The modern rhythm of life often requires us to have several telephone numbers: one for personal calls, the second for work contacts or a favorable roaming tariff. The operator MTS offers flexible solutions within the ecosystem MTS Linkthat allow you to use a second number on one physical device. However, simply inserting a new SIM card is not enough - for comfortable use, you need to correctly configure the smartphone based on Android.
In this material we will analyze not only the technical aspects of installing a communication carrier, but also the nuances of choosing a tariff plan that will be economically feasible for use as an additional line. You will learn how to avoid network conflicts, set Internet priorities and optimize the device's power consumption while actively using two active communication profiles.
Selecting a connection type: physical SIM or eSIM
Before you start setting up, you need to decide on how to connect the second number. There are two main options on the market, each of which has its own technical features and requirements for the smartphone hardware. Most modern models in the mid- and high-price segment support both formats simultaneously in Dual SIM Dual Standby.
A traditional physical card requires a free slot in the device tray. If your device only supports one physical card and a memory card microSD, you will have to choose one. In this case, the hybrid slot can become a limiting factor for memory expansion, which makes the technology eSIM a more attractive alternative.
An electronic SIM card does not require physical intervention in the design of the phone. The operator profile is loaded via QR code or a special application, which eliminates the risk of losing a miniature chip or damaging the tray contacts. To connect eSIM from MTS your smartphone must support the standard GSMA and have an unlocked network bootloader.
It is worth noting that some budget models may not support the active operation of two networks at the same time in 4G/LTE mode. In such cases, during an active conversation on the second line, the connection on the first may temporarily switch to 2G/3G or become unavailable. Check the specifications of your device on the manufacturer's official website before purchasing an additional tariff.
⚠️ Attention: Not all regions and not all tariff plans MTS support eSIM. Before registering, be sure to check the availability of the service in your region through the support chat or in the communication salon to avoid a situation where it is impossible to activate your profile.
Physically installing a SIM card into a smartphone
The installation process begins with finding the tray for SIM cards, which is usually located on the end face of the case. To remove the tray, use the special clip included in the kit or a thin needle. Insert the tool into the technological hole next to the tray and press until it clicks, after which the mechanism will push the container out.
Carefully inspect the removed tray. On many devices, the pads have a specific shape with cutouts to prevent incorrect installation of the chip. Align the beveled corner of the card MTS with a similar cutout on the plastic holder. Do not use excessive force when inserting, so as not to damage the contact groups.
After installation, return the tray to the device body. Make sure that it goes in smoothly and all the way, and that the frame of the tray is flush with the body of the smartphone. If you feel resistance, do not press harder - remove the tray and check the orientation of the card again, as incorrect installation may lead to a short circuit of the contacts. Turn on the device and wait until the operating system loads completely. After startup, the system will automatically detect new media and offer basic setup. If this does not happen, go to the section
Turn on the device and wait until the operating system loads completely Android. After startup, the system will automatically detect new media and offer basic setup. If this does not happen, go to the section Settings → Connections → SIM card manager to manually activate the profile.
☑️ Check before installation
Setting priorities and profiles in Android
After successful recognition of both cards by the system, it is critically important to correctly distribute the roles between them. In settings SIM card manager you can designate one of the lines for voice calls by default, and the other for data only. This allows you to avoid random calls from a number that does not have minute packages or expensive tariffs.
For users who care about stream separation, it is recommended to configure the function “Always ask” for outgoing calls. When you try to make a call, the system will display a dialog box asking you to select the active line. This is especially convenient if you use one number to communicate with loved ones, and the second for business negotiations.
Setting up mobile data deserves special attention. In the menu Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network select the card MTS as the main one for data transfer, if it has an unlimited tariff or a large gigabyte package. Make sure that the switch "Data transfer" is activated specifically for the selected profile.
Do not forget about setting up point names access APN. Although modern smartphones load them automatically, sometimes manual adjustment of parameters is required for stable 4G operation. The correct settings for MTS: access point name internet.mts.ru, username mts and password mts. Any deviations may lead to a lack of access to the network when the 4G icon is active.
| Setting parameter | Recommended value | Impact on operation |
|---|---|---|
| Calls on default | Always ask / Card 1 | Control of voice communication costs |
| SMS by default | Card with unlimited SMS tariff | Ease of sending confirmation codes |
| Mobile data | Card with the largest GB package | Download speed of content and applications |
| Network mode | 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto) | Connection stability in coverage areas |
Activation and setting up the “Virtual Number” service
If you do not want to use a physical second card, MTS offers the service of connecting an additional number as part of the main tariff. This solution is ideal for those who want to share contacts without having to buy a new SIM card. Management is carried out through the app My MTS or personal account on the website.
To activate, go to the services section and select the option to add a virtual number. The system will offer to choose a beautiful number from the available list or get a random combination of numbers. After confirming the application, the number will be activated within a few minutes and will be displayed in the list of your active lines in the application.
An important feature of the virtual number is a single balance with the main account. You don't have to fund two different accounts, making financial planning easier. However, you should carefully monitor the consumption of minutes, since in some tariffs the packages of minutes for the main and virtual numbers may be separated or have different charging conditions.
Switching between the main and virtual numbers is configured programmatically. In the application My MTS you can change the number from which an outgoing call will be made, or redirect incoming calls to the main number in one click. This provides flexibility that is not available when using two physical cards.
⚠️ Attention: Tariff conditions and the cost of the “Virtual Number” service may be changed by the operator without prior notice. Before connecting, carefully read the current information in the “Tariffs” section of your personal account to avoid unexpected charges.
Features of roaming for the second line
When traveling abroad, check the roaming conditions for the second number. Often virtual numbers have separate, less favorable conditions abroad, or require a separate connection to the “Foreign” option or an analogue. Make sure that data transfer is disabled on the second profile if you do not plan to use the Internet to avoid unnecessary bills.
Optimizing power consumption when operating two networks
Using two active communication profiles inevitably affects the battery life of the smartphone. The radio module is forced to constantly maintain a connection with two different cell towers, which increases power consumption. To minimize this effect, it is recommended to use adaptive power saving settings.
In the battery settings, find the section responsible for working in the background. Limit background activity for applications that do not require constant communication through a second SIM card. If the second number is used only for calls, turn off mobile data for it in the settings SIM Card Manager.
Another effective method is to turn off the second line in areas of poor signal reception. When the phone is in an area of poor reception, it increases the transmitter power to search for a network, which critically drains the battery. If you know that in a certain place there is no signal MTS temporarily disable this profile through the notification curtain.
It is also worth paying attention to the network operating mode. Forced mode switching 4G only can be useful in areas of stable coverage, since the phone will not have to waste resources constantly searching and switching between 2G, 3G and LTE standards. However, in areas with an unstable signal, it is better to leave the automatic selection.
Expert tip: If you rarely use the second number for the Internet, completely disable the “Mobile Data” option for it in the settings. This will save up to 15-20% of battery charge per day by eliminating background synchronization of applications via a second network.
Solving common problems and conflicts
Users often encounter a situation where, after installing a second card, the Internet on the main one stops working. This is a classic conflict of priorities. Go to the network settings and make sure that the “Data transfer” checkbox is next to the desired SIM card. In some firmware, when changing the active card for the Internet, the device must be rebooted.
Another common problem is the lack of incoming calls on one of the lines while there is an active conversation on the other. This is a limitation of the technology DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby), which is used in most smartphones. During a conversation on the first line, the second number temporarily becomes unavailable for voice communication, although SMS can be received.
If you observe constant disconnections or the icon 4G disappears, try resetting the network settings. This action will return all APN settings and network preferences to factory defaults, eliminating software configuration errors. The path to reset is usually located in the menu Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings.
In rare cases, the problem may be due to incompatibility of frequency bands. If you are using an old smartphone and a new VoLTE-enabled SIM card, conflicts may occur. Try disabling the function VoLTE in the call settings for both cards and check the stability of the connection.
Most problems with Dual SIM are solved by the correct distribution of roles (which card is for calls, which for the Internet) and timely updating the smartphone software to the latest version.
Is it possible to use one MTS SIM card in two phones at the same time?
No, a standard physical SIM card cannot work in two devices at the same time. When you turn on the second phone, the first one will lose the network. However, the “Virtual Number” service allows you to use one tariff on several devices through the app, but it will be a virtual profile and not a clone of a physical card.
Does the second SIM card affect the Internet speed of the main one?
Theoretically, no, if both cards operate in different frequency ranges. However, in practice, with a weak signal, the communication module can distribute antenna resources between two networks, which can slightly reduce the peak speed or increase the ping on the main line.
What to do if the smartphone does not see the second MTS SIM card?
Try installing the card in another slot. If the problem persists, wipe the SIM card contacts with a soft eraser. Make sure that the card is not cut in a makeshift manner that damages the chip. As a last resort, contact a communication store to replace the card with a new one while keeping the number.
How to transfer contacts from a second SIM card to the phone's memory?
Go to the "Contacts" application, select the settings menu and the "Import/export contacts" item. Select the source "SIM Card 2" and the destination "Phone" or "Google Account". This will ensure the safety of the numbers even when the card is removed.