Quectel Change: Imei Install

Disclaimer: Changing the IMEI on a cellular module can be considered a hack and might be against the terms of service of your carrier or device manufacturer. Additionally, modifying the IMEI can potentially cause issues with network registration, data sessions, or even damage your device. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.

Required tools and materials:

  • Quectel module (e.g., Quectel EP06-A, Quectel EG25-G)
  • A computer with a USB port
  • A USB-to-serial adapter (e.g., FTDI cable or a USB-to-TTL serial adapter)
  • Terminal software (e.g., PuTTY, HyperTerminal)
  • IMEI changer software (e.g., Quectel's own qprogram tool or third-party tools like imei_changer)

Preparation:

  1. Connect the Quectel module to your computer: Use a USB-to-serial adapter to connect the Quectel module to your computer. You may need to use a terminal software to communicate with the module.
  2. Enable the module's serial interface: Make sure the module's serial interface is enabled. You can do this by sending the command AT+CMGF=1 (or AT+CMGF=0 for some older modules) to the module using your terminal software.
  3. Identify the module's current IMEI: Send the command AT+CGMI to retrieve the module's current IMEI.

Changing the IMEI:

Method 1: Using Quectel's qprogram tool

  1. Download and install qprogram: Get the qprogram tool from Quectel's website or a trusted source. Follow the installation instructions.
  2. Launch qprogram: Open the qprogram tool and select the correct COM port for your Quectel module.
  3. Enter the new IMEI: Enter the new IMEI you want to set, making sure it is a valid IMEI (15 digits).
  4. Write the new IMEI: Click the "Write" button to write the new IMEI to the module.

Method 2: Using a third-party tool (e.g., imei_changer)

  1. Download and install the tool: Get the imei_changer tool from a trusted source. Follow the installation instructions.
  2. Launch the tool: Open the tool and select the correct COM port for your Quectel module.
  3. Enter the new IMEI: Enter the new IMEI you want to set, making sure it is a valid IMEI (15 digits).
  4. Write the new IMEI: Click the "Write" button to write the new IMEI to the module.

Verify the new IMEI:

  1. Send the AT+CGMI command: Use your terminal software to send the AT+CGMI command to the module.
  2. Verify the new IMEI: The module should respond with the new IMEI.

Install and configure the module:

  1. Install the module: Integrate the Quectel module into your device or project.
  2. Configure the module: Configure the module according to your project's requirements.

Please be aware that changing the IMEI might require additional configuration or modifications to your device or project. Make sure to test your device thoroughly to ensure it works as expected. If you're unsure about any part of the process, consider consulting the Quectel documentation or seeking guidance from a qualified professional.

Changing the IMEI of a Quectel module is a common request for users trying to fix registration issues on certain cellular networks, though it is technically not supported or officially documented by Essential Preparation

Before attempting any modification, ensure you have the following: A Terminal Client : Tools like are required to send commands to the modem. USB Drivers

: Ensure the Quectel USB drivers are installed on your host machine to recognize the modem's serial ports. Modem Access

: You must be able to communicate with the modem over a serial port (typically /dev/ttyUSB2 on Linux or a specific COM port on Windows). Installation & Configuration Steps Stop Modem Management Services quectel change imei install

If you are on Linux, you must stop services that might be using the modem port to avoid conflicts. systemctl stop ModemManager.service Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard PINE64 Forum Connect to the Modem Open your terminal client at a baud rate of minicom -b 115200 -D /dev/ttyUSB2 : Open PuTTY, select "Serial," and enter your COM port. Verify Connection & Current IMEI

Type the following command to ensure the modem is responding and to see your current ID:

Tip: If you receive no response, check your wiring or driver installation. Change the IMEI

Use the following AT command format. Note that this is often used for "IMEI repair" when a original ID is lost during a firmware flash. AT+EGMR=1,7,"YOUR_NEW_15_DIGIT_IMEI" : You should receive an message if successful. Confirm the Change Run the identification command again to verify the update: Troubleshooting Tips

: If you get an error, it may be because the modem's interface is "up" and connected to a network. Try disconnecting any WAN or Ethernet connections before running the command. Persistence

: Some modules require a full power cycle (unplugging and replugging) for the new IMEI to register with the network. Firmware Support : Not all Quectel firmware versions support the Disclaimer: Changing the IMEI on a cellular module

command; some newer or region-locked versions may block it entirely. Important Legal & Technical Note

: Changing an IMEI is illegal in many jurisdictions and may violate your carrier's terms of service. Use this information strictly for authorized technical repair or research purposes. 8618 Eseye-enabled Quectel BG96 module Developer Guide 10 Jun 2022 —

1. Executive Summary

This report addresses the technical inquiry regarding the modification (changing) of the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) on Quectel cellular modules. While the technical capability to alter IMEI numbers on such devices exists via AT commands or proprietary tools, this practice is heavily restricted by hardware design (Write-Once fuses) and is illegal in most jurisdictions.

This document outlines the technical background, legal implications, and security risks associated with IMEI modification for Quectel modules.

Prerequisites

  • Quectel module with firmware that supports IMEI change (check AT command set).
  • Serial communication tool (e.g., PuTTY, minicom, or a custom script).
  • AT command access to the module.
  • Write authorization – some modules need a special AT command to enable NVRAM write.

Key Capabilities

  • Permanent Change: Writes a new IMEI to the module's NV (Non-Volatile) memory.
  • Temporary Change: Changes IMEI until next power cycle (useful for testing).
  • AT Command Interface: Uses standard AT+EGMR commands.

Information Required:

  • New IMEI (15 digits). It must pass the Luhn checksum (the 15th digit is a check digit). You can generate valid IMEIs using online Luhn calculators.
  • Original IMEI (in case you need to restore it).

Phase 1: Enter Diagnostic Mode

  1. Send the following AT command to switch the module to download mode:

    AT+QPOWD=1

    Wait for the module to power off.

  2. Manually force the module into diagnostic mode by pulling the RESET pin low while keeping the USB_BOOT pin high (check your module’s hardware manual for exact pins). Alternatively, use the software method:

    AT+QCFG="usbnet",0
AT+CFUN=0
AT+QPRTPARA=3

    This varies by module. The most reliable method is using QFirehose which sends a special loader.

Step 1: Install Quectel USB Drivers

  • Windows: Install Quectel_QCM_NDIS_Driver or Quectel_USB_Driver to expose diagnostic ports (e.g., COM port for AT commands).
  • Linux: Kernel includes qmi_wwan or option driver – no extra install usually needed.