If you need to change the IMEI on your phone, this article will give complete and accurate information about what the IMEI code is, why it is needed and how to change it yourself.
What is IMEI
You may have already come across this concept, and then you are aware that IMEI is used to identify your phone. But everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance. IMEI is an abbreviation of the English name International Mobile Equipment Identity. It stands for "international identifier for mobile equipment." This set of numbers is unique to each telephone device. This number is used in phones, tablets, as well as in some satellite phones. In addition to simple identification, it is used to block access to the cellular network to the device. The frequency of smartphone thefts is high all over the world, and the IMEI of the phone has become a necessary security measure.
What is this code really for?
If your cell phone has been stolen, you can notify your service provider. It blocks the access of the device to its network. According to the code, the police can identify the stolen device, because the missing phones are registered in the database. The owner must be responsible for his gadget and store the code recorded in advance in a safe place in case you can’t see it on the phone. The identifier has nothing to do with the SIM card - if the phone is stolen even after resetting the settings and replacing the SIM card, the phone’s IMEI remains the same. When buying a phone with your hands using this identifier, it is easy to determine if the inside of the device is clean. Also, using it, you can lock your phone through a mobile operator. Among other things, in the interests of the investigation, the device can be put on wiretap.
How to check
There is a standard command for checking this code. Most phones display IMEI when typing * # 06 #. For a routine check on the street or for a one-man check, this is enough. Of course, there are other ways to find out the IMEI code, they are not the same for different manufacturers. On the iOS platform, you need to go to "Settings", the section "General", "About the phone". On an Android device, go to Settings, About Phone. If we are talking about a Sony or Sony Ericsson phone, you need to press the Right, Left Left, Left command on the keyboard. On devices such as Blackberry or the new Sony Ericsson, you need to find the “Status” section in the options menu.
How to change IMEI on Android
First you need to enter the engineering menu. It is hidden, but is detected when a set of special commands, individual for each model. After entering the menu, the sequence of actions is as follows: go to the Connectivity -> CDS section. Information, expand the Radio Information tab and click on the line Phone 1. Active IMEI will be written in the first field. To replace it, write EGMR = 1.7, “New Identifier”, and indicate the required code in brackets. In conclusion, you need to confirm the actions performed by pressing SEND AT COMMAND, and restart the phone.
In addition to this method, you can replace IMEI using special software. A number of utilities, such as Mobile Uncle, Xposed IMEI Changer, allow you to change IMEI without much difficulty.
For an example, we will analyze the procedure in the Xposed IMEI Changer application. After starting, go to the "Modules" tab, mark the IMEI Changer module and reboot the device. After that, open the program again, enter the required numbers in the field for the new identifier and restart the phone.
Before applying the described methods, you should carefully check whether this method is suitable for your phone model.
How to change IMEI on iPhone
There is no easy and safe way to change the IMEI code on an Apple gadget. Unfortunately or fortunately, these numbers are sewn into microcircuits, and changing them with some simple manipulations is impossible. However, of course, there are hacking techniques and methods. They are mainly used by attackers to implement stolen equipment. IMEI can be changed only with the motherboard of the phone. But then it will be a completely different device, preserving only the case from the former.
Caution!
Changing the IMEI code is a criminal offense. It is worth knowing to those who are trying to complete this procedure on someone else's phone. Detailed information is given in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, Articles 272-273. You should also remember that changing the identifier can lead to a complete malfunction of the phone and in any case will deprive it of a guarantee. Changing IMEI yourself is a very dangerous and unpredictable action. Do not start any manipulations with the phone without being sure of a positive result.