WhatsApp Blocked in Russia? How to Connect with Clients via Max Massage

Russia recently announced a ban, and WhatsApp will be restricted in Russia from September 1, 2025. This is the third software under Meta to be banned in Russia in 22 years. From September 1, electronic products sold in Russia will be forced to pre-install an instant messaging application called Max. Faced with this change, how should E-commerce people respond?

I. Current Status of Communication Tools Use in Russia

Currently, most Russians still use WhatsApp and Telegram, but WhatsApp will be banned in September. If you still use WhatsApp without switching to other software, you may lose contact with users. Therefore, it is recommended to switch to the officially recommended software as soon as possible, register and maintain your account to facilitate subsequent use. Currently, the official recommended software is as follows:

1. Max

This is a communication tool developed in Russia. It fully meets policy requirements and facilitates official supervision of information. Since it is the default pre-installed communication APP promoted by the official, it is recommended to be used in the long term.

2. VK (VKontakte)

This is a well-known Russian online social networking service platform that basically covers all age groups. After Instagram and Facebook were blocked, VK gained a lot of traffic. In addition to short videos, it also has business functions.

3. Telegram

There are still many people using it. Since it is not conducive to data supervision, although the official has not issued a statement, it has certain risks in use and may be blocked in the future. It is recommended to use it conservatively.

II. How to register for Max Massage?

There is still some time until September. It is recommended to deploy the officially recommended Max software as soon as possible to avoid problems such as being unable to contact customers, losing WhatsApp data, and abnormal integration of new software after WhatsApp is blocked.

As a new software, Max has a very comprehensive set of functions, including multiple chat methods and support for developing mini-programs. For specific functions, please visit the official website. Next, I will talk about some details that you need to pay attention to during the registration process:

1. Download channels

On PC, use a search engine to find the corresponding official website to download. If it is a mobile device, Russian software is currently promoted on the Android system as Rustore, and on the Apple system, you need to switch your ID to Russia to find genuine software.

2. Registration environment

For major communication software, whether it is registration or usage environment, it will be higher than other software. It is necessary to avoid using the computer room IP/data center IP. Using such an environment to log in is easy to be restricted in the account registration process, not to mention usage. I used IPFoxy during the registration process, which has high purity and the subsequent account use is also quite smooth.

3. Mobile phone number verification

Currently, the mobile phone number for the registered account is limited to Russian or Belarusian numbers (+7 or +375). It is temporarily not possible to use numbers from other regions or register by email. It is recommended not to use virtual numbers, as they are likely to be blocked.

4. Account Usage

When registering an account, it is best to keep the name and avatar authentic and professional. If you are doing a matrix, be careful to avoid using the same information. Before starting to use it, it is recommended to maintain the account for a period of time. There are many tutorials on how to maintain the account online, and the logic is similar.

III. Max Massage Marketing Communication Skills

1. Matrix account operation

• Using different accounts for different customer groups (wholesale/retail or potential customers) can avoid large-scale mass messaging that may lead to account suspension and effectively disperse risks.

• However, please pay attention to the association of account environments during use. If you are a user with a matrix account, it is recommended to isolate devices and configure different IPs for different devices. For example, use IPFoxy proxy to assist in isolating multiple account environments.

2. Customer grouping and targeted push notifications

• Max has the feature of unlimited group size, which can effectively help users group according to their characteristics.

• Moreover, new products or promotional offers can be pushed within the group, which is more timely and visible, helping to increase customer stickiness.

3. Content Marketing

• In addition to product marketing, you can also share some industry-related information, cases and product updates to keep customers' attention

• Russian users are more sensitive to localized content, so it is recommended to provide Russian-language information to enhance trust.

  

IV. Summary

Whether you switch to Max or other software, switching in time and making sufficient preparations in advance will help you cope better. I hope this article can help you understand the relevant information about Max, help you effectively reduce costs, and seize the platform dividends in advance.