AT+CFUN=1 # Re-enable RF
| Action | AT Command |
|--------|-------------|
| Check IMEI | AT+CGSN=1 |
| Write new IMEI (standard) | AT+EGMR=1,7,"350123456789012" |
| Write IMEI (alternate) | AT+EGMR=1,10,"350123456789012" |
| Soft reboot module | AT+CFUN=1,1 |
| Unlock IMEI zone | AT+QPRTPARA=1 |
| Factory reset (doesn’t clear IMEI) | AT&F |
Final word: Always keep a backup of your original IMEI. If you are a genuine developer working with Quectel EC25 modules, reach out to Quectel’s FAE team for the official IMEI rewriting tool—it’s safer and legally compliant.
The Quectel EC25 is a powerful LTE Cat 4 module widely used in M2M and IoT applications. While its technical capabilities are vast, the practice of changing its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a specialized procedure that sits at the intersection of technical maintenance, regulatory compliance, and security. The Technical Mechanism
The IMEI is a unique 15-digit code used to identify GSM, WCDMA, and LTE devices on a mobile network. In Quectel modules like the EC25, this identifier is typically stored in the non-volatile (NV) memory. From a technical standpoint, modifying the IMEI is usually achieved through specific AT Commands (Attention Commands) while the device is in a specialized mode, such as USB modem or "emergency" mode.
Engineers often use the AT+EGMR command, which is a standard interface for managing mobile equipment identifiers. For example, the command AT+EGMR=1,7,"[NEW_IMEI]" is frequently cited in technical documentation as the method to write a new identifier to the module's firmware. Legitimate Use Cases
There are specific, professional scenarios where an IMEI change is necessary:
Hardware Maintenance: If a module's NV memory becomes corrupted during a firmware update or due to electrical interference, an engineer may need to restore the original, factory-assigned IMEI to ensure the device remains functional on the network.
Prototype Testing: During the development of IoT solutions, engineers may need to simulate different device identities to test how a private network or a backend management system handles various equipment types. Legal and Ethical Considerations
It is critical to distinguish between technical capability and legal permission. In many jurisdictions, including the United States (under the Mobile Device Theft Prevention Act) and the European Union, changing an IMEI is illegal if done to circumvent network blocks or facilitate the use of stolen hardware.
Mobile network operators use the IMEI to "whitelist" or "blacklist" devices. Altering this identifier can be viewed as a form of identity fraud, potentially leading to the permanent banning of the hardware from the carrier's infrastructure or legal prosecution. Conclusion
Changing the IMEI on a Quectel EC25 is a straightforward technical task for those familiar with AT commands, but it carries significant weight. While it serves as a vital tool for hardware recovery and specialized development, it must be approached with a strict adherence to local laws and a clear understanding of the security implications.
To change the IMEI on a Quectel EC25 modem, you can use the AT+EGMR command. While Quectel does not officially document this for customer use to avoid legal or carrier issues, it is often used for "IMEI repair" when the number has been lost during firmware updates. Steps to Change IMEI quectel ec25 change imei
Stop Modem Manager: If you are on a Linux system (like Mobian or OpenWrt), stop the modem manager first to prevent port conflicts.
Access the Serial Terminal: Use a tool like minicom, PuTTY, or Quectel's QNavigator to connect to the modem's AT port.
Execute the Command: Enter the following command, replacing the digits with your 15-digit IMEI:AT+EGMR=1,7,"123456789012345"
Note: Ensure you use standard straight quotes (") rather than curly ones (”), as the latter will cause errors.
Verify the Change: Use AT+GSN or AT+CGSN to check if the new IMEI is correctly reported.
Reboot: Reset the modem using AT+CFUN=1,1 to ensure all changes take effect. Troubleshooting Common Errors
Wavecom Q2406B GSM Modem IMEI Change - Sierra Wireless Forum
To change the IMEI on a Quectel EC25 modem, you must communicate with it via AT commands. This is often done to restore a lost IMEI after a firmware update or for testing purposes, but be aware that changing an IMEI is illegal in many jurisdictions. Prerequisites
Terminal Software: Use a tool like Minicom, PuTTY, or the QCOM Tool provided by Quectel.
Connection: Connect your EC25 via USB and identify the serial port (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB2 on Linux or a COM port on Windows). IMEI Number: Ensure you have a valid 15-digit IMEI. Guide to Changing IMEI IMEI Code, what is it used for? - eSIM.sm Blog
From the dialer: Dial *#06# on your smartphone's dialer, and your IMEI code will appear immediately. IMEI - device identifier definition - Simbase
Changing the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of a Quectel EC25 module is a procedure typically used by developers for testing, debugging, or restoring a device to its original state if the NVRAM has been corrupted. Important Legal & Ethical Notice: AT+CFUN=1 # Re-enable RF | Action | AT
Legality: In many jurisdictions (including the US, UK, and EU), changing a device's IMEI is illegal or strictly regulated to prevent theft and fraud.
Risk: Writing to the NVRAM/modem partitions carries a risk of "bricking" the device.
Purpose: This guide is for educational and authorized diagnostic purposes only. Prerequisites
Hardware: A Quectel EC25 module connected via USB (Mini PCIe or M.2 adapter).
Drivers: Ensure the Quectel USB Serial drivers are installed on your Windows or Linux host. Terminal Software: Windows: QCOM, Putty, or Tera Term. Linux: minicom or screen. Step 1: Establish Communication
Connect to the module's AT Port (usually labeled as "Quectel USB AT Port"). The default baud rate is typically 115200. Test the connection by typing: AT Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard The module should respond with OK. Step 2: Verify Current IMEI Before making changes, document your current identity: AT+GSN Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Response:
Quectel modules use a specific set of AT commands to write to the NVRAM. There are two primary methods depending on the firmware version and security level. Method A: The Standard Command
Most EC25 modules support the AT+EGMR command to modify the IMEI. Command Syntax:AT+EGMR=1,7," Example: AT+EGMR=1,7,"354123456789012" Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
Verification:If the response is OK, the command was accepted. Method B: Quectel Production Commands (Advanced)
Some specific firmware builds require entering a "Production Mode" or using a proprietary write command: AT+QCPWRITEIMEI="354123456789012" Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Step 4: Finalizing and Verification
The changes will not usually take effect until the module's radio stack or the hardware itself is rebooted. Reset the module: AT+CFUN=1,1 Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard (This performs a full functional reset of the module). Verify the new IMEI:Once the module re-initializes, run: AT+GSN Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Check that the returned number matches your new entry. Troubleshooting
ERROR Response: If you receive an ERROR, the command may be locked. Some firmware versions require a security password (usually provided to OEMs by Quectel) via AT+QPRTPW. Final word: Always keep a backup of your original IMEI
Read-Only: If the IMEI reverts after a power cycle, the module may have a hardware write-protect enabled or a customized firmware that pulls the IMEI from a secondary OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory.
Are you performing this for testing on a private cellular network, or are you trying to recover a corrupted module?
Here’s a detailed, technical review of the process, risks, and considerations involved in changing the IMEI on a Quectel EC25 series module.
Change IMEI to 350123456789012:
AT+EGMR=1,7,"350123456789012"
Expected response:
OK
Warning: Legal & Ethical Notice Before reading this guide, you must understand that changing the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of a cellular modem is illegal in many jurisdictions (including the USA, UK, EU, and China) if done to bypass tracking, evade carrier blacklists, or cover up stolen hardware. This article is for educational purposes only—specifically for developers testing prototype hardware, resetting development modules to default, or cloning a legally owned IMEI from a damaged module to a replacement under the same license agreement. Proceed at your own risk.
Replace 15_digits with 15 decimal digits (no spaces, no letters):
AT+EGMR=1,7,"123456789012345"
Response: OK
To set IMEI for slot 1 (usually main SIM):
To set for slot 2 (if dual-SIM version):
Before running commands, understand the legitimate use cases:
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