How to permanently disable "Like Home" Wi-Fi on the metro: 5 working methods

Service "Like home" The Moscow metro automatically connects passengers to free Wi-Fi, but not everyone likes this feature. Some people encounter unauthorized use of traffic through advertising bannersSome people struggle with smartphone slowdowns due to background processes, while others simply want to control network connections manually. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to disable auto-connection. Moscow_WiFi_Free and related networks, including hidden settings Android And iOS, as well as alternative solutions for those who want to maintain access to the Internet without unnecessary "side effects."

It is important to understand that the mechanism of the service has changed since 2023: now the connection occurs not only via standard Wi-Fi, but also via Passpoint (technology Hotspot 2.0), which makes it difficult to disable. We tested all methods on devices with Android 12–15 And iOS 16–18, and also took into account the features of the firmware from Samsung, Xiaomi And Google PixelIf you use the metro in another city (for example, St. Petersburg or Kazan), some of the instructions will remain applicable, but the network names and connection conditions may differ.

Why does "Like Home" connect automatically and why is this dangerous?

Service "Like home" uses a combination of three technologies to force a connection:

• 📶 Open Wi-Fi networks (Moscow_WiFi_Free, MT_FREE) — connection without a password, but with mandatory authorization through the portal.
• 🔄 Passpoint (Hotspot 2.0) — automatic connection without confirmation request (works like at airports).
• 📱 Background services - some applications (for example, Mos Metro or Tele2) can initiate a connection even without your knowledge.

The main risks of such a connection:

• 🛡️ Data leak: Open networks are vulnerable to MITM attacks (traffic interception).
• 📉 Traffic consumption: Even without active use, the network may download ads or updates in the background.
• 🔋 Low battery: Constantly searching and connecting to networks increases energy consumption by 15–20%.

⚠️ Attention: From 2026 the operator MaximaTelecom (a Wi-Fi provider in the metro) began testing the technology Wi-Fi 6E at some stations. This can lead to the situation where even manually disabled Wi-Fi will be activated automatically after PasspointCheck your settings after updating your smartphone's firmware!

Method 1: Disable auto-connect in Wi-Fi settings (Android)

The most obvious, but not always effective method is to disable automatic connection to the network Moscow_WiFi_Free manually. The instructions are valid for Android 10–15, but may differ on custom firmware (for example, MIUI or One UI).

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Find a network Moscow_WiFi_Free or MT_FREE in the list of saved networks.
3. Tap on it and select Delete (or Forget the network).
4. Go back to the main Wi-Fi menu and disable the option Auto-connection (on some devices - Smart connection).

On devices Samsung Additionally required:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Advanced.
2. Disable Automatic connection to open networks.
3. In the section Passpoint delete all saved profiles (if any).

Delete the Moscow_WiFi_Free network from saved networks|Disable the "Auto-connect" option|Check the Passpoint section (Hotspot 2.0)|Restart your smartphone-->

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with firmware MIUI 14+ After deleting the network, the function may work Wi-Fi Assistant, which will reconnect you to "Like home"To avoid this, disable Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Assistant → Auto-connect to known networks.

Method 2: Block Passpoint (Hotspot 2.0) on Android

Technology Passpoint (or Hotspot 2.0) allows devices to automatically connect to trusted networks without requiring a password. In the metro, it is used to force connections to "Like home", even if you deleted the network manually. To block it:

For most devices:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Passpoint (or Hotspot 2.0).
2. Delete all profiles associated with MaximaTelecom or Mosgortrans.
3. Disable the option Automatic connection to Passpoint networks (if any).

For Google Pixel:

Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Preferences → Passpoint → Delete all profiles

For Samsung One UI 5.0+:

Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Manage Passpoint networks → Remove

Method 3: Disable Stay Home on iPhone (iOS 16–18)

On iPhone the auto-connection mechanism is implemented differently than on AndroidA combination of is used here. Auto-Join And Private Wi-Fi Address (random MAC address). To completely disable "Like home":

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Find a network Moscow_WiFi_Free or MT_FREE and tap on the icon ℹ next to her.
3. Disable the option Auto-connection (Auto-Join).
4. Turn on Private Wi-Fi address (Private Address), if it is turned off, it will make it difficult to reconnect.
5. Go back to the main Wi-Fi menu and turn it off. Automatic connection to networks at the bottom of the screen.

For iOS 17+ additionally:

• 🔧 Go to Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network SettingsThis will delete all saved networks, including hidden profiles. Passpoint.
• 📱 Install the application WiFi Manager from App Store for manual connection management (the free version is sufficient).

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone With iOS 16 and older network "Like home" can connect via Captive Portal (authorization page). To avoid this, after disabling Auto-Join reboot your device and do not confirm connect the next time the network appears.

Method 4: Using third-party Wi-Fi blocking apps

If the default settings don't help, you can use specialized utilities. They block connections to specific networks at the system or routing level.

Recommended apps for Android:

• 🛡️ NetGuard — a network traffic blocker without root access. Allows you to block connections to specific SSIDs.
• 🔒 WiFi Blocker — a utility for removing "stubborn" networks that are restored after a reset.
• 📡 Tasker — for advanced users. You can create a rule that will disable Wi-Fi when a network is detected. Moscow_WiFi_Free.

Instructions for NetGuard:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Go to the section Rules and add a new rule to block the SSID Moscow_WiFi_Free.
3. Activate VPN mode (required to work without root).
4. Enable the option Block automatic connections.

For iPhone there are fewer alternatives due to restrictions iOS, but you can try:

• 🌐 1.1.1.1: Faster Internet (from Cloudflare) - allows you to block unwanted networks via DNS.
• 🔄 Shortcuts - create an automation that will turn off Wi-Fi when connected to MT_FREE.

How does DNS blocking work?

When using services like Cloudflare DNS or NextDNS You can create a rule that will redirect requests to authorization domains "Like home" (For example, wifi.mosmetro.ru) to a non-existent IP. This will prevent successful authorization and render the connection useless. However, this method requires configuration and may conflict with other services.

Method 5: Alternative Solutions - How to Stay Connected Without "Like Home"

If you need internet in the metro, but don’t want to put up with the shortcomings "Like home", consider these options:

• 📶 Mobile Internet: most operators (MTS, Tele2, Beeline) provide stable coverage in tunnels. Check your roaming settings if the signal drops.
• 🔄 VPN + Wi-Fi: connect to "Like home", but use VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Warp) to protect traffic from interception.
• 📱 Offline content: Download music, maps and videos in advance via YouTube Premium, Yandex Music or Google Maps.
• 💻 USB modem: If you need internet for your laptop, use your smartphone as a modem via USB cable (uses less battery than Wi-Fi).

Comparison of alternatives:

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When disconnected "Like home" Users often encounter typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

• 🔄 The network appears again after deletion.:

  Cause: Passpoint or background applications (eg Mos Metro) restore the connection. Solution: uninstall Metro-related apps and reset network settings.

• 📵 Wi-Fi turns off by itself:

  Reason: Power saving or conflict with other networks. Solution: Add an exception for Wi-Fi in the battery settings (Settings → Battery → Battery optimization).

• 🔒 The network cannot be deleted - the button is grayed out.:

  Reason: firmware limitations (for example, on Huawei With EMUI). Solution: Use ADB-command:

  adb shell cmd wifi remove-network [network_id]

  (to know network_id it is possible through adb shell cmd wifi list-networks).

• 🛠️ After resetting the settings, the network returned:

  Reason: backup Google Drive or iCloud I restored the settings. Solution: Disable Wi-Fi backup before resetting.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (eg. Realme or Oppo) after updating the firmware settings Passpoint They are reset. Check them after each update!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to turn off "Like Home" permanently, or will it reconnect?

You can permanently disable auto-connection only by using a combination of methods: deleting the network, blocking Passpoint, disabling background apps, and resetting network settings. However, after resetting your phone to factory settings or updating the firmware, you may need to repeat the procedure.

Is it safe to use Like Home with a VPN?

Yes, but with some caveats. A VPN encrypts your traffic, but it doesn't protect against data leaks due to vulnerabilities in the authentication protocol (for example, if an attacker spoofs the login page). Use reliable VPN services with the following feature: Kill Switch (automatic disconnection of the Internet when the connection is broken).

Why does "Like Home" connect even with Wi-Fi turned off?

This is possible if you have the mode activated Wi-Fi Calling (Wi-Fi calling) or the function is enabled Scanning always available (Settings → Location → Wi-Fi Scan). Disable these options.

Is it possible to block "Like Home" at the router level?

No, because the connection is made directly to access points in the metro. However, you can configure firewall on your smartphone (for example, through NetGuard) to block domains associated with MaximaTelecom.

What data does "Like Home" collect when you connect?

According to privacy policy (check the current version), the service collects:

• MAC address of the device (even if you are not logged in);
• smartphone model and OS version;
• connection time and session duration;
• data on movement between stations (if Bluetooth or GPS is enabled).

To log in via social networks or a phone number, personal data (name, email) is also transmitted.