eSim in Russia from MTS - how to get and exchange a SIM card

eSim technology is an electronic SIM card that performs normal functions, but can operate without a physical carrier. An electronic version of a SIM card can be equipped with a device that supports this technology. The device serves the same purposes as a regular SIM card - making calls and gaining access to the Internet.

The card is programmed separately for each user. It also does not take up space in the mobile device, which allows the subscriber to use the services of different operators without restrictions.

You can purchase an individual number from a cellular service. The operator must provide the user with a unique QR code. The client, having scanned it, can use the functions.

Benefits of eSim technology

Although the functionality of an electronic card is almost no different from a standard SIM card, it still has a number of advantages:

While abroad, the user does not have to purchase a new service package and does not incur costs for communication services. You can simply activate roaming, after which you can safely contact your family or friends.
You can become a subscriber to a different tariff using this technology without leaving your home to go to the service center. Just go to the MTS page and select the desired service package.
An electronic SIM card allows you to enter into an agreement with several service companies at once. That is, you can purchase several numbers and communicate with a large circle of people.
There is no need to select the correct dimensions of the SIM card, since the size of the card is standard and is already inside.

MTS launched eSIM. You can connect on the website in a couple of minutes

Mobile operator MTS has launched a remote connection to eSIM technology. You don’t need to go to a communication store; you can apply for a virtual SIM card on the website mts.ru, it takes a few minutes.

eSIM allows you to use operator communications without a physical SIM card; its function is performed by a special chip in a smartphone or tablet. eSIM support is available in new iPhone models, as well as in top-end smartphones from Samsung, Google, Huawei and some other manufacturers. You can install several numbers on one eSIM; the active number is selected in the smartphone settings.

Which smartphones and tablets are compatible with eSIM:

Apple

iPhone XR (A2105), iPhone XR (A1984), iPhone XR (A2106)
iPhone 11 (A2221), iPhone 11 (A2111), iPhone 11 Pro (A2215), iPhone 11 Pro (A2160), iPhone 11 Pro Max (A2218), iPhone 11 Pro Max (A2161)
iPhone XS (A2097), iPhone XS (A1920), iPhone XS (A2098), iPhone XS MAX (A2101), iPhone XS Max (A1921), iPhone XS Max (A2102)
iPhone SE (A2296), iPhone SE (A2275)
iPhone 12 mini (A2403), iPhone 12 mini (A2172), iPhone 12 mini (A2402)
iPhone 12 (A2399), iPhone 12 (A2176), iPhone 12 (A2398)
iPhone 12 Pro (A2407), iPhone 12 Pro (A2341), iPhone 12 Pro (A2406)
iPhone 12 Pro Max (A2411), iPhone 12 Pro Max (A2342), iPhone 12 Pro Max (A2410)

iPad (A2198), iPad (A2200), iPad (A2428), iPad (A2429)
iPad Air (A2123), iPad Air (A2153)
iPad mini (A2124), iPad mini (A2126)
iPad Pro 11 (A1934), iPad Pro 11 (A2013), iPad Pro 11 (A2068), iPad Pro 11 (A2230)
iPad Pro 12.9 (A1895), iPad Pro 12.9 (A2014), iPad Pro 12.9 (A2069), iPad Pro 12.9 (A2232)

Google

Pixel 3
Pixel 3 XL
Pixel 3a
Pixel 3a XL
Pixel 4
Pixel 4 XL
Pixel 4a
Pixel 5

Huawei

P40
P40 Pro
Mate 40
Mate 40 Pro
Mate Xs

Samsung

Galaxy S20
Galaxy S20+
Galaxy Fold
S20 Ultra
Galaxy Z Flip
Galaxy Z Fold2
Galaxy Note20
Galaxy Note20 Ultra

Microsoft

Surface Duo

Motorola

Razr
Razr 5G

To connect an eSIM, you need to go to the website mts.ru/personal/esim, click “Connect now”, select a number and tariff, and then confirm your identity using an existing MTS number or authorization on State Services.
The issued QR code must be scanned on your smartphone - after that it will connect to the eSIM, and you will be able to communicate using this technology. eSIM from MTS works in all Russian regions. If you are unable to register an electronic SIM card yourself, you can apply for an eSIM at MTS sales offices or M.Video stores. Information about the possibility of connecting eSIM in communication stores can be obtained from the MTS contact center. The operator emphasizes that during the initial stage of technology implementation, due to technological features, the number of eSIMs may be limited.

iGuides in Telegram - t.me/igmedia iGuides in Yandex.Zen - zen.yandex.ru/iguides.ru

eSim from MTS in Russia today

For the first time, electronic SIM cards appeared on the Russian market thanks to the Tele2 operator. The company tested the technology on some employees. After the successful completion of the “pilot” project, the company provided users with the opportunity to connect an individual module.

Several thousand subscribers immediately began using eSim, but a couple of weeks after the launch, sales of built-in SIM cards stopped. The termination procedure was led by the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications, which notified users that they could not use the built-in cards because the required documentation was missing. The necessary papers must be prepared by the end of 2019.

In addition to the lack of necessary documents, there is another problem, namely, doubt in the systems that are responsible for the security of citizens’ personal data.

For these reasons, it is not yet possible to purchase electronic cards in Russia.

What you need to use eSIM MTS - very briefly

You must have a smartphone that supports eSIM. You won’t be able to get the electronic one to work on the newest but incompatible gadget.

We have collected current models with eSIM support that you can buy right now on this page. Why should you buy there? Well, at least because we will offer you both free installments and the opportunity to get a substantial discount if you want to sell your old gadget.

You must buy the eSIM itself. Start here. You must activate eSIM on your smartphone. Below we will tell you in more detail how exactly.

How and where to connect eSim from MTS

It is not possible to connect this technology now, since the issuance of electronic cards has been suspended. They should probably go on sale by the end of the year.

Most likely, you can connect such SIM cards when you come to the service center in person. The following plan for obtaining a technology product is possible:

You must personally come to the service center with documents that prove the user’s identity.
After this, you need to write an application requesting to connect eSim for individual use.
The center employee must issue the subscriber a QR code on paper.
The client activates the SIM card built into the mobile device using the issued code.
After completing these steps, you must destroy the plastic card by giving it to the operator.

Changing the operator is possible while maintaining the existing number.

What is eSIM

For most people, a SIM card is a plastic card that must be inserted into the phone to gain access to communication services. Such a medium has both advantages and disadvantages. For example, the main disadvantage of physical SIM cards is wear and tear. Over time, the SIM card becomes unusable and needs to be replaced.

eSIM is a completely different approach to media implementation. This is an electronic SIM card that can be used without a plastic card. In this case, the communication chip is initially built into the smartphone, and after the fact, the owner of the device connects the number to it.

Advantages and features of eSIM

Obviously, an electronic (virtual) SIM card is a new milestone in the development of communications. It guarantees maximum convenience for subscribers who highlight a number of advantages of eSIM.

Advantages and disadvantages

No chance of chip wear

Convenient connection

Ability to register multiple numbers on one eSIM and quickly switch between them

Advanced functionality

The technology is not available in all countries of the world, and is not supported by all smartphones and operators

The need to reactivate eSIM when changing devices

Of course, the technology has more advantages than disadvantages. After all, eSIM is the most convenient way to manage communication services. For example, if previously a person necessarily needed a smartphone with two SIM cards for a work and main number, then with an electronic SIM card 2 or more numbers can be registered on 1 carrier.

Finally, unlike a regular SIM card, an eSIM is not subject to wear and tear. At the same time, there are also disadvantages. If a standard SIM card can be moved between devices and you can immediately start using it, then the virtual media needs to be reactivated. Moreover, activation is not available on every smartphone.

Why there was no eSIM in Russia for a long time

Russia is far from the first country in which eSIM has become possible. The introduction of the new SIM card format was delayed due to the wording of the communication service carrier. Remember, when purchasing a SIM card, you must indicate your passport data, and in the case of an eSIM, such control is much more difficult to carry out. At the moment, all the details have been settled, and almost anyone can apply for a virtual SIM card.

List of phones that support the technology

Subscribers can start using the new technology on a limited number of telephone devices. It should be noted that these are quite expensive devices.

The following models support an electronic SIM card:

Goole Pixet 3 smartphones;
XR, XS and XS Max from Apple, as well as watches and tablets from the same company;
Samsung and Huawei watches.

Of course, the list of devices is somewhat limited, but it will be expanded, since eSim technology has just begun to develop in Russia.

Answers to frequently asked questions

For Russian residents, eSIM technology is still something new and unknown. Therefore, before connecting to the corresponding service from MTS, it is recommended to learn more about the option by reading our expert’s answers to the most common questions.

Hermann

Expert in the field of digital technologies and the activities of mobile operators. I am engaged in constant monitoring of industry changes in Russia and abroad.

Ask a Question

Question to the expert

How is an eSIM different from a regular SIM card?

This is the same chip for connecting communication services, but unlike a standard SIM card, it is already built into the phone and does not require the additional installation of a plastic card.

Is it possible to transfer eSIM to another phone?

Yes, but to do this you will need to re-register the eSIM using the QR code that is provided when concluding the contract.

What to do if the QR code is lost?

If you have already read the code and loaded the eSIM, you will not be able to connect the service on another device. If the QR code is lost before activation, it is recommended to contact the operator’s office to restore it.

How to block eSIM if you lose your phone?

Call 0890 or contact an MTS communication salon. To temporarily deactivate the eSIM, you must disable the option in the device settings.

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Author

Hermann

Expert in the field of digital technologies and the activities of mobile operators. I am engaged in constant monitoring of industry changes in Russia and abroad.

What are the difficulties of mass transition to Esim?

Large companies specializing in cellular communications have tested the technology on a certain number of users. The firms came to the conclusion that this project will not yet be in demand among a wide range of consumers. That is, it will be clearly unprofitable for organizations.

Only owners of digital devices and owners of expensive smartphones that have this function will be able to use eSim. The majority of users are not yet ready to switch to electronic SIM cards.

In addition to the refusal of this technology by some companies, the FSB is also against it. In particular, intelligence agency representatives fear for the safety of users.

FSB officers assume that after the introduction of electronic cards, cases of theft of individual numbers and bank accounts will become more frequent.

Only after these problems are resolved will sales be resumed.

Option cost

A subscription fee is charged for the use of each additional contact. Let's consider the features of the service tariff:

When connecting each new number, a commission fee of 30 rubles is debited from the balance. Only in the first month of work.
There is no charge for using SMS when the function is activated on “7600”; sending is free.
You can choose the format of the new contact yourself. Depending on the established type, the amount of the subscription payment is assigned. Standard costs 1.5 rubles per day, Gold – 3 rubles, Platinum – 9 rubles. The difference lies in the number of repeating numbers in the combination.
The cost of outgoing and incoming calls, as well as messages, is determined by the connected tariff plan and the current location of the subscriber.

If at the time of extension of the option there is not enough money on the balance, then the function is blocked until the debt is repaid.

Why Russian operators do not support eSim

In addition to the above problems, there are also difficulties associated with service providers, as they create some barriers. In general, the main reason why the Russian Federation will not switch to electronic SIM cards in the near future is that in the country the SIM card number is assigned to the subscriber in a service agreement, which is concluded personally by the user in a communication shop.

Since with the help of technology you can use different mobile operators without visiting the company center, certain difficulties arise. This is exactly what company employees are working on, finalizing customer service software.

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How to register a SIM

MTS offers 2 options for remote SIM registration: talking with a consultant over the phone or the MTS subscriber application. In the first case, everything is simple. You need to wait for a call from the consultant, dictate your passport details to him and wait for confirmation.

In the second case, self-registration is performed as follows:

Download the MTS Subscriber application. It can be found on the App Store and Google Play. Launch it.
Scan the barcode located on the envelope with your new SIM card.
Take a selfie and upload it to the app.
Take a photo of your passport and add it to your application form. The fields will be filled in automatically. Make sure that the data is read correctly - if there is an error somewhere, edit the information manually
Place an electronic signature on the screen.
Click on the “Activate SIM card” button.

Unlike other operators, MTS activates the SIM card instantly. You do not need to wait until the operator’s employee checks the information and confirms registration - everything happens automatically. At the end you will be prompted to install the “My MTS” application. Here, make your own decision: you can use communication services without it.

Checking tariff plans

Your iPhone must not be locked to a carrier, or both plans must be from the same carrier.
Both plans must be configured and ready to use.
Your cellular providers must support the use of two SIM cards, one of which is an eSIM.
If your first SIM card is provided by a CDMA network operator, the second SIM card will not support that network. For more information, contact your operator.

iPhone eSIM cards are not available in mainland China. In Hong Kong and Macau, eSIM cards only support iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone XS. Learn how to troubleshoot dual nano SIM cards in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Can't set up eSIM card

Check with your carrier to see if your iPhone plan supports dual SIM.
If you have a business cellular plan, check with your company or carrier to see if the feature you want is supported.
Make sure cell phone providers provide coverage in your area and there are no service interruptions.
Make sure your cellular plans are set up, ready to use, and not locked up for financial reasons.

If this is the case for you, please contact your mobile operators for support.

If the tariff plan for the nano-SIM card is not displayed

Make sure your nano-SIM card is installed correctly in the SIM tray.

Remove the SIM card tray and inspect the SIM card for damage and corrosion.
Remove the SIM card from the SIM card tray, then put it back.
Make sure the SIM card tray is inserted all the way and does not wobble.
Open Control Center and make sure both cellular providers appear in the status bar.

If your nano-SIM card isn't working, isn't the right size, is bent, or your iPhone displays a "This SIM card doesn't support LTE" message, contact your service provider to get a new nano-SIM card.

Unused line in "No Network" state during a call

iPhone can only transmit data over one cellular network at a time. When you use one line to make a call, the other line displays a "No Network" message. If your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling for a second phone number and you've enabled Wi-Fi Calling, you can receive incoming calls to that phone number. If you are calling on a line other than your default data line, you must enable the Allow Cellular Data Switching option.

How to activate eSIM MTS

So, you bought an eSIM and received this voucher with

Let's add eSIM to your smartphone. Let's look at the process using the iPhone as an example - on others everything happens about the same. Whatever model your gadget is, make sure it has access to the Internet - you can’t do without it. If your smartphone does not have one, ensure connection via

In iPhone settings, select Add Cellular Plan under Cellular.

Next you need to scan from the voucher.

After scanning, click on “Add cellular plan”.

You will see an activation animation for some time. Wait for it to complete.

Your email is working. By clicking on the item indicated in the picture, you can, if necessary, temporarily disable it and then turn it back on.

If you have a physical card in your smartphone, then its number on the iPhone is considered the main one, and the eSIM number is considered personal. In the status bar you will have icons with the letters O and L, respectively.

You can change the names and icons in the settings. Let's say, call your personal number additional. That's it, you can check the operation of the eSIM - call it or use the mobile Internet with its help.