IMEI sometimes “flies” when flashing the gadget, after which the latter stops working correctly, losing the ability to make calls and go online. Note that some Chinese devices can operate without an identification number, but such devices are in the minority. Therefore, we will tell you how to restore IMEI on Android, as well as how to change it if necessary.

To make sure that it is the lost identifier that is causing problems with the gadget, enter the characters *#06# in the dialing field. If the code of your device does not appear on the display after this, then the problem has been identified correctly - you need to restore the IMEI. Keep in mind that a phone with two SIM cards must also have two IDs.

Let's describe how to restore IMEI on Android after flashing the firmware using Samsung as an example:

1. Remove the SIM card from the device.
2. , for which in the field for entering the number, write the combination *#*#4636#*# or *#*#8255#*# if the first code is incorrect.
3. Open the “CDS Information” section, then “Radio Information” and go to the “Phone 1” subsection.
4. In the top line where it says “AT+”, enter the command EGMR=1.7. Next, in quotation marks, we write the fifteen-digit code corresponding to your IMEI.

Please note that the codes for entering the engineering menu differ on different devices. For Samsung they are already given above. Therefore, before changing IMEI, check this information. For other gadgets they may be as follows:

• *#*#2846579#*# - for Huawei gadgets;
• *#*#3646633#*# - for Alcatel devices, Philips and Fly;
• *#*#8255#*#, *#*#3424#*# - for HTC;
• *#*#7378423#*# - for Sony.

You can restore the ID not only manually, but also using various utilities that allow you to enter the engineering menu without entering a code. For this, for example, the MTK Engineering Mode program can be used, available even in Google Play. True, it only works with MediaTek processors.

Let us immediately note that changing the device identifier is not legal, since it will be very difficult to find a lost or stolen gadget using IMEI. Let's describe how the Android IMEI is changed if, for example, you find someone else's device:

After this, all you have to do is dial *#06# to make sure that the identifier has really changed. If you want to return your old imei and don’t know how to find the fifteen-digit code, then if you have the device itself, it’s very easy to do. The codes are located on the box and in the gadget itself on a sticker under the battery.

Mobile Uncle is another small utility that can be used to change IMEI if you have Root rights. It is available on Google Play and has a long name there “Launch engineering menu MTK".

From the name it is clear that the application works correctly only with MTK processors. We will describe how to restore IMEI on Android using this utility if the installer did not enter the code correctly:

Note that these methods describe how to restore IMEI on Android after flashing, that is, if it was lost after unsuccessful user actions. It is required to register a new one only in cases of an attempt to conceal illegal actions with the gadget. Moreover, there is a very high probability that if you change the “native” identifier to a changed one, the smartphone will turn into “ ”, losing the ability to access the Internet, make calls, send messages, etc.

But even if you cannot find out the IMEI, for example, in the event of a gadget theft, it is easy to obtain it in your Google account to transfer information to law enforcement agencies. This method works if the device is connected to a Google account. All smartphone data is automatically saved on the server, and to get it, you need to go to the Google account settings section in the subsection " Personal Area» or directly follow the link

It often happens that after flashing or resetting the settings to factory settings, the phone stops making and receiving calls. Most often, Chinese models suffer from this problem. However, it is not at all necessary to immediately seek help from a service center. How to restore IMEI on Android after flashing without outside help?

The device may not connect to the network even if the antenna is full and there is an inscription on the screen indicating the name mobile operator. In this case, you need to check whether the identifier has been lost after an unsuccessful reset or firmware update. To do this you need to do the following:

• go to the dialing window;
• dial *#06#;
• sometimes after this you still need to press the call button.

If all is well, a 15-digit code will appear on the screen, this is the IMEI. Otherwise, there will either be zeros or a message indicating that the code is incorrect or missing.

If it happens that the ID number has disappeared, then you can see it under the back cover. To do this, you need to turn off the phone and remove the battery. Or you can simply find it on the phone box. This will definitely come in handy during the recovery process.

How to restore IMEI on Android yourself

Manual IMEI repair on Android

To do this, you will need to enter the engineering menu, which is done like this:

• you need to remove the SIM card from the phone;
• in the dialing window enter *#3646633#;
• now you need to go to the address CDS Information/Radio Information/Phone 1;
• at the top next to AT+ you need to enter the command EGMR=1, 7, “112233445566778” (112233445566778 is the IMEI number of the device);
• To confirm the command entry, you need to click “Send at Command”.

When the number indicated above does not allow you to enter the engineering menu, then you need to look for one that fits specific model mobile The numbers may vary for each brand. Also, if the phone is dual-SIM, the steps will need to be repeated for the second connector, only at the last step the command should look like this - EGMR=1, 10, “112233445566778”.

Sometimes the engineering menu may differ from the one above, then the recovery method will be different:

1. We go to the menu using the same combination.
2. In the “Telephony” tab we find “GPRS”.
3. For each SIM card one by one, you need to enter the IMEI and click “Write IMEI”.

Immediately after any of the methods, you need to reboot the phone, and then check its IMEI again. If the situation has not changed, you will have to correct the situation using special programs.

Using special programs

How to restore IMEI on Android using utilities? Most of them require Root rights, so getting them can be considered the first step. After the system is hacked, you can resort to using one of the following utilities:

1. MTK65xx.
2. Chamelephon.
3. ADB RUN.

If the user selected the first program, then you need to do the following:

• download the archive of the same name;
• unpack it;
• remove the SIM card;
• for the first time the utility will provide information about the device type;
• now it should read the identifier number, but if not, then you need to press the start reading button;
• You need to uncheck the “same IMEI” checkbox and then enter new data;
• exit the application and restart the phone.

The Chamelephon utility makes everything easier and faster:

• install and launch the program;
• enter the required parameters;
• Click “Accept”.

The third program is downloaded and installed on the PC, and then:

• connect the gadget to the computer via a cable;
• if necessary, perform USB debugging on the phone (in the options for developers);
• in the program you need to go to the Manual Command/Restore IMEI (MTK Only) section;
• depending on the number of SIM cards, select One Sim or Dual Sim;
• write your IMEI, after which the file MP0B_001 will appear on the desktop;
• this file must be copied to your phone;
• using any rooted file manager it will need to be moved to /data/nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_ IMEI;
• reboot the smartphone.

There is another utility that is also installed on the PC, but does not require superuser rights - IMEI&SN Writer. However, to work with it, you will need drivers for the smartphone, the utility itself, and database files for the type of device processor. Next we perform the following steps:

• install device drivers;
• launch the utility;
• in the PlatForm drop-down list, select SMART PHONE;
• connection type to PC – USB;
• In the central part of the window, enter the required IMEI;
• click Select DB;
• a window will appear where you need to select a file with a database;
• in the next window - the file of the processor part;
• Now on the main window we find and press the Start button;
• Now we connect the device, wait for the end of the process and a message about the success of IMEI recording.

How to change IMEI

To change your existing IMEI, you can use any of the above utilities. It should be remembered that changing the identifier may lead to problems with the device and will certainly void any warranty. If the owner of the phone still decides to do this, then consider the example of the simplest program:

• install and launch Chamelephon;
• Click “Generate new/new IMEI”;
• All that remains is to save the result and restart the device.

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 special code, which 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 been lost. 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 of restoring IMEI on Android smartphones. various models. The operating procedure will depend on the processor used in the device and the specific manufacturer.

Root rights

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? Here are 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 the EPS Professional program on your computer. 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 backup copy. If you don't have one, then you'll have to do everything manually. In the system folder of the mobile device firmware, 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 mobile devices ah from Lenovo

Lenovo devices may also experience problems related to IMEI number recovery, although they are not as serious as Samsung devices. 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. You also need to write off the IMEI of the phone. To do this you need to open back cover 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 they agree to undertake the repair of smartphones whose system has already been tinkered with. Most likely they will immediately offer you a replacement. motherboard, and this is completely different money.

IMEI repair on Explay smartphones

This Russian manufacturer has been known in 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 is the same here as for 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 the Mobile Uncle Tools program.

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 at a service center.

Repairing IMEI in Chinese smartphones

To begin with, it would not hurt to figure out which smartphones can be classified as purebred “Chinese”. This phrase is usually used to describe cheap copies. 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.

One of the unique numbers assigned to each Android device is called IMEI. It can be used for personal purposes, restored or exchanged for Android. It is also worth always remembering why it is needed and knowing when IMEI may be required.

What is IMEI of a smartphone or tablet

IMEI is a unique identifier that every Android phone and tablet has. It is needed so that the device can make calls, send messages and use Mobile Internet. That is, if you have an IMEI, you can use all the functions that the SIM card provides.

How to find out device ID on Android

There are two ways in which you can find out the IMEI of your phone or Android tablet: By entering a USSD code or a sticker located on the back of the device.

Via USSD code

In the input section telephone number write the code *#06#.

Enter the code

In the window that opens, you will see one unique IMEI if your device supports one SIM card, and if two, then two IMEIs will appear on the screen.

Code for the first and second SIM cards

Look at the sticker inside the case

Remove the cover of the device and look for the sticker, which may be on the case or under the battery. Find the IMEI line on it, which will have 15 digits.

We look at the IMEI code

How to change IMEI or restore it if it’s lost

After flashing the device firmware, updating or resetting data and IMEI settings may get lost or disappear. If this happens, you will not be able to use mobile communications, Internet and messages. In this case, there is only one thing left to do - restore the unique number by changing it to another code. This can be done using the built-in engineering menu or through third-party applications.

How to write code through the engineering menu

Remove the SIM card from the device.

We take out the SIM card

Open phone dialing apps.

Open the Phone application

Enter the code that will open the engineering menu (*#15963#* or *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#3646633#*#*, depending on the device model).

Open the engineering menu

In the menu that opens, go to the Connectivity section.

Go to the Connectivity section

Go to the CDS Information subsection.

Go to the CDS Information section

Open Radio Information.

Open the Radio Information section

The command line will say AT+. Complete the line the following text: EGMR=1.7, “New IMEI”. Remember that the code must be 15 digits long.

We write the command

Click the Send at command button to confirm the IMEI change.

Confirming the IMEI change

Close the engineering menu and reboot the device.

Reboot the device

Insert the SIM card back.

Insert the SIM card into the device

If the device supports two SIM cards, then changing the IMEI for the second SIM card is performed with the command: AT+EGMR=1.10, “New IMEI”.

We write the command

If, when you try to change or restore the code, the message THIS COMMAND IS NOT ALLOWED IN USERBUILD appears, check whether the command is written correctly and whether there is a space after the + sign.

Insert a space after the + sign

How to change through a third-party application

To change or restore the IMEI code, root rights are required, as system-related settings will be made.

Go to the official website of the 360root application (http://360root.ru), download and install it on your device.

Download and install the application

Launch the application and click on big round button located in the middle of the screen. Done, root rights are obtained.

Press the button to get root rights

Opening the Play Market store.

Open Play Market

Find and install the Chamelephon application (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cryptotel.chamelephon).

Install the Chamelephon application

Launch the downloaded application and enter or generate a random IMEI code.

Generating IMEI

Save the result by clicking the Apply new IMEI button. The advantage of this application is that you can quickly and easily change the code for two SIM cards at once.

Click the Apply new IMEI button

Video: changing the unique code on Android

Finding a stolen or lost phone by IMEI

Since the IMEI code is unique, a purely theoretically lost device can be found by contacting law enforcement agencies or your mobile operator. But this method of searching for a device in most cases does not help, since it is quite difficult to get the operation started, and the fraudster who stole the phone most likely changed the IMEI a long time ago.

The only thing left to do is to enter your IMEI into a single database (http://sndeep.info/ru/lostolen) and declare the device associated with this code as missing. If you add a reward message for finding and returning the phone, you may be able to get it back. Most often, sellers of stolen equipment check this database, so maybe you will get lucky.

We enter the IMEI of the lost device and other necessary data

Under no circumstances should you access websites that offer the opportunity to find a device by IMEI for a certain amount of money. Only telecom operators and law enforcement agencies have access to search by code; all other organizations simply do not have access to necessary programs and equipment, which means they won’t be able to find your device and take your money.

Is it possible to remove IMEI?

Some users mistakenly think that by erasing the IMEI they will make their device secret and will not be able to make calls to it. But this is absolutely not true, especially since you cannot delete IMEI, you can only change it to a different combination of numbers. How you can change the IMEI code is described above in the article.

Each Android device is initially assigned its own unique IMEI code, which can be viewed, restored or changed. To do this, you will need knowledge of special USSD codes, an engineering menu or root rights. You can find a lost device by IMEI only with the help of a telecom operator or law enforcement agencies, but not through Internet sites that offer this service. You cannot delete IMEI, you can only change the code numbers.

On Android - a serious error due to which the device loses the communication signal, which leads to the inability to make a call, send a message or access the Internet.

Reasons for the failure:

• Incorrect device firmware.
• Error when returning the smartphone to factory settings.

Some models Chinese smartphones they can work without an identifier, but if you have a high-quality device from a well-known brand and your Name has disappeared, the device will not work correctly.

Manual recovery

Dial on Android phone combination *#06#. If the IMEI code does not appear on the screen, then you urgently need to restore it. You can find the identification number on the box, in the instructions, or under the battery. If the smartphone supports dual SIM cards, then two IMEI numbers must be specified.

Manual IMEI repair on Android:

If the number above does not work, try the following options:

If your Android supports two SIM cards, then you need to repeat the procedure for restoring the identification number. For the second SIM card the command will be: AT+EGMR=1.10,“IMEI”.

After recovery, you need to exit the engineering menu and reboot the phone. After turning on, dial *#06# again to check IMEI. If the number is not displayed, then to correct the error you will need an Android IMEI repair program.

Software recovery

If manual recovery did not help solve the problem of missing identifier after flashing, then try using the MTK65xx.zip program.

After rebooting the device, dial *#06#. The device identification number lost after the firmware update will be restored. If the above methods did not help you figure out how to restore IMEI on Android after flashing, then try another option:

Using Root Browser, move the MP0B_001 file to the /data/nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI/MP0B_001 directory. After transferring the data, restart your phone and check the identification number again - this time it should be displayed correctly.