The Messenger Is The Message: WhatsApp To Be Replaced By MAX?

WhatsApp might be blocked in Russia as early as August 2025, according to some media. Russian federal and municipal authorities are transferring their chats from WhatsApp and, in some cases, Telegram to the MAX app

The Kremlin believes that the risks of Telegram being blocked are significant, thus the concern of losing the large and loyal audience on Telegram channels. WhatsApp would then be closed as it is owned by Meta, considered undesirable in Russia. The transfer of school and domestic chats to MAX will be supported. Chats of federally budgeted organizations would also be placed on MAX.

MAX is a Russian messenger released by VK on March 26, 2025. As of July 2025, it was still in the beta-testing stage. Similar to the Chinese platform WeChat, a universal mobile application (“superapp”) is being developed on the basis of Max, which allows, in addition to using the functions of the messenger, also will receive electronic government services (Gosuslugi), verifying identity through a digital ID, using a strengthened electronic signature, and also making payments.

To register and use the MAX messenger, you need a valid Russian number on your mobile phone. Registration by a virtual or substitute number isn’t possible. The messenger is managed by the LLC Communication Platform, which is a subsidiary structure of VK.

The MAX digital platform in Russia serves as a multifunctional app integrating a messenger with various everyday services, according to its Google Play Store page and according to Wikipedia. It is designed for both communication and task management, offering features like text and voice messaging, video and voice calls, file sharing, and access to other services. MAX is also presented as a tool for navigating daily life and staying connected, even with weak internet connections.

To download the MAX app, you can go directly to their downloading site for Android, and for iPhone

The MAX app can be downloaded and installed through the usual app stores servicing Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. In addition to the mobile application, the messenger is available as a web application for desktop.

So far, the reviews from local users have been mostly weak. There have been issues with the MAX’s user friendliness, questionable quality of the servers, frequent downtimes, access issues, and significant security concerns, which may open user data to hacking, theft and unauthorized access to camera and audio. This is not unusual with any new platform and will take some time to debug, make user-friendly, and secure. Meanwhile, keep your eyes and ears open to developments on this theme as it is coming sooner or later. Just to be safe, keep your VPN handy and don’t delete your Telegram or WhatsApp just yet.