Many passengers on the Moscow Metro and other major Russian cities regularly use free or paid internet access in the underground. However, situations requiring deactivation often arise. This may be due to the end of a trip, a desire to save money on the basic plan, or switching to a mobile operator's data plan.
The disconnection process depends on how you connected to the network. MosMetro_Free or similar access points. In most cases, we are talking about a service Wi-Fi in the Metro, provided by the MaximaTelecom provider. The system automatically recognizes the phone number, but sometimes manual authorization is required, which activates paid options.
In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for canceling a service in detail. You'll learn how to send a command for instant cancellation, how to manage subscriptions through your personal account, and what to do if your account has already been charged. This guide covers both standard procedures and solutions for complex blocking situations.
Checking connection status and current expenses
Before taking any active steps to disable the service, you should ensure that the service is actually active and that it is being charged. Users often confuse Wi-Fi charges with mobile data charges or other services. First, check your mobile operator's account balance.
Go to your carrier's app (My MTS, My Beeline, My Tele2 etc.) and carefully review the transaction history. Look for payments with the description "Wi-Fi in the metro," "MaximaTelecom," or "Wifire." If you see regular charges, for example, once a day or once a week, then you have a automatic subscription.
⚠️ Please note: If charges occur daily, but you do not use the service regularly, your account may have been compromised or a "trial period" has been activated and converted to paid mode without your knowledge.
It's also worth checking whether you have a data plan that's simply not being used on the metro due to network restrictions. Make sure data is enabled in your smartphone settings but Wi-Fi is disabled, and check if you're still being charged. This will help rule out misidentification of the source of the charges.
Disabling via SMS commands and USSD codes
The fastest and most reliable way to terminate your contract with your provider is to use special short commands. Operator MaximaTelecom has provided several options for managing the service directly from a mobile device. This method doesn't require internet access, which is critical if you're in an area with poor coverage or want to avoid unnecessary charges.
To disable the main "Wi-Fi in Metro" subscription, it is usually enough to send an SMS message with the text OFF to a short number 6396After sending, you will receive a confirmation message stating that the service has been deactivated. It is important to keep this SMS correspondence as proof of your request in case of any billing disputes.
There are also alternative commands for different scenarios. For example, if you have unlimited access activated for a day, it may be automatically disabled after 24 hours. However, to completely stop auto-renewal, it's better to use the command STOPSome mobile operators may have their own gateways, so a universal solution is to call customer support.
☑️ Check before disconnecting
If SMS messages aren't arriving or the command isn't executed, try using USSD requests, although they're less common for third-party services. In some cases, sending the word 0 to the number 6396, which opens the subscription management menu. Always wait for the final SMS confirmation before considering the transaction complete.
Manage your subscription through your personal account
A more visual and informative way to manage services is to use the provider's web interface or mobile app. Visit the official portal login.wifire.ru or use the app Wi-Fi in the MetroHere you can see a detailed history of connections and active options.
Logging in to the system often requires authorization via the phone number to which confirmation codes were previously sent. After logging in Personal account Go to the "My Subscriptions" or "Plans" section. The current service status will be displayed there, along with a "Disable" or "Delete Autopay" button.
| Action | Place of execution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sending SMS OFF | Messages (number 6396) | Instant shutdown |
| Personal account | Website or application | View history and manage |
| Call the operator | Hotline 8-800 | Solving complex issues |
| Banking app | Subscriptions section | Blocking auto payments |
In your personal account, you can also find information about when exactly the last charge was made and when it will be repeated. This allows you to plan your disconnection so as not to lose paid but unused access hours, if necessary.
What should I do if my personal account won't open?
If your provider's website is unavailable, try switching to mobile internet (3G/4G), as metro Wi-Fi networks can block access to management pages. You can also use incognito mode in your browser.
Disabling autopayment in the banking app
A modern and highly effective method for controlling expenses is managing recurring payments through your bank. If your Wi-Fi subscription was linked to a bank card, you can block future charges at the financial institution level. This doesn't cancel your subscription with the provider, but it does ensure that no charges are made.
Go to your bank's app (for example, Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, Alfa-Bank) and find the "Payments" or "Autopayments" section. In the list of regular transactions, find the recipient "MaximaTelecom," "Wifire," or "Moscow Metro WiFi." Select "Cancel autopayment" or "Prohibit transactions."
Some banking apps have a "Subscriptions" feature that aggregates all your recurring payments. Here, you can disable debits with a single tap. This is especially convenient if you've forgotten which card the service was signed up for. After blocking, it's recommended to notify your provider via SMS to avoid accumulating debt if you have a postpaid plan.
⚠️ Please note: Blocking a payment at your bank may result in your account being blocked by your service provider. This may make it difficult to re-authorize or use free service options in the future.
Use this method as a last resort if other methods fail or if you suspect fraudulent activity. For a routine shutdown, it's still preferable to use official communication channels with your service provider.
Interaction with the mobile operator
Payment for Wi-Fi in the metro is often made through a mobile phone bill (Direct Carrier Billing). In this case, your mobile operator is formally your counterparty (MTS, Beeline, Megaphone, Tele2). They act as payment aggregators and can provide information about connected third-party services.
Call your carrier's customer support. Ask to speak to the content or paid subscriptions department. They can check the list of active services on your phone and, if necessary, block third-party service charges from your phone bill. This feature is often called "Stop Content" or "Purchase Limit."
You can also check your subscription status through your operator's voice menu or USSD commands. For example, some operators offer a single short code for managing all paid services. Check with your operator if this service is available and use it to clear your number of unnecessary charges.
Refund of erroneously debited funds
If your account was debited without you using the service, or if the disconnection occurred incorrectly, you have the right to request a refund. Telecom providers are obligated to respond to user complaints, especially if they involve forced or technical billing errors.
To get a refund, write a statement to the provider company (usually it is MaximaTelecom LLC). In your request, please include your phone number, the date and amount of the charge, and the reason for your request. Contact information and forms for requests are usually located on the official website in the "Support" or "Contacts" section.
Application review can take up to 30 days, but refunds are often processed more quickly. If your money hasn't been refunded and you're certain you're right (for example, the service wasn't working properly), you can contact Roskomnadzor or the Consumer Rights Protection Society. However, in most cases, the issue is resolved within the first request to support.
Is it possible to turn off Wi-Fi in the metro permanently?
It's impossible to completely block connections to an open network, as it's a public hotspot. However, you can configure your smartphone to prevent it from connecting automatically. To do this, search for the network in the Wi-Fi settings. MosMetro_Free, click on the information icon and select “Forget this network” or disable auto-connection.
Do they charge money to access the authorization page?
No, the authorization process itself and access to the start page are free. Payments are only charged after confirming your internet connection or after the trial period expires, provided you've accepted the plan's terms. Please read the pop-up windows carefully before clicking "Connect."
What should I do if I don't receive an SMS with a confirmation code?
Make sure you have a cellular signal. Try switching your phone to airplane mode for 10 seconds and then back. If the issue persists, the number may be on a blacklist or your carrier's bandwidth may be overloaded. Try logging in via Flash Call, if available on the login page.