How to Fix 000 IMEI Number on Google Pixel 6, 7, 8 and 9 Series (Step-by-Step)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Google Pixel show 000000000000000 as the IMEI?

The most common cause is a software update (particularly Android monthly security patches or major version updates) that corrupts the EFS partition. This partition stores your IMEI, modem calibration data, and carrier configuration. When the write operation to the EFS partition gets interrupted or goes wrong during the update, the IMEI data is overwritten with zeros. The Pixel 6 series is especially prone to this because of early firmware issues with the first-generation Tensor processor and Samsung Exynos modem.

Will this IMEI fix delete my photos, apps, or personal data?

No. The toolkit only writes to the EFS partition, which is a separate area of internal storage from your user data. Your photos, contacts, messages, apps, and settings remain completely untouched. The process is similar to updating your modem firmware. It does not perform a factory reset or wipe any user-accessible storage.

Which Google Pixel models does this IMEI fix support?

• Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 6 Pro (Tensor G1 devices, most commonly affected)
• Pixel 7, Pixel 7a, and Pixel 7 Pro (Tensor G2 devices)
• Pixel 8, Pixel 8a, and Pixel 8 Pro (Tensor G3 devices)
• Pixel 9, Pixel 9a, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold (Tensor G4 devices)
• Pixel Fold (first generation, uses Tensor G2)

What if the toolkit cannot detect my phone in Fastboot mode?

• Make sure you are using a data cable, not a charge-only cable. They look identical, but charge-only cables do not carry data signals. Test by connecting your powered-on phone: if File Explorer sees it, the cable works.
• Try a different USB port on your PC. Avoid USB hubs and use a port directly on the motherboard (usually the rear ports on a desktop).
• Install the Google USB Driver for Windows from the official Android developer site, then restart your PC.
• Open Device Manager on Windows and check for any devices with a yellow warning icon under 'Other devices' or 'Android Device'. Right-click and update the driver.
• On some PCs, USB 3.0 ports cause detection issues. Try a USB 2.0 port if available.

Is the GSM Pixel IMEI Fix Toolkit safe to use?

Yes. The toolkit modifies only the EFS partition to restore your original IMEI. It does not unlock your bootloader, root your phone, or install any additional software on the device. Windows SmartScreen may flag it because the executable is not code-signed by a major publisher, but this is a false positive. Click 'More info' then 'Run anyway' to proceed. The tool uses standard ADB and Fastboot commands under the hood.

My IMEI is restored but the SIM still shows no signal. What should I do?

• Toggle Airplane Mode on, wait 10 seconds, then toggle it off. This forces the modem to re-scan for available networks.
• Restart your phone completely and wait 2 to 3 minutes for the network to register.
• Remove the SIM card, clean the contacts gently with a dry cloth, reinsert it, and restart the phone.
• Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and verify your SIM is enabled and the correct carrier is selected.
• Reset network settings: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. This clears saved Wi-Fi passwords but fixes most connectivity issues.
• If none of the above works, contact your carrier. Some networks flag devices that appear with an all-zero IMEI and may need to manually re-register your device.

Why is this issue more common on the Pixel 6 series?

The Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a were the first devices to use Google's custom Tensor chip paired with a Samsung Exynos 5123 modem. Early firmware versions for this modem had stability issues, and the EFS partition write process during OTA updates was more fragile compared to Qualcomm-based modems in older Pixels. Google addressed some of these issues in later security patches, but devices that were affected before those patches still need a manual EFS repair. The Pixel 7 and later models use improved Tensor chips with more stable modem firmware, making this issue less frequent (though not impossible).

How can I prevent the IMEI from getting corrupted again?

• Keep your Pixel on the latest Android security patch. Google has fixed several EFS-related bugs in recent updates.
• Never force-reboot your phone during a system update. Let the update complete fully, even if it takes longer than expected.
• Avoid flashing custom ROMs or kernels unless you know how to back up and restore the EFS partition separately.
• If you have experienced this issue before and want extra protection, back up your EFS partition using ADB after restoring your IMEI. This gives you a local copy you can restore if the problem recurs.

When should I take my Pixel to a professional repair shop instead of using this tool?

• If the toolkit runs but the IMEI still shows as all zeros after multiple attempts, the EFS corruption may be too severe for a software-only fix.
• If your phone does not enter Fastboot mode at all (no response to the button combination), there may be a hardware issue with the power or volume buttons, or the motherboard.
• If your phone was water-damaged or physically dropped before the IMEI issue appeared, the modem chip itself may be damaged. Software tools cannot fix hardware failures.
• If you see error messages in the toolkit mentioning 'partition not found' or 'flash failed', stop and consult a professional. Continuing to flash can cause additional damage.
• Authorized Google repair centers and uBreakiFix locations can perform component-level repairs that software tools cannot.

Does using this toolkit void my Google warranty?

No. The toolkit does not unlock your bootloader or modify the system partition. It only restores the EFS partition to its correct state. Since the EFS corruption was caused by a software update (a Google-side issue), restoring it does not constitute unauthorized modification. Your warranty status, if still active, should remain unchanged. That said, if your Pixel is still under warranty, you can also contact Google Support directly and request a replacement or repair at no cost.

Can I use this fix on macOS or Linux instead of Windows?

The GSM Pixel IMEI Fix Toolkit is a Windows-only executable. If you do not have access to a Windows PC, you can use a Windows virtual machine (such as VirtualBox with USB passthrough enabled) or borrow a friend's Windows computer. The process only takes 10 to 15 minutes. There are ADB-based methods for macOS and Linux, but they require manually extracting and flashing EFS partition images, which is significantly more complex and risky for users without command-line experience.