also relevant for such counterfeits.
Separately, it is worth noting that IMEI restoration for Chinese phones the process is quite complicated. If there is at least some logic in the construction of system folders of “normal” mobile devices, then in the case of Chinese smartphones it is completely absent. Much easier to download required file from the Internet. If the required firmware for a smartphone is found, this does not mean that the difficulties are over. The thing is that cheap Chinese smartphones are connected to a computer using USB cable, and for 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 smartphone models. When the cable is unsoldered and the required firmware is found, the task of IMEI repair will be significantly simplified.
Reflashing a smartphone is a very serious matter. You need to take into account many features of a particular gadget model and, at the same time, keep in mind complete step-by-step instructions for installing the firmware. Otherwise, you can completely kill your device in a matter of seconds. For the most part, the process ends successfully. But there is a special category of smartphones (gadgets from the Middle Kingdom based on processors from MTK) that begin to “strange” after updating the firmware. Specifically, the IMEI of the phone is lost. How to restore IMEI on Android after flashing? This will be discussed in our article.
What is IMEI?
IMEI is a special identification number that is assigned to the communication module of a smartphone. It is this that allows the device to “catch the network” and transmit data. This serial number can also be used to identify a stolen smartphone. When flashing using the appropriate hardware, you can change or “overwrite” the IMEI, but it is impossible to completely get rid of it. Just dig a little deeper and it will appear. Therefore, under no circumstances should you purchase gadgets without documents or with a strange IMEI - they may be stolen.
Usually, when flashing a device, the IMEI remains in its place, unless, of course, we have a smartphone from famous brand. For Chinese gadgets (especially on the MTK platform), the disappearance of the serial number of the communication module after flashing is a common occurrence. The good thing is that you can restore it (in most cases) without interfering with the firmware. The main thing is to have the number written down in some documents. So, how to restore IMEI on Android after flashing? Let's look at specific examples.
Using the Engineer Menu
This method does not work on all devices. But no one is stopping you from trying. Need to log in engineering menu using the command (typed on the keyboard) *#3646633# or *#*#3646633#*#*. Before doing this, do not forget to remove the SIM card from the smartphone. Next, go to the CDS item, then to RADIO INFORMATION - and there select the PHONE 1 item. After the AT+ inscription, enter the line EGMR = 1,7,"". The quotation marks are intended for entering the IMEI indicated on the sticker under the battery (for example AT+EGMR=1.7,"123456789123456"). Then you need to click on the SEND AT COMMAND tab. The process is complete.
After completing all operations, you should reboot the gadget and return the SIM card back. If the mobile connection works, then this method is suitable for your device. We answered the question of how to restore IMEI on Android after flashing the firmware without root rights. There is really no need to root the device to carry out this procedure. However, this method is not suitable for everyone. For those for whom it did not work, the next part of the material will help. Let's move on to it.
Firmware tampering
If the first option did not help, then you will have to correct the firmware files. Here you will already need superuser rights. You can get them through Framaroot or KingoRoot. The question of how to restore IMEI on Android after flashing it through the engineering menu, it turns out, disappears by itself. To return the communication module number, you need to correct one file operating system gadget. It is called MP0B_OO1 and is located here: /DATA/NVRAM/MD/NCRAM/NVD_IMEI.
Open the above directory (via Root Explorer) in some text editor and enter the correct IMEI in it. Most likely, the file will be completely empty. So there shouldn't be any problems with this. This method works on all devices. We figured out how to restore IMEI on Android after flashing Lenovo or some other smartphone from the Middle Kingdom. Even beginners should not have any problems.
Using special applications
There are some devices that do not allow you to delve into firmware files or engineering menus (Samsung smartphones are especially guilty of this). How to restore IMEI on Android after flashing such a device? There is a way. It consists of using a special application. But for this you will need to obtain superuser rights. Then you need to download the Chamelephon program from Google Play and install it on the device.
Then everything is very simple. The application will immediately display two windows in which serial numbers must be entered. You can generate new ones or use existing ones. It will be enough to click on the Apply New IMEIs button. After the operation is completed successfully, the application will ask you to restart the device. Let's do it. After this all networks should work. Now you know how to restore IMEI on Android after flashing Samsung or other devices of the same type.
Precautionary measures
Remember: no one can give you a guarantee that all the methods described above will work adequately on your device. Therefore, experts recommend that before carrying out any work, backup copy operating system of the device and all data. This is especially true for those who decide to use the editing method system files. This method is very dangerous, as it can lead to fatal errors and complete inoperability of the device.
All other IMEI repair methods are safe for the most part. But it still won't hurt to make a backup copy. What if something goes wrong? Then nothing will stop you from returning a working version of the OS and continuing to do scientific research.
Summary
The question of how to restore IMEI on Android after flashing the firmware (via the engineering menu too) has many answers. It is not a fact that the methods described above will suit you. But they help most people. The main thing is to do everything as described above, and, of course, make a backup copy. Then your device is in no danger. But don't forget about precautions. We hope that everything will work out for you, and that your gadget will live a long and happy life, delighting you with its performance. Just follow the instructions carefully - and everything will be fine!
Modern technical devices, which allow us to use communication services, access the Internet, store data, etc., are constantly modified and acquired or additional features, or identification data. This was done for the purpose of storing and securing your data, which allows you to restore lost information or find a lost or stolen device in time. But every development is created with good intentions and ordinary people, so it is almost impossible to avoid various failures and errors. Today we will talk about how IMEI restoration works, what is needed for this and why this function is needed at all. The severity of the problem is due to the fact that many users began to encounter a situation where their device stopped working normally and indicated an error that mentioned IMEI. Therefore, in order to understand this problem, it is worth reading this article, which contains all the necessary information that will not only be useful, but will also serve as excellent instructions for restoring your device.
What is IMEI?
But before we talk about how IMEI restoration works, it’s worth understanding what it is. IMEI is your device’s universal ID, which is required for conditional registration and provision of various services. For example, it allows you to easily make phone calls and surf the Internet, receive support and install various applications. All in all, this function is the basis for the performance of your device. But is this really so? What is the main purpose of this identification number?
Why is this function needed?
Oddly enough, the hidden meaning of this function is that operators can easily identify you and provide all the necessary information about your calls and correspondence, Internet preferences and favorite applications. In general, this is your electronic passport, which allows you to find out almost everything that is necessary about the user who uses it. Is it possible to avoid this? Yes, many hackers managed to do this, however, you have to get used to it permanent shift data, their complete formatting, etc. Therefore, it is better not to rack your brains and use the main purpose of this function.
How do you find out what number you have? This is quite easy to do, since almost anyone can check IMEI. It is enough to type the combination *#06# on the keyboard, and the device itself will give out your number, however, if you have it activated. And it is from this moment that you can understand whether your device is broken, or whether you can continue to use all available features without any problems. If an error occurs and you notice that you cannot make calls, it means that you have identification problems that need to be corrected urgently. What causes this unpleasant situation? We'll talk about this later.
Why does this problem occur?
So, you decided to check the IMEI, but the device does not show it. Before this, did you notice that you cannot make calls, write SMS or access the Internet, although you have completely updated the device’s firmware and re-downloaded all applications? This is where the problem lies, due to which this unpleasant situation occurs. Firmware is a process in which the software shell is changed, that is, codes are updated, a new structure is created and some are erased. unnecessary processes. This procedure should be carried out by professionals so as not to damage the device and to do everything correctly. top level. True, many users sometimes decide to do this personally and install this software element “crookedly”, which is why software failures occur and the IMEI is lost. In fact, it does not change, it simply loses its registration power, which causes all the main functions of the device to be disabled.
This is not so critical, since everything can be restored either in a special service or manually, using various convenient methods that allow you to restore IMEI on Android. What methods exist and how to use them can be found out below.
Ways to fix the error
After you have seen the error and all the symptoms of the unpleasant situation have been confirmed, you should choose a method to solve this problem. Restoring IMEI through the engineering menu, use various programs, downloading a file from the Internet, etc. - there are many methods, however, those listed are the most effective and efficient among all. They allow you to access the internal configuration of the device system with further editing and structure changes. These steps allow you to make amendments and restore IMEI functionality. Each method is unique in its own way and has its own requirements, which must be fulfilled with special care so as not to aggravate an already unpleasant situation. If you are not afraid of innovations and are ready to take risks, then you can already prepare a notepad and pencil, but if you suddenly have doubts about your abilities, then it is better to contact the service, as specialists there will quickly correct the error, and in a couple of days you will be able to continue using your device .
But it is worth considering that this service, which allows you to restore IMEI, costs a certain amount of money, so think in advance about what exactly is worth using. In the meantime, we will consider the easiest way to eliminate the error, which is to use a special program.
Recovery using programs
There are a lot of different applications on the Internet that supposedly can automatic mode fix this problem. But is it worth believing such simple descriptions? Therefore, to avoid being deceived, we recommend using only one application for the correction procedure. The IMEI repair program is called GScriptLite.apk. Essentially this is normal application, allowing you to authorize an identification number through an operator request. You need to download the application file to your device and install it. Then you should run the program and add a script called “needs su” to use, which has standard IMEI number indicators. As soon as you have added the script, you need to change its data, where the numbers are indicated, by registering your IMEI (above there is a description of how to find out your identification number). Now all that remains is to save the changes and activate the script. The device will ask for permission to superuser rights, which must be approved by clicking on “Ok”. All that remains is to restart the device and it will be ready for use.
But there is one nuance, which lies in the different structure of the device software shell, for example, restoring a deviation in the instructions. This device does not output data when you dial *#06#, so technically you will not be able to find out your ID number. But this problem is not so critical, since the number is written in special instructions, which are provided along with standard documentation, which it is advisable to save. But if it was not possible to obtain this data, then you should turn your attention to the possibility of manual
Manual recovery
IMEI recovery for Lenovo, Fly, Alcatel, Acer, Huawei, THL, Zopo, Explay and other devices based on the MTK processor has one nice feature that allows you to get rid of the error using manual editing. How is this possible? Everything is quite simple, the main thing is to know the basics of using the built-in menu of the device. Restoring IMEI through the engineering menu will require you to know special commands and menu features. But thanks further instructions you will be able to cope with these requirements and recover your identification number.
IMEI MTK recovery begins by entering a command to open the internal menu. To do this, you need to type the command *#*#3646633#*#* on your keyboard, which will allow you to call additional function. In it you need to select the “Connectivity” item and the “CDS information” sub-item. After this, you need to go to “Radio Information”, select “Phone” and after the inscription “AT+” enter “EGMR=1.7.”. Next, you should reboot the device and use the command *#06# to get your IMEI data. All that remains is to repeat the described procedure, but after the inscription “AT+ EGMR=1.7,” enter your ID data. This will get rid of the error and you will be able to continue using your device. If these methods do not help or you are not confident in your abilities, all that remains is to contact the service, where the device will be provided with professional assistance.
Service maintenance
The problem regarding the identification number has been encountered by many users of various devices for a long time, so you should not think that it is completely new and has no solution. Yes, there are not many opportunities to fix it personally, but almost any service can help. It is enough to bring the device to professionals, and it will be restored within a few hours or days. It is better to carry the device with special documentation, which has various technical data necessary to accurately determine the source of the problem, which may vary depending on the device model.
Features of the models
IMEI restoration is only possible if the device processor is determined. There are several varieties of these elements, which differ in their software shells. For example, the MTK processor has the largest line of devices, which was mentioned above. But there are also other processors - from such giants as Samsung and Apple. Each of them has its own recovery methods, so it’s worth remembering this nuance. All methods that were presented in this article strictly apply to devices of the MTK family. Trying to use them for other devices is not recommended, as you can break the firmware, which will be difficult and expensive to restore. Therefore, you should be careful about the process of flashing and restoring IMEI, since any error can cause a breakdown. And errors can be very different, ranging from incorrectly entered data and ending with a lack of necessary files.
Possible mistakes
Failures, incorrect installation, data inconsistencies and much more... Errors can be very different and unpleasant. And, what is most interesting, all of them are the basis of the main problem - incorrect installation of the firmware on the device. And this already becomes the reason for IMEI deactivation and the device’s refusal to work correctly. Therefore, if you are not absolutely sure that you can personally flash your device, or do not have the appropriate skills, then it is better to postpone this idea and leave the job to those people who are well versed in this. But you can avoid it altogether if you don't want to deal with this kind of problem.
How to avoid the problem
To do this, you should understand that you will be using licensed products and under no circumstances falling for hackers’ tricks. Firmware is an element of developers, but users who do not wish to use paid services, prefer to personally find these files. Then they go to third-party sites and download firmware versions where hackers have already made their changes, which subsequently causes the device to break down. It is better if you use the products and programs that are provided by the developers themselves, and not by third-party users. Moreover, the device is updated automatically if you are on the side of bona fide users. Therefore, you should not put yourself and your device at risk. It is also worth noting that developers are aware of the problem of “pirated” firmware, and they often release special files to fix problems, but, unfortunately, not all manufacturers do this.
Internet using
The IMEI recovery file can be obtained from the official website of the manufacturer to which your device belongs. If it is available, it must be downloaded and saved, because if there is an issue related to IMEI, simply downloading the file to your device will fix the error and show you how to use the licensed product well. Be conscientious and you will never encounter unpleasant situations!
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 in one way or another related to the wrong IMEI - “empty”, zero or non-unique. In our guide, we will tell you what to do to prevent damage to IMEI, how to check IMEI on Android and, most importantly, how to restore or change it if trouble does happen. 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) is an international identifier for mobile equipment. This 15-digit number is essentially the serial number of the mobile device. But unlike the serial number of a car, refrigerator or laptop, this identifier is actively linked to the GSM network protocol and specifically to using IMEI the cellular network identifies your smartphone. Every time your device moves from one base station to another, it broadcasts the IMEI and the station registers your device, allowing it to work. Or not allowing it if there is something wrong with IMEI.
How to view IMEI
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 wireless adapter Wi-FI, BlueTooth ID. After this unsuccessful firmware The device will not have any wireless interface;
- 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. In the best case, the IMEI is erased to bypass the operator lock, which is typical for contract smartphones, and in the worst case, 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 network card and save this information in a safe place.
Using the engineering menu
Codes for entering the engineering menu different manufacturers- different. Here is a table with the most famous
| *#*#54298#*#* | engineering menu on smartphones |
| *#*#3646633#*#* | with MTK processors |
| *#*#8255#*#* | |
| *#*#4636#*#* | Samsung smartphone engineering menu |
| *#*#3424#*#* | |
| *#*#4636#*#* | |
| *#*#8255#*#* | NTS engineering menu |
| *#*#7378423#*#* | Sony engineering menu |
| *#*#4634#*#* | engineering menu on copies of iPhone 5S Android |
| *#*#3646633#*#* | engineering menu Philips, Fly, Alcatel - |
| *#*#2846579#*#* | Huavei engineering menu |
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.
- Make sure your smartphone has Root access.
- Download and install any file manager, for example ES Explorer.
ES Explorer File Manager
- Download the Restore IMEI archive to your computer.
- Unzip the archive to a folder on your hard drive. Find the “run.cmd” file in the folder and open it with Notepad.
preparing the necessary files
- 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.
deposit the required code IMEI to batch file
- If you did everything correctly, a new file will appear in the folder - “MP0B_001”, which we will need to copy to specific folder on a smartphone.
configuration file generated
- Connect your smartphone with a cable to your computer. Copy the configuration file to microSD card smartphone or to any folder in the user section.
- Launch the ES Explorer file manager on your smartphone. 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>
transfer configuration file to the desired folder
- Reboot your smartphone and check the IMEI when USSD assistance teams<*#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 else will already have the same IMEI and when you try to register on the cellular network, your smartphone will give an error.
Let me also remind you that changing 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 easiest and fastest way to find a stolen smartphone by IMEI is to contact the police. But keep in mind: the first thing they will do when buying stolen devices is to change the IMEI.
100% of sites offering paid searches for stolen smartphones are scammers
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 program change IMEI is not possible. It is necessary to reprogram the EEPROM of the radio module, which can only be done at a service center using specialized equipment.
Before we find out how to restore imei on Android, let's look at the reasons for its absence. So, the reasons:
- unsuccessful Android firmware;
- error that occurred when resetting to factory settings.
The main symptoms of the disappearance of imei on your Android is that after the firmware is installed, you will not be able to make calls, write SMS, or access the Internet. In order to check whether the lack of IME is the cause of these problems, you need to check its presence after flashing the firmware. You can do this by dialing the combination *#06# in the calling program.
If the code does not appear, then it will have to be restored. To restore the code, you can look on the phone box or under the battery. This can be done using the engineering menu or using special applications.
Recovery using the engineering menu
To restore it after flashing using the engineering menu, there are two ways.
First, you need to remove the SIM cards from the phone and enter the engineering menu. This can be done, most often, using the combination *#*#3646633#*#* entered in the dialing program. Less commonly used are special combinations for individual smartphone manufacturers:
- Samsung - *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#8255#*#*
- HTC - *#*#3424#*#* or *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#8255#*#*
- Sony — *#*#7378423#*#*
- Huawei - *#*#2846579#*#* or *#*#2846579159#*#*
- MTK - *#*#54298#*#* or *#*#3646633#*#*
- Fly, Philips, Alcatel — *#*#3646633#*#*
Less often, to enter it you need to install a special program.
After entering the engineering menu, you will need to go through its items in the following sequence: “CDS Information” > “Radio Information” > “Phone 1”. After that, in the very top line after AT+, type EGMR=1.7,””, entering your imei between the quotes. Then confirm the action by clicking on the button immediately below this line. If the device gives an error, try adding/removing a space after AT+. If your engineering menu does not have the CDS Information line, then the next method is for you.
Having entered the engineering menu, you need to find the Telephony tab, in this tab click on the GPRS line, selecting SIM cards one by one, type IMEI and confirm the entry with the “WRITE IMEI” button.
After entering the IME using any of the methods, you need to restart the phone, check the IME using the combination *#06# and, if successful, insert the SIM cards.
Recovery using third-party programs
If you were unable to enter the engineering menu, to restore it after unsuccessful Android firmware, you can use third-party software, but for this you will need to obtain Root rights. Most in a simple way from a practical point of view is the Chamelephon program, which can easily be downloaded from Google Play. After installing it, you will not need to “rummage” through a bunch of incomprehensible functions in search of the necessary ones, as with manual recovery. After launch, two input fields and two buttons appear. You can either enter everything manually, or even generate it randomly.
There is also a program called ADB RUN to restore your memory. After launching it, you need to go to the menu item “Manual Command”>”Restore Imei”, select the item depending on the number of SIMs in your Android, write your imei. After this, the file MP0B_001 should appear on your desktop, which you need to transfer to internal memory or phone memory card. WITH using Root Browser, move this file to the path: /data/nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI/MP0B_001 or /nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI/MP0B_001 and reboot the device. Ready!
To top it all off, I would like to remind you: everything software download only from reliable sources.