Russian mobile operators have sent official notifications to subscribers about upcoming mobile internet restrictions. The topic is not new, and we’ve already written in detail about how and under what pretexts websites are blocked in Russia, breaking down all the mechanics. But this time it’s about a temporary shutdown of mobile internet and SMS on the scale of an entire city — and the capital city at that. Here’s what exactly will happen, when, and what to do about it.

There will be no internet, and it’s happening very soon

Why Is the Internet Being Shut Down in Russia

The official reason for the internet shutdown that operators cite in their notifications is ensuring security measures during the preparation and holding of holiday events. This is a standard wording used during major mass events. There’s nothing extraordinary about the practice itself: similar restrictions are periodically introduced in many countries during large-scale public events.

The restrictions apply to mobile internet and SMS.

It’s important to understand: we’re talking specifically about mobile internet and SMS. Wired home internet in Moscow is not affected by this restriction (at least officially). Although the situation in the Moscow region already shows that the picture may be more complicated.

What Are Internet Whitelists

In parallel with the restrictions in Moscow, something different has already begun in the Moscow region. Providers have started implementing internet whitelists. A user from the Moscow region reported that since May 1, her home internet from the provider “Vsem Wi-Fi” works exclusively through it.

Internet access will be granted via whitelists, protecting you from dangerous websites

The whitelist principle is fundamentally different from regular blocking:

  • with regular blocking, the internet works but specific sites are unavailable;
  • with whitelists, only pre-approved resources are accessible — everything else is blocked by default;
  • the whitelist includes government services, major Russian platforms, banks, and a number of other resources;
  • foreign websites, most international services, and messengers are generally not included in the whitelist.

The announced internet blocking will likely work on this exact principle.

Is the Internet Currently Working in Moscow

At the time of publication, mobile internet in Moscow is operating normally. The official restrictions have not yet taken effect. The whitelist situation in the Moscow region affects individual providers and has not yet spread to Moscow.

Internet in Moscow is working. For now

The current picture looks like this:

  • mobile internet in Moscow is working;
  • home internet in Moscow is working;
  • some home providers in the Moscow region are operating through whitelists;
  • SMS and voice calls are unrestricted.

The situation may change rapidly.

Internet Shutdown Schedule in Moscow

Mobile operators have officially warned: mobile internet shutdown in Moscow is possible in the period from May 5 to May 9, 2026. This covers several days of preparation and holding of holiday events.

Internet will be shut down on May 9 and beyond

Important details from official notifications:

  • restrictions will affect mobile internet and SMS;
  • exact times of day and specific districts are not specified in the notifications;
  • restrictions are described as “possible” and “temporary,” meaning they may not be enforced continuously but during specific time intervals;
  • voice calls via cellular network will continue to work.

Internet will most likely be shut down on May 9 — this day is the peak in terms of event density. But internet is also being shut down at night in the preceding days, though for other reasons related to regional security.

What to Do If the Internet Is Shut Down

Along with the warning, operators provided specific recommendations. Here’s what they advise if the internet is not working on Android:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi: your home or office network on wired internet should work without restrictions in Moscow.
  2. Enable VoLTE for voice calls — this is a technology for transmitting voice over 4G networks that provides more stable connectivity even on an overloaded network. On Android: “Settings — Mobile Network — VoLTE” or a similar path depending on the manufacturer.
  3. Download needed documents, maps, and files in advance. If you plan to be outside a Wi-Fi zone, it’s better to have everything you need offline.
  4. Warn your loved ones about possible communication disruptions — agree on emergency contact methods in case messengers become unavailable.

If the internet is not working during this period, there’s no need to panic. Internet shutdowns in 2026 during holidays have already become a predictable phenomenon that you can prepare for in advance. The main thing is that Wi-Fi and downloaded offline materials solve most everyday tasks even without mobile internet.