How to set up Max messenger for maximum privacy: step-by-step instructions for Android and iOS - Layout

Methods for isolating an application and limiting access to data

The popularity of the Max messenger in Russia, albeit forcedly, is growing. This is happening against the backdrop of government slowdowns and blocking of competitors and pressure from officials and government-linked employers. Many users are wary of using the national messenger, assuming that it can collect and transmit private information to the authorities.
“Layout” tells how to prevent the “national messenger” from doing this and how to use it in the most secure mode possible.

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Why do people have to install Max

The Russian Internet messenger Max has become the second most popular in the country. In March, 61.5 million Russians over 12 years old visited it at least once a day, according to Mediascope data. Average daily coverage increased by 46.3% compared to December last year.

Officials and public sector employees , schoolchildren and students , users of home chats are forced to use the messenger; its competitors are slowed down and blocked. Against this background, many have to use the application even against their will. Moreover, the Max messenger prohibited users from logging into the web version without the application installed. To enter you need to scan the QR code .

Some people use a separate phone to install Max, but this method may seem inconvenient or too expensive. At the same time, modern operating systems allow applications to limit the collection of information.

What information does Max collect about users?

A study published in August 2025 reported that the messenger actively collects system and client data. Including the user’s age and gender, his contacts in other instant messengers, phone numbers and email addresses, geolocation, data on VPN use.

In a normal situation, this would not be anything unusual: many well-known applications collect an excessive amount of data. In addition, the state can learn most of the information received from the device in other ways. But in conditions of imposition by the state, this raises concerns.

In April, one of the largest sellers of mobile phones in Russia, Samsung, spoke about the use of isolated space on its smartphones using the Max messenger as an example. However, the company later deleted this publication. However, you can isolate Max from other data and applications on smartphones of other models.

How to safely install national messenger Max

Installing the application in the Knox folder on Samsung ensures data security: a separate protected space is created for the device inside the device. This limits Max from receiving information about other programs and allows you to separate work and personal space in one device.

Similar functions are implemented by other manufacturers. And in the Android 15 operating system, released last August, this feature is supported at the system level, which means it will appear in almost any modern phone running this OS. Here's how it turns on for the five largest manufacturers represented on the Russian market.

Xiaomi - how to set up “Second Space”

In Xiaomi phones, the function is hidden in the Settings menu → Special features → Second space → Create second space → Next. After installation in a new space, you can switch to it using the “Switch” button. The system will offer to choose one of the ways to protect the new space - a fingerprint, a pattern or a password.

Samsung - how to set up the “Knox Folder”

"Knox Folder" is implemented as a separate application. Once launched, it will offer to install other applications from the Play Market or Galaxy Store into it. After installation, the application will only be available inside the protected folder. The files inside it are stored separately.

Tecno - how to set up “Dual System”

In Tecno phones, the second space is called "Dual System". It is hidden in the menu Settings → Privacy → Second space → Create a second space.

Realme - how to set up “System Clone”

In Realme, OPPO and OnePlus phones, the dedicated space feature is called System Clone. It is launched from the menu Settings → Security and privacy → System cloning or Settings → Privacy → System cloning.
After setting up the second space, it will be hidden by default and can only be launched by entering the password specified for it.

Huawei how to set up a second PrivateSpace

In Huawei and its sub-brand Honor, the second space is hidden in the privacy settings. It is located in the menu Settings → Privacy → PrivateSpace. After installing the messenger, you can go to a closed space by entering the password or fingerprint assigned to it (not the same as for the main device account).

How to Set Up Second Space on Other Android Phones

On devices that do not support space sharing, you can install special applications for such separation. For example, Shelter or Island applications. They are not available in Rustore, but can be downloaded from Google Play.

How to safely install Max messenger on iPhone

By default, iOS allows apps to receive much less extraneous data than Android. There is no built-in feature for isolating applications into systems. The best way is to prevent the app from accessing everything except basic functions.

This is done in the Settings → Privacy menu. There, you can block or restrict the app's access to photos, messages, files, Do Not Disturb data, workout and activity information, home devices, and phone sensors.

Separate settings Settings → General → Content Update and Settings → Cellular allow you to prevent the application from updating in the background and using mobile communications, respectively. Then it will only work via Wi-Fi.

Illustration: REUTERS/Ramil Sitdikov

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