In today's digital world mobile Internet often becomes the primary communication channel for laptops, tablets, and smart TVs. MTS tariff users who use their smartphones as mobile hotspots, regularly face the need to monitor gigabyte usage. This is critically important, as the limits on traffic distribution may differ from the main package or be charged separately depending on the terms of your tariff plan.
Monitoring your balance helps avoid unpleasant surprises such as service blocking or sudden debits when limits are exceeded. There are several proven monitoring methods, from using standard USSD requests to in-depth analysis of statistics. Personal account or through specialized widgets on your smartphone screen. The choice of a specific method depends on how detailed the information you need right now.
In this article, we will examine in detail all the available tools for checking traffic balance, paying special attention to the nuances of the mode Access pointYou'll learn how to distinguish between the general balance and a dedicated seed pool, and what hidden operator features can help you manage your data usage without wasting time.
⚠️ Please note: Data pricing terms for modem/hotspot mode are subject to change. The operator periodically updates its plan lines, so it's always worth checking the latest terms for your package in the official MTS app or on the MTS website.
Using USSD commands for quick verification
The fastest and most accessible way that does not require an internet connection is to use USSD requestsThese codes work even in areas with poor network coverage, where downloading an app can take a long time. To find out how much data remains in your primary data package, which is often used up by tethering, dial a universal short code.
Type the command on your phone keypad *100# and press the call button. A pop-up menu with your plan details will instantly appear on the screen. This list will show minutes, SMS, and, most importantly for us, the available volume. gigabyteIf your plan allows you to split your traffic into "for yourself" and "for sharing," the system may display both values or the total remaining amount, depending on specific conditions. tariff plan.
There is also an alternative command *217#, which displays information specifically about remaining internet packages. This is especially convenient if the standard request returns too much unnecessary information. The reply SMS or USSD notification will indicate the exact number of remaining megabytes or gigabytes.
What to do if the USSD code doesn't work?
If nothing happens when you enter the code or an error occurs, check that outgoing calls to short numbers aren't blocked. Also, make sure the SIM card is active and connected to the carrier's network. In rare cases, restarting the device can help.
Checking via the MTS mobile app
The most informative and visually understandable tool is the official application. MTS MyThis software product provides advanced statistics that are not available via USSD codes. After authorization in the app (usually done automatically using a phone number), a summary of all services is displayed on the main screen.
To view detailed traffic information, click on the gigabyte bar. This will open a detailed menu where you can often see the traffic breakdown. If your plan includes separate limits for WiFi distributionThe app can display this as a separate bar or indicate it in a text description of the remaining balance. The app's interface allows you to track your consumption dynamics in real time.
Pay special attention to the "Services" or "Price" section. Automatic notifications may be enabled there. You can configure the app to send you notifications. push notificationWhen the remaining traffic reaches a critical point, for example, 10% or 500 MB. This will help prevent unexpected internet disconnections at the most inopportune moment.
Analysis via your Personal Account on the website
If you don't have a smartphone with the app installed, but you have a device connected to the network (even via WiFi), you can use the web version. Personal accountGo to the operator's official website and log in using your phone number. An authorization code will be sent via SMS.
The personal account interface is similar to the mobile app, but offers more advanced analytics. The "Prices and Services" section displays the current status of your plan. You can often find a history of your traffic consumption for previous periods here, which is useful for planning future expenses. The system displays the remaining amount in gigabytes and megabytes, accurate to tenths of a decimal place.
The web version also allows you to manage data sharing services. If you suspect your traffic is being used up too quickly, you can temporarily disable the data sharing service or, conversely, activate an additional package if the main pool is exhausted. All changes are applied instantly, and your balance is recalculated within seconds.
⚠️ Please note: When accessing your Personal Account via mobile data, your data may be used to load page elements. If you have minimal data remaining, it's best to use free access to your operator's website (if available) or connect to a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Control distribution in your smartphone settings
Modern operating systems Android And iOS have built-in traffic monitoring mechanisms that operate independently of the carrier. This is a great way to understand exactly how much data is being transferred through an access point, especially if you need to track a specific connected device.
Android users need to go to Settings, select "Connections" or "Network & Internet," and then find "Data Usage." Here you can see your overall usage and, often, separate statistics for "Access Point" or "Tethering & Hotspot." The system allows you to set a limit: when usage reaches the set value, Wi-Fi sharing will automatically turn off.
Users iPhone You can find similar information in the "Cellular" section. Scrolling down the screen, you'll see a list of all apps and system services, along with the amount of data transferred. While iOS doesn't always clearly categorize hotspot traffic, a sharp spike in background usage often indicates active data sharing to other devices.
☑️ Setting up a traffic limit on Android
Tariff specifics and distribution restrictions
It is important to understand that MTS, like other operators, may apply different pricing rules for traffic transmitted through modem modeOn some archive or specific plans, the amount of traffic for Wi-Fi distribution may be limited to a certain number of gigabytes per month, even if the basic package is unlimited or very large.
Below is a table demonstrating possible traffic accounting scenarios depending on the tariff type (the data is illustrative in nature, as the conditions are individual):
| Tariff type | Basic package | Traffic for distribution | Accounting Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Archive | Unlimited | Limited (eg 3 GB) | Once the limit is reached, the speed drops. |
| Modern tariff | Shared pool (e.g. 30 GB) | From the general pool | Consumed along with the main traffic |
| Constructor | Customizable | Separate option | Requires connection of an additional service |
| Social/Basic | Small package | From the general pool | High cost of excess |
If you are using a tariff where data sharing is limited, the operator may automatically switch you to per-minute billing or reduce your speed to 64 kbps After the limit is reached, checking the remaining balance becomes critical. Always carefully read the terms of your tariff plan in the "Plan Description" section.
Managing expenses through third-party applications
For users who find the built-in system tools insufficient, there are specialized tracking applications available from stores. Google Play And App StorePrograms like Data Usage, My Data Manager or Traffic Monitor allow you to keep detailed records down to the kilobyte.
The main advantage of such utilities is their flexible configuration. You can set a separate limit specifically for access point mode. For example, you can set a rule: "If 2 GB is used via the WiFi hotspot, send a warning or disable the WiFi module." This provides more granular control than standard OS tools.
However, it's important to keep in mind that such apps rely on traffic analysis and may have a slight margin of error compared to operator billing data. They don't see network service traffic the same way a cell tower does, but their accuracy is sufficient for everyday monitoring.
⚠️ Please note: Third-party apps require permission to access data usage statistics and, in some cases, device administrator rights to force internet disconnection. Download only verified, highly rated apps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does WiFi sharing affect the speed of my phone's main internet connection?
Yes, it can. When a smartphone is sharing internet, its processor and radio operate in overdrive. If the connection is overloaded with connected devices (for example, someone watching a 4K video), the phone's speed may also decrease due to a lack of bandwidth or processor resources.
Is it possible to bypass the traffic distribution limit?
Officially, no. Operators have learned to determine the distribution mode based on the TTL (Time To Live) value of packets. Changing the TTL on third-party devices or using special Android apps (requiring root access) is theoretically possible, but this violates the terms of the contract and may result in service blocking or increased charges.
Why does the remaining traffic in the app differ from the actual traffic?
The discrepancy occurs due to a delay in updating data in the operator's billing system. While you're using the internet, the meter in the app may show yesterday's data or data with a 15-30 minute delay. The actual balance can only be determined after the connection is terminated and the recalculation is completed, but the app data is usually accurate enough for operational monitoring.
Does unused traffic expire at the end of the month?
Most modern MTS plans offer the "Unlimited Transfer" service, which allows you to save up to 100% of your unused data for the next month. However, this option must be activated (it's often enabled by default). You can check the transfer status in the plan description or via the command *152#.