Free Wi-Fi in the metro is a convenient option, but not always necessary. Many people find that their phone automatically connects to the network. Moscow Metro Free, SPB Metro Wi-Fi or similar services in other cities, even when not needed. This not only drains battery life but also creates security risks: open networks are vulnerable to data interception, and some services may collect information about your movements.
In this article you will find all current unsubscribe methods from Wi-Fi in the metro - from standard smartphone settings to little-known tricks for Android, iPhone and even Windows- laptops. We'll also discuss why disconnecting sometimes doesn't work and what to do if the network continues to reconnect automatically. These instructions have been adapted for 2026, taking into account the latest mobile OS updates and metro policies.
Please be advised that some methods may vary depending on cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, etc.), Wi-Fi operator (MTS, Beeline, Rostelecom) and firmware versions your device. If something doesn't work, check the alternatives below.
1. How to disable automatic connection to Metro Wi-Fi in your phone settings
The easiest way is to block the network directly in the Wi-Fi menu. This method works on 90% of devices, but has nuances for different operating systems.
On Android (versions 10–14):
- Open
Settings → Wi-Fi. - Find the metro network in the list (for example, Moscow Metro Free or Metro_WiFi_SPb).
- Tap on the network name and select
ForgetorDelete. - In some firmware (for example, MIUI on Xiaomi) additionally disable the option
Auto-connectionin the network menu.
On iPhone (iOS 15–17):
- Go to
Settings → Wi-Fi. - Click on the blue icon
ℹnear the metro network. - Select
Forget this networkand confirm. - Disable the option
Automatic connection to networksat the bottom of the screen (if any).
On Windows 10/11 (for laptops):
- Open
Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi. - Click
Managing known networks. - Select a metro network and click
Forget. - Disable the option
Automatically connect to recommended open networksin the Wi-Fi settings.
Why might the network reappear?
Some Wi-Fi operators in the metro use the technology Passpoint (Hotspot 2.0), which automatically registers the device on the network the first time it connects. In this case, "forgetting the network" won't help—you'll need to disable auto-connection at the system level (see Section 3).
2. Unsubscribing via your Wi-Fi operator's personal account
If the metro network requires authorization (for example, via SMS or a portal), you may have been automatically "subscribed" to the service. In this case, you need to deactivate it in your personal account.
Algorithm of actions:
- 📱 Connect to the metro's Wi-Fi (if it's disabled, temporarily enable it).
- 🌐 Open your browser - you will be redirected to the authorization page (for example, wifi.mosmetro.ru or spb.metro-wifi.ru).
- 🔍 Find the section
Settings,ProfileorSubscription management. - ❌ Disable the option
Auto-connectionorNotifications.
For some operators (eg. MTS in the Moscow metro) you may need:
- Enter the phone number to which the SMS with the access code was sent.
- Confirm unsubscription via repeated SMS (usually free).
Connect to Metro Wi-Fi|Open your browser and wait for the redirect|Find the "Settings" or "Profile" section|Disable auto-connection and save changes|Restart your phone to apply the changes
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⚠️ Attention: The personal account interface may change. If you can't find the section you need, check your city's official metro website or call your Wi-Fi operator's support team (the numbers are usually listed on the login page).
3. MAC address blocking (for advanced users)
Some metro networks remember MAC address your device and automatically reconnect it the next time you visit. To avoid this, you can:
Option 1. Change the MAC address (works on Android without root and on Windows):
- 📱 On Android (with developer support):
Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times)
Settings → System → Developer options → Network → Set Wi-Fi MAC address (choose random)
Control Panel → Network Adapters → Properties → Advanced → Network Address (set the value to 02:00:00:XX:XX:XX)
Option 2: Add MAC to the router's blacklist (if you have access to your home Wi-Fi settings):
- Find out the MAC address of the metro network (you can see it in your phone settings when connecting).
- Add it to
MAC address filteryour home router with actionBlock.
| Method | Complexity | Efficiency | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forget the network in settings | ⭐ | 70% | Doesn't work for Passpoint |
| Unsubscribing in your personal account | ⭐⭐ | 90% | Requires Wi-Fi connection |
| Changing the MAC address | ⭐⭐⭐ | 95% | May reset after update |
| Disabling Passpoint | ⭐⭐⭐ | 99% | Requires manual settings |
4. Disabling Passpoint technology (Hotspot 2.0)
Passpoint is a protocol that allows devices to automatically connect to trusted networks without entering a password. Many Wi-Fi providers in the Moscow and St. Petersburg metro use it. If you "forgot" the network, but your phone still connects, Passpoint is to blame.
How to disable:
On Android:
- Open
Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional settings(orWi-Fi settings). - Find the section
Passpoint,Hotspot 2.0orAutomatic connection. - Disable the option or remove the metro profile from the list.
On iPhone:
- Go to
Settings → Wi-Fi. - Tap on
Change network settings(at the top of the screen). - Turn it off
Automatic connection to networksAndAuto-Join Hotspot.
On Windows 11:
- Open
Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks. - Click
Additional options. - Turn it off
Connect to recommended open networksAndPaid Wi-Fi Services.
5. Alternative methods: disabling notifications and geolocation
If the main methods don't work, try indirect methods:
- 📵 Turn off notifications from Metro Wi-Fi:
On Android:
Settings → Apps → Wi-Fi (or "Internet") → Notifications → Disable.On iPhone:
Settings → Notifications → System Services → Disable "Network Offers". - 📍 Limit access to geolocation:
Some metro networks use location for auto-connection. Disable geolocation for
Wi-Fi settingson the menuPrivacy. - 🔄 Reset network settings:
Last resort:
Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings. Attention: This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords!
For Windows You can also disable the service WLAN AutoConfig:
- Click
Win + R, enterservices.msc. - Find a service
Automatic WLAN configuration. - Select
Startup Type: Manualand stop the service.
⚠️ Attention: Disconnection WLAN AutoConfig On Windows, this can disrupt all Wi-Fi networks. Use this method only if other methods fail, and don't forget to restore your settings.
6. Why the metro's Wi-Fi keeps connecting: common reasons
If you've tried all the methods, but the metro network stubbornly connects on its own, check:
- 🔄 Network cache: Sometimes connection data is stored in the Wi-Fi module's cache. Try disabling Wi-Fi for 30 seconds, then re-enabling it.
- 📱 Device firmware: On some versions Android (especially Samsung One UI And ColorOS) There are bugs with auto-connection. Check for system updates.
- 🌍 Regional settings: In some cities (for example, in Kazan or Nizhny Novgorod) Wi-Fi operators are using aggressive auto-connection methods. You may need to contact support.
- 🔒 Corporate Policies: If the phone was issued by a company, it may have MDM profiles installed that force it to connect to certain networks.
If the problem persists, try:
- Install a third-party app to manage your Wi-Fi (e.g. WiFi Manager For Android).
- Contact metro support through the official website or hotline.
- Use
ADB commandsfor a deep reset of network settings (for advanced users only).
7. Safety: Why it's best to turn off Wi-Fi in the metro
Public networks, including Wi-Fi in the metro, have several risks:
- 🕵️ Traffic interception: Attackers can exploit protocol vulnerabilities (e.g. KRACK V
WPA2) to steal data. - 📊 Statistics collection: Wi-Fi operators can track your movements, the time you spend at stations, and even the websites you visit.
- 💣 Phishing attacks: Fraudsters create networks with names similar to official ones (for example, Moscow_Metro_Free_2) to trick someone into accessing your device.
To minimize risks:
- Use VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Windscribe) when connecting to public networks.
- Turn it off
File sharingAndNetwork discoveryin Windows settings. - Don't access your bank accounts or social media accounts via metro Wi-Fi.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi shutdowns in the metro
Is it possible to turn off metro Wi-Fi only at certain stations?
No, the settings apply to the entire carrier network. However, you can manually disable Wi-Fi when connecting to unwanted stations or using apps like Tasker (Android) to automate this process.
Why does the Metro Wi-Fi reconnect after resetting settings?
Most likely, your device has Wi-Fi settings syncing enabled with your account. Google (Android) or iCloud (iPhone). Disable it in your account settings or delete saved networks in the cloud.
Will unsubscribing work if I change my phone number?
No, it's linked to your MAC address or carrier account. You'll need to repeat the deactivation process on a new device. If you used phone number authentication, check your personal account for active subscriptions.
Is it possible to block metro Wi-Fi at the router level?
Technically yes, but it's pointless: the blocking will only work within the radius of your home router. For global blocking, you'll need to contact your metro Wi-Fi provider.
What should I do if my mobile internet stops working after disconnecting Wi-Fi?
This isn't related to Wi-Fi unsubscribing. Check your settings. APN Contact your mobile operator or restart your phone. If the problem persists, contact your operator's support (MTS, Beeline, etc.).