The virtual SIM card (eSIM) from MTS is becoming increasingly popular among owners Android smartphones —it frees up a slot for a second physical card, makes it easier to switch between plans and reduces the risk of loss or damage. However, the connection process often raises questions: where to get the QR code, how to activate the profile, and why some phone models do not support the function even from a technical point of view.

In this article you will find step-by-step guide on connection eSIM MTS on Android, including checking device compatibility, obtaining a virtual SIM through your personal account or communication salon, as well as solving typical errors (for example, “The profile could not be loaded” or “The device is not supported”). We will also look at hidden operator restrictions: not all MTS tariffs are available for eSIM, and some phone models require manual APN configuration.

If you have already tried activate eSIM and encountered problems - at the end of the article FAQ with answers to frequently asked questions and a table of compatibility of popular smartphones with virtual SIMs from MTS.

1. Checking eSIM support for your Android smartphone

Before ordering an eSIM, make sure that your device supports it. Even if the specifications indicate the presence of eSIM, some models (especially Samsung and Xiaomi) may have regional restrictions.

Check methods:

  • 📱 Through settings: go to Settings → Connections → SIM card manager (or Mobile network). If there is an item "Add mobile tariff" or "Download SIM", the device supports eSIM.
  • 🔍 By model: check in the table below or on the manufacturer's website. For example, Google Pixel 6 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S21+ (except for versions for China), Xiaomi 13 Pro - support.
  • 🛠️ Via IMEI: dial *#06#, write down the IMEI and check it on website IMEI.info (section "eSIM support").
Brand Supported models (2022–2026) Notes
Samsung Galaxy S21–S24 (except Chinese versions), Z Fold/Flip 3–5, A54/A73 On some models, eSIM is disabled in the firmware for Russia
Google Pixel 4a–Pixel 8 Pro Support out of the box, without regional restrictions
Xiaomi 12T Pro, 13/13 Pro, 14 Ultra, Mix Fold 2/3 Requires MIUI 14+ and global firmware
Honor Magic 4/5 Pro, 90/100 series Support appeared in 2022
⚠️ Attention: If your smartphone was purchased in China or the USA, even if there is an eSIM in the specifications, the function may be blocked at the firmware level. For example, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra for the Chinese market does not support virtual SIMs.
📊 Does your smartphone support eSIM?
Yes, I already use it
Yes, but have not activated it yet
No, the model does not support
I don’t know, I need to check

2. How to get an eSIM from MTS: 3 official methods

MTS offers several ways to obtain an eSIM, but not all of them are available for new customers or certain tariffs. Let's consider each option with nuances.

Method 1. Through your personal account "My MTS"

  • 🌐 Go to the website lk.mts.ru or to the "My MTS" application.
  • 📱 In the "SIM Management" section, select "Get eSIM".
  • 📋 Indicate the IMEI of your smartphone (can be found in Settings → About phone).
  • 💳 Pay for the eSIM issue (cost - 100–300 rubles, depends on the tariff).
  • 📲 Receive a QR code by email or in your personal account (valid for 30 minutes).

Method 2. In the MTS communication salon

If the online method is not available (for example, for corporate clients), visit the salon with a passport and smartphone. An employee:

  • 📋 Will check the device’s compatibility using IMEI.
  • 🔄 Will transfer your number to an eSIM or issue a new one.
  • 📱 Help with setup (sometimes required manually adding APN).

Method 3. Through support chat

In Telegram-bot @MTS_Russia_bot or chat on the website you can request an eSIM, but:

  • ⏳ Waiting for a response - up to 24 hours.
  • 📄 You will need a photo of your passport and IMEI.
  • 🚫 Not all chat operators have access to issuing an eSIM.
⚠️ Attention: If you connect an eSIM to corporate tariff, the consent of the account administrator will be required. Also, eSIM is not available for MTS Smart tariffs and some regional offers.

Phone charge > 50%|

Stable Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)|

IMEI phone under by hand|

Passport data (for new clients)|

eSIM QR code (printed or on a second device)

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3. Step-by-step guide: how to activate eSIM on Android

When you have the QR code in your hands, proceed to activation. The process may differ slightly depending on the version of Android and the shell (MIUI, One UI, Pixel Launcher), but the general scheme is the same.

Step 1. Open the eSIM settings

Go to:

  • Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → Add mobile tariff (Samsung).
  • Settings → Network and Internet → SIM cards → Download SIM (Google Pixel).
  • Settings → Mobile network → Add operator (Xiaomi/Redmi).

Step 2. Scan the QR code

  • 📷 Point the camera at the QR code (it should be clear, without glare).
  • 🔄 If scanning does not start, click "Enter data manually" and copy the parameters from the letter from MTS:
LPA:1$mc.mts.ru$[your_unique_code]

Contract address: es9plus.mts.ru

Step 3. Set up an eSIM profile

  • 📶 Select a network MTS manually (if the automatic search did not work).
  • 🔄 Reboot the phone (required!).
  • 📶 Check the availability of the network: “MTS” with the mark “eSIM” should appear in the status bar.

Step 4. Set up APN (if the Internet does not work)

Sometimes after activating the eSIM, the mobile data does not connect. Fix:

  1. Go to Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN).
  2. Create a new APN with parameters:
    • Name: MTS Internet
    • APN: internet.mts.ru
    • Authentication type: PAP
    • Username/password: leave blank
  • Save and select the created profile.

    • 1. Increase screen brightness on the device with the code.

    2. Disable "Smart zoom" in the camera settings.

    3. Print the QR code on paper (sometimes screens with OLED distortions interfere with scanning).-->

    4. Frequent errors when connecting eSIM and their solutions

    Even with the correct actions, failures may occur. Let's look at typical problems and ways to solve them.

    Error 1: "Failed to load eSIM profile"

    Causes and solutions:

    • 🕒 QR code expired: The code is valid for 30 minutes. Request a new one in your personal account.
    • 📶 No network: connect to Wi-Fi or check MTS coverage in your region.
    • 📱 Incompatible device: update the firmware or check the model in the table above.

    Error 2: "SIM card is not registered on the network"

    • 🔄 Restart the phone and wait 5-10 minutes (sometimes registering on the network takes time).
    • 📡 Manually select network: Settings → Mobile network → Operators → MTS.
    • 📞 Call 0890 (free) and ask to manually activate the eSIM.

    Error 3: No mobile data after activation

    • 🔧 Check the APN settings (instructions in Step 4 previous section).
    • 🚫 Disable VPN or proxy - they can block the connection.
    • 📶 Make sure that the correct profile for data transfer is selected in the SIM settings.

    Error 4: eSIM disappeared after updating Android

    After major updates (for example, from Android 13 to 14), the eSIM profile may be reset. Restore it:

    1. Delete the old profile in Settings → SIM card manager.
    2. Request a new QR code in your MTS personal account.
    3. Repeat activation.
    What to do, if MTS refuses to issue an eSIM?

    If you were refused to issue an eSIM without explanation, check:

    1. Number status: eSIM is not issued for temporarily blocked or corporate lines without the consent of the administrator.

    2. Tariff: some regional or outdated tariffs (for example, "Super MTS" 2019) do not support eSIM.

    3. Documents: for new customers a Russian passport is required (foreign passports are not accepted).

    4. Operator restrictions: MTS can suspend the issuance of eSIM under high load (for example, during promotional periods).

    If all conditions are met, contact the support service by phone 8 800 250 08 90 (free call) and request clarification with reference to clause 4.2.3 of the Rules for the provision of communication services (the client’s right to choose the format SIM).

    5. How to transfer a number from a physical SIM to an MTS eSIM

    If you are already using the services MTS and want to switch to an eSIM without changing the number, the procedure takes 5-15 minutes. Important: the physical SIM card will stop working after the transfer!

    Method 1. Through your personal account

    1. Log in lk.mts.ru.
    2. Go to the "My SIM cards" → "Replace SIM with eSIM" section.
    3. Confirm the replacement via SMS (the code will be sent to the old SIM).
    4. Get a QR code and activate it on your phone (instructions in section 3).

    Method 2. In the MTS salon

    Take with you:

    • 📱 Phone with eSIM support.
    • 🆔 Passport (or other document specified during SIM registration).
    • 🔄 Old SIM card (it will be blocked after transfer).

    A salon employee will complete the transfer in 5-10 minutes and help with the setup.

    ⚠️ Attention: After transferring the number to eSIM the physical SIM card is deactivated without the possibility of recovery. If you have a dual-SIM phone, make sure that the second SIM (if any) does not conflict with the eSIM in the network priority settings.
    💡

    Transferring a number to an eSIM does not affect the tariff, balance or connected services (for example, MTS TV" or "Music"). However, if you have an active credit or installment plan for your phone, check with the salon to see if this will block the transfer.

    6. How to use MTS eSIM: tips and hidden functions

    eSIM from MTS supports all the standard functions of a physical SIM, as well as several additional features.

    1. Quickly switch between profiles

    If you have two numbers (for example, personal and work), you can:

    • 📱 Assign different profiles for calls and SMS: Settings → SIM cards → Select SIM for calls.
    • 🌐 Use different eSIM for mobile data and calls (useful for roaming).

    2. Roaming with eSIM

    MTS automatically connects partner networks in roaming, but:

    • 🌍 Before traveling, check the list of countries that support eSIM on the MTS website.
    • 💰 Tariffing in roaming is the same as for a physical SIM (but some operators offer special packages for eSIM).

    3. Deleting and reactivating eSIM

    If you deleted your eSIM profile by mistake:

    1. Request a new QR code in your personal account (the old one cannot be restored!).
    2. Activate it again (instructions in the section 3).

    ⚠️ The eSIM profile is linked to the phone’s IMEI. When changing the device, re-activation will be required.

    4. Using eSIM on a tablet or smart watch

    MTS allows you to activate eSIM on:

    • 📱 Tablets with call support (Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+, Huawei MatePad Pro).
    • ⌚ Smart watches (Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5), but only if you have an active physical MTS SIM.
    💡

    If you travel often, you can save the eSIM QR code in a cloud storage (for example, Google Drive) or print it out. This will make it easier to re-activate when you change your phone or reset your settings.

    7. Comparison of eSIM and physical SIM from MTS: advantages and disadvantages. cons

    Virtual SIM is convenient, but not suitable for everyone. Let's compare both formats according to key parameters.

    Criteria eSIM Physical SIM
    Ease of installation ✅ Activation in 2 minutes using a QR code ❌ Requires a visit to the salon or waiting for the courier
    Compatibility ⚠️ Only new smartphones (2020 and newer) ✅ Works on any phone
    Roaming ✅ Automatic connection to partner networks ✅ The same thing
    Replacement if lost ✅ Restoration through personal office ❌ You need to go to the salon for a duplicate
    Multi-SIM ✅ You can store several profiles (up to 5) ❌ One slot = one SIM
    Cost 100–300 rubles per issue Free (on first connection)

    Who should switch to eSIM:

    • 🌍 Frequent travelers (convenient to switch between local operators).
    • 📱 Owners of smartphones without a SIM slot (for example, iPhone 14 in the USA).
    • 🔄 For those who often change tariffs or operators.

    Who is better off staying on a physical SIM:

    • 📵 For users of old phones (until 2020).
    • 🔧 For those who are afraid of technical failures (eSIM is more difficult restore if the phone breaks down).
    • 🏢 Corporate clients with strict security rules (some companies prohibit eSIM).

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about MTS eSIM

    Is it possible to use MTS eSIM on two phones at the same time?

    No, one eSIM profile is tied to one device (by IMEI). However, you can:

    • Activate the same number on a physical SIM and eSIM (but they will not work simultaneously).
    • Use the MTS Multicard service to duplicate the number to another device (for a fee).
    How much does it cost to replace a physical SIM with an eSIM in MTS?

    The cost depends on the tariff:

    • For most tariffs - 100 rubles (one-time payment).
    • For corporate clients - free (by agreement with administrator).
    • When connecting a new number - often free of charge (as part of promotions).

    Check the exact price in your personal account when registering.

    What to do if you lost your phone with eSIM?

    Urgent actions:

    1. Call MTS support by phone 0890 (from another number) and block the eSIM.
    2. Order a new eSIM through your personal account (you will need a passport to confirm your identity).
    3. If the phone is stolen, file a police report and ask MTS for a certificate for the insurance company (if insurance was taken out for the gadget).

    ⚠️ Without blocking, an attacker will be able to use your number until the eSIM expires (usually 30 days).

    Does MTS support eSIM for Apple Watch or other smartwatches?

    Yes, but with limitations:

    • ✅ Apple Watch (series 3 and newer) - supported, but requires an active physical MTS SIM on the iPhone.
    • ✅ Samsung Galaxy Watch 4/5/6 - supported, but only for calls (SMS and Internet may not work).
    • ❌ Huawei Watch GT, Amazfit - not supported (no compatibility with eSIM MTS).

    To activate, contact the MTS salon with a watch and phone.

    Is it possible to return a physical SIM after switching to eSIM?

    No, after transferring a number to an eSIM, a physical SIM card deactivate without the possibility of recovery. If you want to return to a physical SIM, you will have to:

    1. Order a new duplicate at the MTS salon (free or for 100–200 rubles).
    2. Transfer the number back (the eSIM will be deleted in this case).

    ⚠️ Please note that if you frequently switch between SIM formats, the operator may block this feature (limit on the number of replacements - once every 30 days).