Users of mobile devices based on Android periodically encounter intrusive notifications from the telecom operator, which can interfere with the comfortable use of the gadget. One of these irritants is the network diagnostic service, which is automatically activated when installing a new SIM cards or updating the operator profile. This function is intended to collect data on signal quality, but often leads to increased traffic consumption and the appearance of unnecessary icons in the status bar.
The process of deactivating this service is not always obvious, since operators often hide the corresponding settings deep in the menu or use specific ones. USSD commands. Depending on the version of the operating system and the model of your smartphone, the path to solving the problem may differ. Some users mistakenly believe that deleting the operator's application will solve the issue, but system services often remain active even after uninstalling the accompanying software.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for disabling diagnostics, from simple settings in the menu to radical methods of resetting network parameters. You will learn how to find hidden items in the interface of your Android-smartphone and what commands need to be entered to completely stop background data collection processes. It is important to approach the solution comprehensively in order to avoid reactivating the service after rebooting the device.
Understanding the essence of the network diagnostic service
The network diagnostic service is a software module built into the profile SIM cards or preinstalled in the device firmware by the operator. Its main task is to monitor coverage quality, data transfer speed and connection stability in real time. The received data is sent to the servers of the telecommunications company to optimize the operation of the towers and improve the quality of services in your region.
Despite the good intentions of the developers, the operation of this module often causes complaints from advanced users. The constant exchange of service data packages can obscure Internet traffic, especially if you have a tariff with a limited gigabyte limit. In addition, the active process of collecting telemetry creates additional load on the processor and battery, which is critical for older smartphone models.
Users often confuse network diagnostics with regular advertising mailings or subscription services. However, it is a systemic process that operates at a lower level. Disabling regular notifications in app settings won't help here, since the service is integrated into the device's communications stack. To stop it, specific actions are required, aimed specifically at the network profile configuration.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling the diagnostic service may affect the speed of resolving communication problems in your area, since the operator will no longer receive automatic reports on signal quality from your device.
Before making changes, write down the current access point (APN) settings so that in case of problems with the Internet you can quickly restore them manually.
Disabling through the SIM card settings in the phone menu
The safest and recommended way to disable unnecessary services is to use the standard settings interface Android. In most modern versions of the operating system, such as Android 10, Android 11 and newer, management of SIM card functions is placed in a separate menu. Here you can find switches responsible for additional operator services, including diagnostics.
First, you need to go to the device settings section. The path may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (for example, MIUI, OneUI or ColorOS), but the general logic remains the same. You need to find the item related to network and connection management. Often this section is called “Connections”, “Network and Internet” or “SIM Card Manager”.
After entering the SIM card management menu, select the active slot with the Tele2 card. Inside you will see a list of available options. Look for items with names like “Additional services”, “Operator services” or “Network settings”. This is where the switch responsible for automatically sending reports on the network status is usually hidden.
- 📱 Go to
Settings → Connections → SIM card manager. - 🔍 Click on the name of your Tele2 SIM card.
- ⚙️ Find the “Operator Services” or “Advanced Settings” section.
- ❌ Turn off the toggle switch next to the “Network Diagnostics” or “Communication Quality Report” item.
If you do not find an obvious switch, try finding the “Network Mode” or “Network Type” item. In some cases, changing the mode from 5G/4G/3G/2G to Only 4G or Only 3G resets active diagnostic sessions because the service stops receiving data in the required format. However, this method is a temporary solution and does not guarantee a complete shutdown of the service.
Using USSD commands to manage services
A universal tool for managing operator services is USSD commands. They work at the network level and do not depend on the operating system version or model of your smartphone. The Tele2 operator provides a number of service codes that allow you to manage connected options, including hidden monitoring services.
To access the service management menu, you need to open the “Phone” application and go to dialing. Enter a special combination of characters that will send the request to the operator's server. Usually this is a code like *153# or *155#that opens an interactive menu. In this menu, you need to sequentially select items responsible for information services and diagnostics.
There is also a command for directly disabling specific services if you know their code. For example, the *155*2*2# command is often used to manage service subscriptions. However, codes may vary depending on the region and current tariff plan. If standard commands do not work, it is recommended to use the command *153*0# to call the main menu of services, where you can manually disable all unnecessary items.
*153# - Main menu of services*155*2*2# - Managing service options
*153*0# - Full settings menu
After entering the command, a text menu will appear on the screen. Follow the instructions to select items related to disabling newsletters and monitoring services. The system may ask you to confirm the action. After successful completion, you will receive an SMS notification that the service has been disabled. This is the most reliable method, since the ban is imposed directly on the operator’s side.
⚠️ Attention: USSD commands may be paid or free depending on your tariff. Make sure you have a balance in your account before sending requests to avoid execution errors.
☑️ Checking deactivation via USSD
Resetting the access point (APN) to factory settings
Sometimes the diagnostic service is “prescribed” in the access point settings (APN). This is a technical parameter that determines exactly how your device connects to the operator’s Internet. If specific monitoring protocols are activated in the access point profile, simply changing the switches in the menu may not help.
To fix the problem, you need to reset the APN settings to their original state. This action will remove all user changes and return the configuration to that which was loaded by the operator when the SIM card was first installed, but without active diagnostic sessions if they were initiated later. To do this, go to the mobile network settings.
Find the “Access Points (APN)” section. There will be a menu button at the top or bottom corner of the screen (often in a three-dot menu). Click on it and select “Reset to default settings” or “Restore settings”. After this, the phone will reboot the network profile. Make sure that the access point with the name internet.tele2.ru or similar for your region is selected.
| APN parameter | Default value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Tele2 Internet | Profile name |
| APN | internet.tele2.ru | Access point address |
| Proxy | Not installed | Must be empty |
| Port | Not installed | Must be empty |
| Authentication type | PAP or CHAP | Verification protocol |
After resetting the settings, it is recommended to restart the device for the new settings to take effect. If the diagnostic problem persisted due to an incorrect configuration file, this method should resolve it. In rare cases, the operator can automatically restore the old settings the next time you connect to the network, so monitor the status of the access point throughout the day.
What to do if resetting the APN did not help?
If the reset did not work, try creating a new access point manually with the same parameters, but do not copy the old ones. Sometimes hidden scripts remain in the old profile, which are not deleted during a standard reset.
Removing and disabling operator system applications
Many smartphones purchased from telecom operators or in partner stores have special applications pre-installed, such as “My Tele2” or service utilities. These apps often have advanced permissions and can run the diagnostic service in the background, even if you have disabled it through network settings.
The first step is to check the list of installed applications. Go to Settings → Applications and find all apps related to Tele2. If you see the application “Tele2 Services”, “Navigator” or similar system utilities, try disabling them. The “Disable” button will be active only for system applications that cannot be completely removed without superuser rights.
For regular user applications, such as your personal account, you can perform a complete uninstallation. However, it is worth remembering that deleting the personal account application does not always stop the system diagnostic service, since they can work independently of each other. However, this reduces the overall load on the system and removes unnecessary processes.
- 🗑️ Go to
Settings → Applications → All applications. - 📂 Find applications with the Tele2 logo.
- 🚫 Click “Disable” for system utilities or “Uninstall” for regular ones.
- 🔄 Reboot your phone to apply the changes.
If the “Disable” button is inactive, this means that the application is built into the firmware at a deep level. In this case, standard Android methods cannot stop it. You can try to limit the background activity of the application through the battery settings, prohibiting it from working in the background, but this does not guarantee a complete stop of the diagnostic service.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling system applications may lead to incorrect operation of some functions, for example, automatic replenishment of the balance or displaying the remaining traffic in the status bar.
Completely deleting user operator applications is safe, but disabling system applications utilities requires caution, as they may be associated with basic communication functions.
Radical methods: resetting network and device settings
If none of the above methods helped get rid of the intrusive service, you can only resort to more radical measures. Resetting network settings is a procedure that removes all saved connection settings, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and mobile network settings. This often helps to “cleanse” the system of frozen service processes.
To perform a network reset, go to the Settings → System → Reset settingssection. Select "Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings." Confirm the action. After rebooting, the phone will search for the network as a new device. You will have to re-enter passwords for Wi-Fi networks and pair Bluetooth gadgets, but the access point settings will be completely updated.
As a last resort, if the problem is global in nature and affects the performance of the entire smartphone, you can completely reset the device to factory settings. This operation will delete all data from the phone, so be sure to back up your contacts and files before starting. After resetting, do not restore applications from backup immediately, but check the network in a “clean” state.
Path to network reset:
Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset network settings
After a hard reset, when you install the SIM card for the first time, carefully watch for pop-ups. The operator may offer to activate “useful services” or “assistance in setting up”. Refuse all additional offers, choosing only the basic Internet setup. This will prevent the diagnostic service from being re-activated during the initial configuration.
After resetting the network settings, do not immediately connect to Wi-Fi. Let the phone work for a few minutes only through the mobile network to make sure that the diagnostics are not activated again.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does disabling diagnostics affect the Internet speed?
No, disabling the diagnostic service does not reduce the Internet speed. On the contrary, it can slightly improve connection stability and reduce ping, since the communication channel will not be clogged with service data packets sent to the operator.
Will the diagnostic service return after updating Android?
Yes, with a major update of the operating system, network settings can be reset or changed. The operator can resend a configuration profile that enables diagnostics. After the update, it is recommended to check the SIM card and APN settings.
Is it possible to block diagnostics through a third-party firewall?
Theoretically, yes, applications like NetGuard can block access to diagnostic servers. However, this is a complex method that requires knowledge of specific IP addresses or operator domains, which may change. It’s easier to use standard shutdown tools.
Why do you still receive SMS from the operator after a shutdown?
The diagnostic service and advertising mailings are different services. Disabling diagnostics does not unsubscribe you from marketing SMS. To do this, you need to use the unsubscribe command (usually 0000 to a mailing number) or set up a blacklist on your phone.
Is it safe to change APN settings manually?
Yes, it's safe. In the worst case, your mobile data will simply stop working. You can always return to the menu and click “Reset to default settings” to restore network functionality in a couple of seconds.