How to fix an invalid IMEI issue on your smartphone

IMEI numbers are very important for your smartphones, simply because they lend the device its own identity. Without the IMEI number, there might be a lot of problems that can occur on your device. Moreover, if you ever see the issue of an invalid IMEI number on your smartphone, then you might be in trouble.

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Thankfully, there are ways in which the invalid IMEI number message can be solved. In this blog, we will help you understand how to sort the issue of invalid IMEI numbers. Read on to find out about it. 

Read more: What is the IMEI number and how does it work?

How to fix the invalid IMEI issue?

The absence of an IMEI number or invalid IMEI will not completely reduce your smartphone into a piece of tech that is of no use. Rather, you can still use it for some applications. However, you will not be able to place phone calls, send SMS or connect to 4G mobile data. Connecting the smartphone with an invalid IMEI number to a Wi-Fi network is the only way to get internet access. 

Regardless, making or receiving phone calls on a smartphone is one of the crucial aspects of a phone, right? And to facilitate that, your invalid IMEI message needs to be fixed. 

Now, when it comes to fixing your invalid IMEI number, there’s a good bit and a bad bit to it. The good bit is that yes, it is possible to fix the invalid IMEI number message, but the bad bit is that you simply cannot do it on your own. 

Read more: Learn how to find your mobile number using the IMEI number

To fix your smartphone’s invalid IMEI issue, take it to a service centre

To restore the IMEI number on your smartphone, you will have to reload the stock operating system that was initially there when you first got your device. And for this, you will have to get your hands on the stock version of the software and flash it on the phone. This whole process can only be done by a proper professional. Moreover, always remember that if you physically try to install the phone software yourself, without proper guidance, then it is probable that your smartphone will get damaged permanently. 

Therefore, always make sure that you take your device to a service centre and get it fixed from there. In addition, it is also suggested that you always take the help of registered service centres that know the ins and outs of your smartphone. Simply handing over your phone to any mobile hardware or software repairing agent may result in causing it additional damage. The official service centres are always the best places to get clean stock software.

Read more: Easy hacks to find your lost mobile phone

What could be the reason for the invalid IMEI issue?

IMEI number is something that cannot be downloaded. In fact, the IMEI number for each device in the world is unique and comes from the manufacturer itself. Therefore, as a user, you cannot really change the IMEI number by yourself. However, when you get the message that there is an invalid IMEI number on your phone, then it is entirely possible that the core system of your phone is affected. 

Now, your Android device’s core components also do not get damaged on their own. This only means that there has been some tampering with the internal parts of the device. Usually, an invalid IMEI issue arises when users try to download a software update that is not completely safe to download yet. Or, when a user tries to manipulate the software inside a smartphone. 

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Be careful while installing custom ROM on your device

One of the most common instances of seeing an invalid IMEI message is when users try to customise the ROMs of their smartphones. If you wish to install a custom ROM for your device, make sure you follow all the procedures in the right manner. One wrong move could end up showing an invalid IMEI number message on your device. So, be careful. 

Half-baked software updates are equally harmful

Software updates are considered a good thing, right? Especially since everyone always recommends it. However, smartphone manufacturers often release software updates that are not fully operational. These are beta version updates that need to be smoothened out before they can be released to the masses. And yet, sometimes enthusiasts end up installing these. Make sure you never install beta updates on your primary smartphone. Only download beta version software updates if you have a secondary device and do not use it as much.

Anyway, it is important for you to understand that an invalid IMEI message will never come up on its own. Unless there is some tinkering with your smartphone software or hardware, your IMEI number will stay the same and just fine. 

Read more: What is a virtual SIM card and how do you get it?

Keep your IMEI number safe at all times

The IMEI number for your smartphone is an incredible feature and helps unlock a lot of features and benefits of your smartphone. When the IMEI number is correct and working, you can use your SIM card to make phone calls, access the internet with data, complete mobile recharges, etc.

Therefore, it is also important to keep your IMEI number safe. With more and more cases of SIM card cloning, using IMEI numbers to track down live locations and similar cases happening, you should be more careful than ever. Ideally, make sure you have your device IMEI number locked in a safe file, away from everyone else and password protected. 

If you do end up having an issue with your phone’s IMEI number, always reach out to a professional service centre. The IMEI number is an integral part of your mobile phone, and any changes that you make to the device while the invalid IMEI message shows can end up having adverse effects.