How to Repair IMEI on MediaTek Phone Without Box Free [2026 Complete Guide]
Did your MediaTek phone suddenly show “No Service”, “Emergency Calls Only”, or “Invalid IMEI” after flashing a ROM or doing a factory reset? You’re dealing with a corrupted or null IMEI — and the good news is, you don’t need an expensive GSM box like Miracle Box or UMT to fix it.
In this complete 2026 guide, we’ll show you 4 proven free methods to repair your IMEI on any MediaTek (MTK) Android phone — without spending a single penny on hardware boxes. All methods use free tools and work on popular brands like Tecno, Infinix, Itel, Symphony, Realme, Xiaomi Redmi (MTK), Walton, and more.
⚠️ Legal Notice: This guide is for restoring your phone’s original IMEI number only. Changing to a different IMEI is illegal in most countries. Always use your phone’s original IMEI found on the box label or under the battery.
What Is IMEI and Why Does It Get Corrupted?
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile phone. Your network carrier uses this number to identify your device and connect it to the mobile network. Without a valid IMEI, your phone simply cannot make calls, send SMS, or connect to mobile data.
On MediaTek phones, the IMEI is stored inside a partition called NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) — specifically in a file called MP0B_001 located at /nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI/.
Common reasons why IMEI gets corrupted or erased:
| Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Flashing a custom ROM | Some custom ROMs wipe the NVRAM partition |
| Incomplete or wrong firmware flash | Corrupts the NVRAM/NVD_IMEI partition |
| Factory reset on some devices | Wipes the NVDATA partition on certain MTK phones |
| Using SP Flash Tool incorrectly | Accidentally formatting the wrong partition |
| Virus or malware | Rare but possible — corrupts system partitions |
| Rooting gone wrong | Root scripts that modify protected partitions |
Symptoms of a Corrupted or Null IMEI
How do you know your IMEI is the problem? Look for these signs:
- ❌ Phone shows “No Service” or “Emergency Calls Only”
- ❌ SIM card not detected even with a working SIM
- ❌ Dialing
*#06#shows NULL, 000000000000000, or 0123456789ABCDE - ❌ Baseband shows “Unknown” in About Phone settings
- ❌ Mobile data not working after ROM flash
- ❌ Can’t make or receive calls after flashing
If you see any of the above, your IMEI is corrupted and needs to be repaired.
Find Your Original IMEI Before You Start
Before attempting any repair, you must have your phone’s original IMEI number. Here’s where to find it:
1. Phone box label — Look for a sticker on the phone’s retail box. Dual-SIM phones have two IMEI numbers (IMEI 1 and IMEI 2).
2. Under the battery — On phones with removable batteries, the IMEI is printed on a sticker inside the battery compartment.
3. Settings → About Phone — If the phone still partially boots, go to Settings → About Phone → IMEI. Note it down before it gets erased.
4. Google account device info — Log in to myaccount.google.com and check previously linked devices.
5. Carrier records — Your network carrier can sometimes provide the original IMEI registered with your SIM.
💡 Pro Tip: Always write down your IMEI before flashing any ROM. Save it in your email or cloud notes for future reference.
What You Need (Pre-requisites)
Before starting, make sure you have:
- ✅ Your phone’s original IMEI number(s) — from box or label
- ✅ Phone charged to at least 50% battery
- ✅ For PC methods: USB Cable (original or good quality data cable)
- ✅ For PC methods: MTK USB Driver installed on your PC — Download from GSMxBlog
- ✅ USB Debugging enabled on the phone (Settings → Developer Options → USB Debugging)
- ✅ A Windows PC running Windows 7, 10, or 11
Method 1 — MTK Engineering Mode (No Root, No PC) ✅ EASIEST
This is the simplest and fastest method. It works directly on your phone without needing a PC or root access — just your phone and the original IMEI number. It works on most MediaTek phones running Android 5.0 to Android 12.
Works on: Tecno, Infinix, Itel, Symphony, Walton, Realme (MTK), Xiaomi Redmi (MTK), and most Chinese MTK brands.
Step 1 — Open Engineering Mode
Open your phone’s Dialer and type one of these codes:
*#*#3646633#*#*
or try:
*#*#54298#*#*
or try:
*#4634#
If the code works, MTK Engineering Mode will open automatically. If none of the codes work, download the MTK Engineering Mode app or Mobileuncle MTK Tools from a trusted source and open it manually.
Step 2 — Go to Connectivity → CDS Information
Inside Engineering Mode:
- Tap MTK Settings (not Android Settings).
- Tap Connectivity.
- Tap CDS Information.
- Tap Radio Information.
Step 3 — Write IMEI for SIM 1
You’ll see Phone 1 and Phone 2 options (for dual SIM phones).
- Tap Phone 1.
- At the top, you’ll see a text field starting with
AT+. - Clear the field and type exactly:
AT +EGMR=1,7,"YOUR_IMEI_1_HERE"
⚠️ Important: There must be a space between AT and + — type
AT +EGMRnotAT+EGMR. This is the most common reason the command fails!
Example:
AT +EGMR=1,7,"352456781234567"
- Tap Send AT Command.
- You should see a confirmation message. If you see
AT+EGMR: FLAG = 0— success! ✅
Step 4 — Write IMEI for SIM 2 (Dual SIM phones)
- Go back and tap Phone 2.
- Type:
AT +EGMR=1,10,"YOUR_IMEI_2_HERE"
- Tap Send AT Command.
Step 5 — Reboot the Phone
Restart your phone and dial *#06# to verify the new IMEI is showing correctly.
✅ Success indicator: Both IMEI numbers show in
*#06#and the phone now shows network signal.
Method 2 — SN Write Tool (PC Required, Free, No Root, No Box) ✅ MOST RELIABLE
SN Write Tool is MediaTek’s official utility used during manufacturing to write Serial Numbers and IMEI numbers to MTK devices. It’s completely free, requires no root, and works without any hardware box.
Works on: All MediaTek chipsets (MT6580, MT6737, MT6739, MT6761, MT6765, MT6768, Helio G85, Helio G96, Dimensity series).
What You Need
- SN Write Tool (latest version) — free download
- MTK USB Driver — Download from GSMxBlog
- Your phone’s original IMEI number(s)
- USB cable
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Download and extract SN Write Tool on your PC.
Step 2: Open SN_Write_Tool.exe as Administrator (right-click → Run as Administrator).
Step 3: In SN Write Tool:
- Under Item Select, make sure IMEI is checked.
- Enter your IMEI 1 in the SIM1 field.
- Enter your IMEI 2 in the SIM2 field (dual SIM phones).
Step 4: Power off your phone completely.
Step 5: Click Start in SN Write Tool.
Step 6: Connect your powered-off phone to the PC via USB.
Step 7: SN Write Tool will detect the phone automatically and begin writing the IMEI. Wait for the process to complete — you’ll see a green success message.
Step 8: Disconnect the phone and power it on. Dial *#06# to verify.
💡 Tip: If the tool doesn’t detect your phone, make sure MTK VCOM USB drivers are properly installed and the phone is truly off when connecting.
Method 3 — MTK Droid Tools (PC Required, Root Needed)
MTK Droid Tools is a powerful PC application specifically designed for MediaTek phones. This method requires root access on your phone.
Best for: Phones where Engineering Mode method failed or showed “This command is not allowed in UserBuild.”
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Root your phone first (use Magisk or the appropriate root method for your device).
Step 2: Download MTK Droid Tools on your PC and extract it.
Step 3: Install PdaNet on your PC with the phone connected — this installs the necessary ADB drivers.
Step 4: Open MTK Droid Tools. It should automatically detect your phone and display device details.
Step 5: Click the ROOT button in MTK Droid Tools — this gives the tool temporary root shell access.
Step 6: Click IMEI/NVRAM button.
Step 7: Enter your original IMEI numbers (15 digits each) in the fields provided.
Step 8: Click Replace IMEI.
Step 9: The phone will reboot automatically. After reboot, check IMEI with *#06#.
Method 4 — Chamelephon App (Root Required, No PC)
Chamelephon is a popular free Android app that works on newer MediaTek chipsets where the standard Engineering Mode method doesn’t work — especially devices running Android 12 and above.
Best for: Newer MTK phones where *#*#3646633#*#* code shows “Cannot find EngineeringMode App.”
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Root your phone using Magisk.
Step 2: Download and install Chamelephon APK from a trusted source.
Step 3: Open Chamelephon and grant it root permission when asked.
Step 4: Tap Change IMEI.
Step 5: Enter your original IMEI 1 for SIM 1. Tap Apply.
Step 6: For dual SIM, enter IMEI 2 for SIM 2. Tap Apply.
Step 7: Reboot your phone. Check with *#06#.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Your Situation | Best Method |
|---|---|
| No PC, no root, Android 5–12 | Method 1 — Engineering Mode |
| Have a PC, no root, no box | Method 2 — SN Write Tool ⭐ Most Reliable |
| Have PC + root access | Method 3 — MTK Droid Tools |
| Newer phone (Android 12+) + root | Method 4 — Chamelephon |
| Engineering Mode shows error | Try Method 2 or Method 4 |
Common Errors & Fixes
❌ Error: “This command is not allowed in UserBuild”
Cause: The phone’s ROM doesn’t allow AT commands on user builds.
Fix: Make sure there is a space between AT and + in the command. Type AT +EGMR not AT+EGMR. If it still fails, use Method 2 (SN Write Tool) instead.
❌ Error: “Cannot find EngineeringMode App”
Cause: Your phone’s ROM doesn’t include the MTK Engineering Mode app.
Fix: Download the MTK Engineering Mode APK or Mobileuncle MTK Tools and install manually. If that doesn’t work, use Method 4 (Chamelephon).
❌ Error: “AT command failed to send”
Cause: Radio/baseband is off or unknown.
Fix: This usually means your phone has Unknown Baseband — a deeper issue. You need to first flash the correct stock firmware using SP Flash Tool to restore the baseband. Then attempt IMEI repair again.
❌ IMEI shows correctly in *#06# but still no signal
Cause: The IMEI was written but the NVRAM partition wasn’t properly saved.
Fix:
- After IMEI repair, do a full power off (not restart).
- Remove battery for 30 seconds (if removable).
- Reinsert and power on.
- Check signal again.
❌ SN Write Tool says “Connect Timeout”
Cause: MTK VCOM driver not installed correctly.
Fix: Reinstall MTK USB Driver, restart PC, and ensure phone is completely off before connecting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is it legal to repair IMEI? Yes — restoring your phone’s original IMEI is legal in most countries. Only changing to a different IMEI is illegal. This guide is strictly for restoring the IMEI your phone came with from the factory.
❓ Will IMEI repair erase my data? Methods 1 and 4 (on-phone methods) do not erase data. Method 2 (SN Write Tool) typically doesn’t erase data either. Method 3 (MTK Droid Tools) may require a format in some cases.
❓ My phone has a non-removable battery. Does Method 1 still work? Yes. The battery removal step in Method 1 is optional. Just make sure your phone is fully charged and follow the Engineering Mode steps normally.
❓ Which MediaTek chipsets are supported? All common MediaTek chipsets are supported: MT6580, MT6737, MT6739, MT6761, MT6765, MT6768, MT6781, MT6877 (Helio G85, G88, G96, G99), and Dimensity series (MT6833, MT6893, MT6983).
❓ What if I don’t know my original IMEI? Check the box your phone came in — the IMEI is printed on the label. Also check inside the battery compartment. If you’ve lost both, contact your phone’s manufacturer with proof of purchase.
❓ Method 1 showed “AT+EGMR: FLAG = 1” — did it fail? Yes, FLAG = 1 means the write failed. Double-check that there’s a space between AT and + in the command: AT +EGMR=1,7,"IMEI". Also ensure the IMEI is exactly 15 digits. If it still fails, use Method 2.
❓ Can I use these methods on Samsung MTK phones? Yes. Samsung phones with MediaTek chipsets (some Galaxy A and M series) work with these methods. Samsung Exynos phones require a different method.
❓ Does this work on Tecno and Infinix phones? Yes — Tecno, Infinix, and Itel all use MediaTek chipsets. Method 1 and Method 2 both work well on these brands.
Conclusion
Repairing IMEI on a MediaTek phone without a box is completely possible using free tools. For most users, Method 2 (SN Write Tool) is the most reliable — it’s official, free, requires no root, and works on virtually all MTK chipsets in 2026.
If you don’t have a PC available, Method 1 (Engineering Mode) is the fastest solution directly on your phone. Just remember the critical detail: always put a space between AT and + in the command — AT +EGMR not AT+EGMR.
For newer phones on Android 12 and above where Engineering Mode is unavailable, Method 4 (Chamelephon) is your best friend — it handles the newer MTK chips that older methods can’t touch.
Have any questions or did a method work for you? Drop a comment below — your experience could help another technician fix their phone today!
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