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How to Change iPhone’s IMEI Number – Step by Step Guide
If you are an iPhone user, you might have heard about the IMEI number. It is a unique identification number assigned to every mobile device, including iPhones. The IMEI number is used by the network operator to identify the device and track it if it is lost or stolen. However, some users may want to change their iPhone’s IMEI number for various reasons. In this article, we will discuss how to change an iPhone’s IMEI number and the pros and cons of doing so.
What is an IMEI Number?
An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15-digit code that identifies a mobile device. It is used by the network operator to identify the device and track it if it is lost or stolen. The IMEI number is also used to blacklist a device if it is reported stolen, making it unusable on any network.
Why Change iPhone’s IMEI Number?
There are several reasons why someone might want to change their iPhone’s IMEI number. One of the main reasons is to bypass the iCloud activation lock. If you have purchased a second-hand iPhone and the previous owner did not remove their iCloud account, you will need to enter their Apple ID and password to activate the device. However, if you change the IMEI number, you can bypass the iCloud activation lock and activate the device with your own Apple ID.
Another reason why someone might want to change their iPhone’s IMEI number is to unlock the device from a specific network. If your iPhone is locked to a specific network, you will not be able to use it with any other network. However, if you change the IMEI number, you can unlock the device and use it with any network.
Steps to Change iPhone’s IMEI Number
Before we begin, it is important to note that changing an iPhone’s IMEI number is illegal in some countries. Therefore, we do not recommend doing so unless you are sure it is legal in your country. Additionally, changing the IMEI number may void your warranty, and it can also cause the device to malfunction or become unstable. With that said, here are the steps to change an iPhone’s IMEI number:
Step 1: Jailbreak your iPhone
To change the IMEI number, you will need to jailbreak your iPhone. Jailbreaking is the process of removing the limitations imposed by Apple on iOS devices. It allows you to install third-party apps and tweaks that are not available on the App Store. There are several tools available to jailbreak your iPhone, such as Pangu, TaiG, and unc0ver.
Step 2: Install a Cydia tweak
Once you have jailbroken your iPhone, you will need to install a Cydia tweak called “MobileTerminal.” This tweak allows you to access the command line interface on your iPhone.
Step 3: Open MobileTerminal
After installing MobileTerminal, open the app and type “su” to log in as the root user. Then, enter your password (default password is “alpine”).
Step 4: Install “OpenSSH”
Next, you will need to install “OpenSSH” on your iPhone. This is a secure shell protocol that allows you to access your iPhone’s file system from a computer. To install OpenSSH, type “apt-get install openssh” in MobileTerminal.
Step 5: Connect your iPhone to a computer
Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable. Make sure that you have iTunes installed on your computer.
Step 6: Find your iPhone’s IMEI number
To find your iPhone’s IMEI number, go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down until you see “IMEI” and write down the number.
Step 7: Download and install “PuTTY”
Download and install “PuTTY” on your computer. This is a free and open-source terminal emulator that allows you to access your iPhone’s file system.
Step 8: Connect to your iPhone using PuTTY
Open PuTTY and enter your iPhone’s IP address in the “Host Name” field. Make sure that the “SSH” option is selected and click “Open.”
Step 9: Enter the command to change the IMEI number
In PuTTY, type the following command to change your iPhone’s IMEI number:
“echo ‘AT +EGMR=1,7,”IMEI_NUMBER”‘ > /dev/ptyp0”
Replace “IMEI_NUMBER” with the new IMEI number that you want to use.
Step 10: Reboot your iPhone
After entering the command, reboot your iPhone by holding down the power button and sliding to power off. Then, turn on your iPhone and check if the IMEI number has been changed by going to Settings > General > About.
Pros and Cons of Changing iPhone’s IMEI Number
There are both pros and cons to changing an iPhone’s IMEI number. Here are some of the main ones:
Pros:
– Bypass iCloud activation lock
– Unlock the device from a specific network
– Use the device with any network
Cons:
– Illegal in some countries
– May void warranty
– Can cause the device to malfunction or become unstable
FAQs
Q: Is it legal to change an iPhone’s IMEI number?
A: It is illegal in some countries, so we do not recommend doing so unless you are sure it is legal in your country.
Q: Will changing the IMEI number void my warranty?
A: Yes, it may void your warranty.
Q: Can changing the IMEI number cause the device to malfunction?
A: Yes, it can cause the device to malfunction or become unstable.
Conclusion
Changing an iPhone’s IMEI number can be useful in certain situations, such as bypassing the iCloud activation lock or unlocking the device from a specific network. However, it is important to note that changing the IMEI number is illegal in some countries and may void your warranty. Additionally, it can cause the device to malfunction or become unstable. Therefore, we recommend only doing so if you are sure it is legal in your country and you understand the risks involved.
