How to activate the short message service on MTS in your personal account

Short Message Service, or SMS as it is more commonly known, is a basic service that is provided by default by any mobile operator. Since most users do not experience any difficulties in using the function, it does not require a separate connection, and the process of sending a text message takes just a few minutes - users are rarely interested in what the principle of sending messages to other subscribers is. And this is important information, which will not hurt any subscriber of MTS and other mobile operators to know, since this information can help in setting up SMS and eliminating possible difficulties.

Description of SMS Short Message Service

In short, the process of sending text messages looks like this:

• the subscriber types text on the telephone keyboard and sends a message to the recipient;
• then this text is sent to a shared server, from where it is immediately redirected to the recipient;
• If delivery difficulties are detected, for example, if the recipient is outside the network coverage area, the message is stored on the server for three days and then deleted.

As already mentioned, most users are accustomed to the stable operation of the service and are usually not interested in how to connect and configure the SMS function. However, there are situations when it is not available. In most cases, difficulties are caused by external factors: interruptions or network coverage limits, or load on the internal memory of the mobile phone, as a result of which there is no space left for the SMS service. But sometimes the problem lies in the internal settings of the phone (usually the problem appears when purchasing new smartphones).

How to unlock an MTS SIM card after “voluntary blocking”

There are several ways to unlock a SIM card in this case.

Personal appeal to the MTS communication salon

This is the most reliable way to restore a SIM card. You must have a passport with you, and if the SIM card is not issued in your name, then a notarized power of attorney from its owner. After presenting the necessary documents, you will be asked to write an application for SIM card restoration. After this formality, you will immediately receive a new SIM card with the same number and previously connected services.

Not all subscribers have the opportunity to personally contact an MTS communication salon to receive a new SIM card. And in this case, the company met its customers halfway by providing a free service for SIM card delivery by Russian Post. Courier delivery of a SIM card to your home is also available, but this service is paid. Its cost depends on the urgency of delivery and your tariff plan. Delivery can be ordered in two ways:

• You can order delivery of a SIM card by Russian Post by calling the service number 0890, or by calling 8-800-250-0890 if calling from any other phone. You need to wait for the operator to connect and provide him with your phone number, passport details and postal address. The estimated delivery time for a SIM card is from 3 to 15 days.
• To use courier delivery of a SIM card, you must fill out a special form on the MTS website, which is located at anketa.ssl.mts.ru, or by calling customer service 0890, or by calling 8-800-250-0890. Three delivery modes are available: "Economy" - within 3 business days, "Expedited" - within 1 business day, "Express" - within 3 hours.

Call the MTS contact center

If you have a blocked SIM card in your hands, then it is not at all necessary to go to a communication store. To restore the number in this case, you just need to call the operator and inform about your desire to unblock the MTS SIM card.

To call a “live” operator using the short number 0890, wait until the voice menu starts and press the keys 5 and 0 in sequence. For calls to customer service from a landline phone, as well as phones from other cellular operators, the toll-free number is 8-800-250-0890. To contact the operator at this number, wait until the voice menu starts and press the 1 and 0 keys.

To restore your SIM card, be prepared to tell the operator your passport data, as well as the code word that you came up with when concluding a contract for the provision of mobile communication services.

How to activate the SMS service on MTS

In case of problems with receiving or sending SMS, the subscriber is recommended to contact a call center employee by calling MTS 0890 and request a solution to the problem. But the user can also independently connect and configure the parameters of the service. To do this you need to do the following.

Phone settings

To connect to the SMS service:

• enter the mobile phone settings menu;
• open the “Applications” section;
• select a subsection where the title contains SMS;
• In the field that opens, enter the MTS SMS center number: +79168999100
• save your changes and restart your phone
• Check the functionality of the function by sending a test SMS.

In most cases, the above manipulations are enough to enable the function and gain access to sending text messages. If not, then move on to the next method.

In your personal account

MTS personal account is a special service with which you can manage almost all functions and services of your mobile operator. This applies to the short message service - to activate it, follow these steps:

• Go to the official website of the MTS operator, located at the link.
• Find the “Mobile Communications” section in the main menu.
• In the window that opens, open the “Support” subsection, which is located in the “Mobile Internet” column.
• In the menu on the left side of the screen, click on the “Phone Settings” button.
• In the field that opens to enter your phone number, enter the number of your MTS SIM card where you want to connect the SMS service. You must indicate the number without using the “seven” at the beginning.
• Confirm that you want to receive the settings on your phone and click "Submit".

After this, within a couple of minutes, the specified number will receive settings that will need to be activated for the SMS service to work correctly.

How to unlock an MTS SIM card using PIN and PUK codes

It's always unpleasant to discover that your SIM card is blocked. You cannot make a phone call or use other services of the operator, and friends trying to call you hear only the voice of an answering machine, informing you that the number is no longer in service.

Don't despair! There is always a chance to unlock your MTS SIM card and continue using it as if nothing had happened. True, whether it will be possible to restore the number largely depends on the reason for blocking the SIM card.

If you have not disabled the PIN code verification function on your phone, then after each turn on, the device will request a PIN code from your SIM card. It is enough to make a mistake only three times for the device to be blocked.

In this case, to unlock the SIM card you will need to enter the PUK code. You can find it out by looking in the envelope you received when purchasing a SIM card. Usually the PIN and PUK are indicated on a small paper insert, or on a plastic card to which the SIM card was attached.

If you don’t have this envelope, you can find out the PIN and PUK codes:

• by sending a free SMS to the short number 9999 of the form 375 XX XXX XX XX code word. The code word is the same word that you came up with when you signed a contract for communication services when purchasing a SIM card. If you don’t remember your code word, you can look it up in the contract. SMS to number 9999 can be sent from any MTS phone.
• by calling the operator at 0890, or 8-800-250-0890 (you need to call from any phone except MTS mobile);
• using the Internet Assistant;
• by personally contacting the MTS customer service center.

If you enter the PUK code incorrectly 10 times in a row, the SIM card is blocked forever. It will not be possible to restore it, and further use of the number will only be possible after replacing the SIM card at an MTS communication store.

How to turn off messages on an MTS phone

Quite often, users are interested in how they can turn off or pause the function of receiving text messages. This is often due to spam being sent to the subscriber’s number, or simply the uselessness of this service for him.

For such users, MTS offers several ways to disable the reception of SMS messages, which will be discussed below:

1. The first and easiest way to disable receiving messages is to contact support staff by toll-free number 0890, or to the MTS manager at a company branch. Upon request and provision of passport data, a specialist will certainly help you understand this issue.
2. The second method is to activate the special MTS “Content Ban” option. It temporarily disables the ability to receive text messages and other data from third-party subscribers.
3. The third method is to enter the USSD request *113*374# on the phone keypad - this is a single number for disabling all types of messages, including paid subscriptions and notifications.

Finally, you can disable the use of the service in your MTS personal account.

Prohibition on sending messages to short numbers

Recently, there has been an increase in cases where funds are illegally debited from mobile phone accounts. This can happen after you have installed an unknown application from the Play Market or App Store. Or maybe they themselves sent an SMS to a short number. Of course, children and the elderly are most susceptible to this type of fraud. To protect yourself and your loved ones, we have selected the best ways to protect yourself from mobile fraud, how to prohibit SMS to short numbers for MTS, Beeline, Megafon and Tele2 subscribers.

As part of my job, I have to test many applications and not all of them inspire confidence. In order not to install numerous and sometimes useless antiviruses, I simply blocked SMS to short numbers on all my phones and now sometimes I receive the message “Service blocked.” After this, the last installed application immediately goes to the trash. Of course, if you take part in radio quizzes or otherwise use SMS to short numbers, then this method is not suitable for you. But in all other cases, feel free to block.

In addition to the fact that money is stolen from us via SMS, many users complain that they receive annoying, unnecessary advertising. Remember how many unnecessary services you have connected to from your operator? Do you know how many of them are paid? For example, music instead of beeps, weather and others. Did you know that all this can also be easily and simply turned off?

Method 1.

• To disable all paid services, call 0890 from your mobile phone.
• We connect with the operator and ask you to check whether any paid services are connected, and if they are connected, we ask you to turn everything off.
• Please connect (barring calls and SMS to short paid numbers)

“Prohibition of receiving information SMS and SMS/MMS from the MTS website”

• “Banning the reception of SMS with MTS news” (banning advertising)

You can dial *152# - there you can see the list of subscriptions and unsubscribe, as well as see the last 5 paid actions.

Method 2.

• To disable all paid services, call 0611 from your mobile phone.
• We connect with the operator and ask you to check whether any paid services are connected, and if they are connected, we ask you to turn everything off.
• Please connect (barring calls and SMS to short paid numbers)

“Mobile Advertising Blocking” (advertising ban)

• “Promotional Prohibition” (prohibition of connecting free services that later become paid)

PS: On tariffs with a postpaid payment system, the ability to send SMS to short numbers is initially blocked.

There are two ways to check the cost of SMS to a short number for Megafon subscribers:

• Dial USSD command *107*short number#. In response, you will receive information about the cost of the content provider’s services. If several services are assigned to a number (that is, it is possible to send SMS, MMS, as well as a voice call or USSD request to it), then a separate message about the cost will be generated for each service.
• Send the $ symbol to the short number you are interested in. Please note - the SMS should not contain anything other than the $ symbol! The response message will indicate the cost of sending an SMS to this number.

Method 3.

• To disable all paid services, call 0500 from your mobile phone.
• Please check whether any paid services are connected, and if they are connected, please disable everything.
• Please connect (blocking SMS sending to paid numbers).
• “Opt-out of SMS mailings” (prohibition of advertising).
• “Refusal from “Try&buy”” (prohibition of connecting free services, which later become paid).

In addition, for control you can dial the USSD command *526# or call 0500914. Calls to these numbers are free.

You can connect from your phone using the command *105*801# or activate it through the Service Guide system. The service is provided free of charge.

Check the cost of SMS to a short number from a Tele2 phone: dial *125*ХХХХ# on your phone and press the call key, where ХХХХ is a short number for SMS.

To turn it on, please call the helpline at 611.

The above methods work for subscribers in the central region of Russia. The rest have not been tested, but should work everywhere.

Remember that all these services will not save you 100% from all advertising, intrusive services and mobile fraud. The main thing is your consciousness and prudence. Do not install unknown applications, do not send SMS yourself to short numbers and everything will be fine. But it is better to do the above steps. As they say, God protects those who are careful.

I especially recommend connecting all these services to the mobile phones of children and the elderly, because... they most often fall for the tricks of scammers.

Every subscriber of the company has the MTS short message service. But ordinary users are accustomed to the more traditional name of the service - sms. Using this function rarely causes difficulties for mobile operator clients, since it does not require complex actions. To send messages, just open the corresponding section of the phone and enter the text that you want to forward to the interlocutor (recipient). Usually the SMS is delivered within seconds, but sometimes when the recipient is out of range or his mobile is turned off, you have to wait.

The fact that even such a simple and familiar service sometimes turns out to be unavailable or does not work as users would like deserves special attention. In such cases, you need to understand the causes of the problem or seek help from specialists who can help you understand what happened. More details about everything below.

Features of using the service

The SMS sending function is available for use by every MTS subscriber by default, but the prices for messages are determined individually, depending on the current operator. If the subscriber is outside the coverage area of ​​the MTS network, communication becomes impossible and messages transmitted to the subscriber remain stored on the server.

MTS users can also send text messages to other subscribers through the official website. You can send a message of up to 140 characters. You must enter your contact information and recipient number. After confirming your identity, you can send a message, and within a few seconds it will be sent to the recipient from your number. This is the most convenient method if you do not have access to a mobile device. The cost of SMS is determined according to standard tariffs.

You can also send messages through your personal account. The process is practically no different from the previous method, but you will need to first register and log in to the site.

Message retention period

If a sent message for some reason cannot reach the recipient, it is not deleted, but remains stored in a service buffer in the provider’s external memory. When the recipient becomes available again, the message is immediately forwarded to him. The storage period for messages in the buffer zone is a maximum of three days, after which they are lost forever.

Storing messages on a mobile device is not limited by the provider; it depends only on the amount of internal memory. All received and sent messages are stored in the SIM card's data library, which is limited.

To increase the amount of storage memory, it is better to transfer the message storage location to an external drive in the phone settings.

Delivery report

For many users, uncertainty in the delivery of messages to the recipient plays a big role. Therefore, the operator makes it possible to always monitor the status of the letter and receive notifications about successful or unsuccessful delivery.

To do this, you need to enable the SMS reception report function. This option is activated in the standard settings of the mobile phone SIM card. Depending on the device model, the location of the settings may vary.

To enable the service, you need to go to the SMS/MMS settings and find the item about receiving notifications/reports about SMS, where you need to set the slider to the active state. After this, each time a message is successfully delivered, you will receive a corresponding notification.

Moreover, MTS makes it possible to request a report on the sending of only one specific message. To do this, you need to enter the following symbols at the very beginning of the message: *!#text, where “text” is your message. Of course, the function of receiving notifications must be disabled. This is not a reusable service, it is valid only for one message.

SMS flash

SMS Flash, or “fast SMS,” is another way to enter text messages. When sending, a creeping line or solid text appears on the mobile phone display. In this case, SMS of this type are instantly deleted as soon as the subscriber presses any button on the phone keyboard. Quick messages are not saved to the internal or external memory of the device, but only to the SIM card.

You can enable this type of mailing as follows: “*FLASH#message text.” If you skip the asterisk first, a regular message will be sent.

Delayed delivery

One of the functions of MTS is deferred delivery. The essence of the function is that you can send messages to subscribers after specifying the delivery time. The maximum period is 1 year, so even if you forget about the existence of the message, it will still arrive on time. This is a very convenient option for holiday greetings or reminders of any upcoming events.

To use the service, type the required “* DEFFER n # message”, or #def N# message text where “n” is the number of hours delayed for sending the message. If you write 0.M instead of n, then this will already be the number of minutes.

What are push notifications and how to get rid of them?

Such broadcast short messages were originally created in order to inform subscribers in every possible way about all the news, promotions, new offers and much more. In the same way, these can be ordinary windows on the network about the status of the balance or the approaching time of payment for a particular service. But, despite their practicality and unobtrusiveness, for many these unique short SMSs cause some inconvenience, and there is a desire to abandon them.

One of the most popular and easiest ways to unsubscribe and get rid of these messages forever is, as has traditionally been the case, by yourself using your mobile device. The fact is that every phone has a certain function that allows you to prohibit any mailing of other messages. This can be easily done in the “Messages” section, and there, in the main settings, go to a separate “System messages” tab. Usually this is what it is called, but on some phones it may be “Operator Messages” or something like that. That’s where you need to click “disable” and that’s it, the job is done!

Finding this section in your phone is not at all difficult, it all depends on the specific mobile model, but in any case in Settings or in the “MTS Services” section.

You can also always use an even simpler way to unsubscribe from such mailings - dial the short combination *111*1212*2#. After this, any broadcast messages stop coming. Accordingly, you can call the support service on the same number that was indicated earlier, 0890. Such a call will be absolutely free. If there is a need to call the helpline from a landline phone, the number should be 88002500890. When talking with the operator, you will immediately need to dictate to him a specific phone number where you need to refuse spam short messages. Most likely, the operator may also ask you to dictate your passport data, so don’t worry. It was these data that were indicated at the time of concluding the contract.

Like all mobile operators, MTS provides its customers with the opportunity to voluntarily block their SIM card. “Voluntary blocking” can be used, for example, if you plan not to use your SIM card for a long time, but would still like to keep your number. The voluntary blocking service is also useful if your phone is lost or stolen - then an attacker will not be able to use your number.

SMS package offers

MTS has a huge number of profitable offers to provide free SMS packages. There are one-time packages for a one-time payment, and there are periodic packages for a subscription fee. You can choose the appropriate option based on your own requirements.

Let's look at all active offers:

SMS packages do not work for short and landline numbers. SMS balances do not carry over to the next billing period. In order to correspond without any restrictions, it is recommended to use MTS. The subscription fee is 10 rubles/day, for which any outgoing messages to all subscribers within the network are completely free and without restrictions. When sending to other destinations, the limit is 30 messages/day. To activate the service, enter the USSD request *111*2230#.

Reasons for automatic blocking of MTS SIM cards

Under certain circumstances, MTS reserves the right to automatically block the subscriber's SIM card. Most often this happens for one of the following reasons:

• negative phone balance for a long time;
• invoice debt (when using);
• The SIM card was not used for 60 to 183 days (no calls were made, no paid services were activated).

You can find out the reason for the blocking by calling the operator at the contact center at 0890 or 8-800-250-0890. Here they will tell you whether it is possible to restore the SIM card and how to do it.

If your SIM card is blocked for a financial reason - due to debt or a negative balance, then you can restore the SIM card simply by topping up your phone balance with the required amount.

If the SIM card was just lying in your desk drawer, and after some time you found it and decided to use it, then whether you can restore it or not depends on how long you haven’t used it.

Depending on the tariff plan, MTS may block the SIM card after 2 months (60 days) of inactivity. On some tariffs, the maximum period of inactivity for a SIM card is 183 days. After this time, the SIM card is blocked forever and the number cannot be restored.

Problems with sending

If you encounter any difficulties with sending, you should:

1. check balance and balances in packages;
2. make sure there is enough space to save SMS on your smartphone;
3. reboot the phone to eliminate a possible failure;
4. change the combination in the SMS center settings (even if the number is specified correctly, you need to delete it and enter it again).

Separately, mention should be made of the situation related to malfunctions of the phone. Sometimes, to restore the correct operation of the system, instead of replying to a received message, you need to write a new SMS, adding the recipient not from the existing addresses and contacts, but by entering the correct combination yourself.

MTS short message service - what is it?

It has already been indicated above that the MTS short message service is SMS messages familiar to everyone. There is no need to explain in detail what this is, since almost every subscriber understands what the mentioned function is. But the basic principle of its operation should be described, since it is important for setting up SMS and dealing with possible difficulties. In general terms, the process of sending text is as follows:

After three days, unreceived SMS messages are automatically destroyed by the operator.