[REF] Reset IMEI to factory default

[-Tiz-]

I would like to change it, inter alia, because many Android apps are spying on you and "phone home" your unique IMEI. Moreover, I understand that you may not be able to semi-anonymously surf anymore after IPv6 is introduced because the IMEI is included into the IPv6 IP address.

In any case, the above-described method simply does not work on my Galaxy S phone and - except for the screenshot (which may or may not be a fake) - there is apparently no proof that this method ever worked on any phone.

 

[RiverSource]

I would like to change it, inter alia, because many Android apps are spying on you and "phone home" your unique IMEI.

Oh, excellent. Ever heart of IMSI?

 

[anonymous572]

Ok, maybe its working or not or whatever ... it doesn't matter. Again:

Why the hell should I reset my IMEI?

Can anyone give an answer that makes sense?

In some countries there are shops selling stolen phones. In my country there is no such, but there are shops in Russia and Ukraine (these countries are close to my, sometimes I go there by car). So If I buy there a phone I want to get rid of the hassle with the law. Just for peace of mind that police will not take me with the phone and accused me of violating the law. This is the mentality of different countries. In which you can buy cheaper stolen stuff.

In some other countries have problems with the IMEI checking on operators tariffs. If they determine by IMEI the use of tablet or some smartphone - they simply disable unlimited internet on it.

For me this is for anonymity. I use the built-in IMEI for one SIM card. And factory IMEI for the other SIM card. I'm using this method for this and reset-to-factory\back my IMEI after reboot. In our country (in Ukraine and Russia too) you can easily register the SIM for an nonexistent passport. Because of the passport do not need to show. You can just dictate any passport details and you will be given SIM in the operator office.

 

[-Tiz-]

@anonymous

Do you have any idea whether your method does not work on my phone? Do you have to firstly delete any backups?

 

[anonymous572]

@anonymous

Do you have any idea whether your method does not work on my phone? Do you have to firstly delete any backups?

I've tested it on many phones and some tablets. You are doing something wrong.

 

[-Tiz-]

Now, it worked!

However, your description is wrong. You forgot to mention the following important step:

It is NOT sufficient to simply overwrite the existing nv_data.bin file with your modified file. You also need to overwrite with your modified file the invisible backup file, which has the name ".nv_data.bak".

 

[the_scotsman]

Sorry, discussion about and posting files regarding IMEI restoring/changing isn't allowed here.

I can't even understand how there can be such a thing as a default IMEI? Every IMEI in the world is different. It's a unique identifier.

In any case, I'll have to close the thread.