Mandatory preinstallation of MAX: how the state gets into your smartphone
As of September 1, 2025, the national messenger MAX is included in the list of software that must be preinstalled on smartphones, tablets, and computers sold in Russia. This means new devices are delivered to buyers with the app already installed, together with other services from the list (VK, several products from Sber, Yandex, RuStore, and others).
“Preinstallation” is not the same as “mandatory use.” Registration in MAX remains voluntary, and the law does not require users to activate preinstalled apps. Whether they can be removed depends on the device model, manufacturer, and operating system, but in most cases preinstalled programs can either be removed or disabled.
Below is a neutral overview of how mandatory preinstallation works, how it differs from mandatory activation, how to technically remove or disable MAX, and which alternative messengers remain available to users.
In brief
- As of September 1, 2025, MAX is included in the list of programs that must be preinstalled.
- Preinstallation does not mean mandatory registration: using the messenger remains voluntary.
- On most devices, the app can be removed or disabled using standard tools.
- The Russian app store RuStore is also preinstalled; MAX is distributed through it.
- Alternative messengers (with end-to-end encryption by default) are not prohibited by law.
What mandatory preinstallation means
The list of programs that must be preinstalled is approved by a government order. Manufacturers and sellers of devices that sell gadgets in Russia must supply them with the applications from this list installed.
Legal basis
The mandatory preinstallation framework itself has been in effect since 2021 and is expanded by new orders. In 2024–2025, the list was supplemented with a number of services, including MAX (see the overview of changes on consultant.ru and materials from Interfax).
Which devices
Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and some smart TVs sold in Russia. The categories and exact list depend on the device type: smartphones have one list, computers have another.
Through which store
On smartphones, MAX and related services are usually supplied through RuStore, the Russian app store that is itself included in the mandatory preinstallation list.
What the user is and is not required to do
The user is not required to activate the app, register in it, connect it to Gosuslugi, or grant permissions. Legally, this is “out-of-the-box” functionality, access to which remains at the discretion of the device owner.
What to do with preinstalled MAX
| Situation | What it means | Possible actions |
|---|---|---|
| New smartphone, MAX is already installed | This is standard preinstallation under a government decree | You can choose not to launch it; on most models, remove or disable it through settings |
| The app cannot be removed normally | The manufacturer embedded it as a system app | Disable it in “Settings → Apps,” block notifications |
| The app requested access on first launch | This is activation — you do not have to confirm it | Close the app, do not grant permissions, do not enter your phone number |
| Notifications arrive without registration | System alerts, sometimes advertising for services from the list | Disable notifications in the device settings |
| The seller refuses to sell the device without MAX activation | This is a violation of consumer rights | Submit a written complaint to the seller, file a complaint with Rospotrebnadzor (Роспотребнадзор) |
How to check right now
On a smartphone, open “Settings → Apps” and find MAX in the list. Look for the “Uninstall” button — if it is available, standard removal is possible. If the button is inactive (the manufacturer embedded the app as a system app), “Disable” is available — it hides the app and blocks its processes.
Also check the permissions section: even an unactivated MAX app may have access rights to contacts, the microphone, and background activity. These rights can be revoked in advance. It also makes sense to check whether your full name is present in the public wanted database of the MVD — this is a separate service, not related to the messenger, but important in the broader context of interaction with state databases.
Warning signs vs false alarm
A warning sign is when a seller refuses to hand over a device without registration in MAX and activation of a digital ID. This goes beyond the preinstallation requirements and violates consumer rights. Record the refusal in writing (receipt, correspondence) and contact Rospotrebnadzor.
A false alarm is the mere fact that MAX is “already installed” on a new phone. This is the normal implementation of the preinstallation decree. Without activation, the messenger does not transmit your data and is not linked to your account.
What to do next
- Open the list of apps on the device and decide for each preinstalled app whether to keep it, disable it, or remove it.
- Do not grant permissions (contacts, microphone, background activity) to apps you do not plan to use.
- If an app cannot be removed, disable it in settings; this blocks background processes.
- For private messaging, keep your main messenger; there is no mandatory migration to MAX.
- If the preinstalled set is critical for you, consider alternative operating systems (for example, clean Android builds without Russian preinstalls, available on some models).
- When buying a new device, immediately check that only the apps you plan to use are active.
Disclaimer: this material is informational and is not legal advice. For a specific situation, consult a lawyer. The mandatory preinstallation list and the procedure for opting out of specific programs change regularly; for the current composition, refer to the editorial materials of consultant.ru or to official government publications.
Conclusion
Mandatory preinstallation of MAX is an administrative measure aimed at distributing the national messenger, not at forcing its use. The buyer of a new device receives the app “in the box,” but decides independently whether to activate it or not; on most models, the standard option to remove or disable it remains available. Basic steps — revoking unnecessary permissions, disabling apps, and consciously choosing a main messenger — allow the device to be used without pressure from the new list.