IMEI or International Mobile Equipment Identity Number is a unique number that is given to smartphones. The purpose of assigning unique IMEI is to allow GSM networks to identify devices and give access to valid devices.
Similarly, it helps law enforcement agencies to track down stolen phones and apprehend culprits.
Now when it comes to changing IMEI Numbers, it’s illegal in many countries, but it’s allowed to do so in some rare cases.
Related Post – How to get IMEI Number on iPhone & iPad if locked.
In this comprehensive WearToTrack Guide, I will explain various IMEI-related topics such as Can IMEI Number be changed? What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing it? How to do it? And more. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What Is The IMEI Number?
If you want to have a good understanding of IMEI, it’s important that you know the basics. International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI is a unique number that is assigned to every smartphone by the smartphone manufacturer.
This unique number carries important information which helps the GSM to validate the devices. IMEI number is divided into various parts, which include the information of origin, model, and serial number of the devices.
It’s also important to note here that every IMEI is unique, and if two devices have the same IMEI, it means that one of them is fake.
Can The IMEI Number Be Changed On iPhone Or Android Devices Like Samsung?
IMEI number is encoded deep into the smartphone system, and it can only be changed if you root the device and then change the IMEI information.
The IMEI number of iPhone and Android devices such as Samsung, Huawei, Nokia, Xiaomi, and others can be changed, but the process will be different for both IOS & Android.
Also, it’s important to note here that it’s illegal to change IMEI numbers in many countries, and many countries also have strict punishments for this offense.
So, before you start doing it, make sure that you consult with the Telecom policy of your country, and you should only do it if it’s allowed in your country.
Read Also – what happens when the IMEI number is Blocked or Blacklisted.
What Are The Advantages & Disadvantages of Changing IMEI Number?
Changing the IMEI number is a painfully long and complex process which is why it’s important that you know the advantages and disadvantages of it if you want to do it.
In this section, I will share the Advantages and Disadvantages of Changing the IMEI Number.
Advantages of Changing IMEI Number
Here are the Advantages of Changing IMEI Number:
- When you buy your smartphone, the seller often notes the IMEI of the device, and it’s linked to your number, which means that it can be used to track you. However, if you change your IMEI number, they won’t be able to track you, provided that you change your phone number as well.
- If your Network Provider has barred your device from accessing the network due to some reason, you will be able to access the network using the new IMEI Number.
- If you have an older version of the software, you can possibly get new updates with the new IMEI, but if your device is very old, you might experience some performance issues.
Disadvantages of Changing IMEI
Here are the disadvantages of Changing IMEI:
- If you change the IMEI of your device, the warranty will get void, and you won’t be able to claim a warranty from your smartphone company.
- IMEI Changing is a complex process, and if you don’t do it right, you can end up damaging your devices, and in worst-case scenarios, you might end up getting malware or viruses in your smartphone.
- Also, if you don’t do the process right and your new IMEI doesn’t work, your device won’t be able to access GSM.
- It’s a punishable offense in many countries, and if it’s detected by any law enforcement agency, you can end up in prison.
- IMEI number also verify that you are the owner of the smartphone, and if you change the IMEI number, you won’t be able to verify that you are the real owner of the device, and things can go wrong.
How Can You Check The IMEI Number On Android?
One of the easiest ways to check the IMEI number of your device is to dial the *#6# code from your smartphone. Once you run it, the system will show the IMEI Code on the screen.
How Can You Check The IMEI Number On iPhone?
When it comes to checking the IMEI Number on iPhone, there are two ways to do it: Sim Tray & Settings.
If you take out the Sim Tray of your iPhone, you will find the IMEI number written on it. Similarly, you can also find it from the settings.
- Go to Settings of your iPhone
- Now go to General Section and tap the About section
- In the About section, scroll down and find the IMEI Number.
- That’s it.
How To Change IMEI Number On Android?
The process of changing the IMEI number on Android is long, and you will need an app, “Xpose,” which is not available on Google Play Store. Instead, you will have to download it from the internet. Once you have the Xpose App installed on your smartphone, follow these steps to change the IMEI number.
- Find the IMEI number of your Android smartphone using *#6# Code.
- Now open Xpose App and go to IMEI Changer Pro Module.
- In the next step, restart your device and open the IMEI Changer.
- Here you will see your current IMEI number and new IMEI. You can also request for Random IMEI number.
- Once you are sure, tap “Apply,” and that’s it.
The IMEI number of your device will be changed, and you can confirm it using the *#6# Code.
How to Change the IMEI Number of iPhone?
If you want to change the IMEI Number of your iPhone, you will need software named “ZiPhone.” It’s very useful and effective software that you can use to change the IMEI number of your iPhone. Also, if you want to use this method, you will need to Jailbreak your iPhone, and you can find the complete method on the internet.
Here’s how you can change the IMEI number of iPhones.
- Install ZiPhone from the internet.
- Now go to your iPhone and press the Wake and power button at the same time and keep holding it until Apple Logo appears on the screen.
- Connect your iPhone with the PC and open the ZiPhone folder.
- In the next step, open Command Prompt and type ZiPhone.
- Now type “ZiPhone -u -i a {new IMEI Number” and press enter.
- Wait for few minutes, and the IMEI Number of your device will be changed.
Frequently Asked Questions [ FAQs ]
For your further inquiry, you may check out this section of the article. Here, we will answer the most common questions regarding ”Can the IMEI Number Be Changed?”
Can IMEI Be Changed Permanently?
Yes, if you follow the above methods, you can change the IMEI Numbers permanently.
Can a Phone be Tracked if IMEI is Changed?
If you change the IMEI number of your device along with your phone number, no one will be able to track you. However, if someone has information about your new number, they can use it to track you down.
Can Thieves Change My IMEI Number?
Yes, if Thieves have access to your smartphone, they can certainly change the IMEI Number, which is why it’s illegal to change the IMEI number.
Conclusion
In this guide, you learned how you can change the IMEI number of your iPhone and Android devices. I have also shared the advantages and disadvantages of changing IMEI, which will help make your decision.
In the end, I would strongly recommend that you download the apps from trusted websites as many websites often share malicious versions of the apps to infect users. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.
Read Also – Why Is My IMEI Number not Found? How To Solve It?
As a professional trainer and a gadget lover, I’ve spent a lot of money and time buying wearable activity trackers, smartwatches, and gadgets, and checking them out. My site is focused on helping you with your activity tracking and smart technology journey. I try to provide the most helpful updated content on this subject. Hopefully, you will love my blogs and be a regular around here.
