A trip abroad always involves the need to stay connected, but the fear of receiving a huge bill for using mobile data often forces tourists to abandon the usual amenities. Many subscribers mistakenly believe that activating the International Roaming service itself costs money, but this is a misconception. The MTS operator, like most large cellular companies, provides the ability to connect this option absolutely free, charging only for the actual use of traffic, calls or SMS while traveling.
Owners of smartphones based on Android are in an advantageous position, since this operating system allows you to flexibly manage network connections and quickly switch between modem operating modes. In order not to overpay, it is enough to perform a few simple steps in advance, while still at home, in your personal account or through service teams. It is important to understand that it is the activation of the function that is free, and not the traffic, so cost control remains on the user’s side.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the ways to activate roaming without a subscription fee, configure the correct network access parameters (APN) and discuss how to avoid accidental charges. You will learn what settings are hidden in the menu of your Androidsmartphone and how to make your trip comfortable while maintaining access to instant messengers and navigation.
Checking tariff conditions and room status
Before you begin technical manipulations with your phone, you need to make sure that your tariff plan and account status allow you to use communication services abroad. Some archived tariffs may have restrictions or require a transition to current conditions for working in roaming. It is also worth checking whether the number is blocked due to a negative balance, since special blocking rules apply in international roaming.
The fastest way to find out the status of the service is to use a USSD request. Enter the command *111*197# on the phone keypad and call. The system will instantly display information on the screen whether the International Roaming service is activated. If the service is active, you will see a corresponding notification; if not, you will be prompted to connect it.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that there is a positive balance in your account before leaving. In some countries, incoming calls may be paid or require funds in your account to register in the partner's network.
In addition, it is worth paying attention to the availability of the "Unlimited Roaming" option or special packages for travelers, which may already be included in your tariff. Checking the conditions through the My MTS application will give a more detailed picture, including a list of countries where preferential conditions apply. Do not ignore this step, as it will help you avoid unpleasant surprises when you turn on your phone for the first time at the airport of arrival.
Activation of the service via USSD codes and application
There are several proven methods for enabling roaming, and the choice of a specific one depends on which method of interaction with the operator is more convenient for you. All of them do not require charging for the connection operation itself. If you prefer speed and are in the MTS network area, USSD requests will be the ideal solution.
To manually activate the service, use the universal code *111*197*1#. After dialing and calling, you will receive an SMS confirmation of successful connection. To disable the service if you no longer need it, use the code *111*197*0#. These commands work on all tariffs and do not require Internet access.
A more informative way is to use the "My MTS" mobile application. It allows you not only to enable roaming, but also to study in detail the conditions in a specific country of residence. In the application, the interface is more friendly, and you visually see the service switches.
- 📲 Open the "My MTS" application and log in.
- 🌍 Go to the "Services" section or find the "Abroad" banner.
- ✅ Find the "International roaming" option and click “Connect.”
- 📩 Wait for an SMS notification about the activation status.
If you are planning a trip long before departure, you can use your personal account on the operator’s website. The functionality there is similar to the mobile application, but it is more convenient to manage settings from a large computer screen. After connecting the service in your personal account, the changes take effect almost instantly.
☑️ Preparation before departure
Setting up network and data transfer on Android
After the service is activated on the operator’s side, you need to properly configure the smartphone itself. The operating system Android has many levels of protection against accidental traffic consumption that need to be taken into account. Users often complain that roaming does not work, although the service is connected, and the problem lies precisely in the local settings of the phone.
First of all, you need to allow the phone to search for networks of other operators. To do this, go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks. Here you need to find the “Data Roaming” item and activate it. Without this permission, the phone will see foreign networks, but will not be able to transmit the Internet through them.
It is also important to select the correct network mode. In the mobile networks menu, find the "Network Mode" or "Network Type" item. It is recommended to select 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto-connect)so that the phone can switch to available communication standards. In some countries, 3G may be more stable than overloaded 4G, so the automatic mode will be most effective.
⚠️ Attention: Do not force 5G Only or 4G Only mode if you are not sure of the coverage. This can lead to a complete lack of signal in areas where the new standard has not yet been deployed.
The choice of telecom operator deserves special attention. Usually the phone selects the network automatically, but if you see an "E" or "G" icon instead of 4G, try selecting the operator manually. Go to Settings → Mobile networks → Telecom operators, disable auto-selection and wait until the search ends. Select the network with the best signal strength from the list of available MTS partners.
Why does the phone not pick up the network abroad?
If, after turning on roaming and rebooting, the phone says “No network,” the SIM card may not support the frequencies of this region or is damaged. It’s also worth checking whether roaming is prohibited in your parental control settings or corporate profile.
Configuration of APN access points for the Internet
The most common technical problem faced by users Android abroad is incorrect configuration of access points (APNs). Even with data roaming enabled, the Internet will not work if the settings contain incorrect parameters for the foreign partner’s network.
Usually the settings are received automatically in the form of an SMS when you first register on the network. However, you should not rely on this. It is better to check in advance or create an access point manually. To do this, go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Access points (APN).
If there is no active point in the list or the Internet does not work, create a new one. Click on the menu (three dots in the corner) and select "Create APN" or "New access point". Enter the following data, which are standard for MTS:
| Parameter | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Name | MTS Roaming | Any name for convenience |
| APN (Access Point) | internet.mts.ru | Main parameter |
| User name | mts | Case is not important |
| Password | mts | Case is not important |
| APN type | default,supl | Comma separated without spaces |
After entering the data, be sure to save the profile by clicking on the save menu and activate it by placing a dot (radio button) next to the name. Restart your smartphone for the changes to take effect. If the Internet does not work, try deleting all the old access points and leaving the newly created one.
If manually setting the APN does not help, try selecting the "Reset to default" or "Restore default settings" option in the access point menu. This often solves the problem of profile conflicts.
Cost control and traffic savings
Although roaming is free, the cost of using the Internet and calls abroad may differ significantly from home tariffs. MTS offers various packages for travelers, but even with them it is important to control consumption. Android provides powerful tools for monitoring traffic in real time.
It is recommended to set a mobile traffic limit in your phone settings. Go to Settings → Connections → Data usage → Mobile traffic. Here you can set a warning or a hard limit, upon reaching which data transfer will stop. This will protect you from accidentally downloading app updates in the background.
You should also disable automatic app updates in stores Google Play and Galaxy Store via a mobile network. Leave this feature for Wi-Fi only. Messengers such as WhatsApp or Telegram can consume a lot of traffic when automatically downloading media files, so in their settings it is also recommended to disable auto-saving of photos and videos.
- 📉 Set a daily traffic limit in the Android settings.
- 🚫 Disable synchronization of photos to the cloud over the mobile network.
- 📵 Close background applications that actively use the network.
- 📶 Use the "Traffic Saving" mode in the system settings.
For calls, use Internet telephony (VoIP) if you have an Internet package connected. Calls via WhatsApp, Viber or Telegram on Wi-Fi or via mobile roaming will be free (only traffic is paid), unlike voice calls over a cellular network, which are charged per minute.
The most effective way to save is to download offline maps, music and movies in advance, and also disable auto-update of applications in the Google Play settings.
Solution typical connection problems
Even with correct settings, situations may arise when the phone does not connect to the network or the Internet does not work. Most often, the problem is solved by simply rebooting the device, which forces the modem to re-register with the partner’s network. However, there are more specific cases.
If the screen displays "Emergency calls only", check whether the SIM card is in PIN request mode when turned on. When roaming, automatic PIN entry may not work and the phone will wait for entry. It is better to disable the PIN code request in the SIM card security settings before the trip.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the “Flight” mode is not turned on on your phone. Sometimes it activates accidentally or does not turn off completely, blocking all radio modules.
In some cases, resetting the network settings helps. This action will return all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile network settings to factory defaults without affecting your personal data and applications. Reset path: Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset network settings. After this, you will need to re-enter passwords for Wi-Fi networks.
If all else fails, contact the MTS support center. Calls to number +7 495 766 01 66 or 8 800 250 08 90 from abroad are free for MTS subscribers. The operator can conduct remote diagnostics and, if necessary, repurpose your SIM card to work in a specific region.
What to do if the Internet is lost, but calls are working?
This is a classic sign of incorrect APN settings. Check if the internet.mts.ru access point is active. If yes, try temporarily switching the network mode to 3G/2G, since in some countries 4G routing for roaming partners may be unstable.
Why don’t you receive SMS with confirmation codes when roaming?
SMS from banks and services should be received free of charge. If you don't receive them, check to see if your phone's message memory is full. It is also possible that the number was not correctly identified in the partner network. Try manually selecting a telecom operator in the settings.
Does MTS charge for incoming calls?
In most CIS countries and popular tourist destinations, incoming calls are free provided you are in the coverage area. However, in a number of exotic countries (for example, the USA, Canada, some islands) incoming charges may apply. Check the conditions for a specific country in the application.
Can I use roaming if the number is not registered to me?
Yes, activation of roaming is available for any subscriber. However, to change tariff options or obtain detailed information from the operator, you may need a code word or confirmation through the passport data of the number owner.
How to quickly disable roaming upon returning home?
You can disable the service via USSD code *111*197*0# or in the "My MTS" application. This does not have to be done right away, since without traveling abroad the service will not be activated and the money will not be debited, but for peace of mind you can deactivate it.