The neon hum of the "Quick-Fix" electronics stall in the depths of the underground market was the only thing louder than Elias’s own heartbeat. He gripped the Nokia 106—a tiny, plastic brick of a phone—like it was a live grenade. On the screen, the software version blinked: v10.00.11.
"You're sure this works?" Elias whispered to the man behind the counter, a shadow known only as 'The Glitch.'
The Glitch didn’t look up from a motherboard he was soldering. "The v10 series is stubborn. Most codes just bounce off the firmware. But the one I’m giving you... it’s not a reset. It’s a rewrite."
Elias looked at the scrap of paper. It wasn't just numbers; it was a sequence that felt like a secret handshake with the machine. In his world, a phone’s IMEI was its digital DNA—a tracking beacon for the authorities. If Elias wanted to disappear, he had to give this plastic shell a new identity.
He took a breath and began tapping the keys. The tactile click-clack of the Nokia was rhythmic, almost musical.
While there are many claims online regarding "secret codes" to change the IMEI on a Nokia 106 (v100011), it is critical to understand that changing a device's IMEI is illegal in many countries and can lead to permanent network blocking or legal consequences.
The IMEI is a unique 15-digit identifier hardcoded into your phone's hardware; it is not meant to be modified by users. Commonly Mentioned "Change" Codes
Various online guides and forums suggest codes to access internal "repair" menus for specific software versions like v100011. While these are widely cited, they often do not work on all firmware versions or official retail models:
*#7003# or *#0160#: Often cited for Nokia 105 and 106 models to access IMEI repair menus.
*#0000#: Generally used to check the software version of the device. Legitimate Functional Codes
For standard maintenance or checking device information, the following official codes are safe and standard for the Nokia 106:
Check IMEI: Dial *#06# to view your phone's original, factory-assigned IMEI.
Restore Factory Settings: Dial *#7370# to wipe data and reset the phone to its original state (default security code is 12345). nokia 106 v100011 imei change code better
Software Version: Dial *#0000# to verify if your device is running the v100011 firmware or another version. Important Review & Risks
The Nokia 106 (v10.00.11) is an updated 2023 version of the classic feature phone, running on the S30+ platform. IMEI and Secret Codes
For the Nokia 106 2023 version, the following codes are commonly used for identification and troubleshooting:
Check IMEI: Dial *#06# to view your device's unique International Mobile Equipment Identity number.
Check Software Version: Dial *#0000# to confirm if you are running v10.00.11 or another firmware version.
Factory Reset: Dial *#7370# or *#7780# to restore original settings. The default security code is 12345.
IMEI Modification: While some third-party sources mention codes like *#0160# or *#31# for IMEI repair on similar models, modifying an IMEI is often illegal and varies by region. Genuine repair for "Invalid SIM" or "Registration Failed" issues typically requires official tools or registration with local authorities like the PTA in Pakistan. Key Specifications (v10.00.11 / 2023 Model)
The 2023 edition (TA-1553/TA-1564) introduced several upgrades over older versions:
Restore factory settings - Nokia 106 (2018) user guide - HMD
For the Nokia 106 (v100011), changing the IMEI is generally restricted as it is hardcoded during manufacturing for security and network authentication. While various community sources mention "repair" or "secret" codes, these are often specific to certain hardware revisions or regions and may not work for all versions. Essential Device Codes
The following standard codes are used to manage and identify your Nokia 106:
Check IMEI: Dial *#06# to view your current 15-digit identifier. The neon hum of the "Quick-Fix" electronics stall
Software Version: Dial *#0000# to confirm your version (e.g., v10.00.11).
Factory Reset: Dial *#7370# (Hard Reset) or *#7780# (Soft Reset). The default security code is usually 12345.
Warranty/Service Menu: Dial *#92702689# to see life timers or manufacturing dates. Common "Repair" Codes from Community Sources
Informal sources often suggest specific keypad sequences for "IMEI repair" (often used when a device shows an "Invalid SIM" or "Invalid IMEI" error): Nokia 106 IMEI Change Guide - TikTok
Most guides on the internet are dangerous junk. “Better” means: safe, legal (or at least legitimate repair), and technically correct. Here is the real workflow for a Nokia 106 (v100011) with a corrupted IMEI.
There is no secret code. But for advanced users, the best possible method is:
AT+EGMR=1,7,"your_original_IMEI" (via FBUS serial, not USB-CDC)
On the v100011, this command is hard-disabled in the firmware. A better approach is to patch the firmware using a hex editor:
This is deep modification and requires an SPI programmer to dump the original flash.
The Nokia 106 (v100011) is a testament to modern feature phone security. Unlike the wild west of early 2000s phones, you cannot change its IMEI with a *# code. Anyone selling “IMEI changer software” or “unlock codes” for this phone is scamming you.
The real “better” is understanding the hardware, the law, and the limits of your device. If you need to restore a corrupted IMEI, invest in proper flashing hardware or pay for professional service. There are no shortcuts – only broken phones and legal trouble.
Stay curious, stay legal, and keep your original IMEI safe.
Changing the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of a mobile device is illegal in many countries and generally violates manufacturer terms of service. For the Nokia 106, there is no official code to change this identifier, as it is designed to be a permanent, unique hardware signature. Most guides on the internet are dangerous junk
If you are trying to troubleshoot or verify your device, here are the official codes and steps supported by HMD Global: Official Nokia 106 Codes
Check IMEI: Dial *#06# on the main screen to display your unique IMEI number.
Factory Reset: Dial *#7370# to restore original settings (this will delete all data). Default Security Code: The pre-set code is typically 12345. Why IMEI Change is Restricted
Legal Consequences: In regions like the UK, EU, and parts of Asia, altering an IMEI can carry heavy fines or jail time because it is often used to bypass blacklists on stolen phones.
Network Access: Mobile carriers use the IMEI to whitelist devices on their network. Invalid or "faked" IMEIs can result in the device being permanently blocked from making calls or using data.
Security Risks: Using unofficial "better" codes or third-party flashing tools found on forums can "brick" your phone (render it unbootable) or introduce malware.
If your phone is blocked or "blacklisted," the only legitimate solution is to contact your network provider or Nokia Support to resolve the ownership or registration issue.
Are you having trouble with network connectivity or is the phone asking for a restriction code? Restore factory settings - Nokia 106 - HMD
⚠️ Important Warning: Changing an IMEI number is illegal in many countries (including the UK and EU) and is typically associated with masking stolen devices or bypassing network blacklists. It can result in criminal prosecution. Additionally, modifying system files carries a high risk of permanently "bricking" your phone (making it unusable).
There is no simple "secret code" (like *#06# or a dialer code) to change the IMEI on modern Nokia feature phones.
Here is the technical reality of the situation regarding the Nokia 106 V100011: