How to Change IMEI number on Android

Are you facing connectivity problems? ”SIM not detected” is what your phone signals you? Then you might need to check your IMEI number? What exactly is an IMEI number? An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is usually a 15 digit code that every mobile, smart phone (android) or other, possess.

Where to find my IMEI number:

Your IMEI number comes with the packaging of your phone or else it would be printed on the back of your cell phone.

If your phone is causing problems regarding the detection of SIM, then most probably the NVRAM of your phone that actually stores the IMEI number got hacked or damaged. This tutorial is all about how to change your IMEI number on android. Just follow a few simple steps:

1. If you still don’t know your IMEI number, dial *#06#. The IMEI number will flash on your screen.

2. If your IMEI number is wiped, damaged or changed, edit it in the engineer mode. Type *#*#3646633#*#* on dialer and enter the engineer mode.

3. After doing this, you fill find a number of options. Go for CDS Information à Radio InformationàPhone 1 or 2(if you have dual SIM).

4. 1^st EMEI:

Type EGMR=1,7,”IMEI” after AT+ and hit send command and reboot.

·         Your device will restart.

·         Again go to the dialer.

·         Follow the steps 2 and 3.

2^nd EMEI:

·         Type EGMR=1,10,”IMEI” after AT+ and hit send command and reboot.

Note:  Replace IMEI_1 and IMEI_2 with your IMEI number. For example: AT =EGMR=1,7,”9100XXXXXXXXXXXX”.

5. Your device will restart after the second IMEI.

Is changing IMEI number on android illegal?

Imagine you bought a new cell phone and after a few days Police is at your door accusing you of terrorism. Yes, it is equally possible because changing IMEI is said to be illegal and an offence in some countries like US, UK etc. 

But what if it is really necessary to change your IMEI number? There is a very low probability that you will be caught after you change your IMEI number on android but what if the above scenario really happens? What I would suggest if it is really unavoidable to change to IMEI number, go to your phone dealer and have a little chat about it. At least if cops are standing next to your door, you will have some explanation of why you did this offence.

According to the law of UK, quoted in The Mobile Telephones (Re-Programming) Act 2002:

Section 1(1):

A person commits an offence if:

·         he changes a unique device identifier,

·         he interferes with the operation of a unique device identifier,

·         he offers or agrees to change, or interfere with the operation of, a unique device identifier, or

·         he offers or agrees to arrange for another person to change, or interfere with the operation of, a unique device identifier.

Section 1(2):

A unique device identifier is an electronic equipment identifier which is unique to a mobile wireless communications device.

Section 1(3):

But a person does not commit an offence under this section if:

·         he is the manufacturer of the device, or

·         he does the act mentioned in subsection (1) with the written consent of the manufacturer of the device.

So, it is absolutely necessary to research about the law regarding IMEI number in your country before taking any step that comes under the term illegal. Believe me, enjoying some jail time just because of a little carelessness is not cool at all and it’s simply not worth it because carelessness sometimes leads to danger.