Beeline, MTS, Megafon, and T2 have signed strategic agreements with Max messenger on technological cooperation. The idea is simple: some messages that previously arrived as regular SMS will now be delivered through the messenger. This includes verification codes, company notifications, and service messages. For Android smartphone owners, this is another reason to understand how exactly the national messenger is integrating into everyday scenarios, since now even Gosuslugi (Government Services) requires a verification code from Max.

Now even SMS will arrive in Max messenger

Operators’ Agreement with Max Messenger

On May 12, all four operators of the “Big Four” officially agreed with the Max app on joint work. The agreements involve sending users authorization, service, and transactional messages through the messenger, as well as developing joint products.

In practice, this means that users will be able to receive messages from companies and organizations in Max, as well as verification codes for logging into various services. The system was tested jointly with the Ministry of Digital Development.

How SMS Will Arrive in Max Messenger

Notifications inside Max messenger won’t be dumped into a general chat. Separate protected folders are provided for them: “Verification Codes” and “Useful Notifications.” These folders will be marked with a special verification badge so that users can distinguish real messages from fraudulent ones. And although this scenario is still in the planning stage, any of you can set up folders in Max.

Breaking down the scheme of SMS delivery in Max

Particularly important notifications will only be sent to a trusted device specified by the user. This is important: if you have two phones or a tablet, the code won’t go to the wrong place.

Why You’re Not Receiving SMS from Your Operator

The context behind this agreement is broader than it seems. Since August 1, 2025, a law has been in effect in Russia allowing subscribers to opt out of mass SMS mailings. The problem is that operators began blocking all automatic messages, including bank codes and service notifications. The law doesn’t differentiate between types of mailings, so everything gets blocked indiscriminately.

Against this backdrop, Max messenger becomes a convenient channel for businesses and government agencies: messages are delivered over the internet, don’t depend on SMS infrastructure, and aren’t subject to the anti-spam law. For operators, this is a way to avoid losing customers who complain about missing codes.

What the SMS Transition to Max Messenger Means for Android Users

According to the initiators, it should become more convenient

If you use an Android smartphone in Russia, here’s what you should consider:

  • Max messenger has been mandatory for pre-installation on all smartphones and tablets sold in Russia since September 1, 2025. It’s most likely already on your device.
  • Codes for logging into Gosuslugi already arrive through Max. Now notifications from companies working through the “Big Four” operators will be added.
  • To ensure notifications arrive on time, you need to disable battery optimization for Max. On custom skins like MIUI or EMUI, you should also enable auto-start for the app.
  • The phone number in Max and on Gosuslugi must match. Otherwise, codes simply won’t be delivered.

Additionally, Gosuslugi previously began disabling SMS codes in favor of the messenger. The signing of agreements with operators extends this logic to the commercial sector.

Who Will Benefit from SMS in Max Messenger

The “all notifications in one app” scheme has an obvious risk. If Max malfunctions for any reason (which has happened repeatedly) or becomes unavailable, you could be left without verification codes from several services at once. The national messenger only works with an internet connection, unlike SMS, which arrives through the cellular network.

At the same time, no one has yet eliminated the ability to receive codes via SMS. The point is that Max is becoming the priority channel, not the only one. But the trend is clear: the government and businesses are systematically transitioning users to the domestic messenger, and with each passing month it becomes harder to ignore. If you haven’t set up Max yet, now is a good time: make sure the app is installed, your number is linked, notifications are enabled, and battery optimization is disabled. It’ll take a couple of minutes but will save you from a situation where a needed verification code doesn’t arrive at the worst possible moment.