How to Change IMEI Number: What You Need to Know Before Modifying or Repairing a Phone

Searching for how to change IMEI number information? This guide explains what an IMEI number is, why people search for ways to change it, what can happen when an IMEI is missing or incorrect, how legitimate IMEI restoration differs from changing a device identity, and what you should check before attempting any IMEI-related repair.

An IMEI is a unique identifier associated with a mobile device. It is used by cellular networks and other systems to identify mobile equipment.

Because the IMEI is part of the device’s identity, changing it is not the same thing as changing a phone number, unlocking a SIM card, or switching mobile carriers.

There is also an important distinction between restoring a phone’s original IMEI after a legitimate repair problem and intentionally replacing the device identifier with another IMEI. The legal rules surrounding IMEI modification vary by country and circumstance, so users should always check the laws that apply where they live.

What Is an IMEI Number?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity.

It is a device identifier used in cellular networks to distinguish mobile equipment.

A standard IMEI is normally 15 digits long, although phones with multiple cellular connections can display more than one IMEI.

The IMEI is different from:

• Your phone number
• Your SIM card number
• Your Apple Account
• Your Google Account
• Your device serial number
• Your carrier account number

This distinction is important because changing or repairing one of these identifiers does not automatically change the others.

How to Find Your IMEI Number

Before researching how to change IMEI number, first make sure you know the correct IMEI associated with your phone.

On many mobile phones, you can display the IMEI by entering:

*#06#

Depending on the manufacturer, the IMEI can also be found in the phone’s settings.

Find IMEI on Android

On many Android phones, look under a menu similar to:

Settings → About Phone → Status → IMEI

The exact location varies between manufacturers and Android versions.

Find IMEI on Samsung Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy phones normally provide device-identification information through the Settings application and other manufacturer-supported locations.

The exact menu can vary depending on the Galaxy model and software version.

Find IMEI on iPhone

On iPhone, IMEI information can normally be found through the device information screens in Settings. Depending on the model, it may also be available through the original packaging or Apple-supported account and device information.

If you are buying a used iPhone, check the IMEI together with activation status, ownership information and carrier compatibility.

Why Do People Search for How to Change IMEI Number?

There are several very different reasons people search for how to change IMEI number.

Some users are dealing with a legitimate technical problem rather than actually needing to change the device’s identity.

Common situations include:

• IMEI disappeared after a firmware update.
• Phone displays “Invalid IMEI.”
• Phone displays “IMEI Unknown.”
• Phone displays “Null IMEI.”
• Baseband information is missing.
• A previous repair damaged device configuration.
• A firmware installation caused an IMEI-related problem.
• The phone no longer connects correctly to the cellular network.
• A user wants to understand whether IMEI modification is possible.

These situations require different solutions.

Can You Change an IMEI Number?

From a technical perspective, some devices have service procedures that can modify or restore device-identification data.

However, that does not mean that changing an IMEI is appropriate, legal or safe in every situation.

An IMEI is intended to identify the device. Replacing it with an unrelated identifier can create serious ownership, network, security and legal problems.

For that reason, this guide focuses on understanding IMEI modification and legitimate restoration rather than providing instructions for assigning an arbitrary new identity to a phone.

Changing an IMEI vs Repairing an IMEI

These terms are often confused.

These are separate processes and should not be treated as interchangeable.

How to Change IMEI Number on Android

The search phrase how to change IMEI number on Android is particularly common because Android devices use different hardware and software platforms.

However, there is no single safe procedure that applies to every Android phone.

IMEI-related device information can depend on:

• Manufacturer
• Exact model
• Chipset
• Firmware version
• Modem configuration
• Protected device partitions
• Regional variant
• Repair history

For example, Qualcomm and MediaTek devices can use substantially different service architectures.

Samsung devices can also use protected device-specific information such as EFS-related data.

Because of these differences, a generic “change IMEI” application should never be assumed to work safely on every Android phone.

How to Change IMEI Number on Samsung

Samsung devices can have model-specific IMEI and modem configurations.

If the IMEI on a Samsung phone is missing or invalid, the first step should be determining why it happened rather than attempting to write an unrelated identifier.

Potential causes include:

• Firmware problems
• Failed flashing
• Baseband problems
• Damaged EFS-related information
• Previous repair attempts
• Hardware problems

For legitimate repair situations, use a model-specific professional repair process.

You can also explore our Samsung IMEI resources for Samsung-specific information.

How to Change IMEI Number on iPhone

iPhone IMEI handling is very different from many Android service environments.

The IMEI is part of the device’s cellular identity and is not something that should be treated like a normal user-editable setting.

If an iPhone displays an incorrect or missing IMEI, investigate the underlying hardware, firmware or repair issue rather than attempting to assign a different device identity.

For iPhone-specific IMEI information, use our iPhone IMEI Check Service.

How to Change IMEI Number After a Firmware Update

If your IMEI disappeared immediately after installing firmware, flashing the phone or performing a major software operation, the problem may be related to the device’s modem configuration or protected device data.

This is an important distinction.

If the phone originally had a valid IMEI and that information disappeared after a software operation, the goal should generally be to restore the phone’s original legitimate device information, not replace it with a different IMEI.

Our IMEI Repair Tool guide is the more appropriate resource for this type of problem.

How to Change IMEI Number When IMEI Is Invalid

If the phone displays Invalid IMEI, changing the IMEI is not necessarily the correct solution.

First determine whether the original IMEI still exists in the device’s documentation, packaging or manufacturer records.

Then investigate why the phone is reporting the identifier incorrectly.

Possible causes include:

• Firmware corruption
• Modem configuration problems
• Baseband errors
• Protected partition damage
• Failed software modification
• Previous repair attempts
• Hardware failure

Our IMEI Repair Tool resource covers these problems in greater detail.

How to Change IMEI Number When IMEI Is Null

A Null IMEI usually indicates that the phone is not correctly reading its expected device-identification information.

This can happen after firmware changes, unsuccessful flashing or damage to device-specific configuration.

Before attempting advanced repair, record the phone’s exact model, firmware version and repair history.

If the original IMEI is available, legitimate restoration is preferable to replacing it with an unrelated identifier.

How to Change IMEI Number When IMEI Is Unknown

If the phone displays IMEI Unknown, check the baseband status and device software before attempting any repair.

If the baseband is also unknown, the problem may involve the modem or firmware rather than simply the IMEI display.

Repeatedly installing unrelated IMEI tools can make the problem harder to diagnose.

How to Change IMEI Number After Repair

If a phone develops an IMEI problem after a legitimate hardware or software repair, the correct objective is normally to restore the device’s original identity.

A professional repair technician may need to identify:

• Exact model
• Chipset
• Firmware version
• Baseband version
• Repair history
• Original IMEI documentation

Device-specific repair data can include protected areas such as EFS, NVRAM, NVDATA or other modem-related configuration, depending on the platform.

These should not be replaced with data from another phone.

Can You Change an IMEI With Software?

Some software and professional service environments have historically included tools capable of interacting with device-identification data.

However, software support varies enormously between models and chipsets.

A program advertised as working on “all Android phones” should be treated with caution.

Installing an incompatible low-level tool can create additional firmware or modem problems.

If your goal is to repair a missing or invalid IMEI, start with our IMEI Repair Tool guide instead of assuming that a generic IMEI modification program is the correct solution.

Can an IMEI Changer Unlock a SIM?

No.

This is one of the most important corrections to the old information surrounding this topic.

An IMEI and a carrier/SIM lock are different things.

Changing an IMEI is not the normal or legitimate method for removing a carrier restriction.

If your phone displays:

• SIM Network Unlock PIN
• Network Unlock Code
• SIM Not Supported
• Network Locked

you should investigate the carrier unlocking process instead.

Read our SIM Unlock and SIM Unlock Code guide.

Can Changing IMEI Remove a Carrier Lock?

No legitimate unlocking process should require changing the phone’s identity.

A carrier lock is a network restriction.

The appropriate solution is normally to request an unlock from the original carrier when the device meets its eligibility requirements.

Changing the IMEI should not be presented as a substitute for carrier unlocking.

Can Changing IMEI Remove a Blacklist?

Changing an IMEI should not be used as a method for bypassing a blacklist.

A blacklist is a device-status issue associated with an IMEI in relevant carrier or device-status systems.

If you believe a device has been incorrectly reported or its status needs to be corrected, contact the carrier, seller, manufacturer, insurer or other organization responsible for the report.

Use our IMEI Blacklist Checker to learn more about checking device status.

Can You Change IMEI to Remove a Stolen Phone Status?

No.

An IMEI should not be modified to disguise a stolen or unauthorized device.

If a phone has been reported stolen, the appropriate resolution must come from the legitimate owner and the organization that recorded the report.

Can You Change IMEI to Make a Phone Unlocked?

No.

Carrier unlocking and IMEI identification are separate systems.

If your phone is locked to a carrier, use the appropriate carrier-unlock process.

If your IMEI is missing or invalid, investigate the underlying IMEI problem separately.

Can You Change IMEI for Free?

Searching for how to change IMEI number free often leads to websites advertising generic downloadable tools.

Be careful with these programs.

A free download can still be incompatible with your device, outdated or unsafe.

More importantly, the legality of intentionally modifying a device identifier varies by jurisdiction.

If your problem is a missing or invalid IMEI after a legitimate repair, focus on restoring the original device information rather than searching for an arbitrary replacement.

Is Changing an IMEI Number Legal?

The legality of IMEI modification varies depending on the country and the reason for the modification.

There is an important difference between:

• Restoring a legitimate original IMEI after a technical failure.
• Repairing device-identification information after firmware corruption.
• Replacing an IMEI with another device’s identifier.
• Changing an IMEI to bypass a blacklist.
• Changing an IMEI to disguise ownership or a stolen device.
• Changing an IMEI to evade carrier or security restrictions.

These situations should not be treated as equivalent.

FCC materials have noted that modification of device identities is treated differently across jurisdictions, and the applicable legal rules should therefore be checked locally.

Why You Should Never Use Another Phone’s IMEI

Every phone has its own device identity.

Using another phone’s IMEI as if it belonged to your device can create serious technical and legal problems.

Device-specific information such as EFS, NVRAM, NVDATA or NV/QCN data can also be tied to particular hardware and configuration.

Our current IMEI Repair Tool guide specifically explains why device-specific repair data should not simply be copied from another phone.

What to Do Before Attempting Any IMEI Repair

Before making any changes, collect as much legitimate information about the phone as possible.

1. Identify the Exact Model

Record the manufacturer, model number and regional variant.

2. Check the Current IMEI

Dial *#06# if the phone responds.

3. Check the Settings

Compare the IMEI shown in the device settings with the information on the packaging or original documentation when available.

4. Check the Baseband

If the baseband is unknown, the problem may be deeper than an IMEI display issue.

5. Record What Happened Before the Problem

Was the phone flashed, updated, rooted, repaired or reset?

This information can be extremely useful when diagnosing the cause.

6. Preserve Original Documentation

Keep the original IMEI and purchase/device documentation available.

Do not replace legitimate device information with an unrelated identifier.

IMEI Number Check Before Repair

If the phone still has a valid IMEI, it can be useful to check the device information before making any major changes.

Our IMEI Number Check Online Tool guide explains how IMEI checking works and why it can be useful when investigating a used or problematic phone.

Remember that an IMEI check and an IMEI repair are two completely different tasks.

IMEI Blacklist Check Before Buying a Used Phone

If you are researching how to change IMEI number because you are considering buying a used phone with a problematic status, stop before attempting any modification.

Check the device first.

Our IMEI Blacklist Checker resource explains how blacklist checking works and what a reported device status can mean.

It is much better to identify a problematic phone before purchasing it than to try to solve the problem afterward.

IMEI Repair vs IMEI Change

The safest way to think about these two terms is:

IMEI repair = restore legitimate device information.

IMEI change = modify the device identifier.

If your phone originally had a valid IMEI and it disappeared after a firmware problem, the repair objective should generally be restoring that original identifier.

Our IMEI Repair Tool guide is designed around that troubleshooting intent.

IMEI Repair for Qualcomm Phones

Qualcomm-based Android phones can use device-specific NV and modem configuration systems.

If a Qualcomm phone develops an IMEI-related problem, the exact repair environment depends on the manufacturer, model, chipset configuration and firmware.

Do not assume that a Qualcomm procedure applies to every Qualcomm device.

For related information, see our IMEI Rebuilder resource.

IMEI Repair for MediaTek Phones

MediaTek phones can use different device-specific configuration structures, including NVRAM or NVDATA-related information.

If the IMEI disappears after flashing or firmware modification, the correct solution depends on the exact device and software configuration.

A generic tool should not be assumed to work across all MediaTek phones.

IMEI Repair for Samsung Phones

Samsung devices can use protected EFS-related information as part of their device configuration.

If the IMEI becomes invalid after flashing or repair, use a model-specific professional workflow rather than copying information from another Samsung device.

IMEI Problems After Rooting

Rooting or modifying system software can sometimes be followed by unexpected modem or device-configuration problems.

If an IMEI problem appeared after rooting, record exactly what software and firmware changes were made.

This can help determine whether the problem is software-related or requires professional repair.

IMEI Problems After Flashing Firmware

Firmware flashing is one of the situations where users may suddenly notice an invalid, null or missing IMEI.

If this happens:

• Stop making additional changes.
• Record the exact firmware version.
• Identify the phone model.
• Check the baseband status.
• Preserve the original device documentation.
• Use a model-specific repair process.

Repeatedly flashing different firmware packages can make diagnosis more difficult.

What If Your Phone Has No IMEI?

If *#06# returns no IMEI, first determine whether the problem is software, firmware, configuration or hardware related.

Read our IMEI Repair Tool guide and our Android-specific guide for more information about missing IMEI problems.

What If the IMEI Is Different From the Box?

If the IMEI shown by the phone does not match the IMEI printed on the original packaging, investigate the discrepancy before purchasing or selling the device.

Possible explanations can include:

• Device replacement
• Motherboard replacement
• Previous repair
• Incorrect documentation
• Software or configuration problems
• Unauthorized modification

Do not automatically assume that changing the displayed IMEI again is the solution.

What If Two Phones Have the Same IMEI?

Duplicate device identifiers are a serious issue.

If two devices appear to have the same IMEI, do not attempt to solve the situation by randomly changing one of them.

Document the devices and contact the appropriate manufacturer, carrier or authorized repair provider.

Can an IMEI Be Repaired?

In some legitimate repair situations, an IMEI-related problem can be diagnosed and the device’s original information restored.

The exact procedure depends on the phone.

For that reason, IMEI repair should be treated as a model-specific technical problem rather than a universal software procedure.

When Should You Use a Professional Repair Service?

Professional repair is often the better option when:

• The original IMEI is available.
• The phone displays Invalid or Null IMEI.
• Baseband is unknown.
• The problem appeared after flashing.
• Multiple repair tools have already been attempted.
• Protected device partitions may be damaged.
• You are unsure which chipset the phone uses.
• The phone is required for important communication.

A technician can diagnose the device before making additional low-level changes.

Common Mistakes When Searching How to Change IMEI Number

Mistake 1: Confusing IMEI With SIM Unlock

An IMEI is a device identifier. A SIM/network unlock removes a carrier restriction.

Mistake 2: Using Another Phone’s IMEI

Device identifiers should not be copied from unrelated devices.

Mistake 3: Trying to Remove a Blacklist

An IMEI modification should not be used to bypass a blacklist.

Mistake 4: Using a Generic Tool

IMEI-related repair environments vary between manufacturers and chipsets.

Mistake 5: Repeatedly Flashing the Phone

Additional firmware changes can make an existing problem harder to diagnose.

Mistake 6: Ignoring the Baseband

An unknown baseband can indicate a modem or firmware problem.

Mistake 7: Not Keeping the Original IMEI

If you legitimately own the phone, preserve the original device information and documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Change IMEI Number

How to change IMEI number?

The exact technical process varies by device, chipset and jurisdiction. If the phone has a legitimate IMEI problem, the safer objective is usually to restore its original device information rather than assign an unrelated IMEI.

Can I change my IMEI number for free?

Free software exists that claims to modify IMEI information, but compatibility, safety and legality vary. If your IMEI is missing or invalid, investigate legitimate repair options first.

Can I change IMEI on Android?

Android devices use different hardware and software architectures, so there is no universal procedure. Legitimate repair should be model-specific.

Can I change IMEI on Samsung?

Samsung devices have model-specific modem and protected configuration systems. If the IMEI is damaged, investigate restoration rather than replacing it with another device’s identifier.

Can I change IMEI on iPhone?

IMEI handling on iPhone is not a normal user setting. If an iPhone has an incorrect or missing IMEI, investigate the underlying device or repair issue.

Can changing IMEI unlock a phone?

No. IMEI identification and carrier unlocking are separate issues.

Can changing IMEI remove a blacklist?

IMEI modification should not be used to bypass a blacklist. Contact the relevant carrier or organization regarding the device’s status.

Can I use another phone’s IMEI?

No. Another device’s IMEI should not be treated as the identity of your phone.

What if my IMEI is invalid?

Investigate the cause. Firmware, modem, configuration and repair problems can all produce an invalid IMEI. See our IMEI Repair Tool guide.

What if my IMEI is null?

A Null IMEI can indicate a problem with the device’s modem or protected configuration. Identify the exact model and repair history before attempting additional changes.

What if my IMEI is unknown?

Check the baseband and firmware information. An unknown baseband can indicate a deeper modem-related problem.

Does an IMEI change remove SIM lock?

No. A SIM/network lock is a carrier restriction and should be handled through the appropriate carrier unlocking process.

Does changing IMEI make a phone compatible with another carrier?

No. Network compatibility depends on supported bands, technologies, certification and carrier requirements.

Is changing an IMEI legal?

Laws vary by country and circumstance. Restoring legitimate original device information after a repair problem is different from changing an IMEI to conceal ownership, bypass restrictions or disguise a stolen device.

Should I use an IMEI changer if my phone has no signal?

Not automatically. No signal can have many causes, including SIM problems, network compatibility, antenna issues, modem problems and carrier restrictions. Check the IMEI and baseband before assuming the IMEI needs modification.

Should I use an IMEI changer after flashing firmware?

If the IMEI disappeared after flashing, investigate restoration of the original device information rather than automatically attempting to assign a new identifier.

Related IMEI Resources

If you arrived here because of a specific IMEI problem, use the resource that matches your search intent:

• IMEI Changer Tool — broad information about IMEI changer tools and the wider IMEI topic.
• IMEI Repair Tool — for Invalid, Null, Unknown or missing IMEI problems.
• IMEI Rebuilder — additional information about IMEI-related rebuilding and troubleshooting.
• IMEI Number Check Online Tool — for checking information associated with an IMEI.
• IMEI Blacklist Checker — for investigating reported or restricted device status.
• iPhone IMEI Check Service — for iPhone-specific IMEI information.
• SIM Unlock Guide — for carrier and SIM/network unlocking problems.

Final Thoughts on How to Change IMEI Number

The search query how to change IMEI number can represent several completely different problems.

Some people are looking for information about IMEI modification, while others actually have a damaged, missing or invalid IMEI and need a repair.

Those situations should not be treated the same.

If your phone has a valid IMEI and you simply want to unlock it from a carrier, use the carrier’s unlocking process rather than attempting to modify the device identifier.

If the IMEI disappeared after flashing, updating or repairing the phone, investigate the cause and focus on restoring the device’s original legitimate information.

If you are buying a used phone, check its IMEI and device status before purchasing it.

If you need to investigate a blacklist, use our IMEI Blacklist Checker.

If the IMEI is missing or invalid, start with our IMEI Repair Tool guide.

If you want general information about IMEI changer terminology and resources, visit our main IMEI Changer Tool resource.

Keeping these topics separate makes it easier to identify the correct solution—and it also keeps this page focused specifically on the search intent behind how to change IMEI number.

Updated: August 30, 2026