The IMEI is stored in highly protected system partitions called and NVRAM . On a Pixel, these partitions are encrypted and tied directly to the processor. Titan M2 Security Chip
The short answer is
Users typically look into changing this number for a few reasons: google pixel change imei
"Edit or change of IMEI is illegal in quite a few of countries. XDA doesn't allow and doesn't accept discussions about or support for such an edit or change"
In many countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, altering an IMEI is considered illegal0;4b7; because it can be used to bypass blacklists or conceal a phone's identity. The IMEI is stored in highly protected system
They install a backdoor that turns your Pixel into a botnet node.
How to verify if a Google device is genuine without visiting a store XDA doesn't allow and doesn't accept discussions about
Your carrier will always know your location based on cell tower triangulation, regardless of your IMEI. To maximize your privacy on a Google Pixel, consider installing a privacy-focused, open-source operating system like GrapheneOS. GrapheneOS hardens Android security and restricts app-level access to hardware identifiers without requiring illegal IMEI manipulation. Final Thoughts
If your IMEI is showing up as null, "000000", or corrupted due to a failed official software update, contact Google Support. Authorized repair centers can re-flash the correct, original factory identity to your motherboard safely. If you want to see if your phone can be recovered, tell me: What is the of your Google Pixel?
All commercial tools require root access, and most legally restrict their functionality to restoring lost IMEIs rather than changing them arbitrarily.