Switching to another operator or the need to use two SIM cards in one smartphone often leaves users with a choice: carry two devices with them or redirect calls. Owners of devices based on Android have flexible options for managing incoming traffic, allowing you to set up forwarding from MTS to a number Tele2 almost without financial costs. However, the concept of “free” in telecommunications has its own nuances, depending on the chosen tariff plan and the method of activating the service.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for setting up redirection calls, starting from the built-in functions of the operating system and ending with specialized USSD commands. You will learn how to avoid hidden fees, what commands to enter in the dialing field, and what to do if the standard smartphone menu does not display the options you need. It is important to understand the difference between unconditional forwarding and forwarding only when busy or no answer, since the tariff conditions for them may differ significantly.
Before you start setting up, make sure that your account balance MTS is positive and the forwarding service is not blocked by the operator. Modern smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme and other models on Android have a unified interface, but the names of menu items may vary depending on the firmware version and the manufacturer's shell. We will consider universal solutions that are suitable for most current OS versions.
Preparing to set up call forwarding on Android
The first step before activating any call forwarding service is to check the statuses of both SIM cards. Make sure that the card Tele2to which calls will be received is active and within the network coverage area. If you plan to use the Always Forward feature, the SIM card MTS can be removed after setup, but for the "Busy" or "Unavailable" conditions, it must remain in the phone or be active on the network.
Pay attention to the tariff conditions of your main number. Some archive tariffs MTS may not support the function of forwarding to numbers of other operators by default. In such cases, you may need to connect an additional option through your personal account or contact support. It is also worth checking whether the “Voicemail” or “Answering Machine” service is already activated, as they may conflict with the forwarding settings.
⚠️ Attention: Forwarding tariff conditions can be changed by the operator unilaterally. Before mass setting up the redirection of all calls, it is recommended to check the current tariffs in the official application or on the operator’s website to avoid unexpected charges.
For the function to work correctly on the device Android you must provide the “Phone” application with all the necessary permissions. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Permissions and make sure that access to your phone and contacts is allowed. This is critically important so that the system can correctly process incoming signals and redirect them according to a given algorithm.
☑️ Ready for setup
Configuration via the smartphone system menu
The most intuitive way to set up call forwarding is to use the built-in menu of your smartphone. The interface may differ slightly depending on the model, but the logic of action remains the same for the entire ecosystem Android. Open the application Phone, click on the three dots in the upper corner to open the menu and select Settings.
In the window that opens, find the section responsible for accounts or SIM cards. It is usually called Calls, Additional settings or Call forwarding. The system may require several seconds to poll the operator's network MTS and obtain the current status of services. If the setting freezes during the loading phase, check the signal strength or temporarily switch the network mode to 2G/3G only.
After loading the menu, you will be prompted several redirection scenarios. Choose the one that suits your needs: forward all calls only if the number is busy, if there is no answer or if the phone is switched off. In the number entry field, enter the full number Tele2 in international format, starting from +7. Confirm the action by pressing the button Enable.
- 📱 All calls: calls are forwarded immediately, your phone does not ring.
- 📞 If busy: forwarding works only when you are talking on the other line.
- ⏳ If there is no answer: the call is forwarded after a certain number of rings (usually 15-20 seconds).
- 🚫 If unavailable: triggered when the phone is turned off or there is no network.
Important note that on some custom firmware, such as MIUI or OneUI, the forwarding item can be hidden in the depths of the menu Call lists or Other settings. If you cannot find the section you need, use the search in the phone settings by entering the request “forwarding” or “call forwarding”.
If the forwarding menu gives the error “Could not connect to the network,” try removing and reinserting the MTS SIM card, and then rebooting device.
Activation via USSD commands
Using USSD requests is the most reliable method, as it works directly with the operator’s servers MTS, bypassing possible glitches in the smartphone interface. This method is universal and suitable for any phone that supports dialing, including push-button models. For unconditional forwarding (unconditional forwarding), a standard code is used **21*.
To activate the redirection of all calls to the number Tele2, open the dialing application and enter the following sequence: **21*+79XXXXXXXXX#, where 9XXXXXXXXX is your Tele2 number. After entering, press the call button. A notification about successful activation of the service from the telecom operator will appear on the screen.
**21*+79001234567#To disable the service, use the code ##21#. If you need to set up call forwarding only when busy, replace the number 21 with 67 (command 67*number#). For the case of “unavailable”, the code is used 62*, and for "no answer" - **61*. These commands work instantly and do not require rebooting the device.
⚠️ Attention: When entering a number in the USSD command, be sure to use the international format (+7), otherwise the system may generate an error or redirect the call to the wrong number. Do not use an eight at the beginning of the number.
You can check the status of all active forwardings using the universal code *#002#. This query will show whether forwarding is configured for voice, data and fax calls, and will also allow you to quickly disable all types of forwarding with one command ##002#, which is useful if you encounter communication problems.
Management via the MTS application
A modern way to manage services is to use the official mobile application MTS Russia. This method is convenient because you see current tariffs and connection conditions in real time. Download the application from Google Play or RuStore, log in using your phone number and go to the section Services.
In the service catalog, find a category related to calls or redirection. Often this function is hidden in a subsection All services or Archive services, since operators do not always actively promote free redirection options to other networks. If the service is available for connection, press the button Connect and follow the instructions on the screen.
The advantage of using the application is the ability to configure detailed conditions. You can choose which number Tele2 to forward calls to and set time limits. In addition, the application allows you to track the expenditure of funds in real time, which helps to control the budget when using paid forwarding options.
| Forwarding type | USSD activation code | USSD deactivation code | Status check |
|---|---|---|---|
| All calls | **21*number# | ##21# | *#21# |
| If busy | **67*number# | ##67# | *#67# |
| If unavailable | **62*number# | ##62# | *#62# |
| No answer | **61*number# | ##61# | *#61# |
Worth Please remember that the application interface may be updated and the layout of menu items may change. If you don't find the option you need in the main menu, use the search bar inside the application by entering the query "forwarding". This will save time and allow you to quickly find the service you need.
Why may forwarding not work in the application?
Sometimes the MTS application does not display the option of forwarding to numbers of other operators due to limitations of a specific tariff plan. In this case, use USSD commands that ignore application interface restrictions and work at the network level.
Tariff nuances and cost of the service
The issue of cost is key when setting up forwarding from MTS to Tele2. It is important to distinguish between service activation and direct charging of redirected calls. The very activation of the forwarding function on most modern tariffs MTS is free, however, each forwarded call is paid according to the terms of your tariff.
Usually a minute of conversation forwarded to the number of another operator is charged as an outgoing call from your number MTS to the number Tele2. If you have a package of minutes connected that includes calls to numbers of all Russian operators, then call forwarding will be virtually free within the limits of this package. Otherwise, you will be charged at the rate for outgoing calls.
There are special tariff options that make forwarding more profitable. For example, the Unlimited Call Forwarding service (if available in your region) may charge the cost of forwarded calls. It is also worth considering roaming: if you are abroad, forwarding calls to a Russian number Tele2 can cost significantly more due to international roaming rules.
Critical: When a call is forwarded, call charges are charged to the number from which the call is being forwarded (MTS), and not to the receiving number (Tele2).To save money, it is recommended to use forwarding only in necessary cases, for example, when you are out of network coverage MTSbut want to stay in touch via Tele2. Constantly forwarding all calls can lead to the rapid consumption of packages of minutes or funds in your account.
Forwarding to numbers of other operators is charged as an outgoing call from your main number within your current tariff plan.
Possible problems and their solutions
Despite the ease of setup, users may encounter a number of problems technical problems. One of the most common errors is the message "Error sending a request to the network" or "The connection failed." This is often due to temporary glitches in the operator's network or incorrect settings of the APN access point, although for voice calls APN rarely plays a decisive role.
If USSD commands do not work, check whether the "Disable forwarding" service is activated on your number. This feature may have been enabled previously for security reasons or by mistake. You can disable it through your personal account or with the command to cancel all prohibitions, which often looks like #330*0000# (the code may differ, check with your operator).
Another problem is a conflict with VoLTE. 4G voice calling technology sometimes prevents forwarding commands from processing correctly on older towers or when the signal is poor. Try temporarily disabling VoLTE in your phone settings: Settings → SIM cards → MTS → Use VoLTE (switch to "Off").
- 🔄 Reboot: a banal but effective solution to many communication problems.
- 📶 Manual network selection: try switching from automatic network selection to manual and select MTS RUS.
- 🗑️ Reset call settings: in the phone menu, find the option to reset call settings to factory settings.
- 📲 Software update: make sure that your Android has the latest firmware installed.
In rare cases the problem may be on the side of the receiving operator Tele2. Make sure that the number you are forwarding calls to is not on a blacklist or has restrictions on receiving calls from certain numbers. Also check if the voice mail on the Tele2 number is full if it is used as an intermediate link.
What to do if the forwarding works with a delay?
The delay in the forwarding (when the phone rings for a long time before switching) is usually associated with the setting of the "No Answer" timer. In the phone menu you can change the waiting time before forwarding. If the delay is critical, try resetting the network settings or contact MTS support to check the parameters on the network side.
Is it possible to forward SMS messages?
It is impossible to forward SMS to the number of another operator using standard Android tools and USSD commands. This function is available only through special paid operator services or third-party applications that require root access, which is not recommended for security reasons.
Does the Tele2 subscriber hear that the call is forwarded?
No, the subscriber on the Tele2 number sees a regular incoming call from your MTS number (or his own, depending on the CLIP/CLIR display settings). He will not hear any special beeps or messages about forwarding, for him it will look like a regular call.
Will forwarding be preserved after replacing the SIM card?
Yes, the forwarding setting is stored on the telecom operator's side in the profile of your number, and not on the SIM card or in the phone. Therefore, after replacing the SIM card with a new one with the same number, the setting will be saved. However, if you change the number itself, the service will be reset.
How to find out if the call is currently forwarded?
There is no direct indicator in the Android status bar. To check the status, use USSD code #21# to check unconditional forwarding or #002# to check all types. If the service is active, the network will return the number to which the forwarding is performed.