Connecting mobile data from MTS on a smartphone with Android seems like a simple task - until you encounter a lack of network, slow speed or authentication errors. Even if the SIM card is new and the tariff has unlimited traffic, sometimes the system requires manual configuration APN (access point) or adjustment of network parameters. In this article, we will look at all the ways to set up the Internet MTS on Android —from automatically obtaining the configuration to solving typical problems with 4G/5G.

We will pay special attention to nuances that are rarely written about: why sometimes not works VoLTE after changing the APN, how to check if the operator is blocking access to certain sites, and what to do if the phone “sees” the network MTS, but there is no Internet. The instructions are relevant for all versions Android (from 9 to 14) and models of smartphones - from budget Redmi to flagships Samsung Galaxy.

1. Preparation: checking the SIM card and tariff

Before setting up the Internet, make sure that the problem is not in the SIM card or tariff. MTS automatically blocks access to the network if the account balance is less than 10 rubles - even with an unlimited tariff. This rule has been in effect since 2023 and often causes panic among users.

How to check the balance and tariff:

  • 📱 Dial combination *100# and press "Call" - the self-service menu will open.
  • 💳 To check the balance, send a USSD request *100*1#.
  • 📊 To find out the current tariff, dial *111*59#.
  • 🔄 If the SIM card is new, activate it via *111*1# or in your personal account My MTS.

If the balance is in order, but the Internet is not working, check:

  • 📡 Coverage area: in some regions MTS turns off 4G at night to save energy (relevant for remote areas).
  • 🔄 Rebooting the phone: sometimes the communication module freezes after the update Android.
  • 📶 Airplane mode: even if it is turned off, some phones (Xiaomi, Realme) reset the network settings after its activation.
⚠️ Attention: If you use eSIM ot MTS, standard USSD requests may not work. To check your balance and tariff, use the application My MTS or the web version of your personal account.
📊 What is your MTS tariff?
Tariff with unlimited Internet
Regular tariff with a traffic package
Prepaid (no monthly fee)
I don’t know what tariff

2. Automatic MTS Internet setup

In 90% of cases Androidthe smartphone itself adjusts the network parameters after installing the SIM card. If this does not happen, you can start the process manually:

Automatic configuration methods:

  1. Via USSD command: dial *111*1234# and wait for an SMS with the configuration. The message will arrive within 1–2 minutes.
  2. through the app My MTS:
    • Download the application from Google Play.
    • Login by number phone.
    • Go to section Services → Internet settings.
    • Click "Send settings" and confirm the action.
  • Via SMS: send an empty message to the number 1234. In response, you will receive an SMS with the settings - save it and apply.

    • After receiving the settings, the phone will offer to install them. If this does not happen:

    1. Open the received SMS.
    2. Click on the link or the "Install" button (depending on the phone model).
    3. Confirm the installation and reboot the device.
      4. ⚠️ Attention: On phones Samsung s Android 12+ automatic APN installation can be blocked by the security system. In this case, you will have to enter the parameters manually (see the next section).

      Make sure that the SIM card is activated|

      Check the balance (minimum 10₽)|

      Disable VPN and antiviruses|

      Enable mobile data in settings-->

      3. Manual APN setup for MTS

      If the automatic setup did not work, you will have to enter the parameters APN (Access Point Name) manually. This is relevant for:

      • 📱 Phones with custom firmware (LineageOS, MIUI Global).
      • 🔄 Devices after reset to factory settings.
      • 🌍 SIM cards activated in roaming.

    Setup instructions APN:

    1. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access points (APN).
    2. Click "Add" or "Create a new APN."
    3. Fill in the fields according to the table below:
    Parameter Value for MTS
    Name MTS INTERNET
    APN internet.mts.ru
    User name mts
    Password mts
    Authentication type PAP or CHAP
    APN Type default,supl
    APN Protocol IPv4/IPv6 (or IPv4if the first option does not work)

    After filling:

    1. Save the settings (the "Save" or "Finish" button).
    2. Select the created profile in the APN list.
    3. Reboot the phone.

    If the Internet does not work after reboot:

    • 🔄 Remove all other APNs from the list (except the one you created).
    • 📡 Turn on and off the "Flight" mode.
    • 📶 Check that the mode is selected in the network settings 4G (LTE) or 5G (if supported).
    💡

    If, after manual configuration, the Internet works, but some sites do not open (for example, VKontakte or YouTube), check whether the "Children's Internet" or "Traffic Control" service is activated. You can disable them via USSD *111*247# or in your personal account.

    4. Setting up 4G and 5G on Android

    Even with the correct APN, the Internet can be slow if the phone is connected to the network 3G instead of 4G/5G. To force enable modern standards:

    For Android 10–14:

    1. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network mode.
    2. Select LTE/4G/3G/2G (auto) or 5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto).
    3. If there is an option Only LTE or Only 5G, try it (but note that in In this case, calls may not work without VoLTE).

    For Android 9 and older (on some phones):

    1. Enter the engineering code ##4636##.
    2. Select Phone information.
    3. In the section Set preferred network type install LTE only or NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM (for 5G).

    If 4G/5G does not catch:

    • 📡 Check if your phone supports the required frequencies. For example, MTS in Russia uses:
      • 4G (LTE): bands B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz), B20 (800 MHz).
      • 5G (NR): n78 (3500 MHz).
    • 🔧 Update your phone firmware - sometimes manufacturers add support for new bands in updates.
    • 📱 On phones Xiaomi i Redmi may be required enable 5G in hidden settings (via the engineering menu).
    ⚠️ Attention: On some tariffs MTS speed 5G is limited to 300 Mbit/s, even if the phone supports higher values. Check the conditions of your tariff in your personal account. office.
    How to check the supported frequencies of your phone?

    Open the website GSMArena or 4PDA, find your phone model and look at the "Network technologies" section (Network). Compare supported bands with frequencies MTS (see list above). If there are no matches, 4G/5G will not work, regardless of the settings.

    5. Solving problems with the MTS Internet

    If after all the manipulations the Internet still does not work, check the typical problems:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    There is Internet, but they do not open sites Blocked by DNS or the "Safe Internet" service activated Change DNS to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or disable the service via *111*247#
    Network 4G yes, but the speed is the same u 3G Tariff limitation or base station overload Check the tariff in your personal account or restart the phone
    Connection is constantly lost Problems with the SIM card or network settings Try another SIM card or reset the network settings in Settings → System → Reset → Reset mobile network
    Does not work VoLTE (calls through 4G) Incorrect settings APN or a disabled option in the phone Enable VoLTE in Settings → Mobile networks → Call over LTE and check the APN (must be type default,supl,ims)

    Additional actions:

    • 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth. Attention: this will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks!
    • 📲 Firmware update: sometimes bugs with the mobile network are fixed in new versions Android.
    • 📡 Checking IMEI: if the phone does not receive the network at all, it may be damaged IMEI (relevant after updating the firmware). *#06#.
    💡

    If none of the methods helped, contact support MTS via chat in the application My MTS or by number 0890. Tell the operator your phone model, version Android and description of the problem - they can remotely check the settings on the operator's side.

    6. Optimizing MTS Internet speed

    Even if the Internet is working, the speed may be lower than expected. Here's how to increase it:

    1. Changing the network type:

    • 📶 If you are in an area of poor coverage 4G, force switch to 3G - sometimes this gives a more stable connection.
    • 🔄 Vice versa, if you are in a city with good 5G-coverage, turn on priority 5G in the settings.

    2. DNS settings:

    • By default MTS uses its own DNS servers, which can be slow. Change them to: MTS → Private DNS
      • 8.8.8.8 And 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS).
      • 1.1.1.1 And 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare DNS).
    • How to change DNS:
      1. Go to Settings Wi-Fi and Networks → Private DNS.
      2. Select "Private DNS Hostname" and enter dns.google or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com.

    3. Disabling background traffic:

    • 📱 Some applications (for example, TikTok, Instagram) consume traffic in the background, reducing speed.
    • 🔧 Limit background traffic in Settings → Applications → [Select an application] → Mobile data → Background traffic.

    4. Virus scan:

    • 🛡️ Some malware creates “hidden” connections that steal traffic.
    • 🔍 Perform a scan using Malwarebytes or built-in antivirus (for example, Google Play Protect).

    Smartphone manufacturers often modify network settings, which can complicate the process. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands:

    Samsung (One UI):

    • 📱 On phones with Android 13+ path to APN: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access point names.
    • 🔄 If the Internet does not work after manual configuration, try turning it off option Automatic network selection in the SIM card settings.
    • 📶 To enable 5G you may need to update CS Client via Galaxy Store.

    Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI):

    • 📱 Path to APN: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Select SIM] → Access point names.
    • 🔧 For the option to appear 5G, you need to enable it in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Preferred network type → 5G.
    • 🛡️ On some firmware MIUI blocks manual APN changes. In this case, resetting the network settings will help.

    Realme/Oppo (ColorOS):

    • 📱 APN is configured in Settings → Mobile network → SIM card → Access point name.
    • 🔄 To activate VoLTE you need to enable the option Call via VoLTE in the SIM card settings.
    • 📶 If there is no option 5G, update the firmware via Settings → Software update.

    Google Pixel:

    • 📱 On a clean Android path to APN: Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network → Advanced → Access points (APN).
    • 🔧 If the Internet is lost after the update, reset network settings Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
    ⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 14 and newer MTS may require identity verification for activation 5G (via SMS or application My MTS). This is due to the new rules of Roskomnadzor.

    8. Alternative methods of connecting to the Internet

    If the mobile data MTS does not work, and communication is urgently needed, use alternative methods:

    1. Modem mode (distributing Wi-Fi from the phone):

    • 📶 Connect the phone to another device with working Internet (for example, via USB or Wi-Fi).
    • 🔧 Enable modem mode in Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot and modem.
    • 📱 On the second phone, connect to the created access point.

    2. Wi-Fi Calling:

    • 📞 If the mobile network does not catch, but is Wi-Fi, enable Wi-Fi Calling in the settings SIM cards.
    • 🔄 For MTS this service is free, but requires telephone support and activation in your personal account.

    3. Balance transfer or account replenishment:

    • 💳 If the Internet does not work due to insufficient funds, top up your account via:
      • Terminal or ATM.
      • Bank application (SberBank Online, Tinkoff etc.).
      • USSD command 111[card number]#[amount]#.

    4. Using VPN:

    • 🌍 If MTS blocks access to certain sites, connect via VPN (for example, ProtonVPN or Warp from Cloudflare).
    • ⚠️ Please note that some tariffs MTS limit the speed when using VPN.
    💡

    If you often encounter mobile data problems, consider purchasing an external 4Gmodem (for example, Huawei E3372). It works more stably in areas of weak signal and supports external antennas.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up the MTS Internet

    🔹 Why did the MTS Internet stop working after changing the phone?

    Most likely, the old APN settings are not suitable for the new phone. Delete all saved APNs and request new ones via *111*1234# or manually enter the parameters from the table in section 3.

    Also check whether the new phone supports frequencies MTS (see section 4).

    🔹 How to find out why MTS blocks the Internet?

    The reasons for blocking can be different:

    • 💰 Insufficient funds in the account (even with an unlimited tariff).
    • 📵 The "Parental Control" service is activated or "Safe Internet".
    • 🔒 Your number has been blacklisted (for example, due to spam).

    To find out the exact reason, dial *111*0890# or contact support via chat in the application My MTS.

    🔹 Is it possible to use MTS Internet abroad?

    Yes, but it will be charged according to roaming rules. To avoid high costs:

    1. Before your trip, activate the "Travel Easy" option via *111*611#.
    2. Or buy a special roaming package in your personal account.

    Please note that in some countries (for example, Turkey or Egypt) MTS works through partners, and the speed may be lower.

    🔹 Why does the phone show 4G, but the speed is the same as 3G?

    This may be due to:

    • 📡 Overload of the base station (especially during rush hour).
    • 📱 Speed limit according to the tariff (check your personal office).
    • 🔧 Incorrect APN settings (make sure that the protocol is specified IPv4/IPv6).
    • 🛡️ Activated by the "Economy Internet" service (disabled via *111*247#).

    Try to force a switch to 3G - sometimes this works more stable speed.

    🔹 How to transfer MTS Internet settings to a new phone?

    Transfer methods:

    1. 📱 If both phones are on Android, use the function Clone applications and data at the first turning on the new device.
    2. 🔄 Save the APN settings manually (take a photo of the screen or write down the settings) and enter them on the new phone.
    3. 📧 Send screenshots of the settings to your email or export them through applications like APN Backup & Restore (available in Google Play).

    Do not forget that the phone may need to update the firmware for correct operation 4G/5G.