Activation of a new SIM card Motive on a smartphone s Android is a procedure that seems simple only at first glance. In practice, users are faced with a lack of network, registration errors, or a lack of understanding of how to enter the PUK code correctly. This article will help you understand all the nuances: from the physical installation of the card to setting up the Internet and MMS, including solutions to typical problems.

We will consider all current activation methods - through USSD commands, mobile application My Motive and the official website of the operator. We will pay special attention to setting up APN for correct operation of 4G/5G, and we will also look at what to do if the SIM card is not detected by the device. The instructions are adapted to the latest versions Android 13/14 and take into account the features of popular brands: Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme and others.

Preparation for activation: what needs to be done before installation SIM cards

Before inserting Motive SIM card into your smartphone, complete several required steps. This will eliminate most problems at the activation stage.

First, check device compatibility with operator networks. Motive works in standards GSM 900/1800, 3G (UMTS 2100) i 4G (LTE Band 3/7/20). Make sure your phone supports at least GSM 900 this is the minimum requirement for calls. Information about supported frequencies can be found in the model specifications on the manufacturer's website or in the phone settings under Settings → About phone → SIM card information.

Secondly, prepare documents for activation. Although Motive does not require mandatory registration with a passport (unlike some federal operators), when purchasing a SIM card in communication shops, you may be asked to present an ID card. If the card was purchased online, activation is possible without documents, but to restore access to the number in the future, passport data will be required.

  • 📱 Check the phone's IMEI: dial *#06# —if the device is blacklisted, the SIM card will not be activated.
  • 🔋 Charge the phone at least 30% - this is important for stable operation during setup.
  • 📶 Find a place with a good signal: activation can only take place if there is a network Motive.
  • 📝 Write down the PUK code on the back of the SIM card - you will need it if you block the PIN.
⚠️ Attention: If you bought a SIM card Motive more than 3 months ago and did not activate it, the number could be cancelled. In this case, the card will not work even after correct installation.
📊 What mobile operator do you have?
Motive
Tele2
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Yota
Other

Installing a SIM card into a smartphone: a step-by-step process

Physically installing a SIM card is the first and most important step. Errors at this step lead to the phone not seeing the network or displaying a message "SIM card is not supported". Let's look at the process for different types of smartphones.

For most modern Androiddevices you will need nano-SIM (the smallest format). If you have a standard card micro-SIM or mini-SIM, you can cut it yourself using a special stapler or scissors (carefully, according to the template!). However, it is better to contact a communication store Motive —they will replace the card with the required format for free.

Installation instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone (required!). Removing the SIM card while the device is on may cause the communication module to fail.
  2. Locate the SIM card tray - it is usually located on the side of the phone. In some models (for example, Samsung Galaxy A-series), the tray is combined: for SIM1 + SIM2 or SIM + microSD.
  3. Insert a paperclip (or a special key from the kit) into the hole of the tray to remove it. Press firmly and you should hear a click.
  4. Place the SIM card in the tray chip downaligning the beveled corner of the card with the corner of the tray. For two SIM cards, use slots SIM1 (main) and SIM2 (additional).
  5. Gently push the tray back until it clicks. Make sure that it sits evenly - distortions will lead to poor contact.
  6. Turn on the phone and wait until the system boots.

The tray snaps into place without play|The phone does not display the error "No SIM card"|A network indicator appears in the status bar|You can open the SIM card settings-->

If after turning on the phone there is no network indicator in the status bar, try:

  • 🔄 Reboot the device.
  • 📶 Manually select the operator network: Settings → Mobile network → Network operators → Search.
  • 🔧 Check if it is enabled mode "Only 2G" (if yes, switch to 4G/3G/2G (auto)).

Methods for activating the SIM card Motive

After installation SIM cards need to be activated. Motive offers several methods, and we will analyze each of them taking into account possible nuances.

1. Automatic activation (recommended method)

In most cases, the SIM card is activated automatically in during 5–30 minutes after the first insertion into the phone. To do this:

  1. Make sure that the phone is connected to the network Motive (the name of the operator should be displayed in the status line).
  2. Wait for an SMS message with a greeting from Motive. It will arrive at the number 0000 or 111.
  3. If the SMS has not arrived, check your balance - sometimes activation is blocked if the account is zero. Top up your balance with any amount (for example, via *111*1#).

2. Activation via USSD command

If automatic activation does not work, use the command:

*111*01#

After dialing, a menu will appear asking you to activate the SIM card. Follow the instructions on the screen. Usually required:

  • Confirm activation (click 1).
  • Enter the last 4 digits of the phone number (indicated on the SIM card packaging).
  • Wait for SMS with confirmation.

3. Activation through the "My Motive" application

The official application My Motive allows you to activate the SIM card and manage the tariff. Download it from Google Play:

  1. Open My Motive application.
  2. Login using your phone number (even if it is not activated yet).
  3. Go to the section SIM Activation and follow the prompts.

4. Activation through the operator's website

If other methods do not work, use Activation page on the official website. You will need to enter:

  • Phone number (from the SIM card).
  • Serial number of the SIM card (printed on plastic media).
  • Code from the picture (captcha).
⚠️ Attention: If an error appears during activation through the website or application "SIM card has already been activated", but the network does not work, contact support Motive by number 555 (free from the operator's SIM card).
What to do if the number is already busy?

If during activation you see the message “Number busy”, this means that the SIM card was previously activated by another user (for example, when purchasing by hand). In this case:

1. Contact support by phone 555 (from any SIM card).

2. Provide the serial number of the SIM card (20 digits, starts with 89...).

3. Ask to link the number to your passport (you will need to provide data).

4. Wait for confirmation (may take up to 24 hours).

Setting up mobile data and MMS

After successful activation of the SIM card, you need to configure access points (APN) for mobile data and MMS to work. In most cases, the settings come automatically in the form of SMS, but sometimes you have to enter them manually.

To check the current APN settings:

  1. Go to Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN).
  2. If the list is empty or there is only one item with the name Motiv, but the Internet does not work, create a new APN.

Parameters for manual entry:

Parameter Value
Name Motiv Internet
APN internet.motiv
User name not specified
Password not specified
Authentication type PAP or CHAP
APN type default,supl

For configuration MMS, add a second APN with the following parameters:

  • Name: Motiv MMS
  • APN: mms.motiv
  • MMSC: http://mmsc.motiv.ru
  • MMS Proxy: 192.168.192.192
  • MMS Port: 8080
  • APN Type: mms

After saving the settings reboot your phone and check the Internet. If there is no connection:

  • 🔄 Make sure mobile data is turned on (Settings → Mobile network → Mobile data).
  • 📶 Check the signal level - in poor coverage areas the Internet may not be available work.
  • 🔧 Try resetting the network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.
💡

If the Internet does not work after setting the APN, try temporarily disabling Wi-Fi Some phones (for example, Xiaomi) automatically switch to Wi-Fi even when mobile data is turned on.

Solving common problems during activation

Even with the correct installation and configuration of the SIM card, users encounter errors. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. data-i="205">If there is no network indicator in the status line or a message appears

If there is no network indicator in the status line or a message appears "No SIM card", check:

  • 🔌 Tray contacts: remove the SIM card and inspect the metal contacts on the tray and card. If necessary, carefully wipe them with an eraser.
  • 📱 SIM card slot: try inserting the card into another slot (if there are two).
  • 🔧 Network settings: go to Settings → Mobile network → Access point name i select Motiv manually.
  • 🛠️ Hardware failure: if nothing helps, the SIM card module in the phone may be damaged. Contact the service center.

2. Error "SIM card is blocked. Enter PUK code"

This error appears after three incorrect attempts to enter the PIN code. To unlock a SIM card:

  1. Find PUK code on the plastic carrier of the SIM card (8 digits).
  2. Enter it in the field that appears.
  3. Set a new one PIN code (4 digits).

If you have lost your PUK code, you can restore it:

  • through the app My Motive (section Help → Recovery PUK).
  • Call support at number 555 (you will need to provide your passport details).
⚠️ Attention: If you enter the PUK code incorrectly 10 times, the SIM card is blocked forever will need to be replaced!

3. There is no network or the signal often disappears

Problems with coverage may be related to:

  • 📡 Zone operator actions: check the coverage in the network map Motive.
  • 📱 Phone settings: go to Settings → Mobile network → Network mode and select 4G/3G/2G (auto).
  • 🔄 SIM card conflict: if you use two SIM cards, try leave only Motive.
  • 🔋 Economy charge: in some phones (for example, Samsung) the energy saving mode disables the background operation of the mobile network.

4. mobile data does not work

If the Internet does not connect, despite the correct APN settings:

  • 💰 Check your balance - you may have run out of money or the traffic package is not connected.
  • 🔄 Reboot your phone.
  • 📶 Select manually network: Settings → Mobile network → Network operators → Manual search.
  • 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
💡

If after all the manipulations the Internet does not work, contact support Motive by phone 555 or via chat in the application. Your tariff may require additional settings.

Checking the balance and connecting the tariff

After activating the SIM card, it is important to make sure that there is money in the account and, if necessary, connect a suitable tariff plan. Motive offers as prepaid tariffs (without a subscription fee), and package offers with a fixed monthly payment.

To check the balance, use one of the commands:

  • *100# — balance and information about the tariff.
  • *111*1# — account details.
  • *105*0# —remaining Internet packages, minutes and SMS.

To activate the tariff:

  1. Send the USSD command:
    • *111*345# — “All inclusive” tariff (300 minutes, 15 GB of internet, 300 SMS for 350 ₽/month).
    • *111*789# — “Minimum” tariff (no monthly fee, payment for traffic).
  • Or activate the tariff through the app My Motive in the section Tariffs.
  • Confirm the connection by following the instructions on the screen.

    • If you are not sure which tariff to choose, use using a calculator on the Motiv website. Indicate the approximate consumption of minutes, SMS and Internet - the system will select the best option.

    ⚠️ Attention: When connecting to a tariff with a subscription fee, make sure that there are enough funds in your account. If the balance goes into minus, the services will be blocked until replenishment.

    Additional settings: calls, SMS, roaming

    After activating the SIM card and connecting the tariff, it is recommended to configure additional settings for comfortable use.

    1. Setting up call forwarding

    If you want to forward incoming calls to another number (for example, when the phone is low), use the commands:

    • **21*[number]# — forward all calls.
    • **61*[number]# — forward when unavailability.
    • **62*[number]# — forwarding if there is no answer.
    • ##002# — canceling all forwardings.

    2. Setting up an SMS center

    If SMS are not sent, check the SMS center number:

    1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Advanced → SMS center number.
    2. Enter the number: +79169990000.
    3. Save the settings.

    3. Setting up roaming

    Motive supports roaming in most regions of Russia, but to activate it you need:

    • Make sure that roaming is enabled in the phone settings: Settings → Mobile network → Data roaming.
    • Check the tariff - some packages are not valid in roaming. For details, please use the command *111*4#.
    • In manual mode, select the partner network: Settings → Mobile network → Network operators → Manual search.

    4. Setting up voicemail

    Voicemail on Motive is connected by default, but you can disable it or change the greeting:

    • To disable: dial *111*38#.
    • To enable: dial *111*37#.
    • To record a personal greeting: call 505 and follow the instructions.

    FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I activate the Motive SIM card without a phone?

    Yes, but only via operator's website or application My Motive on another device. To do this, you will need to enter the serial number of the SIM card (20 digits, starts with 89...), which is indicated on the plastic carrier.

    How long does it take to activate the Motive SIM card?

    Usually activation occurs within 5–30 minutes after the first insertion into the phone. In rare cases (for example, when the network load is high), the process may take up to 24 hours. If after this time the SIM card is not activated, contact support by number 555.

    Can I use the Motive SIM card in a tablet or modem?

    Yes, but with some restrictions:

    • In tablets The SIM card will work, but for the Internet you will need to manually configure the APN (the parameters are the same as for smartphones).
    • In USB modems and routers SIM card Motive works only if the device supports the standards GSM 900/1800 and LTE Band 3/7/20. Before purchasing a modem, check its compatibility with operator networks.

    Please note: tariffs for smartphones may have restrictions on use in the modem (for example, reduced speed after exhaustion of traffic).

    What to do if SMS do not arrive after activation?

    If you do not receive SMS (including from banks or services), check:

    • Settings SMS center (the number must be specified +79169990000).
    • No blocking of SMS from the operator (sometimes it is installed by default on new SIM cards). To remove the blocking, dial *111*33#.
    • Phone settings: in some firmware (for example, MIUI on Xiaomi) SMS are saved to another SIM card by default. Change this in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → SIM card for SMS.
    How to transfer a number from another operator to Motive?

    To transfer a number (porting) to Motive:

    1. Get from the current operator transfer code (send an SMS with the text TRANSFER to number 6677).
    2. Buy a new SIM card Motive (or use an already activated one).
    3. Send an SMS with the text TRANSFER [code] to number 6677 from SIM card Motive.
    4. Wait for confirmation (usually takes 1 to 8 business days).

    During the transfer, the old SIM card will remain active. After completing the procedure, it will be automatically deactivated, and the number will start working on Motive.