Samsung Galaxy S5: invalid IMEI - what to do?
With the Samsung Galaxy S5, the IMEI number of the device may be displayed as invalid. We will explain what you have to do in such a case.
Samsung Galaxy S5: why is the IMEI number invalid?
- The IMEI is not presented as invalid for no reason. Rather, there are special situations in which this problem can occur.
- An example of this is failed root. The EFS partition may have been damaged when rooting the device and the IMEI number stored in the software no longer matches the one on the sticker behind the battery.
- Counterfeiting and B-goods can also be the cause. There are some fake Galaxy S5 models in circulation that are mainly sold on eBay. These devices are not original Samsung devices and accordingly cause problems with non-original IMEI numbers. Damaged devices are also gladly sold on eBay when rooting or flashing, without pointing out the errors.
Restore IMEI number on Galaxy S5
Since the IMEI can be displayed as invalid for various reasons, there is no simple and all-encompassing solution. However, the following steps will help in most cases. Note: If you intervene in the system via ODIN, Root or similar, you may lose the guarantee on the device. All operations are therefore at your own risk.
- First, check your Galaxy S5 for software updates. To do this, go to "Software update" under "About device" in the settings. With a WiFi connection, the update should be downloaded and installed in a few minutes.
- After completing and rebooting the device, activate USB debugging. You can find this setting under "Options" and "Developer Options"
- Next you need Samsung's own flash software "ODIN", which you can find in the CHIP downloads.
- You should also install the Samsung drivers. We also have special instructions ready for you
- The general handling of ODIN is explained here, but you will need additional software to restore the IMEI.
- Download the "EFS Restorer Express" and unzip the folder. You can find the tool via Google at the XDA developers. Now connect your Galaxy S5 to the PC.
- Double-click the "EFS-BACKUP.bat" file and wait for a small console program to start. Select here from the menu that you want to restore the EFS partition via ODIN.
- ODIN then opens. Follow the instructions on the screen. After completing the process, you can again hope for a fully functional Galaxy S5