How to turn off the SIM card MTS for a while in the phone Xiaomi

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners often face a temporary communication restriction, which may be due to a desire to take a break from calls, save money on roaming, or simply avoid unnecessary noise in the evening. MTS provides various ways to manage services, but the settings of the phone itself play a key role here.

In the operating system MIUI HyperOS implemented flexible management functionality SIM-You can completely shut down the communication module, leave only the mobile Internet or block incoming calls, leaving the ability to call yourself.

Next, we will go through all the available methods, from standard Android settings to specific operator codes. The number lock can be done software-based through the smartphone interface or through USSD requests. The choice of the specific method depends on your ultimate goal: complete isolation or simply hiding from unwanted contacts.

Use of built-in MIUI and HyperOS settings

The easiest and most reliable way to temporarily disable a SIM card is to use the system settings of the smartphone. This method does not require an Internet connection or memorizing complex commands. SIM-separate card, which is convenient for two-symbol devices.

First, you open the main menu and find the settings section, and usually the gear icon is located at the top of the screen or in the Tools folder, and we're interested in the wireless and card management section.

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Before you change your settings, make sure you have important contacts saved in your Google cloud or Mi Account in case you unforeseen reset your network settings.

The sequence of actions for disconnection is as follows:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Go to the Settings menu.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Select a section SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  • ๐Ÿ”˜ Click on the desired SIM card (for example, MTS).
  • ๐Ÿšซ Translate the switch Include SIM-map to off positionยป.

After doing this, the network indicator will disappear in the status bar, and instead the icon of the crossed-out SIM card may appear. The phone will stop receiving calls and SMS, but at the same time it will retain the ability to work through Wi-Fi. This is ideal for those who want to stay online in messengers, but be inaccessible to voice communication.

โ˜‘๏ธ Checking the SIM card disconnection

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Blocking incoming calls through the Security app

Xiaomi smartphones have a powerful system application called Security, which includes not only antivirus, but also an advanced call blocker, which differs from completely disabling the SIM card in that the network formally remains active, but all incoming calls are automatically reset.

To set up the lock, open the Security app and find Lock. You can create a blacklist or activate Do Not Disturb mode for all unknown numbers, which allows you to filter spam and intrusive offers from the MTS operator.

โš ๏ธ Note: When using the built-in call blocker, the caller who calls you will hear the โ€œbusyโ€ or โ€œunavailableโ€ signal, depending on the operatorโ€™s settings.

Additionally, you can set up a keyword lock in SMS or hide notifications from certain contacts in this section, and the flexibility of MIUI allows you to create a personalized filter that will only skip really important messages if you set up a whitelist.

How do I add a number to the whitelist?
Open the Security app โ†’ Lock โ†’ Settings (cogs) โ†’ Whitelist โ†’ Add. Numbers from this list will be able to reach you even when the lock is on.

Management of MTS services through USSD-code

If you don't want to go through the phone settings, you can use the operator's own command lines. MTS provides codes for temporarily locking the number, which is convenient if the phone is in the hands of a child or if you need to quickly limit communication at the network level.

The most popular code for temporarily blocking incoming and outgoing calls is *111*158#. After dialing and calling, the Lock service management menu will appear on the screen. Follow the instructions on the screen to activate.

There is also a Call Intercept service that redirects all incoming calls to another number or to an answering machine. Use the command **61* number redirect# to activate. This does not physically disable the SIM card, but effectively isolates you from calls.

List of the main commands for managing communication services:

  • ๐Ÿ“ž *111*158# โ€” Managing number locking.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ *111*090# โ€” Checking the blocking status.
  • ๐Ÿšซ *111*089# โ€” Unlocking the number (if it was blocked).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ *111*232# โ€” Managing redirection.

Before activating, carefully read the conditions on the screen or on the official website of the operator. USSD-Requests are processed instantly and the result is visible immediately after the command is entered.

๐Ÿ“Š How do you most often limit your communication?
Through phone settings
USSD-code
Operator's annex
Do Not Disturb.

Flight mode and its features on Xiaomi

Flight Mode is a radical way to turn off all wireless modules at once. On Xiaomi, it can be configured more flexibly than on many other smartphones. You can turn off the cellular network, but leave Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on.

To activate mode, swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the "Stork" of notifications, and click on the aircraft icon (4G, LTE, 5G) But unlike a complete shutdown, it's gone. SIM-cards in the settings, the flight mode turns off the second SIM card, if there are two of them.

The main advantage of this method on HyperOS is the ability to quickly turn on Wi-Fi without turning off the air mode itself, which allows you to use the Internet through the router, while remaining completely isolated from the MTS cell tower.

ParameterSIM settingsFlight modeLockdown of MTS
Incoming callsNo way.No way.No way.
Outgoing callsNo way.No way.No way.No way.
Mobile InternetIt's not working.It's not working.It's not working.
Wi-FiIt's working.Can I turn it on?It's working.
Second SIM (if any)It's working.Disconnected.It's working.

Use flight mode, where you need to guarantee all communication channels with the outside world for a short period of time, such as during a meeting or sleep, this is the fastest way to ensure silence.

Setting up the โ€œDo Not Disturbโ€ mode for selective access

If your goal is not to block completely, but to filter calls, then Do Not Disturb mode is the best solution, and unlike air mode, it allows you to set exceptions, for example, the phone will be silent on all calls except those coming from your phone book.

You can set this mode through Settings โ†’ Sound and vibration โ†’ Donโ€™t disturb. Here you can set a schedule so that the phone automatically goes to quiet mode at night or during business hours, this is especially true for users who do not want to miss emergency calls.

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Do Not Disturb mode allows you to stay in touch for selected contacts while other subscribers will hear the beeps, but your phone will not make any sounds.

Also available in this section is the Repeat Calls feature, which means that if the same number calls you twice in 3 minutes, the phone will ring, which is a useful feature in case someone tries to reach you on an important matter.

To activate quick access, add the Moon icon to the control panel, and clicking on it activates the mode with the options you choose, giving you complete control over who can disturb you when, without physically turning off the SIM card.

Application "My MTS" for remote management

The official MTS app provides another layer of control, which allows you to not only track your expenses, but also manage your locking services, which is especially useful if your phone is lost or out of reach, but you need to lock your number.

In the app, go to the Services section and find the Lock category, where you can temporarily suspend room service, and unlike the phone settings, this lock is at the operator network level, so it will remain even if you move the SIM card to another device.

The main features of the application for communication management:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Temporary lock of the room for up to 7 days (Blockade serviceยป).
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Control of expenditures and setting limits.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Management of tariff plan and connected options.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Blocking the lost device through IMEI.

โš ๏ธ Note: When blocking the number through the operator's application or USSD-code, incoming calls can be forwarded to voicemail if such service is connected.

Using the My MTS app on Xiaomi gives you the most complete control over the operatorโ€™s services. You can combine phone settings (e.g., data shutdown) with operator services (voice lock) to achieve maximum savings and silence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will I receive SMS if I turn off the SIM card in the settings?
Not if you disable the SIM card through Settings settings โ†’ SIM-If you have a card or a mobile network or you have a flight mode, you don't have to send text messages, and you can send them back to the operator, and they can come back after you turn on the card, but not always. If you only have Do Not Disturb mode on, you will receive text messages without the sound of the notification.
Can I accept WhatsApp calls if the MTS SIM card is disabled?
Yes, it's possible. If the SIM card is disabled in your phone's settings, but Wi-Fi is enabled, all Internet calling apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) will work fully, and you can make and receive calls over the Internet without being accessible to normal cellular communication.
Is the subscription fee withdrawn if the SIM card is disabled in the phone?
Yes, the subscription fee continues to be withdrawn. Disabling the SIM card in the smartphone menu is a local setting of the device. For the operator, your number is active and working. To suspend the debiting, you need to use the Blockade service through the MTS app or USSD-code.
How to quickly turn the SIM card back on?
The fastest way is to go back to Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks, and switch the switch to the on position, and you can just turn off the flight mode.
Does turning off the SIM card affect the alarm clock?
No, the alarm clock on Xiaomi smartphones works autonomously and does not depend on the state of the SIM card or the presence of a network. It will work even if the phone is completely discharged (some models have backup power for the watch) or is in airplane mode.