Max Messenger has released an English version of the application, the platform's press service reported to TASS. The update opens up the possibility for foreign users to communicate with contacts from Russia without a language barrier — the interface of chats, video calls, and settings has been translated into English. Max's audience exceeded 100 million people by the time the update was released. The messenger is included in the register of Russian software and is available in mobile, desktop, and web versions. To activate the English interface, you need to update the application and change the language settings.
How to switch Max to English
The procedure for changing the language depends on the operating system. Android users change the language in the messenger profile in the "Application Language" section. iOS users need to change the device language in the system settings of the smartphone — the messenger will pick it up automatically.
The English-language interface covers all key functions: group chats, audio and video calls, voice messages, sending large files, and managing account settings.
Max appeared as an alternative to the currently blocked and slowed-down foreign messengers — primarily Telegram and WhatsApp. Against the background of the slowdown of Telegram in Russia, where the proportion of unsuccessful requests to the service reached 79.4%, the release of the English version of Max looks like an attempt to occupy the emerging niche — including among foreign users associated with the Russian audience.
An audience of 100 million people puts Max on a par with the country's largest messengers: according to MediaScope for January 2026, Telegram in Russia has 95.98 million users, and WhatsApp has 89.42 million. The English version is another step towards going beyond the Russian-speaking audience.
