In an era where smartphones are becoming the primary window into the digital world, mobile internet is becoming a critical utility for work and entertainment. Traffic control is especially important when using your phone as a router to connect other devices. Carriers, including MTS, often separate data packets into primary and secondary traffic, creating confusion for users.
Many subscribers encounter a situation where their primary gigabyte package is still full, but the internet speed on their connected laptop suddenly drops or access is completely blocked. This happens because WiFi distribution Often billed separately or subject to strict limits even on unlimited plans. Knowing where to find this data will save you from unexpected charges and connection loss at a crucial moment.
There are several ways to get accurate information about your package's status, but not all of them are equally convenient. Some prefer good old USSD commands, while others rely solely on the mobile app's visualization. We'll explore all the available methods so you can choose the most suitable one for your situation right now.
Checking your balance via USSD commands and calls
The fastest way to find up-to-date information when there's no internet access is to use service codes. MTS uses a universal command. *100#, which displays a detailed menu with all remaining connected services. After dialing and pressing the call button, you'll receive an SMS or a pop-up window with a breakdown by category.
However, the standard menu may not immediately reveal the traffic split. For a more accurate diagnosis, you often need to enter additional code or follow a link in a message. For example, the command *217# (or similar, depending on the region) can show details specifically for packets for modems and routers.
If USSD codes seem inconvenient or stop working on your phone model, you can always call the automated system. By dialing the short number 0887, you'll hear a voice robot dictate the remaining balance. This is less informative, but it works even on the most basic push-button phones without GPRS support.
⚠️ Please note: USSD service commands may vary depending on your tariff plan and region. If the standard codes don't work, check the current combinations in your personal account or on the official website, as the terms may be updated.
Using the MTS My mobile application
The most informative and visually understandable control tool is the official application MTS MyIt is available for platforms Android And iOS and provides detailed real-time statistics. After logging in with your phone number, you'll see pie charts on the main screen displaying your primary and seeding data usage.
Unlike USSD requests, the app allows you to track your consumption dynamics. You can tap the gigabyte bar to see a detailed graph: how much was used yesterday, the day before, and how consumption has changed over the past week. This helps identify data-hungry apps that may be surreptitiously downloading updates via your hotspot.
Additionally, exclusive service management options are often available within the app. For example, you can not only view your balance but also instantly activate an additional data plan if your primary limit is reached, or temporarily suspend the service to avoid being charged. This functionality is constantly being updated, becoming more user-friendly.
- 📱 Instant display of balances without network delays.
- 📊 Detailed consumption statistics by day and traffic type.
- ⚙️ Manage your subscriptions and services with one click.
- 🔔 Set up push notifications when consumption reaches 80% and 100%.
☑️ Setting up the MTS My app
Subscriber's personal account on the operator's website
If you're on a computer, the web version of your personal account is the most convenient. By going to the operator's website and logging in with your number, you'll access the control panel, which replicates the functionality of the mobile app but in a more comprehensive format. It's easy to analyze large amounts of data and connection history.
The "Rates and Services" or "My Balance" section usually contains a section with current balances. A unique feature of the web interface is that it often displays technical information in more detail, including the exact number of megabytes (down to thousandths), which is not always easy to read in the app. This is useful for those who strictly monitor every megabyte.
You can also download a detailed report on your traffic consumption for historical periods in Excel or PDF format through your personal account. This allows for in-depth analysis, identifying which devices and at what times of day consumed the most traffic through your WiFi hotspot. This approach provides a complete understanding of internet usage patterns.
What should I do if my personal account displays incorrect data?
If you see discrepancies between your actual usage and the data in your account, try refreshing the page, clearing your browser cache, or logging out and back in. Data may take up to 15 minutes to update, especially during peak network times. If the error persists for more than an hour, contact support.
Tariff differences: Unlimited and package offers
Understanding how traffic is calculated is impossible without analyzing your specific plan. MTS, like other operators, has a clear distinction between the "main package" and "data sharing." With older plans, data sharing could be completely free, but modern terms often dictate new rules.
On popular tariff lines such as MTS Tariffs or Super Smart, the following rule often applies: the main package is shared among all devices, but with a speed or volume limit for external connections. For example, you might have 30 GB available per month, but only 5 GB of that can be shared with your laptop. Once these 5 GB are used up, the speed on connected devices is throttled to 64 or 128 kbps.
There are also specialized options, such as "Unlimited" or "Super Smart," which technically offer unlimited internet. However, even these have hidden restrictions (Fair Use Policy). If the system detects that you're using a SIM card in a modem or constantly sharing Wi-Fi with a large number of devices, it may limit your speed or charge you extra.
| Tariff type | Basic package | Distribution limit | Actions after the limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical | 10-20 GB | Full volume | Payment according to the tariff or blocking |
| Smart/Tarifische | 30-50 GB | Limited (e.g. 5-10 GB) | Reduce speed to 64 kbps |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Limited (eg 20 GB) | Speed reduction or surcharge |
| Archival | Depends on conditions | Often without restrictions | Depends on the archive conditions |
It's important to carefully read the terms and conditions for new options. Often, operators offer "unlimited" packages that are actually unlimited only for certain apps (social media, messaging), while other traffic, including tethering, is charged separately.
Technical nuances and bypassing restrictions
Many advanced users are interested in how their carrier detects that you're tethering. MTS uses Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology to analyze data packet headers. TTL (Time To Live) is one of the key markers. Devices send packets with different initial TTL values, and when you tether, this value changes, which is recorded by the system.
There are methods for changing the TTL on your router or in your phone settings to hide the fact that you're sharing data. However, using such methods may be against the user agreement. If the system detects an attempt to circumvent this, it may forcibly change your plan to a more expensive one or block your internet access until the circumstances are clarified.
⚠️ Please note: Attempts to bypass traffic control (changing TTL, using a proxy) may result in service blocking or imposition of a more expensive tariff. The operator reserves the right to charge additional fees for traffic actually consumed but not billed.
If you really need a lot of data for data sharing, it's more legal and reliable to sign up for the special "Turbo Button" option or a tablet/modem plan. This will eliminate the risk of blocking and ensure stable speeds for your devices.
What to do if your traffic runs out unexpectedly
Many people are familiar with the situation when the internet connection runs out at the most inopportune moment. If you find that your data plan is running low, first check to see if your shared data plan has been reached. If you have shared data but the WiFi isn't working, you've reached the limit for your hotspot.
The app or personal account usually offers automatic package renewal or a one-time boost. This is the fastest way to restore your connection. However, if the end of your billing period is still far away, it's a good idea to announce the usage to prevent a repeat next month.
Sometimes, simply switching to airplane mode or restarting the device helps. This refreshes the session on the carrier's network, and data about remaining data can sync correctly. Sometimes, the system doesn't immediately recognize your newly activated plan, and restarting the phone resolves the display issue.
- 🔄 Restart your smartphone to refresh the network session.
- 📲 Check the app for updates.
- 💳 Consider enabling auto-renewal for your package.
- 📞 Contact your operator to clarify the terms of your tariff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my laptop's internet speed so slow, even though my phone's internet speed is lightning fast?
You've likely exhausted the data limit allocated specifically for Wi-Fi hotspots. In this case, the carrier doesn't block access completely, but it does cut speeds to a minimum (usually 64 kbps), while the phone's primary data plan may still be full and running at high speeds.
Is it possible to find out which device used how much traffic?
The standard MTS My app doesn't typically provide such device (MAC address) detail. You only see the total amount of traffic used for data distribution. For detailed monitoring, you'll need to use third-party firewall apps on your phone or check your router's statistics if you're using data distribution through one.
Is the remaining traffic reset at the end of the month?
Yes, on most modern MTS plans, unused data expires at the end of the billing period and is not carried over to the next month unless you have the special "Carryover" option enabled. Data transfer limits are also updated on the billing period change date.
Does using a VPN affect traffic counting when distributing?
Using a VPN encrypts your traffic but doesn't hide its volume. Your carrier sees how much data you've transferred, even if they can't see the content. Therefore, a VPN won't help you increase your data limit, and in some cases, it can even accelerate its depletion due to the overhead of encryption.