How to Change IMEI Number on Android: What Works, Risks & Safe Options

Wondering how to change IMEI number on an Android phone? The answer is more complicated than many old IMEI changer guides suggest. Modern smartphones protect the IMEI as a persistent device identifier, and there is no universal Android setting or tool that safely replaces it on every phone.

This guide explains what an IMEI number is, what people mean when they search for an IMEI changer, why older methods no longer work universally, what to do when an IMEI is missing or invalid, and how IMEI relates to network unlocking and carrier restrictions.

Important: This guide does not provide instructions for assigning an arbitrary, cloned or fabricated IMEI to a phone. If your device has lost its original IMEI after a software problem, the correct objective is to diagnose the problem and restore the device’s own original identity through an appropriate repair or authorized service process.

Can You Change an IMEI Number?

In simple terms, an IMEI is not an ordinary Android setting that you can edit like a phone number, Wi-Fi name or wallpaper. It is a persistent identifier associated with the cellular hardware of the device.

Older Android phones and specialized service environments sometimes allowed deeper access to modem or device identity data. That history is why searches for how to change IMEI on Android still return many old tutorials and applications.

However, those historical methods should not be treated as universal solutions for modern phones. Android’s protection of persistent device identifiers has become considerably stronger, and access can depend on the manufacturer, chipset, software version, security architecture and service authorization.

What Is an IMEI Number?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is used to identify cellular equipment on mobile networks. Many smartphones use a 15-digit IMEI, while devices with multiple cellular radios or SIM slots can have more than one IMEI.

The important distinction is that the IMEI identifies the device. It is not the same thing as your SIM card number, telephone number, Google account, Apple Account or network unlock code.

How to Check Your Current IMEI Number

Before looking for an IMEI changer, first check whether the phone already has a valid IMEI. Many people search for an IMEI-changing tool when the real problem is a network, SIM, firmware or device-identity issue.

Method 1: Dial *#06#

On many phones, opening the phone dialer and entering *#06# displays the device’s IMEI information. The exact behavior can vary by manufacturer and software version.

Method 2: Check Android Settings

• Open Settings.
• Open About phone or the equivalent device-information section.
• Look for IMEI, IMEI information or Status.
• On a dual-SIM phone, check whether both IMEI entries are displayed.

Method 3: Compare the Device Information

If you are diagnosing a used or repaired phone, compare the IMEI displayed by the device with legitimate documentation or the device information supplied by the manufacturer or carrier. Do not publish your complete IMEI in a public comment or forum.

Why Do People Search for an IMEI Changer?

The phrase IMEI changer can describe several completely different situations. Some users genuinely want to modify an identifier, while others are trying to solve a network problem and assume that changing the IMEI will fix it.

Why Old IMEI Changer Methods Often Fail on Modern Android Phones

Many older tutorials were written for Android versions and devices with very different security architectures. A method that worked on a particular older MediaTek phone, for example, does not mean the same procedure will work on a current Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, Motorola or other Android device.

Modern Android versions also restrict access to persistent device identifiers. Android documentation explains that identifiers such as IMEI and MEID are protected and that privileged access is required for many applications to retrieve them.

This is one reason why websites claiming that a single IMEI changer tool works on every Android phone should be treated carefully.

Common Claims You Should Be Careful With

• “Works on every Android phone.”
• “Changes any IMEI without root.”
• “Unlocks every carrier automatically.”
• “Removes a blacklist instantly.”
• “Works on all Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo and Vivo models.”
• “One-click IMEI change for every chipset.”
• “Factory reset creates a new IMEI.”

There is no universal solution that makes all of these claims true across modern devices.

Does a Factory Reset Change the IMEI?

No. A normal factory reset is designed to erase user data and return supported software settings to their default state. It does not normally assign a new IMEI to the phone.

If the IMEI is missing after a reset, firmware installation or other software operation, the reset itself should not be assumed to have generated a new identifier. The problem may instead involve the modem software, protected device data or another component of the cellular system.

Does Unlocking the Bootloader Change the IMEI?

No, not normally. Bootloader unlocking and IMEI identity are different parts of a phone’s architecture.

Unlocking a bootloader can allow a device owner or technician to perform certain software operations, but it should not be confused with changing the phone’s cellular identity.

This distinction is important because many old phone-unlocking websites combined network unlock, bootloader unlock, FRP and IMEI changing as though they were the same process. They are not.

Does Changing an IMEI Unlock a Carrier-Locked Phone?

No. A carrier or network lock is a separate restriction. Changing an IMEI is not the normal method for obtaining a carrier unlock.

If your actual problem is a network-locked phone, start with the carrier or the appropriate network-unlock procedure instead of searching for an IMEI changer.

Our free IMEI unlock guide explains how IMEI information relates to legitimate phone unlocking and how to determine which type of unlock you actually need.

If your phone is asking for a network unlock code, our NCK code and network unlock guide explains the difference between NCK, SIM Network Unlock PIN and other unlock terminology.

What If Your Phone Shows “Invalid IMEI”?

An Invalid IMEI, Unknown IMEI or missing IMEI can be a different problem from wanting to change an IMEI.

If your phone previously displayed its correct IMEI and the information disappeared after flashing firmware, installing a custom ROM, performing a repair or experiencing a software failure, the appropriate goal is usually to restore the original device identity, not create a new one.

Symptoms of an IMEI or Modem Problem

• IMEI shows as Unknown.
• IMEI shows as Invalid.
• The IMEI field is blank.
• The phone cannot register on a mobile network.
• The device shows an unusual baseband or modem status.
• Mobile service stopped after flashing firmware or performing a major software repair.
• One SIM slot works while another has missing device information.

What You Should Check First

1. Restart the phone and check the IMEI again.
2. Check the IMEI using the phone’s information screen or supported dialer method.
3. Check whether the baseband/modem information is present.
4. Remember what changed immediately before the problem appeared.
5. If the problem started after flashing firmware, verify that the correct firmware was used for the exact model and region.
6. Use manufacturer documentation or an authorized repair service when protected device identity data needs restoration.

Do not copy an IMEI from another phone simply because it looks like a valid number. A valid-looking number is not necessarily the original identity of your device.

IMEI Change vs IMEI Repair

These terms are often mixed together, but they describe very different goals.

For that reason, someone searching for an IMEI changer may actually need an IMEI repair or diagnostic guide instead.

Can an IMEI Changer Remove a Blacklist?

Changing or attempting to replace a device identifier should not be treated as a legitimate blacklist-removal method.

If a phone has been reported lost, stolen, blocked or otherwise restricted by a carrier or national device registry, the appropriate solution is to resolve the status through the relevant carrier, seller or authority.

Do not rely on websites promising that an “IMEI changer” can turn a blacklisted phone into a clean device. Such claims can lead to additional problems and may violate local laws or network rules.

How IMEI Relates to Phone Unlocking

IMEI information is frequently involved in legitimate phone-unlock processes because carriers and service systems can use device identifiers to determine eligibility or identify a handset.

That does not mean the IMEI itself is an unlock code.

If your goal is to unlock a Samsung phone, see our Samsung unlock code guide for the difference between Samsung network locks, SIM unlocks, NCK terminology and IMEI-related information.

For other Android brands, our LG unlock guide, Huawei unlock code guide and BLU phone unlock guide explain the differences between network locks and other types of device restrictions.

What About IMEI Changer Apps and APK Files?

Search results still contain many applications advertised as IMEI changer APK, IMEI changer tool or Android IMEI changer. Compatibility claims should be treated carefully.

An APK cannot automatically overcome the hardware, modem, permission and security architecture of every Android phone. A tool designed for one chipset or Android version may be completely incompatible with another device.

There is also a security risk in installing unknown APK files. A tool that requests root access, modem access or extensive device permissions should be treated as high risk unless its source and purpose are clearly established.

Before Installing an IMEI Tool

• Confirm exactly what problem you are trying to solve.
• Identify your exact phone model and chipset.
• Check whether the problem is actually an IMEI problem.
• Avoid tools promising universal compatibility.
• Do not install software from unknown or suspicious sources.
• Do not use another device’s IMEI as a replacement identifier.
• Keep backups before performing legitimate firmware or repair operations.

Does an IMEI Change Unlock a SIM Card?

No. A SIM card can have its own PIN or PUK security, while the phone can separately have a carrier or network lock.

If your phone displays a message such as SIM Network Unlock PIN, that is a strong indication that you should investigate the network-lock process rather than trying to change the device’s IMEI.

See our SIM Network Unlock PIN guide for an explanation of network unlock PINs, NCK terminology and carrier unlocking.

Is Changing an IMEI Legal?

The legal position varies by country and by the reason for the change. In some jurisdictions, intentionally altering or using tampered telecommunication identifiers is prohibited and can result in serious penalties.

For example, India’s Department of Telecommunications has specifically warned against tampering with IMEI and other telecommunications identifiers under its current telecommunications rules.

Because laws differ internationally, check the rules applicable to your country before attempting any operation involving a device identifier. Regardless of jurisdiction, using a cloned or altered IMEI to disguise a lost, stolen or blocked device is not an appropriate solution.

What Is the Safest Solution for a Missing IMEI?

If your phone has lost its original IMEI, the safest approach is to determine why it disappeared and restore the phone’s original device identity using a compatible, legitimate repair process.

• Confirm the exact phone model.
• Check whether the baseband/modem information is available.
• Determine whether the problem started after flashing or updating software.
• Use the manufacturer’s exact firmware where appropriate.
• Restore the original device information from a legitimate backup when such a recovery method is supported.
• Use an authorized technician when protected modem or device-identity data requires service access.

IMEI Problems on Samsung, Huawei, LG and Other Android Phones

IMEI behavior can differ significantly between manufacturers and models. A procedure that applies to one older Android phone should never automatically be assumed to work on another brand.

For network unlocking rather than IMEI repair, you can continue with our brand-specific resources:

• Samsung Galaxy Unlock Code Guide
• Huawei Unlock Code Calculator Guide
• LG Unlock Code Guide
• BLU Phone Unlock Guide
• Nokia Lumia Unlock Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Changing IMEI Numbers

Can I change my IMEI number with an Android app?

There is no universal Android application that safely changes the IMEI on every phone. Device architecture, Android version, chipset and security protections all matter.

Does rooting Android change the IMEI?

No. Root access and IMEI identity are separate issues. Rooting may provide additional system access on some devices, but it does not automatically create or change an IMEI.

Can a factory reset change the IMEI?

No. A normal factory reset does not normally assign a new IMEI.

Can changing an IMEI unlock a carrier-locked phone?

No. Carrier unlocking and IMEI identity are different functions. Use the appropriate carrier or network unlock procedure.

Can an IMEI changer remove a blacklist?

You should not attempt to bypass a blacklist by changing or cloning a device identifier. Resolve the blacklist through the carrier, seller or relevant authority.

What should I do if my IMEI says Unknown?

First determine whether the problem appeared after flashing, resetting, repairing or updating the phone. Check the baseband/modem information and use an appropriate original-IMEI recovery or authorized service route rather than assigning a random identifier.

Can I use another phone’s IMEI?

No. An IMEI identifies a particular device. Copying another device’s identifier can create network, security and legal problems.

The Bottom Line: How to Change IMEI Number

If you arrived here searching for how to change IMEI number, the most important point is that modern Android phones do not provide a universal, safe method for replacing the device’s IMEI.

If your goal is carrier unlocking, changing the IMEI is the wrong solution. If your phone has an invalid or missing IMEI, focus on restoring its original identity. If your phone is blacklisted, resolve the blacklist through the appropriate carrier or authority rather than trying to disguise the device.

And if you are actually trying to unlock your phone, start with the correct type of unlock. Our IMEI unlock guide, NCK code guide and SIM Network Unlock PIN guide can help you identify the correct path.

Related: Free Phone Unlock Codes Guide | Free IMEI Unlock Guide | NCK Code Generator & Network Unlock Guide | SIM Network Unlock PIN Guide