I remember the first time I heard about IMEI numbers. I had just picked up an old smartphone from a friend, and everything seemed fine until I realized it couldn’t connect to any network. Frustrated, I started digging online and stumbled into the world of IMEI numbers. That’s when I found out: this little 15-digit code can decide if your phone lives or dies on a carrier’s network.
Changing an IMEI number sounds to be a hectic task but the more I learned, the more I realized that with the right tools and a little caution, it could be done and yes, even permanently.
If you’ve ever been stuck with a blacklisted phone or just curious about how IMEI numbers work, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through it together, one simple step at a time.
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How To Change IMEI Number Permanently:
There are several methods that you can use to change the IMEI number of your device without rooting it.
Below are the two best methods that you can use to change your IMEI number without rooting your device:
1. Switching to SIM IMEI
You can switch the SIM IMEI using your phone’s dial pad to change it.
You’ll be able to perform this method of changing the IMEI number by following the guiding steps that are mentioned in detail below:
Step 1: For the first step, head on to the application section of your phone to open the dial pad by clicking on the Phone application.
Step 2: As the dial pad is opened on your screen, you need to dial either *#*#3646633#*#* or *#7465625#.
Step 3: Next, you need to click on CDS Information.
Step 4: Then you have to head on to click on Radio Information.
Step 5: Then if your Android device has dual SIM, you’ll be given to choose between two options IMEI_1 (SIM 1) and IMEI_2 (SIM 2).
Step 6: You’ve to select the one whose IMEI number you want to change.
Step 7: Then your screen will be flashing with a message similar to AT +EGMR=1,7,” IMEI_1” (for SIM 1) and “AT +EGMR=1,10,” IMEI_2” (for SIM 2).
Step 8: Next, you need to replace the IMEI1 and IMEI2 numbers with any other random IMEI Numbers of your wish and then click on SEND.
📌 TIP
Backup everything before touching system files.
2. Change IMEI Number on MTK Device
You can change the IMEI number for the MTK Devices without rooting the device. You’ve to follow certain particular steps to get it done right, this method works for non-rooted devices.
The following point has all the guiding steps that you need to perform to change the IMEI number for the MTK device:
Step 1: Check your access to the developer’s option. If you don’t have access, tap several times on the Build number to enable it.
Step 2: Next, you’ve to go back to the developer’s option and then enable the USB debugging mode.
Step 3: Connect your smartphone to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 4: Now on your computer run the MTKdroid tools as administrator.
Step 5: Next, you have to press that ROOT button to get temporary access to the root and wait until the left side small box turns green.
To change the IMEI number you’ve to click on the IMEI/NVRAM option. Erase the old IMEI Numbers and enter the new ones then click on Replace IMEI, and confirm it by clicking on Yes on the next box that will flash on the screen.
How To Change IMEI Number Permanently with Root:
You can use the SDK to change the IMEI number of your Android device, this method needs to be performed on a PC that needs USB Debugging.
🔴 Steps To Follow:
Step 1: You need to open the Settings of your Android device. Then scroll down and click on About Phone.
Step 2: Next, you need to click on Build Number 5 to 8 times till it shows you the pop-up message on the screen that says You are now a developer.
Step 3: Then you will be able to find a set of options under Developer Options.
Step 4: Click on Developer Options and then click on USB Debugging. Then you need to download the SDK emulator Tool on your PC.
Step 5: Along with it download HEX Editor and extract them. Download a device driver too.
Step 6: Connect your Android with your PC. You need to run the program name xvl32.Exe. Then you need to open the file named emulatorarn.exe.
Step 7: After all the steps are completed, click on Control+F and then go to the CGNS. Next, change the IMEI number which is shown after + CGNS.
Step 8: On your Android device, check the new IMEI number by dialing*#06# on the dial pad.
4. Risks Involved in Changing IMEI
If you do it wrong, your phone might stop working completely.
You might void your warranty and lose all customer support.
Legal penalties could include heavy fines or criminal charges.
Unauthorized IMEI changes can also damage your reputation if you try to resell the phone.
Conclusion:
Changing the IMEI number is a serious thing. It’s like changing your phone’s identity. If you do it wrong, you could damage your device permanently or even get into legal trouble. That’s why it’s very important to use trusted apps or tools if you must do it, and always double-check the facts before you try anything.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Technically, no. The IMEI number is hard coded into your phone’s hardware as a file and isn’t truly changed. What actually happens is the Android system gets modified so when the phone reads the IMEI, it shows a different number that you set. The real IMEI file stays the same underneath.
The IMEI Changer app lets you switch up the IMEI number on your Android device. But heads up your phone needs to be ‘rooted’ first, and you’ll also need the ‘Xposed’ Framework installed for it to work properly.
Yes, the IMEI number acts as a unique identifier for your phone, much like a fingerprint. This 15-digit code can be used to track your device’s location if necessary, making it a valuable tool for recovery in case of theft or loss.
