Every cellular user has noticed that the SIM card does not always indicate the phone number, but there are other digital codes. Also, when replacing a SIM card or operator with their number, the subscriber receives a new card on which the main number is not indicated, and the remaining designations differ from those on the old card.
Today we will tell you what kind of identification numbers are written on SIM cards: what they are for, what they mean, and how they differ on MTS, Beeline, and MegaFon.
Call
You can call or send SMS to another phone. The number will appear on the screen. The method is possible if the SIM card is active and there is money on the balance. The number will remain in the contacts of the other device. This is a proven and simple method.
How to find out the phone number of a MegaFon SIM card? The subscriber can call the mobile operator by dialing 0500. The call is free and available at any time. You can call 8-800-550-05-00 from a landline phone, and by dialing +7-926-111-05-00 you can reach an operator from any country. You won't have to pay for the call, even in roaming. By calling 0505 you can get help information even on holidays and at night. You don't have to pay for it.
Standards [edit | edit code ]
A GSM SIM card is a type of regular ISO 7816 smart card. The standard for the specific features of the card for GSM SIM is set by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, documents GSM 11.11, GSM 11.14 and GSM 11.19. Modern cards have the ability to run applications on the card, and therefore support JavaCard functionality.
In connection with attempts to integrate RFID technologies into cell phones, it is proposed to equip SIM cards with a second physical Single Wire Protocol interface for direct communication with the NFC physical layer chip.
USSD commands
*205# is a short command that will help you find out the MegaFon SIM card number. It can be used in any region of Russia. There is no charge for its set; it can be used in roaming and in the absence of the Internet. This is not an SMS message. The number will not be saved, so you must immediately write it down, remember it, or dictate it.
Using the command *100# or dialing 0501 you can find out the balance. *550#* will show data on the balance, the limit provided by the operator and the sum of these numbers (available funds). *558# will tell you the number of available minutes, messages and traffic. After requesting *105*5#, information about the points received and how to exchange them will appear. *512# will tell you about the last 5 debits from the account.
*105*3# will tell you which tariff the subscriber uses. After dialing *505#, the mobile subscriptions that are connected on the phone will be displayed. *100*1# will show accruals for the current month, and *100*4# for the previous month. Using short commands, you can find out your friend’s balance (*755#) or make a mobile transfer (*133#).
Teams are available with zero balance. For example, *106#, SMS to number 0006 or a call to the same number activates the promised payment. This is a paid service and costs 20 rubles. 50/150/300 rubles are provided. You cannot use the promised payment if the balance is from – 251 rubles. You can activate automatic account replenishment, then the promised payment is activated when the balance is ten rubles. Dial *106# disables this service. Payment is also disabled after sending an SMS with the word “stop”, calling the operator or in your personal account.
Even a child or grandmother can use short commands. They are available at any time of the day and without an Internet connection. The response to the request comes within a few seconds.
Portal-USSD
The right combination of numbers does not always come to mind. How to find out the MegaFon SIM card number in this case? Use the services of the operator’s portal (*105#). Almost every MegaFon user knows this command. There you can also find out:
- account balance;
- rate;
- connect or disable additional services.
SMS helps you use the portal. It is necessary to send messages with the required number. This is an analogue of a personal account, but you do not need the Internet to use it. It is suitable for owners of simple phones who do not have Internet access. You can use its services at any time and absolutely free.
Using the mobile application
The company has developed a special service for MTS clients. Through the mobile application, users can view the contact number of the SIM card they are using, as well as activate new tariff plans, manage their balance and connect services. The contact cellular client can be seen on the main page of the application. To access your profile, you need to download the application through the online store. After installation, authorization will take place automatically, so you will not need to enter your mobile phone number. Automatic login is possible only when connected to the mobile Internet from the MTS operator. After logging in, all data will be displayed on the main page.
Also, through this application, the user can contact a consultant if there are communication problems. After switching to the online chat, the subscriber only has to ask a question. Through a personal profile, the user has the opportunity to change the tariff plan, and here you can also activate and disable options.
- note
- The application will not make it possible to check information by number if the user has not previously been registered in it, and authorization via the mobile Internet from MTS is impossible. In this case, you will have to use other available methods.
How to find out the ICCID of a SIM card
The unique serial number of the SIM card is stored on it in an unprotected form; it can be easily read in several ways.
- The simplest thing is to look at the serial number of the device on the box with the SIM card. The iPad has the ICCID engraved on the back cover.
- Most often, the identifier is printed directly on the SIM card: on its back side, near the chip. ICCID numbers are applied to the plastic part of the physical media using laser engraving.
- Information can be found directly on the mobile phone when the card is installed in it. Owners of Apple equipment need to go to “Settings”, select “General”, then click “About device”. For smartphones running on the Android OS, it is enough to perform similar steps: the “About phone” menu item, then “General information” and “SIM cards”. If you have an unactivated iPhone at your disposal, the algorithm of actions is as follows. The device should be locked. When unlocking further, the I symbol will appear on the screen (bottom right). When you click on this “icon”, the information of interest will appear.
- Experts position this method of obtaining information about a SIM card as the simplest and most accurate. We connect the iPad to the computer via a wire. Go to iTunes and select your iPad. Information will appear in the main window. We look at the line “serial number”.
- It is possible to find out the unique SIM card number by installing alternative software. You can download programs such as SIM Serial Number or SIM Card Details. For Android devices, it is recommended to use a special application of the same name ICCID.
Communication salon
In the communication salon, using the passport, the subscriber will be told all MegaFon SIM cards, phone numbers that are registered in his name. Specialists also find out the number on the SIM card, namely the ICC (consists of 20 digits). The company manager finds out the phone number from it. Employees will solve the problem that has arisen and answer any questions that have arisen. They will suggest a suitable tariff and tell you about the bonus system.
You can buy a new mobile phone or accessories there. A choice of a beautiful room is available for a fee. You can change the SIM card, tariff and leave your number. Stores often have promotions and give bonuses for purchases. Through the terminals you can pay for cellular communications, Internet, and housing and communal services.
What is eSIM
This is a chip (embedded SIM - built-in SIM) that is installed inside a smartphone or other device. You can record the same information on it as on a regular SIM card.
To connect an eSIM to the operator’s network, you need to receive a set of encrypted data from it and save it.
eSIM saves space inside the smartphone. The chip can be installed anywhere, and since you don’t need to take it out, there won’t be a hole for a “clip” in the case. Protection from dust and moisture is easier to organize.
In addition, to change the operator, you do not need . You can even connect to several operators - save different profiles with your own settings.
People started talking about eSIM when Apple released the iPhone XS/XR/XS Max. Previously, built-in SIM cards were used in the 2021 Samsung Gear S2 3G smartwatch and Apple Watch 3/4. Received eSIM support and Google Pixel 2 smartphone.
The problem is that not all operators support the technology. And in some countries (including the Russian Federation) eSIM is generally illegal .
Firstly, writing data to an eSIM is equivalent to copying a SIM card. This is a fraud.
Secondly, with eSIM you can switch to a new operator without notifying your previous one. This is a violation of the terms of the contract.
In general, for now eSIM can only be used in certain countries. And not all operators.
Read in our other article all the details about eSIM, as well as about the differences between eSIM and a regular SIM card.
