Question from Anmol: I recently purchased a second-hand phone from eBay. I figured out the seller — selling HTC, Sony Ericsson and Huawei Android smartphones — had bad reviews, so I thought the phone may not have a good background, which is why I was looking for changing the IMEI number. Is there a permanent way to properly change the IMEI number without knowing much technical stuffs? Any software that does this?
Answer: Ideally, the first step I’d take is to contact the seller and ask him more details about the phone. If possible, also get the bill and box. The box has an IMEI number on it, which can be compared with the current IMEI you have. This will give you a better idea if the second-hand handset has a new IMEI number or not.
There is no reason to get a new IMEI number, unless this is really a serious issue. Why did I say that? Here’s the problem: changing IMEI number requires a bit of effort and it’s not really legal in many countries. If you are wondering how to change IMEI number the way you want, this is not the place you will learn.
If you really want to have a different IMEI number of the phone, then you may want to get a chinese mobile phone.
A chinese mobile phone is cheaper and some of them have no IMEI numbers. On top of that, they are available in most of the grey market. If the previous history of the phone is what you are concerned about, then it’s time you contact the seller to let him know about the issues.
In countries like UK it’s a crime to change the IMEI number under the laws.
Every IMEI number of a phone model is assigned by the mobile manufacturer. So, alternatively, if the phone is still under warranty you can head over to the mobile manufacturer’s service center and talk about this issue.
Mobile phones like Apple iPhone, Samsung, Nokia, Sony, HTC, Huawei and so on always come with a unique IMEI number that you cannot change or modify the way you want.
Bottom line for every new mobile user is this: do not bother with which software to use for changing IMEI numbers.
If you are concerned this is a stolen phone, then you have no option but to keep using the device. Phones that have a new IMEI are not trackable (unless someone takes an extreme step), so there is nothing to worry about. Plus, assuming a lost phone was sold to you, it is not your fault. If the original owner of the phone contacts you, there is no option but to hand over the device to him/her.
In such cases, you have paid a hefty amount and your second-hand phone is also not with you! My recommendation is always this: talk to the seller again. Ask more about the device. If it’s stolen or lost phone sold to you, return it back or ask for a replacement. Having a new IMEI no is a bit of a hassle.