"Can't get valid Device ID" error message

I am getting this error message on a Xiaomi Redmi Note 2: > Can't get valid Device ID > > Invalid Device ID: null > > Device ID must be valid IMEI or MAC address. Without device id, some > account and cloud features will be unavailable. It pops up randomly, sometimes it appears several times (I click Ok to dismiss it) in a minute, sometimes it doesn't show up in about an hour. It interrupts apps and **the phone (and all phone related features like sms) does not work**, as it doesn't detect the sim card, which actually works, as I have tested it in another phone. I woke up and this started happening suddenly. Usually the phone updates apps at night, so that might be it. The following information might come useful: - Model number: Redmi Note 2. - Android Version: 5.0.2 LRX22G - Android Security Patch Level: 2016-04-01. - MIUI version: MIUI 7.4 by xiaomi.eu 6.5.5 | Beta Note: This is the issue same issue as this one: http://en.miui.com/thread-109909-1-1.html The solution given there does not fix the problem.