Disconnection from the rules: what is the reason for the failure of SMS for registration in Telegram and WhatsApp

The failure to deliver SMS for registration in Telegram has not become a serious problem for Russian users, experts interviewed by Izvestia note. Currently, the messenger sends confirmation codes to already registered devices, as well as transmits them via phone calls and e-mail. WhatsApp uses a similar mechanism (owned by Meta, a company recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation). According to experts, there are other ways to transmit codes. Moreover, the transition to digital channels allows services to significantly reduce their dependence on SMS authentication, experts say.

Register in Telegram and WhatsApp without SMS

Problems with SMS delivery from Telegram and WhatsApp are unlikely to significantly affect the popularity of these messengers in Russia and their accessibility to users, experts interviewed by Izvestia believe.

It became known on the evening of October 30 that the messages required for registration in the services had stopped reaching some Russian subscribers.

Izvestia made sure that the problem really exists: Telegram could not send the registration code via SMS and delivered it by e-mail. In the morning, the correspondent tried again — this time the system automatically called from a Russian number and dictated the code by voice.

WhatsApp offers an alternative way of registration — through a phone call: the call is automatically reset, confirming authorization, or an access code is dictated to the user.

SMS is just one of the many tools for user registration, the main thing is that the service itself does not restrict access from Russia, explained Vladimir Zykov, director of the Association of Professional Networks and Messengers. According to him, in addition to phone calls (which can come from both Russian and foreign numbers) and e-mail, you can use Google account data and other foreign digital services for authorization — WhatsApp, in particular, already works on this principle. In addition, confirmation codes can be transmitted via social networks and alternative messengers, the expert added.

Another way to get access codes is through digital assistants built into messengers, Vladimir Zykov continued. If the user already has a device on which Telegram is installed, the service in some cases sends the confirmation code directly to this gadget, he said.

Izvestia sent requests to the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Roskomnadzor. Representatives of MTS, Vimpelcom, Megafon and T2 declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Telegram and WhatsApp have already faced restrictions from the Russian authorities in 2025. In August, Roskomnadzor restricted audio and video calls on these messengers, explaining the decision to combat fraud. The Ministry of Finance noted at the time that the measures would be lifted if the messengers began to comply with Russian law and participate in the fight against illegal actions.

Alternative ways to register in messengers

Russians are familiar with the problems of receiving SMS messages for registration in foreign services. Market participants recorded the first cases of restrictions on access to Google services in early September 2024 — users stopped receiving messages with authorization codes. Subsequently, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that the American corporation had restricted the creation of new accounts. Telecom operators also noted a significant reduction in the number of SMS messages sent by the company to Russian subscribers, the agency said.

At the same time, these services are not the only foreign resources that are problematic to log in to via SMS, said Sergey Polovnikov, head of the Content—Review project. Messages do not reach, for example, from Chinese payment systems and some airlines from China. With payment systems, the problem is solved through authorization in the application with the presentation of a passport, he explained.

— In general, authorization via SMS is outdated and, moreover, it is a costly technology for services, so they are looking for alternative ways to connect customers. An agreement with Russian telecom companies, which clearly regulates the rights and obligations of the parties, could establish the work of Telegram and WhatsApp mailings in Russia. Whether foreign messengers will do this remains a question," the expert added.

SMS mailings are indeed becoming more expensive, confirmed Vladimir Zykov. According to him, sending a service message via WhatsApp now costs about 70 kopecks. SMS mailings from operators, depending on the volume, can cost 1-2 rubles or even more, a market source familiar with such services told Izvestia. According to him, messengers most likely have to pay about 1.5 rubles per SMS.

Whatever the reason for the reduction in SMS service, neither Russian users of popular messengers nor the services themselves will be affected, says Denis Kuskov, CEO of TelecomDaily. In addition to SMS, there are many alternative authorization methods, and messengers, according to him, are unlikely to lose an audience, while they can significantly reduce the cost of mailing.