How to add MTS traffic for Wi-Fi sharing from your phone

Modern smartphones have long since become fully-fledged mobile routers, instantly providing internet access to laptops, tablets, and other devices. However, it often happens that the basic gigabyte package runs out at the most inopportune moment, when you urgently need to download a file or conduct a video conference on another device. In this situation, the user is faced with the question of how to quickly and affordably upgrade. add MTS traffic to distribute Wi-Fi so as not to interrupt the work process.

MTS offers several flexible data refill options, which may vary depending on your current plan and service region. It's important to understand the difference between regular phone data and the data used when creating a hotspot, as some older plans may have treated them differently. Nowadays, if you have an unlimited plan or a large amount of gigabytes, adding this option typically increases the overall data pool available for use in any way.

In this guide, we'll detail all the available methods for activating additional megabytes, review relevant USSD commands, and discuss settings in your personal account. You'll learn how to avoid double billing and what to do if your upload speed suddenly drops after activating the service. Follow the instructions to always stay online, even when your home provider is failing you.

Internet distribution mechanism and traffic accounting

Before purchasing additional gigabytes, it's important to clearly understand the technical aspects of the data sharing process. When you activate tethering or Wi-Fi hotspot mode on your smartphone, your device begins broadcasting a cellular network signal, converting it into a local network. To the carrier's network, this appears as traffic coming from your IMEI, but with signs of being used on a third-party device (TTL). Most modern MTS plans, such as MTS Smart or "Tariff"*, the data volume is the same for all types of use.

However, there are nuances associated with unlimited options for specific apps. Often, operators provide unlimited access to social networks, messengers, or video services only within the official smartphone app. When trying to distribute this traffic to a laptop via Wi-Fi, it may either not work at all or be billed separately from the main package. Therefore, when planning a purchase, it's important to choose an option that specifically increases the data allowance. basic Internet package, and does not add specific unlimited ones.

⚠️ Attention: Some archive plans may have a hidden data limit (for example, no more than 3-5 GB per month, even with a 50 GB plan). Before purchasing an add-on, be sure to check the terms and conditions of your plan in the app to avoid unexpected speed limits.

It's also worth considering the technical aspect: when actively distributing Wi-Fi, a smartphone consumes significantly more power and generates more heat. Adding a large amount of data without monitoring background processes on connected devices can result in the new data plan being used up in a matter of hours. It's recommended to set a data limit in the Android or iOS hotspot settings to control consumption.

Methods for adding traffic via USSD commands and SMS

The fastest way to increase your available data is to use USSD requests. This method is ideal when you don't have mobile data access to access the app, or when you need to act quickly. The commands are universal and work on all phone models, from push-button phones to modern flagships.

To activate standard add-on packages that increase your overall internet volume, you can use the following codes. Please note that the price and volume may vary depending on your region:

• 📞 *111*166# — a menu of basic options for increasing traffic (Internet-Hit, Super-bit and similar).
• 📞 *111*628# — checking available package extension options.
• 📞 *111*157# — connecting the “Bit” option (usually provides 1 GB per day or month).
• 📲 Sending an SMS with a number 1 to the number 111 — often opens a menu of popular services.

After entering the command, a menu will appear on the screen or you'll receive a connection confirmation SMS. If you need internet access "right now," select the options marked "instant activation."

*111*166#

Entering this command in the dialer will open an interactive menu where you can select the appropriate volume. If USSD codes don't work (for example, due to poor signal), try sending a free SMS with the text BIT to a short number 111The operator will reply with a message offering available renewal options.

Using the mobile app and personal account

The most convenient and informative way to manage services is the official application My MTSThe interface is optimized for quick access to features, and the system automatically suggests which options are most beneficial for your specific plan. Unlike USSD requests, the app displays the exact price and volume before debiting.

To add traffic for distribution, follow these steps:

1. Launch the application My MTS and log in (usually login is automatic).
2. On the main screen, find the bar with the remaining packages (GB, minutes, SMS).
3. Click on the button + or "Add" in the Internet section.
4. In the store that opens, select the category "Internet packages" or "Package extensions".
5. Read the terms and conditions and click Connect, confirming the action with a code from an SMS or biometrics.

The advantage of this method is that you can immediately see how your balance will change. The app also allows you to set up auto-renewal for selected options, eliminating the need to manually add more data each month. This is especially useful for those who regularly use their phone as a hotspot for work.

If you prefer to work from a computer, your personal account on the mts.ru website offers similar functionality. The web version's interface is more detailed and allows you to review archived plans and connection terms in a secure environment.

Alternative options: bonuses, promo codes, and loyalty programs

You don't always have to spend your own money to access the internet. MTS has a well-developed ecosystem of services that allow you to convert points or achievements into actual internet traffic. This is a great way to save money if you actively use mobile services or partner services.

First of all, pay attention to the loyalty program MTS BonusAccumulated points can often be redeemed for internet packages. You can check available redemption options in the "Store" section within the app. It's also worth checking the "Games and Apps" section, where you can earn bonuses for completing simple tasks (installing partner apps, participating in surveys).

Another source of free data is promo codes. MTS regularly runs promotions to coincide with holidays or the release of new smartphones. Promo codes are published on the operator's official social media channels, in push notifications within the app, or sent via SMS. Enter the code in the designated field in the app, and the gigabytes will be credited to your account.

⚠️ Attention: Promo codes often have a limited validity period or are valid only for a certain category of subscribers (for example, only for iOS users or owners of specific smartphone models). Carefully read the terms and conditions of the promotion before activating.

Don't ignore the option to exchange minutes for gigabytes. Some plans offer the option to convert unused voice minutes into data traffic. Check your plan settings in the "Service Management" section—you may have unused capacity that could be converted into data transfers.

Secret ways to save traffic

Use Turbo mode in your browser to compress pages. Disable auto-updates for apps in stores (Play Market/App Store) when using a mobile network. This will help extend your purchased package.

Troubleshooting connection and upload speed issues

Sometimes, traffic is added and money is debited, but Wi-Fi hotspot access doesn't work or works incorrectly. Most often, the problem lies in the access point (APN) settings or limitations of the smartphone itself. If you encounter this situation, don't rush to call support—try a few simple steps.

The first thing you need to do is reboot your smartphone. This is a simple but effective step that allows you to update your network registration and apply the new pricing settings. After rebooting, check whether other devices can see your network and have internet access.

If the Internet does not appear, check the access point settings:

• 📱 Log in Settings → Connections → Mobile network → Access point names (APN).
• 📱 Make sure the point with the name is selected internet.mts.ru.
• 📱 If the settings are lost, press the menu button (three dots) and select "Restore to default".

Another common issue is speed throttling after the basic package is used up, even if you've activated additional charges. Sometimes the pricing system doesn't have time to update in real time. In this case, switching to airplane mode for 10-15 seconds can help. This will force the SIM card to re-register with the network and update the subscriber profile on the operator's end.

Comparison of tariff options for active distribution

For users who constantly use their smartphone as a modem, it's important to choose the right recharge strategy. Periodically purchasing small data packages "as is" can be significantly more expensive than upgrading to a plan with a larger base volume or signing up for a long-term plan.

Let's consider the main options for such users:

1. Change of tariff. If you regularly spend more than 20-30 GB per month, it makes sense to switch to the tariff line MTS Smart or "Tarifische"*, where the basic package ranges from 30 to 60 GB. This is cheaper than constantly buying additional gigabytes on the old plan.
2. Unlimited option. For those who need a truly massive amount of data, there are options that offer unlimited internet (often with a speed limit after a certain threshold, such as 100 GB).
3. Family tariff. Combining accounts with family members allows you to share data. You can sign up for a large data plan on one number and share it, or combine the remaining data from all SIM cards into one shared pool.