Legally Restore and Repair IMEI on MediaTek Devices

Why Restore IMEI?

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique 15-digit number that identifies your mobile device. A null, invalid, or corrupted IMEI can cause issues like inability to connect to cellular networks, make calls, or use Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. This often happens after flashing custom ROMs, firmware, or due to NVRAM corruption. Restoring the original IMEI is crucial for legal compliance and device functionality.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This tutorial is for educational purposes only. The author is not responsible for any damage to your device or legal issues arising from improper use.

Changing an IMEI to anything other than the original is illegal in many countries and should be avoided. Always use the device's original IMEI, found on the phone's packaging, back panel, or by dialing *#06# (if still accessible).

Prerequisites

• Windows PC
• MediaTek Device with a valid baseband (check in Settings > About > Baseband; if unknown, flash stock firmware using SP Flash Tool first)
• Original IMEI Number
• SN Write Tool
• MediaTek USB VCOM Drivers
• AP_DB and MD1_DB Files

💡 What are Database files?

The Modem Database (MDDB) file, containing modem-related configurations specific to the chipset

common filename pattern: MDDB_InfoCustomAppSrcP_MTXXXX, BPLGUInfoCustomAppSrcP_MTXXXX

The Application Processor Database (APDB) file, holding configuration data for the application processor, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other system settings.

common filename pattern: APDB_MTXXXX (without ENUM in the end)

Download Database files for your device from AP_BP_Database.

To Know why AP BP files are requried for writing IMEI? you can watch this video:

Step-by-Step Guide to Restore IMEI Using SN Write Tool

1. Install MediaTek Drivers and Bypass Tools: Refer to Complete MediaTek Flash Tool Setup blog.

2. Download and Extract SN Write Tool:

   • Download the latest SN Write Tool
   • Extract the ZIP file to a folder on your PC.
3. Backup NVRAM partition for safety: Refer to MTK partition backup blog.
4. Download AP/BP DB files for your device from AP_BP_BASE database on huggingface.
   
   
   
   

5. Launch SN Write Tool as Administrator:

   

6. Configure Settings:

   • In the SN Write Tool interface, click ComPort dropdown and select USB VCOM.
   • Click Target Type dropdown and select Smart Phone (or Feature Phone if applicable).
   • Click System Config.
   • In the dialog box, check IMEI under Write Option. For dual-SIM devices, check Dual IMEI.
   • Optionally, check BT Address and WiFi Address if repairing those as well.
   • Browse and select MD1_DB and AP_DB files
   • Click Save.
   

7. Enter IMEI:

   • On the main screen, click Start.
   • Enter the ORIGINAL IMEI number(s) in the provided fields (IMEI 1 for single SIM, IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 for dual SIM). Otherwise phone may stuck in boot loop.
   • Click OK.
   
   
   
   

8. Connect Device:

   • Power off your phone and remove the battery (if removable).
   • Run Bypass Tool
   • Connect the phone to the PC via USB cable in BROM Mode
   • This will crash device to BROM Mode
   • The tool will boot your phone into Meta Mode, if successful
   • If prompted again for EMEI without Meta Mode: Disconnect phone > Enter IMEI > Press OK > Reconnect phone with BROM key combo
   • The tool will detect the device and write the IMEI.

   BROM Mode Connection (See device manager)

   

   Device in Meta Mode

   

   Meta Mode Connection (See device manager, VCOM drivers)

   

9. Verify Success:

   • Wait for a green PASS message indicating successful IMEI writing.
   • Disconnect the phone, reinsert the battery (if removed), and power it on.
   • Dial *#06# to verify the restored IMEI matches the original.

   
   

   

You can also follow along the video tutorial 

Troubleshooting

• Unknown Baseband: Flash stock firmware using SP Flash Tool to restore baseband before proceeding.
• Device doesn't show Meta Mode:
  1. Bootloader Lock: locked bootloader may block Meta Mode. Unlocking bootloader may help.
  2. Firmware Restrictions: device's firmware may disable Meta Mode without test points.
  3. Disconnect battery even if non-removable and try again
• If something breaks flash back the backup NVRAM to the device using SP flash tool

Conclusion

Restoring the original IMEI on a MediaTek device using SN Write Tool is a straightforward process when done legally and carefully. Always use the original IMEI and ensure compliance with local laws.

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