Database Users

[Info] EFS/Lost IMEI - Must to read for every Newbies.

What is EFS
This part of the device contains some important and some basic info related to our device identity like Bluetooth MAC address, wireless devices MAC addresses, product code (also in the nv_data.bin) and the very main IMEI address (nv_data.bin), programming parameters for the device such as your account information (phone number, etc), data provisioning parameters, and a whole bunch of other things. So you can guess it's will be different for each device and one can't use others.
How it can corrupt :
- Any bad flashing, mishandling system modification can cause this.
- Also It can be corrupted by downgrading stock ROM. If you flash any old ROM (older to first ME6) on newer ROM (ME6 or any other rom released after ME6) it can corrupt EFS. Basically newer ROM believed to have new kernel that changes EFS data which older Modems can't read and results to fail in reading IMEI.
Impact on device/How I know I have corrupted EFS
When there is EFS partition is corrupted, device loses IMEI and due to this device can't gets connected to network. Baseband info also sometimes shows unknown.
-Check your IMEI in setting / by dialling *#06# if it is null OR if it starts with 0049** then IMEI is generic and corrupted. In Normal case IMEI which you can see in device setting or dialing *#06# is exactly same you can see on bill/box/sticker under battery compartment
-If you are unable to connect to network in spite of correct IMEI, chance are
A. Your device is Locked to specific Network OR
B. Your device is banned due to tempered IMEI
-If your AP,CP,CSC all are correct and even you are getting error (unknown CSC XXX) on kies update, it may be due to corrupt Product code in EFS. Read This for detail.
What care should i take
Before flashing anything, first thing you should do is to make EFS backup. Every person who have rooted device should make EFS backup earliest and place it to safer place on PC and /Cloud.
If you are on older ROM, make EFS backup on older ROM as well make another after upgrading ROM too.
If you have already updated to newer ROM, make backup on current ROM.
Here is different common methods for EFS Backup/Restore [There are hundreds of tools available on play store and don't use blindly, as unsupported tool can cause EFS partition failed to mount and to recover it need to use adb shell and more. Better use one of the below mentioned time tested tools]
You must have device rooted. Read post #2 of this thread, how to root Note2
you can use any of method said below.
1.With Aroma installer - No need to have PC, need CWM/TWRP installed. Here is Other Tool I recommend to must have for Newbies, Which also have many other options.
2.From Device itself - No need of PC, just requires installing application from play store.
3.Philz recovery - Also you can find this option on other CWM/TWRP, but i have tested only this.
4.EFS Backup/Restore Tool - you needs to use PC to work this.
How to recover lost IMEI that happens with downgrading ROM
If you have lost IMEI just by downgrading (as said by above by flashing older ROM), still you can recover IMEI without having EFS backup.
-Again upgrade ROM will restore IMEI OR
-Flash latest Modem. You can find it here.. You can download MG1 modem and flash using PC Odin with 'Phone' tab instead of PDA.
Remember above said works only if IMEI is corrupted by downgrading ROM only, if it was corrupted by other things, this won't be helpful.
Also Read This, if you have issue restoring EFS OR device stuck to factory mod.
Hope this will find helpful to all newbies regarding question about EFS and IMEI problem. I have posted this to general section so newbie can post to it if they have any queries.

Informative
Very informative and helpful thread Brother :good::good::good::good:

:good: great guide ketan :good:

you are one of the best things to happen to Note 1 and Note 2 as well..!!
god bless ya bro..! :good::good:

Very informative in precise words!
Thanks, +1:good:

There is already a post about this.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Zionator said:
There is already a post about this.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you link to it? I have not found in general section where newbies can post. Though you can report it to moderator if double post.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

The EFS image backup has proved to be immensely helpful all the way with the Terminal emulator!:good:
Please confirm: can the EFS backup image be flashed with Philz Recovery as an alternative to the Terminal emulator?

Provided you put it to correct place.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Thank you for info and helpful Pro ^_^
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

You can easily make efs backup and restore with this app Andromizer(free version) with one click
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.j.y.daddy.customizer
These models of note 2 supported
GT-N7100,GT-N7102,GT-N7105,SHV-E250S,SHV-E250K,SHV-E250L
SPH-L900,SGH-T889,SGH-T889V,SGH-L317,SGH-I317M,SCH-I605,SCH-R950

dr.ketan said:
Can you link to it? I have not found in general section where newbies can post. Though you can report it to moderator if double post.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally you have listened my request.
Dr.Ketan, he may be talking about this thread.
This guide is very helpfull. :thumbup:
May helps and warn all mates before flashing different roms.
Please make this thread sticky.
sent from my GT-N7100. Press thanks if I helped..

It's already been added to sticky roll up (list of thread worth to stick)
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

dr.ketan said:
What is EFS
This part of the device contains some important and some basic info related to our device identity like Bluetooth MAC address, wireless devices MAC addresses, product code (also in the nv_data.bin) and the very main IMEI address (nv_data.bin), programming parameters for the device such as your account information (phone number, etc), data provisioning parameters, and a whole bunch of other things. So you can guess it's will be different for each device and one can't use others.
How it can corrupt :
- Any bad flashing, mishandling system modification can cause this.
- Also It can be corrupted by downgrading stock ROM. If you flash any old ROM (older to first ME6) on newer ROM (ME6 or any other rom released after ME6) it can corrupt EFS. Basically newer ROM believed to have new kernel that changes EFS data which older Modems can't read and results to fail in reading IMEI.
Impact on device/How I know I have corrupted EFS
When there is EFS partition is corrupted, device loses IMEI and due to this device can't gets connected to network. Baseband info also sometimes shows unknown.
-Check your IMEI in setting / by dialling *#06# if it is null OR if it starts with 0049** then IMEI is generic and corrupted. In Normal case IMEI which you can see in device setting or dialing *#06# is exactly same you can see on bill/box/sticker under battery compartment
-If you are unable to connect to network in spite of correct IMEI, chance are
A. Your device is Locked to specific Network OR
B. Your device is banned due to tempered IMEI
-If your AP,CP,CSC all are correct and even you are getting error (unknown CSC XXX) on kies update, it may be due to corrupt Product code in EFS. Read This for detail.
What care should i take
Before flashing anything, first thing you should do is to make EFS backup. Every person who have rooted device should make EFS backup earliest and place it to safer place on PC and /Cloud.
If you are on older ROM, make EFS backup on older ROM as well make another after upgrading ROM too.
If you have already updated to newer ROM, make backup on current ROM.
Here is different common methods for EFS Backup/Restore
You must have device rooted. Read post #2 of this thread, how to root Note2
you can use any of method said below.
1.From Device itself - No need of PC, just requires installing application from play store.
2.Philz recovery - Also you can find this option on other CWM/TWRP, but i have tested only this.
3.EFS Backup/Restore Tool - you needs to use PC to work this.
How to recover lost IMEI that happens with downgrading ROM
If you have lost IMEI just by downgrading (as said by above by flashing older ROM), still you can recover IMEI without having EFS backup.
-Again upgrade ROM will restore IMEI OR
-Flash latest Modem. You can find it here.. You can download MG1 modem and flash using PC Odin with 'Phone' tab instead of PDA.
Remember above said works only if IMEI is corrupted by downgrading ROM only, if it was corrupted by other things, this won't be helpful.
Also Read This, if you have issue restoring EFS OR device stuck to factory mod.
Hope this will find helpful to all newbies regarding question about EFS and IMEI problem. I have posted this to general section so newbie can post to it if they have any queries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dr. Ketan,
Kem chho bhai!!
I am facing problem with EFS , i read your post and come to know that my IMEI is corrupt. It is starting with 0049*** and not matching with phone sticker. Following procedure mentioned in your post but no success!! STill am not able to connect network how should i proceed now??
Already flashed kernel, recovery, modem from pc odin also tried to switch to stock rom. i.e. UAE i guess now downloading Saudi Arabia and will gong to try all.
Please help!!!

You need to mention how does it happen in Details.
How does happend it, i mean what did you flashed? And what rom you had when you flash it.
Do you have efs backup?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Hi Dr. Ketan,
No I don;t have EFS backup and till today flashed many times but not faced any problem like this.
I recently flashed PRobam rom which works on 4.3 android and later return back to my region flashing CWM recovery. Later i tried toolkit for note 2 and tried mod for camera HD.But later come to know that toolkit has no support for my rom.
I think i lost my IMEI while flashing Probam but using wrong baseband trough toolkit can also be problem.No so sure.
Tried to go back on regional rom by different methods but no success.
Thanks!!

Basically it happens if you flash older kernel (it may happened by wrong selection in toolkit)
Reflash latest modem and try.

Just want to get this straight into my head here before I go diving into flashing a ROM sorry for being silly I just like to get it clear lol
Ok my phone is on DME6 so that means I can't flash any samsung based custom ROM that is using a version lower than that yes? but AOSP ROM's don't matter as they don't use the modem so won't corrupt the EFS correct? I am aware that for the SIII there was a flashable zip you can use to make the modem the newer one for flashing older firmware custom ROMS is there one for this? I want to flash this ROM or the HD revolution ROM (HD rev showing an older version in the title) mainly want a custom stock ROM that gets rid of that pesky SMS conversion thing
Thanks for your time

You have already flashed ME6 so you will have latest modem so yes flashiung older ROM you will lose IMEI. regarding AOSP ROM i am not sure, i have never used any AOSP ROM and not following so not familiar with that.
1.Make EFS backup Use one of the tool mentioned in OP)
2.Flash desired ROM, if you select older ROM and lose IMEI, you can find latest modem from my All in one thread (look signature) post #7. simply extract and use modem.tar.md5 to flash with 'Phone' tab (Not PDA) of Odin.

yeah I made a backup of the EFS (on the ME6 version not the older as this is how i got the phone) so I can use any stock based ROM as long as i flash that modem? think i'll probably stay with a ROM labeled as ME6 anyway to keep it easier on myself

[GUIDE] How to restore EFS on I9300

It started when I was trying Swapper 2 from the Play Store. Will, I guess I should read the comment, but I didn't. And yes, it corrupted my EFS and my phone was stuck at the Samsung boot logo. I have tried many method I can search over XDA, but non works. (I'm not sure about this one, which I only find while writing this guide.)
This is by far the easiest method for me, and it doesn't involve Linux, which was a pain since I haven't use Linux in years. I had to VM one for some of the XDA method, which didn't work at end of the day.
1. Flash the firmware with ODIN (original firmware) with original version that you had before. Not the custom ROM, but the original firmware version.
2. Recover with EFS with the EFS image attached in the thread. I used kTool as it faster and easier than any other tool. (Yes, I tried them all...)
3. Download Chimera Tool and buy their cheapest license (or whatever you want) which is €12.90.
That it. Yes you pay, but it the easiest, and most time saving. I spent a week Googling, trying all this various method over ADB, and no, non works. And for Samsung to repair, which they refuse and simply want to change a board and charge me US$ 200 for it, I rather pay €12.90 and do it myself. If you still have problem connection to the network after restoring IMEI, please read post 3.

FAQ
If you need the ODIN, you can find theme over here. Myself I've always used version 3.07. And as always under options you only need the 'Auto Reboot' and 'F. Reset Time' checked. Whether it a modem or stock ROM, click on 'PDA' choose the correct file and than click on start.
Q: Won't flash the EFS image I provide means I'm getting your IMEI?
A: I've wondered this as well. If it were so simple, there wouldn't be so many thread on recovering and so may people cry for help... (I'm included). As my last resort before I buy Chimera Tool's license, I flashed over my bro's S3 EFS, which I didn't want to, as I said it was a last resort. And as it turned out, I didn't get his IMEI. Instead I got his phones' Update S3 product code and serial number. And that was it. IMEI has changed from my previous 'NULL' to the infamous generic 004999010640000.
Q: Why do I still need to do EFS recovery if Chimera Tool can restore it.
A: I've experiment this myself, as I also absolutely did not want my bro's EFS. But unfortunately Chimera can only restore the IMEI and serial number, not rest of the missing files in the EFS folder. If I repartition the EFS folder and using Chimera to restore my IMEI, it would show the correct IMEI but still refuse to connect to the network. And it will have the annoy overly showing my CSC and other bunch of info on my homescreen, as if my EFS is still corrupt.
Q: Does Chimera need some special box?
A: No, a normal USB cable will work. That pretty much means standard ADB command would work, but unfortunately I can't find any info on that. I wish I did, so I don't need to get the Chimera Tool but there was no other way for me. I was also sceptical at first, as I read over many forums and they say it impossible with some sort of service box/tool. I gambled, and luckily it worked out.
Q: Where does the EFS image go for kTool?
A: Sorry, don't remember. Google it, or use the backup option first than overwrite the EFS.IMG file. That what I did.
Q: Now that I got my IMEI back, how do I back it up?
A. Use kTool again? Personally I use TWRP, as I think it the easiest. Since you can do it at a recovery level. No trying of ODIN the OS for corrupt OS before restoring the EFS. In any case, Chimera would still be function for the next couple of month and you can still mess around until than.
Q: Why the need of ODIN the original firmware?
A: I was on a custom TW ROM and Chimera didn't work. Maybe CM and other custom ROM will will work, you can give it a try. But this is how I did it and I know it works.

EFS / Baseband(modem)
It easy to criticize a member and simply tell him use the 'search function', but without realize sometimes the article will help you the most, simply just doesn't come up. Murphy's law. I was on stock 4.1.2 and after restore IMEI and EFS, the phone indicate it register on the network, but I couldn't make calls or connect to the net. This is a vary good article regarding EFS, and sadly it didn't come up easily on my search result. I came across it after I fixed the issue with tones of Googling and was searching for a different topic. But I understand people that desperate need to solve the problem quick (like I was) simply spent hour reading over hundreds of post under that article is just testing a persons sanity. So I'm going to summarised some of the stuff along with my experience. First thing you need to know:
- EFS v2 Basebands (modem) was introduced at Android 4.3 and can read EFS partition v2 and EFS v1
- EFS v1 Basebands (modem) CANNOT read EFS v2, ONLY EFS v1
If you phone is still under warranty and cannot connect to network, the best way is to stay on stock firmware and use TriangleAway to reset the flash counter and sent back to Samsung. With your IMEI number correctly showing, Samsung has absolutely no excuse on not fixing it. If you are no longer warranty, read on.
Q: My IMEI is now showing correctly but I still cannot make calls!
A: This is where the Ariza Patch kicks in. If you are on stock fimware 4.1.2, you need the Ariza Patch to fix the baseband. But after long reading over plenty post, it seems once this patch has been done, it irreversible. So beware. Before you try this patch, you may want to try update to the stock 4.3 firmware and see if it solves the problem before applying the patch.
Q: I'm on stock 4.3, now what?
A: If you still have problem connecting to the network, you need a patched modem (baseband) file. You can find them here. I think this is from the original author who did it. Instead of searching over the forums and files scatter all over the place, I'm pretty sure I dug the link out of XDA while reading through. Someone please tell me if it isn't and provide the the proper link. I'll fix it.
Q: I was on stock 4.1.2 and went to a custom 4.3 ROM, what fix shall I apply?
A: This was my scenario. And I was kind of desperate as well since I just fix my IMEI and was expect the phone to work. I wish I could come across the article on top earlier. I would've tried stock 4.3 first instead of applying the Ariza patch. Any ways, I was on stock 4.1.2 and it didn't work, so I tried a modified 4.3 TW ROM. I wish the OP would mention the EFS thing, which he didn't. I'm not blaming him or anything, but seriously not everyone keep in track of what happening with Android. The OP should mention about the EFS thing or simply post a link such as the topic above and just let people know instead of wasting hours on figuring out why it wasn't working. What I did was, after using the mod 4.3 TW ROM, the IMEI went crazy. So I thought it was corrupt again, so I ODIN back the stock 4.1.2 TW. Than I applied the Ariza patch, wolla, I could call and browse again. So I decide to give the mod 4.3 TW ROM another try. To my surprise, the IMEI still went crazy. So after more Googling only I found out because I wasn't on stock 4.3, my baseband would still 4.1.x. I tried the modem (baseband) patch which for some reason still did not work for me. So I decide to keep the stock 4.1.2 baseband and simply use a custom kernel that could read EFS v1 and v2 - Boeffla Kernel. Remember to download the 4.3 kernel not the 4.1.x! That it, you should now have a working phone.

I just use SA manager .It will backup EFS & MODEM .store it in Ext SD .If EFS corrrrupted just install SA mgr back & restore .
Most important is backup and its very simple process

u need HKCtool to backup efs both img and tar files first of all.
if this is not possible u need a stock rom and odin .after installing stock rom the efs will be repaired.

nainaabd said:
I just use SA manager .It will backup EFS & MODEM .store it in Ext SD .If EFS corrrrupted just install SA mgr back & restore .
Most important is backup and its very simple process
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't try SA manager as I was in a rush and looking specifically for Samsung phones only. But it definately somehting I want to try if I get a Sony phone. Though I still prefer at a recover level. It just so simple.

keenimo said:
u need HKCtool to backup efs both img and tar files first of all.
if this is not possible u need a stock rom and odin .after installing stock rom the efs will be repaired.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TAR file is just a compressed version of IMG file.

im in nairobi kenya, unfortunately i can not buy the chimera tool because we dont have the necessary paying methods. anyone who can lend me theirs please? my S3 has the generic imei, repair would cost 15k here, which is too much. anybody that can help will be highly appreciated.

TNCS said:
It started when I was trying Swapper 2 from the Play Store. Will, I guess I should read the comment, but I didn't. And yes, it corrupted my EFS and my phone was stuck at the Samsung boot logo. I have tried many method I can search over XDA, but non works. (I'm not sure about this one, which I only find while writing this guide.)
This is by far the easiest method for me, and it doesn't involve Linux, which was a pain since I haven't use Linux in years. I had to VM one for some of the XDA method, which didn't work at end of the day.
1. Flash the firmware with ODIN (original firmware) with original version that you had before. Not the custom ROM, but the original firmware version.
2. Recover with EFS with the EFS image attached in the thread. I used kTool as it faster and easier than any other tool. (Yes, I tried them all...)
3. Download Chimera Tool and buy their cheapest license (or whatever you want) which is €12.90.
That it. Yes you pay, but it the easiest, and most time saving. I spent a week Googling, trying all this various method over ADB, and no, non works. And for Samsung to repair, which they refuse and simply want to change a board and charge me US$ 200 for it, I rather pay €12.90 and do it myself. If you still have problem connection to the network after restoring IMEI, please read post 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can also downgrade to 4.0.4 and do flash i9300 efs.tar via odin 3.07 but first backup your EFS with helroz's app from here https://market.android.com/details?id=com.boiteoutilssgshelroz&feature=search_result or use any other efs backup maker
But YOU NEVER NEED TO RESTORE EFS after a flash or whenever, just in case you have an issue with it.
if u have 0049xxxx or 00xxxx imei just flash I9300XXUNA7 or any latest android 4.3 and that's it you have your unknown baseband and null imei fixed aka efs corrupt issue.
Warning!!!!
i am not responsible if you get any damage to your device as per my experience i have fixed many i9300's efs and didn't get any problem .
Good luck!
(CHANGE THE ATTACHED FILE'S EXTENSION TO .md5)

Xubair91 said:
you can also downgrade to 4.0.4 and do flash i9300 efs.tar via odin 3.07 but first backup your EFS with helroz's app from here https://market.android.com/details?id=com.boiteoutilssgshelroz&feature=search_result or use any other efs backup maker
But YOU NEVER NEED TO RESTORE EFS after a flash or whenever, just in case you have an issue with it.
if u have 0049xxxx or 00xxxx imei just flash I9300XXUNA7 or any latest android 4.3 and that's it you have your unknown baseband and null imei fixed aka efs corrupt issue.
Warning!!!!
i am not responsible if you get any damage to your device as per my experience i have fixed many i9300's efs and didn't get any problem .
Good luck!
(CHANGE THE ATTACHED FILE'S EXTENSION TO .md5)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I understand, that still under the condition of prior having an EFS back-up first, right? My guide is for people who doesn't. Like in my situation, where the app screwed up the EFS partition and I had no back-ups.
If you really want in details - Swapper 2 moved the EFS partation on to my ext SD card and format the EFS partition. I was in a flat panic with the soft-brick froze at the Samsung boot logo, assume the SWAP was on the ext SD and screwed it up than format the ext SD. Well, boom, without expectation the app would do something like that and had no prior experience with EFS - no back-ups of EFS at all. And no, full nandroid back-up from CWM does not contain EFS, I've tried that. This isn't some normal scenario of incompatibility between kernel/ROM and EFS/Modem. This is recovery guild for corruption of EFS with NO back-ups.

trying ....

mezo_mmm said:
trying ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And how did it go? The suspense it killing me .

[Q] Galaxy Note 3 (IMEI Lost) Need help

Hey Guys!
Firstly, I know this same thread has been made for other devices. Most of which have solutions, but these do not work for me. I really need your help with my problem!
The Problem: My GN3 has lost its IMEI, the EFS folder might have gotten corrupt somehow. But by a stroke of bad luck, the IMEI turned to unknown and no methods seem to solve this.
Thus far I have tried changing the IMEI with NV Tools and EFS Pro. None of which work, I tried generating a new file and flashing it on, that did also not help.
It was stock 4.4.2 Samsung, rooted. We sent it in to a service center, but since Knox now says 0x1 they want to charge us R3500 (~$300) to repair it.
Upon inspection, I noticed from my EFS folder that all files starting with 'nv' was gone. SO I copied these from my rooted Note 2 and placed them in the folder. Idea being that I could just change the IMEI using NV Tools, as it didn't work otherwise. This however did not work.
The only sollution I can think of, would be for someone to make a backup (using TWRP or CWM) of their EFS folder, then for me to restore it and then change the IMEI with NV Tools.
I promise I did not steal this phone, and it is not blacklisted or anything. Ill send any who might help me a picture of the IMEI on the back of the phone + the original box and the receipt if they doubt me.
I DON'T WANT YOUR IMEI NUMBER, but I need a full Note 3 EFS folder with the original files, so I can attempt to fix mine.
If anyone has a different solution I'm all ears, and up for anything.

cant u just flash stock in odin.

masze said:
cant u just flash stock in odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done that, all it has done is increase the flash counter from 1 to 2. And remove my root. The EFS is broken (somehow) and I can't figure out how to fix it....

Odin upload the latest version of the modem

Hitman7987 said:
Hey Guys!
Firstly, I know this same thread has been made for other devices. Most of which have solutions, but these do not work for me. I really need your help with my problem!
The Problem: My GN3 has lost its IMEI, the EFS folder might have gotten corrupt somehow. But by a stroke of bad luck, the IMEI turned to unknown and no methods seem to solve this.
Thus far I have tried changing the IMEI with NV Tools and EFS Pro. None of which work, I tried generating a new file and flashing it on, that did also not help.
It was stock 4.4.2 Samsung, rooted. We sent it in to a service center, but since Knox now says 0x1 they want to charge us R3500 (~$300) to repair it.
Upon inspection, I noticed from my EFS folder that all files starting with 'nv' was gone. SO I copied these from my rooted Note 2 and placed them in the folder. Idea being that I could just change the IMEI using NV Tools, as it didn't work otherwise. This however did not work.
The only sollution I can think of, would be for someone to make a backup (using TWRP or CWM) of their EFS folder, then for me to restore it and then change the IMEI with NV Tools.
I promise I did not steal this phone, and it is not blacklisted or anything. Ill send any who might help me a picture of the IMEI on the back of the phone + the original box and the receipt if they doubt me.
I DON'T WANT YOUR IMEI NUMBER, but I need a full Note 3 EFS folder with the original files, so I can attempt to fix mine.
If anyone has a different solution I'm all ears, and up for anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2985624

Rosli59564 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2985624
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, what I found out as a solution was to delete EFS folder. Android will rebuild it! BUT: My EFS and Baseband are still gone. I reflashed stock (again) using Odin. No Dice. My NV_DATA, NV_CORE ect files are gone!
And IMEI isnt coming back.
If anyone has a spare EFS backup, or a script or something that i can flash to make my device have those files again I would appreciate it very much.

Hitman7987 said:
Ok, what I found out as a solution was to delete EFS folder. Android will rebuild it! BUT: My EFS and Baseband are still gone. I reflashed stock (again) using Odin. No Dice. My NV_DATA, NV_CORE ect files are gone!
And IMEI isnt coming back.
If anyone has a spare EFS backup, or a script or something that i can flash to make my device have those files again I would appreciate it very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check your inbox
---------- Post added at 03:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:31 AM ----------
Hitman7987 said:
Ok, what I found out as a solution was to delete EFS folder. Android will rebuild it! BUT: My EFS and Baseband are still gone. I reflashed stock (again) using Odin. No Dice. My NV_DATA, NV_CORE ect files are gone!
And IMEI isnt coming back.
If anyone has a spare EFS backup, or a script or something that i can flash to make my device have those files again I would appreciate it very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The following might be uotdated but no harm to try anyway(Can't copy the link so i copied everything)
1. Install Stock firmware via Odin, then re-run auto-root (to regain root of course)*
2. Install TWRP 2.6.3.2 via odin, reboot to recovery.
3. Do an "adb shell" when phone is in recovery mode to run commands via TWRP.
From the ADB shell: Wiped the EFS partition with the following command:
mke2fs /dev/block/mmcblk0p12*
mkdir /efs
mount -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p12 /efs
(the last two commands probably did nothing, but thats what I did anyway)
Do a factory reset, reboot system

Rosli59564 said:
Check your inbox
---------- Post added at 03:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:31 AM ----------
The following might be uotdated but no harm to try anyway(Can't copy the link so i copied everything)
1. Install Stock firmware via Odin, then re-run auto-root (to regain root of course)*
2. Install TWRP 2.6.3.2 via odin, reboot to recovery.
3. Do an "adb shell" when phone is in recovery mode to run commands via TWRP.
From the ADB shell: Wiped the EFS partition with the following command:
mke2fs /dev/block/mmcblk0p12*
mkdir /efs
mount -t ext4 /dev/block/mmcblk0p12 /efs
(the last two commands probably did nothing, but thats what I did anyway)
Do a factory reset, reboot system
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I did that, and after a fresh setup. I still have the same issues. LOOOOOONG Reboot, and finally nothing. IMEI still gone. SIM Card not present even though it is in. Other ideas?

Hitman7987 said:
Ok I did that, and after a fresh setup. I still have the same issues. LOOOOOONG Reboot, and finally nothing. IMEI still gone. SIM Card not present even though it is in. Other ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DUDDEEEEEEEE!!!!!
NO WAIT, IT WORKED!!!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!, everyone who reads this, plz thank user Rosli59564.
Rosli, I dont know where you got that info, plz post here so ppl can go thank that person. BUT IT WORKED, so thank you veyr much. You gave me back my FAVORITE PHONE ever!

Hitman7987 said:
DUDDEEEEEEEE!!!!!
NO WAIT, IT WORKED!!!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!, everyone who reads this, plz thank user Rosli59564.
Rosli, I dont know where you got that info, plz post here so ppl can go thank that person. BUT IT WORKED, so thank you veyr much. You gave me back my FAVORITE PHONE ever!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh just learnt how to repost a post. It's here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=46436273
Glad you sort it out[emoji106]

Do an "adb shell"?
Hitman7987 said:
DUDDEEEEEEEE!!!!!
NO WAIT, IT WORKED!!!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!, everyone who reads this, plz thank user Rosli59564.
Rosli, I dont know where you got that info, plz post here so ppl can go thank that person. BUT IT WORKED, so thank you veyr much. You gave me back my FAVORITE PHONE ever!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry @Hitman7987 but I'm new here but had the exact same problem you did.
I do not really understand the solution Rosli gave though. Could you help me out: point me to a post or explain here
What is an "adb shell" and how does one "do it"?
Thanks

tobyChidolue said:
Sorry @Hitman7987 but I'm new here but had the exact same problem you did.
I do not really understand the solution Rosli gave though. Could you help me out: point me to a post or explain here
What is an "adb shell" and how does one "do it"?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly can't remember, I think I just flashed TWRP and wiped the partitions he said to wipe. Then did the reboot.
Sorry for my lack of help, but I really can't remember the exact steps.

tobyChidolue said:
Sorry @Hitman7987 but I'm new here but had the exact same problem you did.
I do not really understand the solution Rosli gave though. Could you help me out: point me to a post or explain here
What is an "adb shell" and how does one "do it"?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To flash a firmware or custom recovery:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2704363
The rest are quite straight forward

[Q] Problems on N9005 after installing multiple OS

So, my Note 3 N9005 worked fine, then i tried to install CM 12 The phone kept locking so i tried to install CM 12.1 instead. It did the same thing. Then i tried to install CM11. Phone got stuck to a bootloop. Then i tried to install the stock firmware. It launched but the phone lags like hell, apps don't open at all. Waking up the phone takes a lot of time. And the phone doesn't recognize the sim-card anymore. I used CWM to install all the custom roms, and i wiped cache, dalvik cache and did a factory reset every time before i installed a new rom. I used Odin v. 3.04 to flash the stock firmware.
So my question is this, how do i get my phone back up and running smoothly again, like it was fresh out the box? I'll appreciate all the help i can get because i am starting to get very desperate, i really wouldn't like to tell my mom i need a new phone. Note 3 cost like hell after all.
I am from Finland so i used the N9005XXUEND5 version of the stock firmware, KitKat 4.4.2.
The only thing i can think of that can cause this problem is that if the OS's i installed didn't get deleted fully, so there would be multiple OS's on my phone running at the same time. This may be a bit far fetched.
Please help as fast as possible. And i'm not that good at these things so i would appreciate if you could walk me through this step by step and explaining each step as specifically as you can.

Judging from your post, you didn't even bother to read the install instructions of the roms you were flashing.
And this is the result you get.

In CWM recovery mounts and storage format sdcard system cache data preload .
Reboot to download mode and flash stock rom .

The last time i flashed the stock ROM I formatted everything, including the firmwares and such. Now i flashed AOKP ROM and the phone is working fine, except it doesn't recognize the sim card. Any idea how to fix that. Thanks for all the help so far

Basics check you have correct IMEI and correct modem change sim card .

I'm sorry, i have no idea what IMEI and correct modem change sim card. :/

If you don't understand the very basics of flashing and firmware then i suggest you take your phone to a repair shop .Its not a game you are going to end up with a dead phone with no chance of a fix .

I think i understand the very basics of flashing, considering i have done it before twice and on both times it has worked. My sim card worked on my moms Lumia, so is it possible that the sim card reader broke. Can flashing a rom or formatting system do that? Are there a kernel i should flash? I heard it might fix problems like these. And when i go to settings there are no options for IMEI or modem change, that's why i'm confused.
**********************************************
I do have my backup still, but when i try to restore it with CWM, it says something about md5 sums, any idea how to deal with that, because i think that would help if i could use that backup. The stock rom that i downloaded wasn't from any known page. Mostly because SamMobile doesn't have my version anymore for some reason. And i tried to download it from samsung-updates.com but it said that the download would take about 9 hours. I think that the download time would only keep growing and growing so eventually it would be a waste of time.

I think i understand the very basics of flashing,
No you don't and that's your problem this post only makes it more obvious and makes it nearly impossible to give guidance .
MD5 and cwm basics turn off MD5 check in recovery .
You cannot go flashing kernels for no reason .
Modem change is not settings neither is IMEI .
Broken sim reader yes its possible but highly unlikely from a firmware bad flash .
Its entirely possible that you have downloaded a bad firmware .
You also have a non Samsung rom flashed now (aokp)
suggest you read up on that for problems .Though i cannot see any 9005 AOKP roms here .
But first you need to check you have the correct IMEI if your IMEI does not match then you restore the EFS folder you backed up before you started flashing .

I said that i would appreciate that if you would guide me through this step by step. How can i check IMEI? I'm sorry i'm making this so hard for you. The only thing i care about now is that i get my phone back stock and running smooth.
*****************************************************
That is also true that i might have downloaded a bad firmware. Are there any other place to get a stock firmware other than samsung-updates.com?

Download from sammobile.com. It is advised to flash the newest 5.0 firmware on your N9005 (N9005XXUGBOB6) with Odin 3.09 or later.
Check your IMEI from Settings/About device/Status/IMEI. If it starts with 0049, your phone has lost its IMEI. Try flashing to the newest 5.0 firmware to fix it.

WhateverMan said:
Download from sammobile.com. It is advised to flash the newest 5.0 firmware on your N9005 (N9005XXUGBOB6) with Odin 3.09 or later.
Check your IMEI from Settings/About device/Status/IMEI. If it starts with 0049, your phone has lost its IMEI. Try flashing to the newest 5.0 firmware to fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked and it sais my IMEI is unknown. But i will try to flash that software you suggested

Restore the EFS folder you backed up .

JJEgan said:
Restore the EFS folder you backed up .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think i already said something about it not working because of incorrect md5 sums.

You said backup that's not your EFS backup .
Solution given for MD5 .

JJEgan said:
You said backup that's not your EFS backup .
Solution given for MD5 .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry that i have to make this hard for you again, but can you tell what EFS backup means and what i'm supposed to do with it?

The EFS folder contains your phones unique identification code or IMEI . Without correct IMEI your phone cannot connect . That is why the EFS folder is backed up before anything is ever flashed . No backup and wrong IMEI then you probably need a service centre repair . EFS/ IMEI can be damaged during flashing that is why rule one is backup your EFS folder first .

Nansus said:
I'm sorry that i have to make this hard for you again, but can you tell what EFS backup means and what i'm supposed to do with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude you are like 12 years old. Why do you even have such a phone? Your attitude toward the dude that was helping you was very rude.
If you don't know what EFS is, it is highly likely that you don't have a back-up. In that case you can try to flash the stock firmware suggested previously. But I really doubt that it will actually magically "cure" your IMEI. I would really go to a service center before you do anymore damage. It could be a little expensive, but at least they do know what they are doing.
That being said, I'm not sure even a service center could help you.

You can restore your backed up EFS folder .
CWM backup restore does not include EFS .
You can flash lollipop .
You can flash a matching modem .
All these may restore IMEI or make the situation worse that is why a service repair is recommended .

phonexpert_alex said:
Dude you are like 12 years old. Why do you even have such a phone? Your attitude toward the dude that was helping you was very rude.
If you don't know what EFS is, it is highly likely that you don't have a back-up. In that case you can try to flash the stock firmware suggested previously. But I really doubt that it will actually magically "cure" your IMEI. I would really go to a service center before you do anymore damage. It could be a little expensive, but at least they do know what they are doing.
That being said, I'm not sure even a service center could help you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry if i sounded rude towards to anybody, that is totally not what i'm trying to be. I know you guys are trying to help so i really don't see why i would be rude towards to anyone. I guess my english is still so bad that i'm sounding rude.
I think the best option now is to take the phone to a service repair. Especially if flashing anything can make the situation worse.
I thank everyone that has tried to help. It seems like that i have to accept the fact that i ****ed up my phone. At least this will serve as an example to anyone who's trying to flash custom roms and don't know what they are doing.
Oh, and the reason i have this phone because i'm a student i high school. I just started doing flashing and trying custom roms and i guess i thought it would be really simple. Clearly it wasn't.

[Q] IMEI null/null, No SIM card - unable to find fix

Hey, I started flashing custom ROMs to my S4 (GT-i9506) about three months ago and everything was okay, but just recently I tried to return to my stock i9506 4.4.2 ROM and i succeeded in doing so, but afterwards I noticed that my S4 wasn't recognising my SIM.
At first I assumed it was a faulty SIM card (my SIM had multiple scratches on it), so I bought a new SIM card and yet the problem persisted. I tried to make calls and etc but my phone retuned an error stating, "Mobile network not available". I decided to check my settings and I noticed that my Baseband Version was labelled as "unkown".
After seeing this I searched for solutions online and came upon S4 service codes, I used the "*#06#" code and it returned a message saying "IMEI... null/null". Yet again I searched for a solution and came upon none to help me
I soon found out that my problem had something to do with the EFS parition in my phone. I re-rooted and installed ES File Explorer and opened up my EFS folder. In her everything looked ordinary, but then I noticed that my .nv_data file was missing, which, if i remember correctly, is responsible for important functions such as the IMEI and Baseband
I tried every solution I could find online and nothing fixed my issue - I'm only writing this as it's the only option which doesn't require me to go to my local Samsung Experience Store.
TL;DR
My GT-i9506 doesn't know its own IMEI and Baseband version and I'm all out of solutions at this point.
Am I better off going to the Samsung Store?

BUMP

More BUMP
Please help me

BUMP

IMEI no longer inhabits the EFS folder, so you're not missing anything. Flash the modem for your ROM again through Odin and see if that corrects the issue. If it does, use Wanam's EFS Backup to properly backup the hidden partitions where the IMEI is now stored.

Flash the latest stock lollipop rom for your device and you will be fine. Sounds to me you were on Lollipop stock and you downgraded to Kitkat.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
IMEI no longer inhabits the EFS folder, so you're not missing anything. Flash the modem for your ROM again through Odin and see if that corrects the issue. If it does, use Wanam's EFS Backup to properly backup the hidden partitions where the IMEI is now stored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So then where is the IMEI stored? I'd just like to know for future purposes
The modem didn't fix it

Lennyz1988 said:
Flash the latest stock lollipop rom for your device and you will be fine. Sounds to me you were on Lollipop stock and you downgraded to Kitkat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried this too, but failed also

I don't know which of the hidden partitions the IMEI is stored in. I only know where it's not, and that's not in the EFS folder. However, based on the partition names, the IMEI is likely stored in any or all of the following partitions: m9kefs1, m9kefs2, m9kefs3. While unlikely, it could also be stored in the following partitions: modemst1, modemst2.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I don't know which of the hidden partitions the IMEI is stored in. I only know where it's not, and that's not in the EFS folder. However, based on the partition names, the IMEI is likely stored in any or all of the following partitions: m9kefs1, m9kefs2, m9kefs3. While unlikely, it could also be stored in the following partitions: modemst1, modemst2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would it be possible to mount any of those partitions?

jakeshekukanneh said:
Tried this too, but failed also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need more info then this.

jakeshekukanneh said:
Would it be possible to mount any of those partitions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try it, but I doubt you'll find anything human readable within them.

Lennyz1988 said:
I need more info then this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed the stock I9506XXDOA6 NEE ROM in Odin once more but my IMEI remained null.
So I decided to extract the modem.bin after installing the Lollipop ROM and it too didn't work

jakeshekukanneh said:
I flashed the stock I9506XXDOA6 NEE ROM in Odin once more but my IMEI remained null.
So I decided to extract the modem.bin after installing the Lollipop ROM and it too didn't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I didn't elaborate enough....

Try This Maybe This Help!!
use samsung kies fimeware upgrade and instalition then it waant youre imei or s/n and its rightet under battry
Note: Do That in download Mode

I've already tried that multiple times though. Thanks for the suggestion however
Sent from my GT-I9506 using XDA Free mobile app

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I don't know which of the hidden partitions the IMEI is stored in. I only know where it's not, and that's not in the EFS folder. However, based on the partition names, the IMEI is likely stored in any or all of the following partitions: m9kefs1, m9kefs2, m9kefs3. While unlikely, it could also be stored in the following partitions: modemst1, modemst2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I used to use Optimus G, it has IMEI in m9efs* and Modem in modem, modemst*. I never had IMEI problems but on S4 it is really scary. Will backing up EFS in TWRP, manually dd'ing EFS, modemst*, m9kefs* block10 make me stay on safe side?
Sent from my GT-I9505

Just use Wanam's EFS Backup tool. It backs up all those partitions, so no need to run commands in a terminal.

jakeshekukanneh said:
I've already tried that multiple times though. Thanks for the suggestion however
Sent from my GT-I9506 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was a guy that claimed that his method fixed it for him:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgPEIeXDPNA

Lennyz1988 said:
There was a guy that claimed that his method fixed it for him:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgPEIeXDPNA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I've already tried that method prior to posting, unfortunately it didn't work. I might just go see the Samsung Experience Store tomorrow