All mobile phones on the market have their own unique identifier called IMEI. It is a USSD code that is pre-recorded on all mobile devices and exclusively worldwide. This means that it is a unique code, so we will not be able to find two mobiles with the same number. What we can find is some other problem, such as “invalid IMEI”
The IMEI may be more or less fashionable, but the truth is that it is still just as necessary as the first day. In other times, everyone wanted to know their IMEI to be able to unlock their mobile, something that is no longer necessary. This code of 14, 15 or 16 digits depending on the case, can even be found two by two, in those terminals that are DualSIM.
However, there is a problem related to the IMEI that can arise in some terminals, and that can respond to several situations. It is not something usual, so if we are facing this failure, we must follow the appropriate steps to try to solve them.
Problems with the IMEI of the mobile
Case 1: IMEI locked
If we have bought a second-hand mobile, or in an online store of dubious reputation, the IMEI of our terminal may have been reported. This is usually done by mobile operators, when a mobile has been stolen or lost, or even when a user has breached a contract or payments. The problem is that our IMEI number has entered a black list or “black list” , which causes the servers to block connection to the network, as they cannot be identified by this code.
In this case, it is best to first make sure that our IMEI is included in the black list. The first thing is to get the number, which can be on the device box, or engraved on the SIM cards. We can also use the command * # 06 # for the terminal to show us the number. Then we can go to a website like this one , where we can enter the number and it will offer us information about it.
Unfortunately, if our IMEI is not valid because it is included in a Blacklist, we can only contact the operator that activated the report. In this case, said operator will need to verify some data and they may ask us for the official purchase invoice or other document that proves ownership of the smartphone.
Case 2: software or update error.
Mobiles with MediaTek processors have had this problem for a long time, used in many of the Chinese mobiles that are bought from import. Many of the more popular cell phone clones use various MTK chips that have this problem. However, the solution for the appearance of invalid IMEI is simple in this case.
We must in the telephone dialer and write * # * # 3646633 # * # *.
Then go to the “Connectivity” tab and then to CDS Information and finally to Radio Information. We will see the options of Phone 1 and Phone 2, in the case of having a DualSIM device. Within each option we must write:
- Phone 1 – code: AT + EGMR = 1,7, “the IMEI number”
- Phone 2 – code: AT + EGMR = 1.10, “the IMEI number”
Once done, you just need to click on “Send at command” to confirm and restart the mobile. Upon re-entering and pressing * # 06 #, the registered numbers should appear and the mobile will be able to operate normally again.