Activation of eSIM MTS on Android: a complete guide with instructions and tips

The virtual SIM card (eSIM) from MTS is becoming increasingly popular among Androidsmartphone users due to its ease of use and the ability to connect several numbers without physical cards. However, the eSIM activation process may raise questions, especially if this is your first time. Unlike a traditional SIM card, a virtual analogue requires correct configuration on both the operator and the device side.

In this article we will look at all stages of MTS eSIM activation on Androiddevices: from checking phone compatibility to solving possible errors. You will learn how to get a QR code or data for manual installation, what settings you need to change on your smartphone, and what to do if the eSIM does not connect. We will pay special attention nuances for different phone models (for example, Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi) and current tariffs MTS.

If you have already tried to activate eSIM and encountered problems, at the end of the article there is a section with common mistakes and ways to resolve them. We will also answer frequently asked questions in the FAQ block so you can quickly find a solution.

1. Checking your phone's compatibility with MTS eSIM

Before proceeding with activation, make sure that your smartphone supports eSIM technology. Not all Androiddevices are equipped with this functionality, even if they are relatively new. Here are the main compatibility criteria:

• 📱 Smartphone models: most flagships Samsung (starting from Galaxy S20), Google Pixel (starting from Pixel 3), Xiaomi 12/13 series, Huawei P40 Pro and newer, as well as some models Motorola i Oppo. The full list of supported devices can be found on the website. MTS.
• 🔄 Android version: required Android 10 or newer. On older versions, eSIM may not work correctly or may not be supported at all.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: some models (for example, Samsung for the American market) may have a blocked eSIM function for other regions. Check this in the settings or through the service code. *#06#.

To find out for sure whether your phone supports eSIM, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings → Connections (or "Network and Internet") → Mobile network → Advanced settings.
2. Look for item "Add mobile network" or "Download SIM card". If this option is not available, your device does not support eSIM.

Important: even if your phone theoretically supports eSIM, some operators (including MTS) may limit its activation for certain tariffs or regions. Check this information with the operator before starting the procedure.

2. Preparing for activation: what you need to do in advance

Before activating eSIM, take a few preparatory steps to avoid problems:

• 📶 Check the network coverage: make sure that your region MTS supports eSIM. In some areas, the service may not be available.
• 📱 Update firmware: install the latest updates Androidas new versions often fix errors in working with eSIM.
• 🔋 Battery charge: make sure that the charge level is not lower than 50%. The activation process may take several minutes, and interruption due to discharge will lead to failure.
• 📝 Activation data: prepare your passport (for identification) and details of your current tariff MTS (phone number, personal account).

If you plan replace the physical SIM with an eSIM, consider the following nuances:

• 🔄 When replacing a SIM with an eSIM, your phone number will remain the same, but the physical card will deactivated.
• 📱 If you have dual SIM telephone, decide in advance in which slot the eSIM will work (usually it is SIM 1 or eSIM in the settings).

3. Methods for obtaining eSIM from MTS

MTS offers several ways to obtain an eSIM profile for activation. Choose the most convenient for you:

Receipt method	How it works	Activation time	Required data
via the app "My MTS"	Order eSIM in the "SIM Card Management" section. The QR code arrives in the application or by email.	5–10 minutes	Passport, phone number
In the MTS salon	The salon employee issues a QR code or enters the data manually.	10–15 minutes	Passport, phone
Via online chat or call center	The operator sends a QR code by email or SMS.	15–30 minutes	Passport details, phone number
Independently on the MTS website	Order eSIM in your personal account linked to the number.	10–20 minutes	Login/password from personal office

The fastest way is "My MTS" application. To do this:

1. Open the application and log in.
2. Go to the section "SIM card management" or "My devices".
3. Select an option "Get eSIM" and follow the instructions.
4. After confirming your identity, you will receive a QR code or data for manual activation.

What to do if the application does not have the "Get eSIM" option?

If the "My MTS" application does not have a section for ordering an eSIM, this may mean that your tariff does not support this option or the service is temporarily unavailable in your region. Try contacting the call center by number 0890 (free from an MTS phone) or visit a communication store.

If you order an eSIM for the new number, the process will be similar, but you will need to apply for a new tariff. In this case, the QR code will come along with the data for activating the tariff plan.

4. Step-by-step guide for activating eSIM on Android

When you have a QR code or data for manual activation, you can start setting up eSIM on your phone. The instructions may vary slightly depending on the smartphone model, but the general algorithm is as follows:

Method 1: Activation via QR code

1. Open Settings → Connections → Mobile network → Add mobile network (or Download SIM card on some models).
2. Select "Add using QR code".
3. Point the camera at the QR code received from MTS. Make sure that the code is clearly visible and there is sufficient lighting.
4. Confirm the installation of the eSIM profile. The phone may request a reboot.
5. After activation, a new profile will appear in the mobile network settings MTS.

Method 2: Manual activation (without QR code)

If you do not have a QR code, but have data for manual activation (for example, SM-DP+ Address i Activation Code), follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings → Mobile network → Add mobile network → Enter data manually.
2. Enter the data provided by MTS:
   • SM-DP+ Address (for example, esim.mts.ru)
   • Activation Code (unique activation code)

Confirm adding the profile. The process may take up to 5 minutes.

After successful activation, reboot your phone.

Note for owners Samsung: on some models, the path to the eSIM settings may differ. Try Settings → Connections → SIM cards and mobile networks → Add mobile plan.

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If after scanning the QR code the error "Failed to activate" appears, check your Internet connection and try again. If the problem persists, contact MTS support with the error code.

5. Setting up eSIM after activation

After successful activation of the eSIM, you need to configure its use:

• 📶 Select network: go to Settings → Mobile network → Operator name and select "MTS" (or "Automatic").
• 🔄 SIM priority: if you have two SIM cards (physical + eSIM), set the priority for calls and mobile data in the section "Management SIM cards".
• 📱 Profile name: to avoid confusing SIM cards, rename eSIM (for example, "MTS eSIM") in the settings.
• 🔒 Security: enable the PIN code for eSIM (optional) in the section "SIM Card Security".

To check the operation of the eSIM:

1. Make a test call (for example, to 0890 —free support number MTS).
2. Check the mobile data: turn off Wi-Fi and open the browser.
3. Send an SMS to a short number (for example, 111 to check your balance).

If the eSIM does not work after activation, follow these steps:

• 🔄 Restart the phone.
• 📶 Manually select the network MTS in the settings.
• 📞 Check if the number is blocked (for example, due to non-payment).

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On some phones (for example, Google Pixel) after activation The eSIM may need to reset its network settings. To do this, go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.

6. Common errors and their solutions

When activating eSIM, users often encounter typical problems. Let's look at the most common errors and ways to eliminate them:

Error	Possible cause	Solution
"Failed to activate eSIM"	No Internet or incorrect QR code	Check your Wi-Fi/mobile network connection. Ask MTS to send the QR code again.
"SIM card not found"	The eSIM profile was not installed or the phone does not support eSIM	Restart your phone. Check model compatibility. Delete and add the profile again.
"Error connecting to the server"	Problems on the side MTS or blocked by the operator	Wait 10-15 minutes and please try again. Contact support MTS.
"Cannot add a mobile network"	The phone already has the maximum number of eSIM installed (usually 5-10)	Delete unused eSIM profiles in the settings.

Important: if, when activating an eSIM, you see the message “Profile blocked,” this means that the number is linked to another device or there are restrictions on the part of the operator. In this case, you need to contact the MTS salon MTS with a passport to unlock it.

Another common problem is eSIM works, but there is no mobile data. Check the following settings:

• 📶 Make sure that "mobile data" for eSIM is enabled in the mobile network settings.
• 🔄 Check APN settings: they must correspond to the tariff MTS. If necessary, add an APN manually:
  • Name: MTS
  • APN: internet.mts.ru
  • Authentication type: PAP
• 📱 Reboot the phone or turn on/off airplane mode.

What what to do if the eSIM is activated, but does not receive the network?

If the eSIM does not receive the network, first check whether mobile data is enabled for this profile. Then try manually selecting the operator (Settings → Mobile network → Operators → MTS). If this does not help, delete the eSIM profile and add it again.

7. Features for different models of Android smartphones

The eSIM activation process may vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the phone. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands:

Samsung (Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23, Note 20, Z Fold/Flip)

• 📱 Path to eSIM settings: Settings → Connections → SIM cards and mobile networks → Add mobile plan.
• 🔄 On some models it is required update the software to the latest version.
• 📶 After activation, you may need to reset network settings.

Google Pixel (Pixel 3/4/5/6/7/8)

• 📱 Path to settings: Settings → Network and Internet → SIM cards → Download SIM card.
• 🔒 On Pixel you can install several eSIM profiles (up to 10), but only one is active at a time.
• 📶 For stable operation it is recommended enable automatic network selection.

Xiaomi (12/13 series, Redmi K50 Pro)

• 📱 Path to settings: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Add eSIM.
• 🔄 On some models Xiaomi required allow installation from unknown sources to download the eSIM profile.
• 📶 After activation, check that the correct protocol is specified in the APN settings (usually IPv4/IPv6).

For other brands (for example, Huawei, Oppo, Motorola) the process is similar, but the paths in the menu may differ slightly. If you do not find the section you need, use Search by settings (magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

8. Frequently asked questions about MTS eSIM

In this section we will answer the most popular questions from users about working with eSIM from MTS.

Is it possible to use eSIM and physical SIM at the same time?

Yes, if your phone supports Dual SIM (DSDS). In this case, one SIM card will be physical and the second will be virtual. You can choose which SIM to use for calls, SMS and mobile data by default.

What will happen to the physical SIM after switching to eSIM?

After successful activation of the eSIM, the physical SIM card deactivated (if you replaced it with an eSIM). However, the card itself can be left - it does not interfere with the operation of the eSIM. If you want to return to the physical SIM, you will have to contact the salon. MTS for a new card.

Can I transfer an eSIM to another phone?

Yes, but for this you need:

1. Delete the eSIM profile from the old phone.
2. Get a new QR code or activation data in MTS.
3. Activate eSIM on a new device.

Please note: eSIM can only be active on one device at a time.

How much does it cost to connect eSIM in MTS?

Activation of eSIM in MTS freeif you replace a physical SIM with a virtual one. If you connect a new number with eSIM, the cost will depend on the selected tariff. Check the current conditions on the operator's website.

What to do if you have lost the QR code to activate your eSIM?

If you have lost the QR code, contact support MTS:

• Through the "My MTS" application (section "Help").
• By phone 0890 (free from the number MTS).
• In a communication salon (take your passport with you).

The operator will be able to send a new QR code to your email or SMS.