The modern smartphone has long since become a fully-fledged mobile office, and for many users, the ability to quickly share internet with a laptop or tablet is becoming critical. However, operator tariffs MTS, like most other companies, often impose limits on the amount of traffic that can be transferred to other devices. This creates a situation where the user desperately needs to know exactly how many megabytes or gigabytes are available to share, to avoid being cut off at the most inopportune moment.
Monitoring your data usage helps avoid unpleasant surprises like automatic activation of paid options or a significant drop in connection speed after reaching your limit. Your carrier offers several proven monitoring tools, each with its own features and advantages. In this article, we'll detail all the available methods for checking your remaining data, explain how to correctly interpret the data obtained, and provide tips for optimizing your data usage when using a hotspot.
It's important to understand that the traffic monitoring system may experience a slight delay in displaying information, especially when actively downloading large files. Therefore, it's recommended to use official verification channels, which provide the most up-to-date data directly from the operator's billing system. This will help you plan your online activity wisely and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Using USSD commands for quick verification
The fastest and most versatile way to check your account status and remaining data is to use USSD requests. This method doesn't require an active internet connection, which is especially helpful if you're trying to figure out why your data isn't working. To access the information, simply enter a special code on your phone's keypad, which will instantly display a pop-up window with the data.
The main code for checking the main balance and service packages is *100#After dialing this combination and pressing the call button, a menu or text message will appear on the screen detailing the number of minutes, SMS messages, and, most importantly, the gigabyte of data. In some cases, the data sharing information may be displayed as a separate line or as part of the overall package if the plan does not allow for sharing.
For subscribers using modern tariff lines, the following request may be relevant: *100*1#, which often provides more detailed information specifically about internet packages. If you have the "Turbo Button" option or additional data packages enabled, their remaining balances may also be displayed in this menu, but with an expiration mark.
⚠️ Attention: USSD requests may not display real-time traffic down to the megabyte. It can take 1 to 5 minutes between the moment you start using the internet and the data update in the response.
There is also an alternative code *217#, which is specifically designed for checking your remaining internet traffic. It immediately displays the number of remaining megabytes or gigabytes, eliminating the need to search for the required line in the general list of services. This is especially convenient if you're roaming or using a phone with a small screen, where long lists are difficult to read.
It's worth noting that on some push-button phones or in conditions with poor network coverage, the operator's response may come as a standard SMS message. In this case, the text will come from a short code and contain all the necessary information. Don't delete this message immediately, as it may indicate package expiration dates, which is useful to know when planning your expenses.
Checking via the MTS Mobile app
The most informative and visually understandable tool for tariff management is the official application MTS MobileThis software is available for platforms Android And iOS and allows you to monitor your spending in real time. Unlike the dry numbers in USSD requests, the app provides a graphical scale that makes it easy to assess how much of your package has already been used and how much is still available.
To get started, you need to log in to the app. Login is usually automatic, using your phone number if your mobile data plan is enabled, or by receiving a confirmation code via SMS. Once logged in, you'll see a pie chart on the main screen, divided into sections: minutes, SMS, and data. Tapping the data section will display a breakdown, often showing the data you're sharing separately if your plan allows for data sharing.
The app also allows you to set up push notifications that will appear on your smartphone screen when a certain data usage threshold is reached. For example, you can ask the system to notify you when less than 10% of your data plan remains. critical function For those who actively use the hotspot, as it allows you to take action in advance: either complete the download or purchase an additional package.
- 📱 Interface: Convenient graphical display of all service balances on one screen.
- 🔔 Notifications: Ability to set up alerts about low balance or end of packages.
- 💳 Payment: Instantly top up your account or activate additional options without having to navigate to other menus.
- 📊 Statistics: Expense history and detailed traffic consumption statistics by day.
The app also includes an "Options" section, where you can view not only your current balance but also activate services that increase your limits. For example, the "Unlimited" option or "Turbo" packages can be activated with one click.
Personal account on the website and expense breakdown
If you don't have a smartphone with the app installed, or you need access from a computer, a personal account on the operator's official website is a great solution. This method provides the most in-depth analytics, allowing you not only to see your current balance but also to analyze when and how your traffic was used.
To access your personal account, go to the operator's website and log in using your phone number. The web interface largely replicates the functionality of the mobile app, but has a more comprehensive navigation menu. Here, you'll find the "Prices and Options" section, which clearly outlines the terms of your current plan, including the amount of data allocated specifically for Wi-Fi hotspots.
One of the most useful features of the personal account is the ability to order a detailed expense report. You can request a report for the current month, detailing your consumption down to the minute and megabyte. This helps identify apps or devices that are hogging your data in the background while you're sharing internet with your laptop.
| Function | Availability | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Checking the balance | Online | Instant display of current limits |
| Connection history | 3 months | Archive of all activated options |
| Change of tariff | Online | Switching to another plan from a new month |
| Blocking services | Instantly | Disabling paid subscriptions |
You can also set up auto-refills in your personal account to ensure your balance never drops to zero, which could lead to the tethering service being cut off. Furthermore, current plan terms are often posted here, and they are subject to change. If you notice a discrepancy between the volume stated in your plan and your actual balance, the easiest way to get a comment from technical support is through the feedback form in your personal account.
What should I do if the data in my personal account and the app differs?
Data discrepancies typically last a few minutes. If the discrepancy lasts more than an hour, try logging out and logging back in. In rare cases, you may need to refresh the app cache or clear your browser cookies.
SMS requests and voice menu
For those who prefer traditional methods or live in areas with poor 3G and 4G coverage (where internet service is unstable), SMS requests and voice menus remain a viable option. These communication channels work even with minimal signal strength, providing basic control over services.
To find out the remaining traffic via SMS, you need to send a message with the text 2 to a short number 111The response message will contain information about the main services. There is also a command Internet to the number 111, which sends detailed information specifically about internet packages. The message text is usually structured and contains information about the total volume, traffic used, and the remaining amount.
Voice menu is available by number 0890An automated voice assistant will prompt you to select a language and then listen to information about your balance and packages. Although this method takes longer than USSD, it is convenient for people with visual impairments or in situations where viewing a phone screen is difficult (for example, while driving, although in this case, it is better to use the smartphone's voice control).
⚠️ Attention: Sending SMS to short codes may incur a fee if your free messaging package has been exhausted or you are roaming. Check your plan's terms before sending requests.
It's important to keep a history of incoming messages from your operator. These often contain information not only about your current balance but also about the dates when package offers were activated and deactivated. This can serve as evidence in the event of a billing dispute where charges were calculated incorrectly.
Pricing for WiFi distribution
Many users encounter a situation where their overall internet package appears to be full, but WiFi hotspots stop working or the speed drops to a minimum. This is because operators, including MTS, often separate traffic into "for themselves" (mobile apps, browser) and "for sharing" (tethering, hotspot).
Most modern data plans have a rule: a certain quota of data is allocated from the overall package for Wi-Fi access, for example, 3, 5, or 10 GB per month. Once this quota is reached, the speed for connected devices may be limited to 64 or 128 kbps, making full functionality impossible, although websites in the phone's browser continue to load at full speed.
- 🚀 Limits: Strict separation of traffic between mobile and access point.
- 📉 Speed reduction: Automatic speed drop after the distribution limit is exhausted.
- 🔄 Reset: Packages are updated on the date of the tariff period change (usually at 00:00).
- ⚠️ P2P Blocking: Many tariffs block torrents when working through an access point.
Understanding these features helps you correctly interpret the remaining data. If the app shows a total remaining limit of 20 GB, but data sharing isn't working, it's likely that the specific limit for the hotspot has been reached. You can check this in the plan details in your personal account, where there's often a separate line for "Data Sharing Traffic."
Frequently asked questions and data display issues
When checking their balance, users may encounter various technical issues. For example, after topping up their account or activating a new service, the data may not update immediately. There are also instances where the balance displayed on the phone screen does not match the actual balance due to information caching in the app.
Another common problem is "phantom" data usage. Users see their data usage dwindle before their eyes, even though they're not actively using the internet. This is often due to background processes, such as app updates, photo syncing to the cloud, or widgets. When a hotspot is enabled, these processes can also occur on connected devices unless background data restrictions are configured.
If you suspect a calculation error, first take screenshots of your balances from the app and your personal account. Then compare the date and time. If the discrepancy is significant, contact support via in-app chat—this is the fastest way to resolve the issue, as the operator can view your session in real time.
Why isn't the remaining traffic updated after checking?
Information in the app or personal account is updated with a delay, not in real time. The system periodically requests data from the billing system. To force an update, try completely closing the app and relaunching it, or switching your phone to airplane mode for 10 seconds and then back.
Does the network type (4G/5G) affect the accuracy of the balance display?
No, the network type does not affect the accuracy of the operator's traffic metering. However, the download speed of balance data in the app may be higher on 5G networks. The metering itself is performed on the operator's server, regardless of which tower you're connected to.
Is it possible to check the remaining data allowance if the SIM card is in the router?
Yes, you don't need to remove your SIM card to do this. You can log into your MTS account from any device (computer or other phone) as long as you know your phone number and have access to it to receive the SMS confirmation code. The interface will be the same as on a smartphone.
What happens if the distribution traffic runs out, but the general traffic remains?
In most cases, the speed for devices connected via WiFi will drop to a minimum (64-128 kbps), sufficient only for text messaging. However, full access to the rest of the internet on the phone itself will remain, according to the terms of your plan.
How to avoid sudden traffic loss?
Use Parental Controls or your phone's hotspot settings to limit the maximum amount of data transferred. You can also set a data limit in your hotspot settings (if your phone model allows it) so that the system automatically disables data sharing when the limit is reached.