17 digit IMEI - Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking

Is there any way to get rid of the two extra digits in the IMEI?
Doug

i imagine not without reburning the radio or whatever, with a custom image (not the OS ROM). I think I read somewhere that the IMEI could be changed, but only if you use a certain ver of xdatools, and if you had a certain bootloader????? :roll:
But why would someone want to do that?

da(s)h said:
Is there any way to get rid of the two extra digits in the IMEI?
Doug
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your IMEI is 15 digits, the 2 extra digit exists as an identifier for your Service Provider only.
This is why you see 15 digits IMEI in your device information, but when you request the info through your Service Provider, they return you 15+2 digits.
Forgive me, but I don't see the sense of 'removing' the 2 extra digits???

Extra IMEI digits
Well, first off, my IMEI is 15+2 regardless of whether I'm looking at it in Device Information or requesting it using *#06#.
The reason I want to get rid of the two extra digits is so I can change the IMEI using XDAManipulator. (Before some of you out there jump on me about how changing the IMEI is illegal in certain countries - Yeah, I know, it's illegal in the U.K., Australia is going to make it illegal, I don't know about the U.S. - haven't seen evidence beyond people saying "it's illegal", but the bottom line is, I don't really care. So don't bother spouting off and sounding holier-than-thou.)
As for why I want to change it, it's not the one listed on the back of the device, and as far as I understand, were I ever to have a claim, they'd check the IMEI listed on the back of the device and when it doesn't match, they'd shoot me down.
So, my original question stands, is there any way to remove the two extra digits?
Doug

I still see no reason to remove digits if you are using manipulator. Just put the new number in.

what is manipulator?
it's for what?

IMEI change problem
Okay. I don't know what the problem is with this thing. I thought that I couldn't change the IMEI because of the extra 2 digits. But I then was able to get my 2nd XDA working and discovered that it ALSO carries the extra digits. And has the same ROM and Radio versions. BUT, I can edit the IMEI on the 2nd XDA.
So, any suggestions? Any idea as to why I can change the IMEI on one XDA but not the other, despite both having the SAME ROM and Radio? I'm at a total loss.
If it helps, the ROM is 3.14.40 ENG and the Radio is 6.18.
Doug

Can't find Xda Mnipulator
Hey guys. Can't seem to get a hold of a copy of XDA tools, or XDA Manipulator, the download section won't load for me... Anyone have an old copy they could send me??
..........IB a n e

As stated here the 2 extra digits are used on "some" networks as a check sum, removing these are technically changing the IMEI which is illegal anywhere. You will gain absolutely nothing by removing these digits :?

Lord Buckingham spouted off without actually reading the previous posts:
<<>>
As stated here the 2 extra digits are used on "some" networks as a check sum, removing these are technically changing the IMEI which is illegal anywhere. You will gain absolutely nothing by removing these digits
<<>>
If he had read the previous posts, he would have seen that I already said:
A. Not to bother if you're going to act holier-than-thou,
B. At the time of the original post, it was not illegal in the US, I don't know if it has since been made illegal in the US,
C. The IMEI is not the one listed on the back of the phone. Sometimes when a ROM is flashed it resets the IMEI - why, I don't know.
ALSO,
I already figured out that it is simply a checksum. (No, I didn't say it, but I did discover that my other XDA I also had the 2 extra digits, which I did mention, therefore I realized that I didn't have to remove the checksum digits.)
AND,
As for changing the IMEI being "illegal anywhere," did some world government take over and make sweeping laws making IMEI changing illegal everywhere while AT THE SAME TIME totally failing to make any news whatsoever? Wow, and the White House can't even manage to spy on American citizens without someone leaking it...
Lord Buckingham, before you post such broad statements, try this:
Stop.
Read what you wrote.
Then either erase the erroneous info or add a disclaimer. (For an example, see item B.)
Now, since someone was kind enough to dig up this old topic, I'll repeat my earlier request for any USEFUL suggestions as to how to change the IMEI on the XDA with the wrong IMEI. It's the wrong IMEI (that is not the one on the back), and if I ever need to make a claim, I would like to have all the ducks in a line. Or at least the right IMEI.
Thanks in advance.
Doug

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Lord Buckingham said:
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LMAO
word!

Brief Question..
What exactly is Bootloader mode and how do I get into it? I red somewhere that i had to press the power button on my xda2 and then soft reset... but this seems to have performed a hard reset.
How do I enter bootloader mode?
Thanx,
...........IB a n e

Re: Brief Question..
BANE said:
What exactly is Bootloader mode and how do I get into it? I red somewhere that i had to press the power button on my xda2 and then soft reset... but this seems to have performed a hard reset.
How do I enter bootloader mode?
Thanx,
...........IB a n e
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bane, why have you posted this question in *this* thread? This thread relates to IMEI numbers.
Da(s)h, chill out man. The reason for IMEIs changing is to change the identity of a stolen device. If your IMEI is 'wrong' then you may find that the correct IMEI is registered as stolen and barred from networks in your country. If you have aquired your device in 'good faith' I suggest you leave well alone.

You're right, sorry I should have posted somewhere more suitable.
...........IB a n e

BANE said:
You're right, sorry I should have posted somewhere more suitable.
...........IB a n e
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can't find your answer using search then feel free to start a new thread.

Thanx

TheBrit posted:
<<>>
Da(s)h, chill out man. The reason for IMEIs changing is to change the identity of a stolen device. If your IMEI is 'wrong' then you may find that the correct IMEI is registered as stolen and barred from networks in your country. If you have aquired your device in 'good faith' I suggest you leave well alone.
<<>>
I know that the primary (perhaps) reason for changing the IMEI is to change the identity of a stolen device. I would argue (successfully) that it isn't the ONLY reason, and my need to change the IMEI is a legitimate one, given that I know the device isn't stolen, and the original IMEI isn't barred. I just want it right so that if I ever have a claim on the handset policy I don't have to deal with the garbage of, "Well, the IMEI that shows up on our records is XYZ and the device you sent to us has the IMEI of ABC on the back. We're not going to replace your XDA."
As for chilling out, I have a problem with people who feel they have to post some rude, self-serving, useless bit of tripe (I can just see them saying to themselves, "It was my fisrt post to that forum ever!!!" (Spelling error intentional.)), that makes erroneous, sweeping generalizations. I should point out here that while your (TheBrit's) generalization was sweeping, your message was not rude (not reading an entire initial message and/or ignoring key elements IS rude), and therefore I was not offended.
Back to the IMEI issue, if I wanted a quick solution, I could simply change the IMEI of my second XDA, use it for a while, drop it in traffic, then transplant whatever part got broken into the XDA with the mucked up IMEI, and THEN make a claim, but that would be flat-out insurance fraud, and I'd rather have a legal method to deal with the IMEI issue. Acutally, I guess dropping it in traffic would be bad, cause then the motherboard might get damaged and then I'd have two problem XDAs. One dead and one with the wrong IMEI. Anyway, you guys get the idea, but my point is that I want a non-fraudulent method.
Doug

I seem to remember reading that one of the unlock tools in this forum can change the IMEI.

I would actually assume that the case had been switched out on your device, IMHO.... so if any of the little warranty stickers inside are broke, it won't matter for your insurance anyway: opening the device voids warranty.......
But then again, I don't know everything.
Good luck.

Related

Unlocking a password protected HTC Touch device. Advice please.

Hiya guys, 1st time poster so please treat me gently!!!
The crux of the matter is my younger sister returned from her holiday in spain to her dad's with a mobile she'd found near his house, a HTC Touch.
The phone itself had no SIM card in when found, and appears to be on the Orange network, with French language.
The phone itself, when you turn on, asks for (I think - its in French!!) a password or pin number. Apart from that its in full working order.
My question is, is there anything I can do with it? I looked on the HTC website and at the online manual. It mentioned "Hard Reset" which I did and assumed would restore the phone to factory default settings (the manual also said all data and passwords would be lost), but still, on reboot there is the prompt for the password. Unfortunately my GCSE french is all i can remember so looking in the French language manual probs isnt a good idea!
I know that IMEI numbers sometimes get blocked etc after loss. But is there a way round this??
I thought I'd defer to you guys superior knowledge as I say. Apologies if any of these questions break forum rules etc, as I said, this is all new to me and im not sure of the legality of using the phone now either, but otherwise its going to waste and never even had a SIM in when found. Is the phone now only worth scrap?? It would seem a massive shame if so.
Thanks for your time, and if you have any advice, id appreciate it lots
Well, I said I was a noob with all this stuff!!! Erm, I managed to hard reset the phone....my French wasnt up to scratch and guess what.......id pressed the wrong button for the master reset
****Very embarrassed smiley!!!!!!!****
anyway, this forum has taught me a few things already, so thanks.
Now, where to get a link for an English Rom to reinstall WM6 in Eng Lang (its still in french!! )
I can't beleive someone took his/hers SIM card out and threw away his/hers Touch. Everyone loves that device!
G.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=359
wwe ==world wide english
but best practice when finding something like that is to return it
as it could be a stolen and imei blocked device
there might be a reward
Rudegar said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=359
wwe ==world wide english
but best practice when finding something like that is to return it
as it could be a stolen and imei blocked device
there might be a reward
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I wholeheartedly agree. But it was my little sister who found it near her fathers house in Benidorm, and its in French. I can only assume it was a tourists, however the fact there was no sim in is weird.
But she brought it back to the UK now, and Im just wodering how to get it to work. Seems a great shame, especially when I did a bit research and saw what kind of cool phone it was.
I cant stress enough how much Im being genuine about this too, the phones not stolen etc.....i just dont think there'd be any way to find the owner, if there ever was one!!!
I'd almost bet the phone was stolen in the first place and the theif pulled the sim so that if the phone accidentally got turned on it wouldn't leave a trace on the network and then when things got a little to hot for them to handle they ditched the phone where your sister found it.
xeno1 said:
I'd almost bet the phone was stolen in the first place and the theif pulled the sim so that if the phone accidentally got turned on it wouldn't leave a trace on the network and then when things got a little to hot for them to handle they ditched the phone where your sister found it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite possibly.
Well, at least the theif never prospered if that was the case.

[Q] Which IMEI should I use?

I searched but could not find my specific question referenced anywhere. I just received an unlock code from T-Mobile and it is, of course, tied to the IMEI of my TP2. However, when I look up the IMEI code on the phone, or use *#06# as T-Mobile suggests, it returns two additional characters (total of 17) that does not exist when I look on the back of the phone under the battery (total of 15). I don’t know which number to use and wanted to ask the advice of anyone here who might know since we are only given so many attempts before it locks up permanently (according to T-Mobile). I am using a custom ROM but based upon the searches I’ve done, that should have any impact on either the IMEI number or unlocking it.
Thank you in advance for your help/suggestions/comments.
I would use the one on the sticker under the battery, especially if it matches what tmo gave you.
arrrghhh said:
I would use the one on the sticker under the battery, especially if it matches what tmo gave you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, will do. Just nervous enough that I thought I'd better ask. I'll post my results tomorrow.
Thanks!
arrrghhh said:
I would use the one on the sticker under the battery, especially if it matches what tmo gave you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, you were right. It all worked perfectly using the printed number. Sorry for being such a wienie
gregb882 said:
Yep, you were right. It all worked perfectly using the printed number. Sorry for being such a wienie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
np, sometimes you need a push .
Out of curiosity, anyone knows why the IMEI numbers are different?
the IMEI numbers should match for the FIRST 15 the extra 2 digits are more or less "add-ons" that are board specific??, if the numbers do not match at all it means the case has been replaced and then you should use the FIRST 15 numbers you got from the phone (board)........hope this helps???

IMEI Sticker Replacement

I purchased a T-Mobile galaxy s4 with a cracked screen at a great price and am going to repair the device myself. The extent of the damages requires me to change the front housing which contains the IMEI sticker. I was wondering if anyone knew where I would be able to purchase a new IMEI label to place on the new part after the repairs are complete?
Same problem here, I have changed my screen and the sticker was damaged. I hope that someone have the solution.
Do you really need it? I mean it will work perfectly once a new sim is put in. So who cares what the sticker says?
If you need the number for future reference you could just write it on any sticker and slap it in there. I have doubts that it would help for future warranty repair as you certainly won,t have any warranty on the device that has been broken and self repaired.
I understand some people just like to have everything look new. But for all anyone knows you are planning to sell the repaired device as though it was never damaged, which is unethical. Or you are trying to disguise a phone with a bad imei with a sticker showing a good imei, which is downright illegal.
I'm not accusing you of either, by the way. You seem like a nice enough guy. Just trying to demonstrate why any discussion around imei's, imei labeling, or changing imei's is always really touchy subject matter on xda. And even if your intentions are honorable the information you use to accomplish your goal can be used by thieves who would use it to deceive others. As such, xda prefers not to have any discussion of imei related stuff in the forums as it then becomes publicly available to those who would use it improperly. Xda does not want to be a party to that information sharing. And this thread is already in the top 5 Google search results when you search for "imei sticker" but the way, just to demonstrate how easily this information would be accessible to people looking to use it for bad purposes.
Sent from your phone. You should be careful where you leave that thing.
I have no ill intentions, just want everything to look new after my repairs are done. I completely understand the perspective you presented and I didn't even think of that aspect of my inquiry. I guess I'll have to do without it, as it's not a huge deal. Thanks for your input on the matter anyway!
Sent From An Incognegro Galaxy S4
good luck. i don't see you being able to get a new sticker. just as stated if you know the number what's the big deal of not having one

[Q] Rebuild NV to restore IMEI?

Hi, I recently brought a T-Mobile Galaxy S4 from eBay. The IMEI is not the same as the one under the battery. I have heard that Qualcomm based phone can rebuild the NV data to restore the IMEI. Can someone provide me with instructions on how to do this? I am trying EFS Professional, but I don't want to mess anything up. Thanks.
A couple things.....
1- You are in possession of a Federal felony. To have an altered ESN/IMEI/ MEID is like having a car and altering the vin number.
2- The phone is probably stolen.
3- The phone is probably stolen.
4- Run the IMEI thats under the battery on an ESN checker website and I bet it wont come back as clean.
5- Ever seen the 1st 48 when some one ends up with the dead guys phone? Yeah we might see you questioned on the first 48 soon.
6- Return the phone. Because if it is infact stolen not only will you be charged with stolen property youll also be charged with the possession of the altered ESN/IMEI/MEID device which again is a felony on a federal level.
Adam0524 said:
A couple things.....
1- You are in possession of a Federal felony. To have an altered ESN/IMEI/ MEID is like having a car and altering the vin number.
2- The phone is probably stolen.
3- The phone is probably stolen.
4- Run the IMEI thats under the battery on an ESN checker website and I bet it wont come back as clean.
5- Ever seen the 1st 48 when some one ends up with the dead guys phone? Yeah we might see you questioned on the first 48 soon.
6- Return the phone. Because if it is infact stolen not only will you be charged with stolen property youll also be charged with the possession of the altered ESN/IMEI/MEID device which again is a felony on a federal level.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have checked both IMEIs, they are clean. Tried some IMEI checker sites and T-Mobile sites. Even asked a T-Mobile agent. All said clean. Thank you for the suggestion.
Maybe at some point the phone was repaired and a new mother board was installed.
If the imei is clean just use the phone as is. There's no need to change imei.
☞Sent from here☜
baseballfanz said:
Maybe at some point the phone was repaired and a new mother board was installed.
If the imei is clean just use the phone as is. There's no need to change imei.
☞Sent from here☜
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I 100% agree. I was in need of a Main board for my S2, and all the main boards come with their own IMEI some include a sticker to place over the older barcoded one some don't. So if they are clean you are good to go and just use it as is as baseballfanz said!
Cool, thanks.
Also please NEVER make a thread on XDA asking for instructions on how to change an IMEI or give out ANY info on doing so. It is strictly against XDA rules to discuss such matters here.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Skipjacks said:
Also please NEVER make a thread on XDA asking for instructions on how to change an IMEI or give out ANY info on doing so. It is strictly against XDA rules to discuss such matters here.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's really not asking how to change it, but how to rebuild it back to original. Which isn't bad. He was just confused as to why the software is showing a different IMEI then on the back covor.
elesbb said:
He's really not asking how to change it, but how to rebuild it back to original. Which isn't bad. He was just confused as to why the software is showing a different IMEI then on the back covor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How you use the power to alter imei isnt really relevant. Once that is discussed openly on xda the information is out there for others to use for less legitimate purposes.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Skipjacks said:
How you use the power to alter imei isnt really relevant. Once that is discussed openly on xda the information is out there for others to use for less legitimate purposes.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I mean is that he's not trying to change it to some random number or to that of another phone.
What he found was prolly information regarding the s2 or s3 when I had those devices there was a thread instructing one how to rebuild your IMEI. Rebuilding and changing it are two different things, the latter of the two being illegal lol.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
But if he did have a new mother board installed... There's nothing to rebuild. You cant rebuild the pervious boards number. Only way for it to match the sticker is.... Illegal
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
You have nothing to worry about. When my company fixes a cracked s4 screen, we replace the entire frame/LCD/glass at once, this piece also contains the imei sticker. Sometimes we take the good motherboard and swap it into a decent used screen from a phone we bought from someone. It is not uncommon for a lazy tech to forget to swap the stickers. Then we sell the refurb on eBay. And that is how you ended up with your phone. No imei foul play (most likely.)

[Q] flash one phones EFS to another?

alright, I have a real nice condition optimus G that I lost the EFS info a while back. My HTC one is busted (speakers sound terrible, can barely hear people and even the mic is crap, they can barely hear me and all my videos just have static)
I found a real cheap optimus G with a clean esn I can put on my account but it is in TERRIBLE condition. Before I order it and wait for it to show up I was hoping to find out if I could root it, run the create-backup-efs zip, transfer the file to my phone, and flash the created zip and use the good phone from then on under the esn of the crappy phone?
(I did search but didnt find a specific answer)
maddmatt02 said:
alright, I have a real nice condition optimus G that I lost the EFS info a while back. My HTC one is busted (speakers sound terrible, can barely hear people and even the mic is crap, they can barely hear me and all my videos just have static)
I found a real cheap optimus G with a clean esn I can put on my account but it is in TERRIBLE condition. Before I order it and wait for it to show up I was hoping to find out if I could root it, run the create-backup-efs zip, transfer the file to my phone, and flash the created zip and use the good phone from then on under the esn of the crappy phone?
(I did search but didnt find a specific answer)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that's a good question, but I don't know if you will get an acceptable answer here since that is essentially swapping the IMEI and since the DMCA that is illegal. Keep that in mind. Best bet would to be put the logic board from the busted phone into the good phone with the bad ESN. I don't know if that is a legal workaround but it is worth a shot, also from the last few posts in the EFS restore thread, you might not get LTE if you flash the good EFS over the BAD one. Wouldn't hurt to try though I guess. Like I said, you can always replace the logic board.
I dont know what you meant when you said "bad esn", if you are referring to the fact the phone now has an imei of "000.......000" then you're right, but if you mean bad esn as in the phones been stolen, reported lost, or is from an un-paid contract or anything like that than no, I had it on my account for a long time, got a new phone, gave it to my wife to use and she wanted it back to stock and while doing so I somehow lost all EFS info.
I just didnt really want to try and disassemble the phone but I never looked at how its assembled really, but will that work anyways because I will still need to use the phone under the esn from the one Im ordering because I dont know the imei, sucks because I know the meid but I just dont know what that one last digit is for the imei, and its nowhere on the phone or box... Ive never swapped internals before, if I were to swap boards, would the software just bring up the identifying numbers off of the board or what happens then? do I need to program them in?
maddmatt02 said:
I dont know what you meant when you said "bad esn", if you are referring to the fact the phone now has an imei of "000.......000" then you're right, but if you mean bad esn as in the phones been stolen, reported lost, or is from an un-paid contract or anything like that than no, I had it on my account for a long time, got a new phone, gave it to my wife to use and she wanted it back to stock and while doing so I somehow lost all EFS info.
I just didnt really want to try and disassemble the phone but I never looked at how its assembled really, but will that work anyways because I will still need to use the phone under the esn from the one Im ordering because I dont know the imei, sucks because I know the meid but I just dont know what that one last digit is for the imei, and its nowhere on the phone or box... Ive never swapped internals before, if I were to swap boards, would the software just bring up the identifying numbers off of the board or what happens then? do I need to program them in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry! What I meant here " Best bet would to be put the logic board from the busted phone into the good phone with the bad ESN" was EFS. I was in ESN mode and accidentally typed that.
But seriously, if you are able to flash the EFS from the good but busted phone onto yours, it will change the ESN/MEID. That's what can make it against the DMCA. Which is why it is suggested against. However, I don't know why or how that is any different than replacing the logic board.
And if you change the ESN/MEID it will not be the same phone that's on your account. I think if you read the EFS recovery thread, you might be able to repair the messed up one.

Categories

Resources