Develop Bugs

Missing IMEI / No Mobile Data / Dev block / EFS Thread (UPDATE 7.16.12)

TO MINIMIZE THE CHANCE YOU LOSE YOUR IMEI, BE SURE AND ROOT/CWM USING THIS METHOD:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426
AND ONLY FLASH ROMS INTENDED FOR USE ON YOUR MODEL
**UPDATED 7/16/12**
questions we are trying to answer:
- what versions of clockworkmod, if any, are prone to causing IMEI problems?
- what rooting methods, if any, are prone to causing IMEI problems?
- what ROMs are causing imei issues, and on which models? is the rooting/cwm method related?
- where is the IMEI stored on the phone, and most importantly
- is it possible to back it up, and restore it once corrupt?
RESTORING AN /EFS BACKUP DOES NOT APPEAR TO RESTORE AN IMEI AT THIS TIME.
TO BE SAFE, USE THIS GREAT SCRIPT BROUGHT TO YOU BY DROTHENBERGER AND SFERNANDEZ:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=28528532&postcount=38
You will need Cygwin (http://www.cygwin.com/) for the script.
Original post by sfernandez detailing the partitions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=28519596&postcount=39
IF YOU HAVE THIS ISSUE, PLEASE FILL THIS OUT AND POST. THANKS PINOYMUTT:
1. CARRIER VERSION:
(ATT, TMo, Sprint, Verizon, Bell, etc.)
2. ROOT METHOD:
Exact method you used to root, please link to the thread if possible
3. CWM INSTALLATION METHOD:
Again, please be specific. Examples include the ADB/DD method, flashing via ODIN, etc.
4. CWM VERSION:
Which CWM are you using -- the Sprint version or one of the Clockwork ones?
5. ROM(s) FLASHED:
Did you flash any ROMs after the above, and how did you flash it?
6. WHEN DID YOU FIRST NOTICE IMEI WAS GONE?:
It helps if you know which step may have caused the issue
7. OTHER NOTES:
RULES
1. Please READ THE ENTIRE THREAD BEFORE POSTING. There is way too much info in here for me to summarize.
2. ALWAYS READ THE THREAD BEFORE POSTING
3. If your phone is working properly and your IMEI is intact, and the method you used to root and install CWM has already been detailed by another member, WE DO NOT NEED TO KNOW IT ALSO WORKED FOR YOU. LET'S TRY AND KEEP THE THREAD CLUTTER DOWN
4. No arguing or bickering over stupid crap. Keep that to PMs.
5. READ THE THREAD BEFORE POSTING. THANK YOU.
original post:
If you have flashed a new ROM on your phone recently and have found difficulty or impossibility in getting cellular or data service, chances are you have corrupted or deleted the file that stores your IMEI. i'll try to answer a couple of common questions and detail methods i used, and why i think they failed
What is an IMEI?
your network identifies your phone by its IMEI. once i had "lost" mine, AT&T's network would not provide service to my device, even after getting a new sim card.
How can I check if mine is corrupted?
your IMEI is a 15-digit number under your battery. dialing *#06# should display the same number under your battery. if you get a different number or something like 0 / 00, you have corrupted your IMEI.
Changing the APNs
marginally effective at best. your phone is not registering on AT&T's network as a device it should send data to, so it doesn't matter what APN you use.
flashing to stock rom
did not work for me. probably because this probably doesn't effect the /efs partition, where the IMEI is stored.
use CWM / nandroid restore
from what I can tell, a standard backup does not back up the EFS partition. you need to use something like EFS pro to backup your /efs directory (where the IMEI is stored). restoring my phone to a previously stable and working save did not restore my IMEI
editing nv_data.bin
no one has been able to find this file on the SGH-i747
using a terminal / AT interface
it looks like the IMEI is encrypted and causes a stack overflow when you try to query it. notice how i can query my IMSI (edited) fine, but querying the IMEI causes a stack overflow. pic:
http://imgur.com/uZxZL
i probably tried a few more things i can't think of right now. moral of the story is... approach unstable roms with caution, and BACK UP YOUR EFS PARTITION!!!
anyone had any luck restoring a busted IMEI? :highfive:

EFS pro has not been updated to the correct partition for i747, so currently that method to backup/restore will not work.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

thanks for the info. will copying the entire /efs directory to my extsd using root explorer work?

It's not the EFS folder but the correct block partition in the dev folder.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

thanks for filling me in on this, still an android nub compared to you guys... did some digging and found this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-1689623.html
is that info still relevant/correct?

Not sure but cant hurt to do a full backup of all the blocks until someone can confirm that it's the same with the s4 version of the galaxy s3.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

can anyone confirm if using root explorer to backup /dev safely backs up your IMEI?

how can you do a backup of all the blocks on the phone?

I have not used this yet but you should read this thread and give it a try.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1746665

nunyabiziz said:
I have not used this yet but you should read this thread and give it a try.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1746665
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks ill check it out

On my older captivate backing up the efs folder worked. Then if you loose the imei, restoring the folder or nvdata file fixed it. I'd backup the efs folder just in case.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

EFS Pro DO work with the S3. (I haven't try restoring my EFS, but backup went fine)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1308546

What did you to loose IMEI? What ROM did you flash or what did you do wrong to cause this? Better to learn from somebody's else mistakes then your own.

When I had the problem on my Samsung Captivate, the EFS was wiped out when I converted from a CyangonMod rom to a standard Captivate based ROM. I didn't actually lock down what caused the issue (since I could easily fix it by restoring the nvdata.bin file - which I just kept handy on my external SD card and PC as well). I think it might have been when I ran a one-click ODIN to restore back to the RFS file system to install one of the custom Captivate ROMS. The only issue I ran into was the IMEI was different than what it should have been, but no usability issues at all. So moral of the story is, it's possible it can happen any time you flash a new ROM, backup your EFS folder and keep it in a safe place (I believe it's just the NVDATA.BIN file you need because that's all I restored), and enjoy the variety of custom ROMs these developers are building (because they are great!).
That's my $.02
EDIT: Oh and the Nandroid backups don't backup the EFS folder, so don't think a CWM backup will save you.

to those of you suggesting to back up nv_data.bin... just tell me where it is and i'll be glad to. i was no able to find it anywhere in /efs or /dev
artisticcheese said:
What did you to loose IMEI? What ROM did you f
flash or what did you do wrong to cause this? Better to learn from somebody's else mistakes then your own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am pretty use it happened when i flashed redruM onto my phone like a dumbass thinking [GSM Universal] meant it would work for my device

On the Captivate flashing a 1-click ROM would fix the issue. I have the issue too, but I really do not know what to do about it, I have looked all around the /efs partition, and I'm not sure where it could be.

DemonWav said:
On the Captivate flashing a 1-click ROM would fix the issue. I have the issue too, but I really do not know what to do about it, I have looked all around the /efs partition, and I'm not sure where it could be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't mean to discourage you, but i had to get a new device.
one thing that i wanted to try but could not was to take a stable EFS backup from an SGH-i747, locate the IMEI and change it to my own, and restore my /efs folder with those files. i'm not sure if decrypting the IMEI is possible, or if even getting to that point is possible.
if anyone has any ideas on how to extract an IMEI from an EFS backup feel free to PM me. i'm interested in experimenting on my personal backup (from my second device)

Ultimately if anyone should lose their IMEI or bork the EFS partition...these guys can fix it. They are very reputable and have fixed my Captivate back in the day....they now offer fixes for this device now. Its only 30 bucks and keep them in mind instead of paying 200 for insurance claims.
NO SPRINT OR CDMA models.
http://mobiletechvideos.mybigcommerce.com/

Well I will be getting a new phone on the 10th, but until then I would really like to figure out how to restore the IMEI. Who knows, it might not be possible at this point. When I get the new phone I will definitely be backing up my /efs directory, first thing. I completely forgot to do it, and it cost me.

How are you guys backing up the efs partition? Just a simple folder copy? Or a complete cwm backup?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

Restore advice sought re MOBO replacement

Hi Guys,
Some time ago my SGH-i927 turned off and refused to come back on, it was sent to a couple of repair specialists who confirmed it was dead; an ex SGH-i927; it was no more, it had shuffled off it's mortal coil......e.t.c.
....now I have splashed out on a 'for spares showing extreme wear' handset from a well know auction site, supposedly it switches on but because of a broken screen is otherwise unusable. My hope is to swap the innards of the spares into my old phone which has a decent screen in a desperate attempt to achieve a single working handset.
I have backups both NANDROID and EFS from my old phone before it passed away. I've searched on restoring the NANDROID and this would seem to be a workable proposition, however, I have found little on restoring EFS to a 'repaired' phone. There were hints that this might over write the IMEI of the donor with the IMEI of my old phone. The legalities of this would appear to be somewhat dubious. As I presumably own the rights to both IMEI's and there will still only be one phone with it, what are your thoughts ?
My old phone was network unlocked using an unlocking code based on it's IMEI - which of the 'Backups' contains this setting (I'm guessing EFS) ?,
If I just restore the NANDROID would the unlocked status be preserved or would I need the EFS too?
What other issues might I encounter if I try to restore the EFS ?
Your help with these questions would be gratefully received.

requiem_mortis said:
Hi Guys,
Some time ago my SGH-i927 turned off and refused to come back on, it was sent to a couple of repair specialists who confirmed it was dead; an ex SGH-i927; it was no more, it had shuffled off it's mortal coil......e.t.c.
....now I have splashed out on a 'for spares showing extreme wear' handset from a well know auction site, supposedly it switches on but because of a broken screen is otherwise unusable. My hope is to swap the innards of the spares into my old phone which has a decent screen in a desperate attempt to achieve a single working handset.
I have backups both NANDROID and EFS from my old phone before it passed away. I've searched on restoring the NANDROID and this would seem to be a workable proposition, however, I have found little on restoring EFS to a 'repaired' phone. There were hints that this might over write the IMEI of the donor with the IMEI of my old phone. The legalities of this would appear to be somewhat dubious. As I presumably own the rights to both IMEI's and there will still only be one phone with it, what are your thoughts ?
My old phone was network unlocked using an unlocking code based on it's IMEI - which of the 'Backups' contains this setting (I'm guessing EFS) ?,
If I just restore the NANDROID would the unlocked status be preserved or would I need the EFS too?
What other issues might I encounter if I try to restore the EFS ?
Your help with these questions would be gratefully received.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AS i know it would preserv. if not, you wil lbe able to use old unlock code with old imei.
Be sure to backup OLD and NEW efs.
Laws here perevent to mess with radio things, and that means you are forbidden to change your imei.
Manipulating the efs may brick your phone. I would start backup efs, and restore old one, and see what happens.

bubor thankyou for your response, may I ask for clarification
Laws here perevent to mess with radio things, and that means you are forbidden to change your imei.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would restoring my Old 'EFS' to the transplanted / replacement motherboard constitute 'messing with radio things' ?
I ask so as to avoid breaking the law ...UK LAW
Please PM me if you do not wish to publish an answer

Further research would indicate that the WiFi MAC address may also be stored in the EFS folder, if I overwrite the EFS of the donor MOBO with my backup file would the WiFi still work ?
Can anyone confirm if the WiFi component would still work with a transplanted EFS ?
All thoughts gratefully received.

Possibly EFS corrupted? Please help!

Commented on a few lost IMEI related threads but most of them seem to be unattended. So thought of trying my luck in a new thread :good:
IMEI and Samsung serial number on my unlocked note2 i317 dont match with back panel and so unable to connect to any network(phone's history is unknown so cant do much apart from fixing the phone). Phone's still in original firmware(refer attached snapshot for complete details). Tried to load original stock ROM from ODIN(KIES_HOME_I317UCALJ2_I317ATTALJ2.tar.md5 ) but still EFS remains the same. I could locate the serial_no file(which contains new Serial number) from root explorer but unable to find nv_data files in IMEI folder(IMEI folder only contains mps_code.dat file.
Questions:
- Does this indicate an incorrect ROM flash that might have corrupted EFS?
- Are nv_data bin and bak files visible from root explorer(rooted, of course)?
- Original stock ROM was loaded from a single tar.md5 file(838mb) through ODIN. Though ODIN confirmed it as ''PASS" at the end, all the data on the phone remained intact and the process consumed around 8-10 minutes. Is this acceptable?
Looking forward to quick and promising responses.
TIA,
Chaitanya.

Folks, can someone kindly respond!
I trying to reach couple of members who dealt with similar issues but havent heard back.

Not possible to do it legally.

stevenlong said:
Not possible to do it legally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im aware about that. I'm mainly trying to figure out the root cause. I'm not quite sure whether the issue is because of a wrong custom ROM or anything else, and hence require some guidance.Can you answer my questions please?
On a lighter note, changing IMEI is illegal but I guess retrieving is not :silly:

I've flashed many different ROMs on various phones and I've never had problems with the IMEI number changing.
Don't know about nv_data phone is still searched my Note II.
Don't know about the results of ODIN flash (sorry).

chaitanyapatwari said:
. . . changing IMEI is illegal but I guess retrieving is not :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having the software is illegal.

Guys,
Your advices are welcome but I would be glad if your responses actually address my problem rather than lecturing me on what is right or wrong. Sorry but,as a novice in troubleshooting android related problems and this being my first overseas phone, I thought senior members could share their experience in pointing to the actual problem with my phone.
In case it is the subject of this thread that is leading to this confusion, I apologize. I'm not really sure if it is an IMEI problem and that why mentioned all the details I thought are relevant to this issue. If it is still against the forum's rules to discuss my issue, please close this thread.

Changing you IMEI does not happen by accident. Flashing ROMs does not do it. Corrupting you EFS will not change you IMEI.
So from the sound of it you have a phone where someone in the past has deliberately changed the IMEI.
The IMEI that your phone currently has sound like it is not recognized by the network as being a valid IMEI.
Sorry but from you description you need to change your IMEI to a valid one.

As I have so patiently explained, you are asking people to give you advice on attempting an illegal action. That's why you aren't getting a solution. Check your xda user agreement - this discussion is breaking that.

Thanks guys.Please understand that I was not sure about the root cause. That's why posted the symptoms here and asked for confirmation. The phone physically looks so good that I couldn't believe that it was used before and got its IMEI and serial number tampered. Since I read some threads with users explaining IMEI related losses, I thought of sharing my issue as well. It was also getting tough to receiving help from India and xda is the best forum I heard about.
Appreciate your feedback. Please close my thread if it is strictly against your rules.

From the Moderator
The Other People who posted are correct software that's sole purpose is to modify the IMEI is not legal. So, it is not allowed in XDA to post such items....... Lic laws, etc.
It is possible to retrieve your original IMEI if you have a previous backup by restoring a nandroid (if you kept one) other than that, not sure how to do it.
That said
This is now .........CLOSED...........

EFS partition Backup

I've bought used N910A phone and the EFS parition was corrupted, so it had to be wiped in service mode. The rest is working fine and after ODIN with stock rom + temporary root I can access to EFS partition, but it doesn't include anything so I need to put there content. The best way could be if somebody will give me the EFS partition backup then I will change IMEI and certificate for original one.
Thanks in advance for this. It will save my life!
You can PM to me if you don't want to share this EFS on the forum.

zencooler said:
I've bought used N910A phone and the EFS parition was corrupted, so it had to be wiped in service mode. The rest is working fine and after ODIN with stock rom + temporary root I can access to EFS partition, but it doesn't include anything so I need to put there content. The best way could be if somebody will give me the EFS partition backup then I will change IMEI and certificate for original one.
Thanks in advance for this. It will save my life!
You can PM to me if you don't want to share this EFS on the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anybody help in this, please? It is very simply help, so any support will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

Doubt anyone here wants to share EFS files. When you talk about altering EFS and IMEI, you're getting into legal issues with phones.

jack man said:
Doubt anyone here wants to share EFS files. When you talk about altering EFS and IMEI, you're getting into legal issues with phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I whole heartedly agree. If you messed the phone up that bad you should mostlilely not be messing with it or take it to some place to service it for you.
And just an FYI i have seen alot of not so well english speakers askong for different parts of firmware or code of devices so the could build clones. I have been in the software and devices running linux code for over 10 years starting out with FTA (free to air) and we had a company out of south korea build our units and we did the code to make the set top boxes work. We many of our units cloned and our software stolen reversed and rebuilt to make it look like theirs. Thats why i got out of that business.
So thats why you are going to have a real hard time finding someone to share their efs partition. And you should always backup your device before doing anything to it ever and never ever aquire one with a missine imei or efs

giga8547 said:
I whole heartedly agree. If you messed the phone up that bad you should mostlilely not be messing with it or take it to some place to service it for you.
And just an FYI i have seen alot of not so well english speakers askong for different parts of firmware or code of devices so the could build clones. I have been in the software and devices running linux code for over 10 years starting out with FTA (free to air) and we had a company out of south korea build our units and we did the code to make the set top boxes work. We many of our units cloned and our software stolen reversed and rebuilt to make it look like theirs. Thats why i got out of that business.
So thats why you are going to have a real hard time finding someone to share their efs partition. And you should always backup your device before doing anything to it ever and never ever aquire one with a missine imei or efs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course I fully agree with you. I am android user since first android comercial impementation (on HTC G1), and of course I always make nandroid backup and EFS backup. This time it is completely different story. As I said I've bought phone with corrupted EFS partition, but full information about IMEI is available. So the only way to make this phone running is to get any EFS partition and change settings. For people having doubts: you can get rid IMEI from settings from the EFS partition. I just need the content to set up the rest.
Thanks in advance. Please PM to me if you can help me. Once again: thanks.

N3N Hex anyone?

Hi, i backed up my efs using twrp anyway and only did the firmware, used the phone only for a week and now the baseband is gone out of blue.
no imei.
i have tried million ways however now i think i've only two options. either i go to some profession (hard to find) to use some "boxes" and fix it for me, i play with nv-data hex file or the imei folder's to make something work!
is it possible? it might be illegal in some countries to touch the nvdata file however, if i'm only replacing my imei, i wouldn't really care if its illegal.
hope someone can help.