Imei Better | Quectel Ec25 Change

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

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. quectel ec25 change imei

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

7. Verification

After the procedure, verify the change by querying the modem:

AT+CGSN

Compare the output with your written IMEI. Then, attempt a network registration:

AT+COPS=?

If it returns a list of operators, the IMEI is structurally valid and accepted by the radio hardware. If it returns +CME ERROR: no network service, the IMEI may be blacklisted or invalid. To change the IMEI on a Quectel EC25

Restoring Original IMEI

Follow same steps with original IMEI from module label.
Keep a record of both old and new IMEI – without the original, you cannot certify or return the module.

On Windows (using PuTTY):

Install the Quectel USB driver. The EC25 will enumerate as multiple COM ports.
Open Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT). Look for "Quectel USB AT Port" (usually COM3, COM4, or COM5).
Open PuTTY → Serial → Enter the COM port number (e.g., COM4) with Baud rate: 115200.
Click "Open".

Part 10: Best Practices & Final Thoughts

If you have read this far searching for "quectel ec25 change imei", here is the executive summary:

Do not change the IMEI on a live production device unless you have written approval from your mobile carrier.
Always backup your original NV memory using AT+QNWR commands before any write operation.
Use the exact 15-digit format – no spaces, no dashes. Valid digits: 0-9.
Test on a development EC25 first – never experiment on a module deployed in a critical system.

For 99% of users, the factory IMEI is perfectly fine. The remaining 1% who legitimately need to change it now have a reliable, documented procedure.

2. The Tools of the Trade

Unlike consumer Android phones where ADB is the primary interface, EC25 modules are usually accessed via:

USB Interface: The module exposes virtual serial ports (USB TTY) to the host device.
AT Command Port: Typically /dev/ttyUSB2 (can vary based on driver configuration option driver in Linux).
DM/Diag Port: Used for low-level Qualcomm diagnostics (Qualcomm QPST tools).

There are two primary methods to write an IMEI: Compare the output with your written IMEI

Method A: AT Commands (Native Quectel Method)
Method B: QPST/EFS Explorer (Qualcomm Low-Level Method)

Introduction: What is the Quectel EC25?

The Quectel EC25 is one of the most popular LTE Cat 4 modules in the IoT world. It supports multiple frequency bands (EC25-E, EC25-A, EC25-AU, EC25-V, etc.) and interfaces (USB, UART, PCIe). Like all cellular modems, it has a unique 15-digit IMEI burned into its firmware.

However, developers and integrators sometimes need to modify this IMEI for:

Prototyping: Testing network behavior with virtual operators.
Carrier certification: Emulating a specific device profile.
Hardware replacement: Moving a licensed IMEI from a dead EC25 to a new one.

By default, Quectel modules allow IMEI reprogramming via standard AT commands—but only if the module is not IMEI-locked by the manufacturer or a carrier.

Introduction

The Quectel EC25 series is a family of LTE Cat 4 wireless communication modules widely used in Internet of Things (IoT) devices, automotive telematics, industrial routers, and portable hotspots. Each module is factory-assigned a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number—a 15-digit code that serves as the device’s unique identifier on cellular networks. Under normal circumstances, the IMEI is permanent and non-changeable. However, advanced users, developers, and sometimes unauthorized individuals may seek to alter this identifier. This essay provides a detailed technical examination of why, how, and under what conditions the IMEI on a Quectel EC25 module can be changed, the commands involved, and the associated risks.