The new MAX messenger: what is it, the main features, how to download

From September 1, the MAX messenger will be installed on all new phones and other devices that are sold in the country. Citizens of Russia and Belarus will be able to use it by mobile phone number. Since its creation, over two million people have already registered on the digital platform. Most of the users are in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan and Krasnodar. For more information about the attractiveness of the service, what features it provides, and where to download it, see the Izvestia article.

What is MAX (Max)?

The MAX messenger was introduced a few months ago. This is the first national messenger in Russia. The law on the creation of such a service was signed by President Vladimir Putin in June 2025. The document provides for the formation of a domestic digital ecosystem that will combine correspondence, calls, government services and electronic documents, and MAX has become the main contender.

It is assumed that the application will become an alternative to foreign messengers such as Telegram and WhatsApp (owned by Meta Corporation, which is recognized as extremist and banned in Russia), as well as the multifunctional Chinese smartphone platform WeChat.

According to a VTsIOM poll published on July 30, the idea of creating a national messenger was supported by 64% of citizens, that is, almost two thirds of Russians. First of all, users expect a high and stable connection from MAX, the ability to send large files and access government services.

Russians also consider the creation of the new platform to be an important contribution to the development of Russia's technological sovereignty and improving data security. According to the results of the study, almost every second user (55%) expressed a desire for their data to be stored on Russian servers.

At the same time, the State Duma denied rumors about the possible blocking of the WhatsApp messenger, which appeared earlier in the media. The head of the State Duma Committee on information Policy, Sergei Boyarsky, called them untenable.

Smart MAX: will VK's national messenger be able to repeat the success of Chinese WeChat

Machine learning technologies have been introduced in the new product to improve call quality.

Who developed MAX (Max)

The new product was developed by Communication Platform LLC, a subsidiary of VK, taking into account modern Russian realities and includes a wide range of functions. The project took about a year to implement from scratch, and the name MAX was chosen taking into account the fact that the messenger will provide "maximum opportunities" (that's what its slogan sounds like) for communication, business and solving everyday tasks.

As of July, the app is in beta testing. A full-fledged launch with mandatory pre-installation on devices sold in Russia is scheduled for September 2025.

What functions are there in MAX (Max)

The messenger offers both basic functions and new ones that make the application even more convenient, noticeably distinguishing it from its foreign counterparts. Many users have already appreciated the advantages of MAX, including the high quality of calls, which makes it possible to communicate with a subscriber even with a weak signal.

Using MAX, you can also:

• exchange messages;
• create personal and group chats;
• send voice messages;
• make audio and video calls;
• send files up to 4 GB in size;
• generate texts and images;
• create chatbots;
• make money transfers.

In the future, it is planned to transfer educational services and school chats to the new platform. In particular, the messenger is expected to integrate with the Gosuslugi portal in the fall. This will provide an opportunity:

• pay duties and fines;
• make an appointment with a doctor;
• sign electronic documents;
• confirm your identity without presenting your passport.

Integration with VK's "Video" and "Music" services is also planned in the future. In addition, users will be able to order food and taxis, pay for utilities and perform other operations directly from the messenger.

Chat initiative: national messenger MAX has teamed up with Russia's largest AI bot

What opportunities did GigaChat 2.0 users get and why does the audience need it?

How to use the MAX messenger (Max)

You can log in to MAX from one or several devices using your primary mobile phone number. The prerequisite is that it must be Russian or Belarusian. Registration using a virtual or replacement number is not possible.

Then a text message code will be sent to the specified number. You should specify a name in the account that will be displayed to other users. If desired, you can upload a photo and provide other personal information.

In the future, the developers plan to add two-factor authorization. The MAX national service will also be provided with anti-fraud technology, which will provide reliable protection against telephone fraudsters.

Where to download the MAX (Max) app

To get started, you need to download the app from the App Store, Google Play, RuStore, AppGallery, or download it from the official website of the PC platform (Windows and macOS operating systems are supported). A web version of the application is also available at web.max.ru .

However, you will not be able to install messenger on older phone models. The developers named the requirements for the devices that are necessary to work with MAX:

• Android: Version 10.0 and higher.
• iOS: version 15 and above.
• Windows: Windows 10 (build 1809) and higher.
• macOS: macOS 14 and above.

Is it possible to install the messenger MAX (Max) on a computer and how to do it

The MAX messenger can be installed on most modern computers. The main condition is that the device meets the requirements for the operating system: Windows 10 (build 1809) and higher or macOS 14 and higher.

To download MAX to your computer, you need to follow a simple algorithm:

1. Go to the official website of the platform and find the "For computer" button.
2. In the window that opens, click on the Windows or macOS icon, depending on the type of device.;
3. Open the Downloads tab in your browser and double-click the installation program.;
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Earlier, Izvestia wrote that since July, the messenger has begun testing channels, among which Izvestia, REN TV, Channel Five, as well as channels of stars and famous bloggers are available.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.