Database Develop

[Q] my imei is changed. should i be worried?

i have been lurking these forums for a while. but made an account for this. i have been flashing roms and what not for about 6 months. as i was fed up with waiting for updates. anyway straight to the question.
my IMEI has changed recently to the 004999010640000 generic one. does that mean is corrupted. what are the risks/problems that i will face if i leave it or try to restore? should i re flash stock and work my way back to custom roms again? or are there other methods that i can do? do these methods restore the original IMEI or a new one. is there a problem with that?
its been like that for about 2 months. i have no backups. it also makes my phone show up twice on marketplace on a desktop. i guess google can see the difference.

i found my old imei . fair sure i shouldn't tell you what it is. is there a way to change it back to that code? without to much hassle? i really dont want to flash back to froyo and start again. i would settle with a factory wipe and some instructions on preventing this from happening again

Please follow instructions at own risk. I am fairly new to all of this but below is what work for me.
If you have a backup, which I did, then you should have an efs folder inside your backup folder. This contains the files you need. (nv_data.bin.md5 & nv_data.bin)
The easiest is to place these to files in the root folder of your internal sd card. Then with something like Root Explorer copy these files & then go to the actual efs folder of your phone and paste them of the existing files in this folder.
Once you have done this delete the nv_data.bak.md5, nv_data.bak and nv_log files.
If you don't have a backup others have said the best is to flash a stock rom which should then restore your original IMEI number. I have not personally done this but it is mentioned a lot.
I don't know how to change the IMEI number any other way.

i was hoping there was an easyer way. i dont have a baack up but i guess i will have to make one when i get it back. ill try it when i get some free time. would any stock rom work or do i have to get a build thats froyo or ginger. would this idea work?
first make back up of files i need. and do a titanium backup and nand
second flash back to stock. check for restored imei
3rd make backup of efs.
4th follow steps to get custom rom working again
5th restore nand backup
6th if imei is lost again use backup.

I just wish there was an easy way to do it other than going back to old firmware
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

There is if you had made a backup. Unfortunately without a back, which you should always make, you need to take the long route...

I read that the app called Galaxy_S Unlock by Helroz can fix your problem. You need rooted phone.

I have flashed alot of roms and hav alot of efs backups bt all these are just logs. R they useful?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium

Sys81 said:
I have flashed alot of roms and hav alot of efs backups bt all these are just logs. R they useful?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if i had made some im sure i wouldnt be having a hassle right now lol. just need one working one
i think i just did find a backup. from one of the installs it actualy was in the tutorial
going to try it now.

scubadude said:
Please follow instructions at own risk. I am fairly new to all of this but below is what work for me.
If you have a backup, which I did, then you should have an efs folder inside your backup folder. This contains the files you need. (nv_data.bin.md5 & nv_data.bin)
The easiest is to place these to files in the root folder of your internal sd card. Then with something like Root Explorer copy these files & then go to the actual efs folder of your phone and paste them of the existing files in this folder.
Once you have done this delete the nv_data.bak.md5, nv_data.bak and nv_log files.
If you don't have a backup others have said the best is to flash a stock rom which should then restore your original IMEI number. I have not personally done this but it is mentioned a lot.
I don't know how to change the IMEI number any other way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is there anything else i should do? like change permitions? wipe or restart anything????

ended up just flashing samfirmware 2.3.6 stock. then reflashed cm9. i have my imei back. is there an easy way to back it up and restore it around. most things i se involve some terminal or adb. terminal im a bit iffy with and adb i wont be able to do

SturmTyrann said:
ended up just flashing samfirmware 2.3.6 stock. then reflashed cm9. i have my imei back. is there an easy way to back it up and restore it around. most things i se involve some terminal or adb. terminal im a bit iffy with and adb i wont be able to do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nitrality app.

I don't think that app works with ics/cm9. Its unusually fast for. Backup. Almost like it didn't do anything at all. At backup and restore. It says done as soon. As I click backup or restore.
sent from icecreamland where everything looks cyan....

Look at your sdcard insanity/backup

just go to any CWM recovery and in backup and restore option, backup efs or vice-versa !

[Q] Bricked Galaxy Mini while unlocking

I followed a "SAFE UNLOCK" method that in the end made my phone stop booting.
Since "Download mode" was still working I flashed using Odin the S5570BVKT4_S5570OROKT2_ORO firmware (Romanian ROM from samfirmware.com)
My problem is that although Android boots, the Phone feature is dead.
*#1234# says Phone: Unknown
What can I do to fix my phone?
Thanks

tughi said:
I followed a "SAFE UNLOCK" method that in the end made my phone stop booting.
Since "Download mode" was still working I flashed using Odin the S5570BVKT4_S5570OROKT2_ORO firmware (Romanian ROM from samfirmware.com)
My problem is that although Android boots, the Phone feature is dead.
*#1234# says Phone: Unknown
What can I do to fix my phone?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try dialing *#06#. Is it showing you the imei no. If yes try reflashing the firmware but wipe data and reset it in recovery mode first... but if its showing unknown or 000000000000000. Use it as a mp4 player now because you modified files in the efs partition.... which keeps info about imei... or if you made a backup of efs before unlocking it you can restore it....
Sent from my GT-S5570 using xda premium

How to backup efs ?
Sent from my GT-S5570 using Tapa talk 2

hsay said:
How to backup efs ?
Sent from my GT-S5570 using Tapa talk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here:
http://www.comunidadgalaxy.es/viewtopic.php?f=81&t=9673
Change language by Google translate.

You might have gone wrong while working with ODIN.
Click here to see a list of stock firmwares (with bootloader removed - no hard brick risk) and download what you wanted.
Then flash it using ODIN following the steps correctly. See the tutorial here.

ashu.bigsmoke said:
Try dialing *#06#. Is it showing you the imei no. If yes try reflashing the firmware but wipe data and reset it in recovery mode first... but if its showing unknown or 000000000000000. Use it as a mp4 player now because you modified files in the efs partition.... which keeps info about imei... or if you made a backup of efs before unlocking it you can restore it....
Sent from my GT-S5570 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMEI is unknown ... so I have now an Android MP3 player

A BigSmoker said:
Here:
http://www.comunidadgalaxy.es/viewtopic.php?f=81&t=9673
Change language by Google translate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried to run EFS Pro 1.81, 1.82 and 2.0.26 and I it couldn't connect my phone. My mobile is still working all right, but I want to make a backup of the EFS info just in case. I wonder whether if somebody have successfully backed up the EFS folder.

Well the file you will pull from your phone is the efs partition, you no need to look into it, you just need a hex editor to look the code
No need of editing anything
And for the backup purpose just backup the efs file you will pull (backup means copying it to a safe place)

dheeraj (dhlalit11) said:
Well the file you will pull from your phone is the efs partition, you no need to look into it, you just need a hex editor to look the code
No need of editing anything
And for the backup purpose just backup the efs file you will pull (backup means copying it to a safe place)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean the bml5.img file? If so, I've done the backup already. Cheers!

Yeah bml5.img

Undo IMEI clone

Hi, I've got a soft brick then I restored using partitions copy from my friend device.
Now my device has the same IMEI as from device from my friend.
How I restore to original IMEI?
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app

Sorry I was on wrong forum, how do I move?
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app

ask to administrator..they can move your post to other section
my gt-i9070 drop message

do you have your old imei anywhere? like written down or as a backup file? there are apps for imei backup and restore in the play store... if you dont have a backup of your original imei i don't thinm there is any way of recovering it.
Gesendet von meinem GT-I9070P

If you don't have backups you can't recover it, you will need a service box or send back to samsung, but that's risky, because that's not covered by the warranty.
Which files/folders have you copied exactly ?

Szaby59 said:
If you don't have backups you can't recover it, you will need a service box or send back to samsung, but that's risky, because that's not covered by the warranty.
Which files/folders have you copied exactly ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've overwritten entire EFS partition thru dd.
I do not had backup and the partition was already corrupted.
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app

The original imei should be available on the box in which the phone is shipped. Search it. Then you will have to dd the efs partition as an image file and edit the imei in it using hex.
It's difficult, but your original imei can be recovered!
I do not respond to tech support via PM

I tried it on my phone (ace 2 - same novathor chipset) but after I flashed a new efs my imei still was the same.
Are you sure you didn't changed anything else ?
Also you can try this: *#197328640# in dialer, and search for "NV Restore" or "NV Rebuild" option (for me it's under "Common") I'm not sure how it works, but maybe the phone has some backups on a different partition.

Szaby59 said:
I tried it on my phone (ace 2 - same novathor chipset) but after I flashed a new efs my imei still was the same.
Are you sure you didn't changed anything else ?
Also you can try this: *#197328640# in dialer, and search for "NV Restore" or "NV Rebuild" option (for me it's under "Common") I'm not sure how it works, but maybe the phone has some backups on a different partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried to delete every file on /efs but cloned IMEI remains.
I think that IMEI is stored or cached anywhere else.
I already tried that option (NV Restore).

Modemfs also contains some files from the EFS partitions RFHAL.DEF/RFHAL folder.
Have you flashed a JB or any firmware with repartition ?
I noticed from a log file in /efs/pre_recovery.log, when the device is repartitioned there is an additional check if the imei is valid or requires a restore.

Szaby59 said:
Modemfs also contains some files from the EFS partitions RFHAL.DEF/RFHAL folder.
Have you flashed a JB or any firmware with repartition ?
I noticed from a log file in /efs/pre_recovery.log, when the device is repartitioned there is an additional check if the imei is valid or requires a restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, my 3G stopped working after downgrade using Philippines ROM and I tried check repartition.
My 3G started to work after I copied modemfs partition from my friend device.
Do you know how to recover from that?
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app

Well if you don't have backups it's difficult because I can't even tell where the phone stores the imei, or how does it work.
Of course it's possible to reverse encryption and edit the files from your friends phone but it's VERY difficult.
It's clearly uses a different method, because there is no nv_data.bin (on other Samsung devices the imei/simlock/product code are stored in this file).
If I find anything I'll let you know.
The cheapest sollution is offered by this guy: http://forum.samdroid.net/f70/repair-imei-s2-5729/
Or a very risky sollution: Brick the device and send back to the repair center if it's still under warranty.
Edit: Try flashing that rom again with repartition and see what happens, also check the efs/pre_recovery.log, for me says "valid IMEI & skip restore" so obviously there are at least 2 places for the imei, that's why for me doesn't changes even if I wipe the efs.

I've lost the imei some months ago and i've solved flashing the italian GB firmware, but you can also use another firmware.
Inviato dal mio GT-I9070 con Tapatalk 2

You probably flashed a wrong modem, but basically you didn't lost your IMEI, just the modem part wasn't for your device and it couldn't get the info.
This usually happens when you flash a firmware from different region, for example i9070L rom on i9070 device.

Szaby59 said:
You probably flashed a wrong modem, but basically you didn't lost your IMEI, just the modem part wasn't for your device and it couldn't get the info.
This usually happens when you flash a firmware from different region, for example i9070L rom on i9070 device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no way to regenerate/restore the modem part?

I wrote this to giagia96.
In your case I don't know why the phone "decided" to change the imei.

[Q] lost imei

I have nexus 6 in Canada.
I had android 5.0.1. I know it was 5.0.x stock - not OTA updated.
I decided to install chroma rom using the thread here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/development/rom-chroma-01-11-2015-t3000003
I installed twrp, and chroma.
I followed the instructions and it worked.
I didn't flash a radio myself. just the chroma rom, gapps, and supersu.
It worked yesterday.
This morning I got a message that android phone app stopped.
I could not make phone calls or sms.
I didn't put much thought into the error message.
I wanted something more stock and I just installed lightrom.
I only installed lightrom, no other flashing.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/development/rom-5-1lightromstock-lmy47e-03-19-2015-t3059493
The problem persists -- no phone calls or sms.
now:
I looked at my about phone in the settings and it says unknown IMEI.
Any pointers to how I can fix this?

Did you flash correct radio ?
Can you see your imei ?
If nothing works flash latest stock.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

What does it say when you type *#06* into the dialer

I see unknown imei in settings about phone status imei info.
I didn't flash a radio individually. I don't know if one of the roms flashed a radio with it.
androiduser2011 said:
Did you flash correct radio ?
Can you see your imei ?
If nothing works flash latest stock.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

ricey1986 said:
What does it say when you type *#06* into the dialer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update:
I had made a twrp backup of the efs partition. I restored it.
Now the phone calls, sms, and everything works.
Anyone know why it lost the imei?
It was working, I didn't flash anything but the imei disappeared.

david1212 said:
Update:
I had made a twrp backup of the efs partition. I restored it.
Now the phone calls, sms, and everything works.
Anyone know why it lost the imei?
It was working, I didn't flash anything but the imei disappeared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi david,
i have same problem, lost my imei, and unknown baseband
can you upload "twrp backup of the efs partition" please...
i hope that can help me too

david please share efs backup from twrp, hope it help others

His efs backup will not help others. It is unique to his device and will only work for his. Its basically a I'd number. Loosing an imei is serious stuff and makes your phone useless. I'm glad you had a backup. Now I'm curious how so it don't happen to others. Flashing radios won't wipe efs.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

Should I make backup of EFS partition from time to time? Is it change? Is it depend on ROM? I made a backup after I unboxed Nexus. I have EFS backup on my phone, notebook and external hard drive... I hope it is safe

I had the same issue with a Galaxy S5 a while ago, I had to search and find a IMEI repair tool, which I don't think you will find on XDA as it can be used for bad purposes. But they are out there.

You only need 1 backup but the question is how this is happening. I see a lot of threads about it. So its an issue that we all need to figure out how and get preventative measures figured out
Sent from my Nexus 6

From what I've heard, if you flash all of the stock components through ADB (ROM, bootloader, modem, etc), it will trigger a rebuild of the EFS. I'm not 100% sure of this, but I remember reading something along those lines. I believe the phone has a backup partition for the EFS (which contains the IMEI, MAC Addresses, etc).

Product F(RED) said:
From what I've heard, if you flash all of the stock components through ADB (ROM, bootloader, modem, etc), it will trigger a rebuild of the EFS. I'm not 100% sure of this, but I remember reading something along those lines. I believe the phone has a backup partition for the EFS (which contains the IMEI, MAC Addresses, etc).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds fantastic. It should be that way.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

david1212 said:
Update:
I had made a twrp backup of the efs partition. I restored it.
Now the phone calls, sms, and everything works.
Anyone know why it lost the imei?
It was working, I didn't flash anything but the imei disappeared.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
upload please...please...please...

henhida said:
upload please...please...please...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As others have said. The EFS backup is unique to my device. It won't help you with yours.

If you absolutely cannot regenerate it with the method I said, warranty service is your best bet.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Never tried this myself, but here is a guide for imei recreation on a Samsung device. At the very least it will give you an idea of some additional things you might try.... http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/general/guide-recover-imei-9-steps-t1264021
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Emei Null... EFS folder deleted

Hi,
I am in India and just purchased an unlocked t mobile note 4 yesterday.
I rooted it and installed Maximum Overdrive ROM. Now EMEI is gone and shows null. I did do a backup of efs using Dr. Ketan EFS backup app but somehow the folder got deleted.
Please suggest if there is any way to recover the emei? Please suggest. THANKS

Isn't the IMEI number located under the battery?

it is there... but since its shows null when I check by *#06# phone is not reading the SIM card... says SIM card is not registered
Its an unlocked T mobile phone
AlkaliV2 said:
Isn't the IMEI number located under the battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

kanu1and said:
it is there... but since its shows null when I check by *#06# phone is not reading the SIM card... says SIM card is not registered
Its an unlocked T mobile phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not comfortable giving you any advice at this point because you're clearly using this phone in an international unlocked way and any advice I could provide could lead to further damage. You can Google Search "Restore IMEI without EFS Backup" and find guides that will help, but if you decide to follow them that will be on you. Sorry I can't be of more assistance.

Thanx for reverting mate... got it fixed... flashed stock kitkat old version and everything is working fine now... :good:
AlkaliV2 said:
I'm not comfortable giving you any advice at this point because you're clearly using this phone in an international unlocked way and any advice I could provide could lead to further damage. You can Google Search "Restore IMEI without EFS Backup" and find guides that will help, but if you decide to follow them that will be on you. Sorry I can't be of more assistance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Glad to hear everything is working fine now, if possible make a brand new EFS backup and store it off the phone. I have tried different apps and by default most store the folder in the phone (which doesn't make any sense) so i had to manually export it. I am currently using EFS Manager(IMEI)-Note4 which lets you backup to the SD and cannot recommend it enough.

did that already mate... this time I have copied complete folder as well using root explorer...
cant take chances
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

Note 4 imei null
I have same problem, how did you fix it? Please share, thnx

Flash stock ROM reroot and flash custom... that should fix the issue
Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk