How to completely disable surveillance on an MTS phone with Android: 7 proven methods

Modern smartphones Android collect huge amounts of data about users - from geolocation to call history. This is especially true for devices with operator SIM cards, such as MTS, where traffic analytics services, tariff options with activity tracking, or pre-installed applications may additionally operate. If you want to limit the collection of information as much as possible about yourself, it is not enough to simply disable geolocation in the settings. An integrated approach is required: from adjusting system parameters to removing “unnecessary” services and blocking access to data.

In this article we will look at nuances unique to MTS subscribers (for example, how to disable the collection of statistics in the "My MTS" application), as well as universal methods for all Android devices. You will learn what settings are hidden in the developer menu, how to block access to IMEI and SIM data, and why even a factory reset does not always solve the problem of surveillance. All instructions are adapted to the current versions Android 12–14 and tested on smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other popular brands with network support MTS.

1. Disabling system tracking in Android

Default Android transfers data to in Google about your activity: search queries, sites visited, location and even time of use of applications. Some of this information can be duplicated in systems MTS through integration with operator services. To minimize leaks:

• 📍 Geolocation: Go to Settings → Security and location → Location and turn off the switch. For individual applications (for example MTS Navigator), deny access manually.
• 🔍 Google History: In the same menu select Google Location History → disable saving. Delete existing data via Google Timeline (authorization required).
• 📊 Usage analytics: In Settings → Google → Google account management → Data and personalization disable Activity in web applications and History of applications and devices.

Please note: some functions (for example, Google Assistant or MTS Music) may no longer work correctly after tracking is turned off. If you need these services, limit yourself to selective ban for specific applications in the menu Settings → Applications → Permissions.

2. Blocking surveillance via MTS SIM card

The operator MTS uses several mechanisms for collecting data via the SIM card:

• 📶 Tariff options: Some tariffs (for example, "MTS Smart" or "MTS Ultra") include traffic analytics for "personal offers."
• 📱 My MTS application: Tracks balance, payment history and even approximate location (by communication towers).
• 🔄 USSD commands: Automatic requests like *111# can send device data to MTS servers.

To disable this:

1. Delete the application "My MTS" (if it is preinstalled, deactivate it via Settings → Applications → My MTS → Disable).
2. Call *111*55# and follow the voice instructions to unsubscribe from all newsletters.
3. Disable tariff options with analytics: send an SMS with text ANALYTICS OFF to the number 111.

What happens if you delete “My MTS”?

When you delete the application, you will lose access to quick tariff management through the interface, but will be able to use the main functions (calls, SMS, Internet) without changes. Notifications about write-offs and bonuses will only be sent via SMS.

Attention: some tariffs MTS may automatically enable analytics when new options are activated. Check the conditions in your personal account on the operator’s website or via the USSD command. *111*0887#.

3. Settings for advanced users (developer menu)

Hidden parameters in developer menu allow more control over data transfer. To activate it:

1. Go to Settings → About phone.
2. Find the item Build number and tap on it 7 times in a row.
3. Return to main settings menu - a new section will appear For developers.

In this menu, disable:

• 🛠️ USB debugging (if you don't use it)
• 📡 Transfer location data (enables sending coordinates even when the geolocation)
• 🔄 Automatically send error reports
• 📱 Allow simulated locations (prevents applications from replacing GPS data)

Warning: Changing parameters in the developer menu can lead to unstable operation of the device. For example, disabling Limiting background processes can cause sudden reboots. Before experiments create a backup copy via Settings → System → Backup.

4. Removing spyware and pre-installed applications

Smartphone manufacturers and operators often install pre-installed applications (bloatware), which collect data. On devices with MTS this can be:

• 📱 MTS TV (tracks views)
• 🎵 MTS Music (analyzes music preferences)
• 🌍 MTS Navigator (saves routes)
• 💳 MTS Money (access to financial data)

To remove them:

1. Get root access (to completely remove system applications) or use ADB (without root).
2. Connect the phone to the PC, activate USB debugging and run the command:

   adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mts.apps

   (replace com.mts.apps with a specific package applications).

3. For devices without root, use applications like App Inspectorto find and deactivate unnecessary services.

If root access cannot be obtained, at least deny autorun these applications through Settings → Applications → [Select application] → Battery → Optimization.

5. firewall)

Even after disabling all settings MTS i Google your traffic can be tracked through:

• 📡 Operator DNS servers (record visited sites)
• 🔗 Packet analytics (some applications send activity data)
• 🕵️ MITM attacks (traffic interception at the network level)

Solutions:

Method	How to set up	Efficiency
VPN	Install ProtonVPN or Windscribe, select server in a country with strict privacy laws (for example, Switzerland).	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (hides IP and encrypts traffic)
Firewall	Use NetGuard or AFWall+ (requires root) to block Internet access for suspicious applications.	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (full control over network activity)
DNS encryption	In the Wi-Fi or mobile network settings, specify DNS 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 9.9.9.9 (Quad9).	⭐⭐⭐ (hides requests from the operator)
Tor Browser	Install the official browser Tor for anonymous surfing.	⭐⭐⭐ (slower than VPN, but more reliable)

Attention: some VPN applications themselves collect user data. Before installation, check the privacy policy of the service on sites like PrivacyTools.io or That One Privacy Site. Avoid free VPNs with aggressive advertising.

6. Hardware methods: SIM card and IMEI

Even with the Internet turned off, your phone can be identified through:

• 📱 IMEI (unique device identifier)
• 📶 IMSI (SIM card identifier)
• 🔄 TMSI (temporary identifier network)

To complicate tracking:

1. Replace the SIM card to an anonymous one (buy at a salon MTS for cash without presenting a passport or use a virtual operator like Tinkoff Mobile).
2. Change IMEI (illegal in some countries, but technically possible through the engineering menu or applications like Chamelephon for devices with root).
3. Use "guest mode" in Android: create a separate profile without linking to accounts c Settings → System → Multiple users.

Changing IMEI may break warranty and lead to blocking of the device by the operator. This method is recommended only in extreme cases when other methods do not help (for example, with targeted stalking).

7. Checking for spyware and regular maintenance

If you suspect that you are being monitored using spyware (for example, Pegasus, Cerberus or FlexiSPY), follow these steps:

• 🔍 Scan: Use antiviruses with a spyware search function - Kaspersky Mobile, Bitdefender or Malwarebytes.
• 📱 Checking rights: B Settings → Applications → Special access check which apps have rights Device Administrator or Access to messages.
• 🔄 Traffic analysis: Install Packet Capture or NetMon to monitor suspicious connections.

Regularly (every 1-2 month):

• Clear cache and application data in Settings → Storage.
• Update the firmware (but avoid beta versions - they may contain debugging tools).
• Check the list of installed applications for presence unknown apps.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about surveillance on Android

Can MTS track my location without my consent?

Yes, the operator can technically determine your approximate location using data from communication towers (method triangulationHowever, accurate tracking (GPS) requires your consent in the phone settings. To completely disable this, disable the transfer of location data in the developer menu (see section 3) and use. A SIM card without reference to personal data.

Does the "Airplane" mode help against surveillance?

In this mode, all wireless modules are partially disabled (Wi-Fi, mobile network, Bluetooth), but:

• 📱 Applications may continue to collect data about your activity inside the phone (for example, call history, SMS).
• 📍 If you turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth manually, the location can be tracked again.
• 🔋 Some spyware are activated when connected to a charger.

For reliability, combine the "Airplane" mode with turning off the phone or extraction SIM cards.

How to check if my application transmits MTS data?

Use traffic analysis tools:

1. Install PCAPdroid or HttpToolkit.
2. Run the suspicious application and record network activity.
3. Check whether data is sent to domains mts.ru, api.mts or IP addresses belonging to the operator (can be checked via WHOIS).

If suspicious connections are detected, block them through the firewall or delete them application.

Is it possible to disable surveillance without root access?

Yes, most of the methods in this article do not require root. However, without superuser rights you will not be able to:

• Completely remove system applications MTS.
• Change IMEI or MAC address.
• Block network activity at the kernel level (for example, through AFWall+).

An alternative is to use ADB to deactivate pre-installed apps (see section 4).

What what to do if surveillance continues after a factory reset?

This could mean:

• 📱 The phone has spyware at the firmware level (for example, through a vulnerability in the bootloader).
• 📶 The SIM card is tied to operator services with forced tracking (for example, corporate tariffs).
• 🔧 A backup copy with infected data has been restored.

Solution:

1. Flash the phone clean firmware (for example, through Odín for Samsung or Fastboot for Xiaomi).
2. Replace the SIM card with a new one (preferably from a different operator).
3. Do not restore data from backups - set up your phone as a new device.