Many smartphone users encounter a situation where, after connecting to the free city network on the metro, money is deducted from their mobile phone balance. This happens automatically if you missed the checkbox in the authorization window or accidentally confirmed the service renewal. Autopayment While this is a convenient tool for regular users, it can be a source of unnecessary expenses for those who rarely use the metro. People often don't even realize the service is active until they receive a text message from their operator.
You can cancel an intrusive subscription yourself, without going to a mobile phone store. There are several proven methods, from sending a special USSD command to blocking payments through your banking app. It's important to understand that the process depends on how the subscription was purchased—through your mobile operator or through a payment system. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods that will help you regain control over your spending.
Before we move on to specific steps, it's worth noting that mobile app and web page interfaces may change. Service providers We periodically update the design and functionality of your personal account. However, the basic principles of unsubscribing, such as sending stop commands or managing autopayments, remain unchanged. Please follow the instructions carefully to avoid repeated charges.
Reasons for automatic subscription activation
The main reason for unexpected charges is the mechanism automatic renewal, which is often enabled by default upon initial login. When you first log into the metro network, the system offers free access for a set period (usually 30 or 60 minutes). At this point, a form appears on the screen, which may include a payment clause in small print. Users often click "Continue" or "Get Code" without reading the agreement.
The second factor is storing cookies and session data. If you previously agreed to the "Unlimited Wi-Fi" plan for a certain amount per week, the system remembers your phone number. The next time you log in, authorization can occur in the background, and the money will be debited without additional confirmation via SMS. Funds will be debited only after the free period has expired, unless you have unsubscribed manually.
It's also worth considering the human factor and the login interface. Authorization screens are often designed so that the button to decline or select a free plan is less prominent than the button to accept. This isn't outright fraud, but it is an aggressive marketing practice. To protect yourself, always carefully read the text on the login screen before entering the code from the SMS.
⚠️ Please note: Tariff terms and subscription prices are subject to change by the operator at its sole discretion. Always check the current price in your personal account or on the provider's official website before signing up.
Disabling via operator SMS commands
The fastest way to stop charges is to send a short text message with an unsubscribe code. Each telecom operator and each Wi-Fi aggregator (for example, MT_Free or Moscow-Wifi) has its own short codes and keywords. Information on the unsubscribe command is usually included in the SMS notification about the charge. Look for the phrase "To send..." or "Stop" in the message.
If an old message is lost, you can use universal commands. For most services working with the Big Four carriers, sending the word 0 or OFF to the short number from which the notification was received. The command also often works STOP to the number 800 or 8080, but this depends on the specific gateway through which billing goes.
Here is a list of common commands for the main Wi-Fi providers in the metro:
- 📱 Send
0to the number800(for MT_Free) - standard reject command. - 📱 Send
STOPto the number800— an alternative option for the same services. - 📱 Send
OFFto the number8080— often used for Moscow-Wifi services.
After sending the message, you should receive a confirmation response stating that the service has been disabled. If you don't receive a response within 5-10 minutes, check your account balance and availability—the command may have failed due to insufficient funds (although these numbers are usually toll-free). In this case, it's best to call support.
Using your personal account and the provider's website
A more reliable way to visually verify your subscription status is to log into your personal account on the provider's website. To do this, connect to any network (mobile internet is fine) and go to the authorization portal. This is usually the website mt-free.ru or moscow-wifi.ruEnter your phone number to receive an access code.
After logging in, find the "My Subscriptions," "Plans," or "Autopayments" section. Your service status will be displayed there. If your subscription is active, you'll see a "Cancel," "Delete," or "Cancel Autopayment" button next to it. Clicking this button requires confirmation, often via a code sent via SMS, ensuring your security.
The advantage of this method is that you can see your connection history and the exact date of your next charge. This allows you to plan your disconnection in advance. Furthermore, in your personal account, you can often see which options are currently active: Wi-Fi only or a package with antivirus and cloud storage, which is sometimes bundled.
☑️ Check in your personal account
Blocking automatic payments through the bank
If your subscription was linked to a bank card (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay, or direct card payment on the website), the most effective method is to block it with your bank. This is a "core" option that guarantees that your money won't be debited, even if your carrier claims you've agreed to the terms.
Open your bank's mobile app and find your transaction history. Find the transaction with the service name (e.g., "MT_FREE," "WIFI SUB," or the acquiring bank's name). Tap the transaction and select "Ban payment" or "Cancel subscription." Modern banking apps (Sberbank, Tinkoff, Alfa) have a special section called "Payments" → "Subscriptions," where you can manage your automatic payments centrally.
If the app doesn't have this feature, contact the bank's support chat and request that recurring payments be blocked for this merchant. Banks are obligated to respond to such requests, as the security of your funds is a concern. Once blocked, any further withdrawal attempts will be rejected by the system.
| Disconnection method | Speed | Reliability | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMS command | High | Average | Low |
| Personal account | Average | High | Average |
| Through the bank | Low | Maximum | Low |
| Call the operator | Low | High | High |
Contacting your mobile operator
If automatic methods fail, direct communication with a support representative is the only option. Call your carrier (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) and ask to speak to the content or third-party subscriptions department. The operator will see all active services assigned to your number.
Ask the employee not only to cancel the current subscription, but also to install ban on paid subscriptionsAll major carriers offer this option. It blocks the ability to sign up for any new paid services from third parties without your personal confirmation via passport information or a visit to a store.
The operator may also initiate a chargeback if the charge occurred without your knowledge and you didn't use the service. This will require filing a claim, but the issue can often be resolved over the phone, especially if you're a loyal customer.
⚠️ Important: When speaking with the operator, clearly state that you did not consent to the service renewal. Saying "I don't remember signing up" is less effective than saying "I didn't consent to autopayment."
Smartphone settings to protect against connections
To prevent the problem from recurring in the future, you can change the settings of the device itself. Smartphones based on Android And iOS have features that can help you monitor your network activity. First, disable automatic connections to open networks.
On iPhone, go to Settings → Wi-Fi and tap the "i" icon next to the metro network. Select "Forget this network." You can also disable data for specific apps in the "Cellular" section if you suspect they're initiating background connections. On Android, the process is roughly the same: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
Another layer of protection is using a VPN. While it's a paid service, many VPNs encrypt your traffic and prevent redirects to Wi-Fi provider login pages. However, the easiest way is to simply avoid entering your phone number when logging in unless you plan to actively use the internet.
What happens if you just delete the app?
If you used the app to sign in, deleting it will not cancel your subscription. Your subscription is tied to your phone number, not to the app installed on your device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will I get a refund for the Wi-Fi charges?
You can get a refund, but it requires active action. You need to contact your Wi-Fi provider or mobile operator's support team and request a refund for the service you didn't use or couldn't cancel due to technical issues. Operators are often accommodating the first time you contact them.
How do I know if my subscription is still active?
The easiest way is to send a text message asking "Status" or "Info" to the service's short code. The status is also always displayed in your personal account on the provider's website after logging in with your phone number.
Can the subscription connect automatically without me entering my number?
Technically, activation of a paid service requires confirmation (entering a code from an SMS or clicking the confirmation button at the bank). However, if you previously agreed to the "offer" during your initial registration, the system may consider your subsequent logins as confirmation of your desire to renew the service. Please read the login screens carefully.
How much does it cost to cancel a subscription via SMS?
Sending stop commands (stop words) to short codes is usually free. However, if you're roaming or have a negative balance, the message may not be sent. There are no charges for such SMS within your home network.