Have you seen an inscription "Mobile network is unavailable" on the smartphone screen, and the icon MTS crossed out or completely disappeared? This error deprives you of calls, SMS and mobile data - but in 90% of cases you can fix it yourself without contacting the service. The problem occurs on both budget Xiaomi Redmiand flagships Samsung Galaxy S23, and both phone settings and failures on the operator’s side may be to blame.

B this article - step-by-step guide for all versions Android (from 8.0 to 14), including rare reasons such as IMEI conflict or IMSI blocking. We'll figure out how to distinguish hardware failure from softwarewhen a simple reboot helps and when a SIM card replacement is required. Particular attention is paid APN settings for MTS in 2026 - they changed after updating the operator's infrastructure.

We warn you right away: if the problem appeared after the phone fell or got wet, most likely the antenna or communication module is damaged - only a service center will help here. In all other cases, follow our instructions in order, starting with the simplest steps.

1. Basic steps: reboot and check the SIM card

Start with basic manipulations - they solve the problem in 30% of cases, especially if the failure is caused by a temporary system or network glitch.

  • 🔄 Reboot your phone. Hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds until the shutdown menu appears. After rebooting, wait 1-2 minutes - sometimes the network takes time to re-authorize.
  • 📱 Check the SIM card. Remove the tray and inspect the card for damage (scratches, chips) and correct installation. The contacts must be clean - wipe them with a dry cloth.
  • 🔌 Activate Airplane mode. Turn it on for 30 seconds, then turn it off. This will reset all network connections.

If after these steps the network does not appear, proceed to the next step. Please note: on some models (for example Sony Xperia), the SIM card tray requires a special key - do not try to open it with improvised means so as not to damage the mechanism.

📊 How often does your MTS network disappear?
Once a week or more often
1-2 times a month
Rarely, once every few months
Never had such a problem

2. Network settings: operator selection and operating mode

Incorrect network parameters are the second most common cause of error. Even if everything worked before, a failure could occur after updating the firmware or changing operator settings.

Open Settings → Connections → Mobile networks (on some phones the path may be different: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks). Check here:

  • 📡 Network mode. Install 4G/3G/2G (auto) or 4G only (if you are in the coverage area). On older phones, there may be an option GSM/WCDMA/LTE.
  • 🔍 Select operator. Tap on the “Network Operators” item, wait for the search and select MTS manually (not "Automatic").
  • 🔄 Roaming. If you have recently crossed a regional border, turn on national roaming (even if you are in your home region).

On some firmware (for example, MIUI on Xiaomi) there is a separate “Mobile data” switch - make sure it is active. Also check if the traffic saving mode is enabled in the battery settings.

☑️ Checking the network settings

Completed: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention: On phones with two SIM cards (Dual SIM), the problem may occur due to a priority conflict. Try temporarily disabling the second SIM card in the settings.

3. Setting up APN access points for MTS

Incorrect parameters APN (Access Point Name) is one of the most insidious reasons, since the network may appear as available, but the Internet and SMS will not work. MTS Regularly updates these settings, and after resetting the phone or updating Android they can get lost.

To configure APN manually:

  1. Go to Settings → Mobile networks → Access points (APN).
  2. Click “Add” or “Create APN.”
  3. Fill in the fields according to the table below (leave the rest by default or empty):
Parameter Value for MTS (2026)
Name MTS Internet
APN internet.mts.ru
Name user mts
Password mts
Authentication type PAP or CHAP

After saving, select the created APN profile and reboot the phone. If there is already a profile in the list MTS, but it does not work, delete it before creating a new one.

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On some phones (for example, Huawei), after saving the APN, you must restart the device, otherwise the settings will not be applied.

4. Diagnostics of SIM card and IMEI

If the basic methods did not help, the problem may lie in SIM card or IMEIphone identifier. Here's how to check it:

  • 🆔 Checking IMEI. Dial *#06# —if zeros or an error are displayed instead of a 15-digit number, it means the IMEI is broken (often happens after unofficial firmware). You can restore it through the engineering menu or service center.
  • 📶 Network test. Enter ##4636##, select “Phone information” and see the status Service state. If there Out of service or Emergency calls only, the problem is more serious than it seemed.
  • 🔄 Replacing a SIM card. If the card is more than 3-5 years old, it may have physically worn out. Contact the salon MTS for a new one - it's free if you keep your number.

Pay special attention to SIM card slot condition. If the contacts are bent or oxidized, even a new card will not work. In this case, cleaning with alcohol or replacing the tray will help.

⚠️ Attention: If the phone's IMEI is changed (for example, after flashing), the operator can block access to the network. In this case, official IMEI restoration through a service center is required.

5. Resetting network settings and updating firmware

When all previous methods have been exhausted, radical measures remain. Resetting network settings will return all communication parameters to factory settings, and firmware update will correct possible modem module errors.

To reset settings:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
  2. Confirm action. The phone will reboot.
  3. After turning on, reconfigure the APN (see section 3).

If the problem appeared after updating Android, check for new firmware versions in Settings → System update. Sometimes manufacturers release patches to fix network bugs (for example, this happened with Samsung Galaxy A52 after updating to Android 13).

What to do if the reset did not help?

If after the reset the networks are still unavailable, and the SIM card and IMEI is fine, the problem may be in the hardware: a damaged modem, antenna or motherboard. In this case, diagnostics are required at a service center.

6. Checking the blocking and contacting MTS support

In rare cases, the network may be unavailable due to operator blocking. when:

  • 💰 Unpaid bill (if you have a postpaid tariff).
  • 📵 Activation of the function “Antispam”which mistakenly blocks all incoming calls.
  • 🔒 Suspicion of fraud (for example, if a lot of SMS were sent from your number to paid services).

To check the status of the number:

  1. Call 0890 (free from mobile MTS) and follow the voice instructions.
  2. Or send an SMS with the text BALANCE to the number 111.
  3. If nothing works, contact support through the official application My MTS or chat on the website operator.

If the blocking is confirmed, you will be told the reason and methods of unblocking. For example, in case of debt, it is enough to top up your account, but if fraud is suspected, you may need to visit the office with your passport.

⚠️ Attention: Details of tariffs and blocking conditions may change. Check the latest information in your personal account MTS or with the operator.

7. Hardware faults: when you can’t do without a service

If none of the software methods worked, the problem is almost certainly in hardware. Here are the signs that the phone requires repair:

  • 📉 The network disappears after a fall or moisture exposure (even if the phone is externally intact).
  • 🔌 The phone does not see any SIM card (check with different operators).
  • 📡 Antenna marks on the screen show 0 dB (checked through the engineering menu).
  • 🔥 The phone gets very hot in area of the upper part (may indicate damage to the communication module).

Typical faults:

  • Damaged SIM tray —contacts are bent or oxidized.
  • Faulty modem (chip responsible for communication).
  • Breakage of the antenna cable —often happens after disassembling the phone.
  • Problems with the motherboard (for example, after unsuccessful firmware).

Repair cost varies from 1,500 ₽ (replacement tray) up to 10,000 ₽ (replacement of modem on flagships). Before visiting the service, make a backup copy of your data - some types of repairs require a complete reset of the phone.

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If the phone stops receiving the network after self-disassembly (for example, replacing the battery), most likely the antenna cable is damaged or the communication module connector is not connected. Do not try to fix it yourself - contact a specialist.

Frequently asked questions about the “Mobile network is unavailable” problem on MTS

❓ Why does the MTS network work on one phone, but not on another?

This may be due to:

  • Incompatibility of frequencies (for example, the old phone does not support 4G 800 MHzwhich uses MTS in your region).
  • A damaged SIM card (try moving it to another phone).
  • A software failure on the problematic device (reset the network settings).
❓ Could a virus be the reason for the lack of network?

Theoretically, yes, but extremely rarely. Some malware can block network functions, but usually they behave differently (advertising, slow performance). If you suspect a virus:

  1. Install an antivirus (for example, Dr.Web or Kaspersky).
  2. Check your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power off button → “Safe Mode”). If the network works in it, the problem is in one of the installed applications.
❓ How to check if the operator is blocking my phone?

If MTS blocked IMEI of your phone (for example, due to theft or suspected fraud), you will see the message “Network unavailable” or “Emergency calls only.” You can check the IMEI status:

  • On the website checkimei.mts.ru (official service MTS).
  • through the app My MTS in the section “Devices.”

If the blocking is confirmed, contact the salon MTS with documents for the phone.

❓ Why did Android disappear after updating network?

Firmware updates sometimes fail:

  • Settings APN (need to be configured again).
  • Drivers modem (solved by flashing the firmware or rolling back to the previous one version).
  • Parameters IMEI (check through *#06#).

If the problem is widespread (for example, after the release Android 14 on Xiaomi), the manufacturer usually releases patch within 1-2 weeks.

❓ Is it possible to use the Internet via Wi-Fi if the mobile network is not available?

Yes, Wi-Fi works regardless of the mobile network. You can:

  • Call via WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype.
  • Use messengers and social networks.
  • Update applications via Play Market.

However, regular calls and SMS will not work - they require a mobile network.