For a long time, the legendary messenger with its characteristic notification sound was considered a lost artifact of the Internet era of the late 90s. However, in recent years there has been an unexpected return in a new look known as ICQ New. Users of Android devices often come across this application in app stores and wonder whether this is an update to the good old ICQ or a completely different product that uses only a recognizable brand. It is necessary to understand this before spending time downloading and setting up.
The modern messenger market is oversaturated, but interest in alternatives is growing due to privacy issues and blocking of popular services. ICQ New positioned as a secure and universal communication tool that supports cross-platform synchronization. In this article, we will study in detail the functionality of the application, its differences from its predecessor and really evaluate the need to install it on your smartphone in the current realities of digital communication.
History of transformation and rebranding of the service
Initially, ICQ (I Seek You) was developed by the Israeli company Mirabilis back in 1996 and became a pioneer in the world of instant messages. Over the past decades, the copyright holder has changed several times: from AOL to Mail.ru Group, and then to VK. It was under the auspices of VK that a key turn took place that led to the appearance of the version we see now. The old application, known to millions by its green flower icon, has actually been replaced with a new product.
In 2020, the developers announced a global update of the platform, which was named ICQ New. This is not just a cosmetic overhaul of the interface, but a complete redesign of the service architecture. The old accounts were transferred, but the functionality of the application became completely different. Technological base it was rewritten from scratch, which made it possible to introduce modern encryption protocols and improve stability on mobile operating systems, including Android of various versions.
Many users still confuse the classic version and the new one, expecting to see the familiar interface with contacts in the form of a list of UIN numbers. However The classic ICQ client was officially closed and ceased support in June 2026. This means that using older versions of the application has become impossible, and the only legal way to stay in the ecosystem is to install ICQ New. The transition was a necessary measure to preserve the audience in the conditions of fierce competition with industry giants.
⚠️ Attention: If you find and download the old version of ICQ (Classic) on third-party resources, know that it will no longer connect to the servers. All attempts to log in through outdated clients will be unsuccessful.
Key differences from the classic version and competitors
The modern messenger is radically different from its predecessor not only visually, but also functionally. The developers focused on minimalism and speed, removing many outdated features that slowed down the application in the past. Now interface looks cleaner and more intuitive, reminiscent of modern Material You design standards adopted in the Android ecosystem.
One of the main advantages of the new version is support end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for personal chats and calls. This is an important step towards user data security, which was often lacking in earlier versions of the protocol. Unlike the classics, where messages could be stored in clear text on servers with certain settings, now the privacy of dialogues is protected by cryptographic keys, accessible only to the interlocutors.
It is also worth noting the integration with other services of the VK ecosystem. Users can easily synchronize contacts and find friends who are already registered in the system. However, unlike Telegram or WhatsApp, ICQ New retains a unique feature - the ability to register not only by phone number, but also through the creation of a unique UIN (user ID), which allows you to maintain the anonymity of the number when communicating with strangers.
- 🔒 Full end-to-end encryption of voice and video calls, as well as text messages.
- 📱 Cross-platform: full synchronization of correspondence history between Android, iOS and desktop versions.
- 🎨 Flexible customization of design themes and the ability to create your own sticker packs.
- 📹 Built-in video player with support for a wide range of formats without the need to install third-party codecs.
Functionality and technical features
The application offers a wide range of communication tools that go beyond simply sending a text. The basic functionality includes high-quality voice and video calls that adapt to the speed of the Internet connection. For Android users, support for floating window (Picture-in-Picture) has been implemented, allowing you to continue a video conversation while simultaneously using other applications or viewing the news feed.
Working with media files deserves special attention. ICQ New allows you to send large volumes of documents, which makes it a convenient tool not only for personal, but also for work communication. The built-in image editor allows you to apply filters, text and pictures right before sending, without resorting to third-party galleries. This speeds up the process of sharing visual content.
Technical optimization of the application allows it to work even on devices with limited resources. RAM consumption has been reduced compared to competitors, which is especially important for budget smartphones. However, it is worth considering that some advanced functions, such as screen casting or creating channels with an unlimited number of subscribers, may require a more stable connection and a new version of the operating system.
To save traffic, enable the “Data Saver” mode in the application settings. This will reduce the quality of downloaded images and videos when using a mobile network, but will speed up loading of messages.
It is important to note the presence of functions secret chatsthat are not saved in the cloud and are only available on the device where they were created. When you delete the application or log out of your account, the history of such correspondence disappears forever. This is critically important for users who store confidential information.
Installation and initial setup process on Android
Installing the application is not difficult and is performed in the standard way through the Google Play store. After downloading the icon on the desktop, you need to launch the app and go through the authorization procedure. The system will prompt you to enter your phone number, to which you will receive an SMS with a confirmation code. This step is required to verify the user and link the account.
During the setup process, you will be asked to allow access to contacts, microphone and camera. Without these permissions, the functionality of the messenger will be severely limited: you will not be able to make calls or find friends from the phone book. It is recommended to grant access to only necessary features, using the principle of least privilege for elevation security devices.
For those who want to restore an old account, the process is slightly different. You must enter your previously used credentials. If the password memory has not been saved, a recovery procedure is provided through the linked email or phone number. After successful login, the system will automatically load the correspondence history from the cloud, if it has not been deleted by the user earlier.
☑️ Checklist for correctly setting up ICQ New
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the model of your smartphone. Some menu items may be moved by developers during updates.
Comparative analysis with popular analogues
To understand the place of ICQ New in the modern market, it is advisable to make a comparison with niche leaders: Telegram and WhatsApp. Each of these messengers has its own philosophy and target audience. WhatsApp focuses on simplicity and mass appeal, using the phone number as the main identifier, but is often criticized for collecting metadata.
Telegram, in turn, offers powerful tools for creating communities and channels, as well as cloud storage of data without restrictions on volume (with some caveats). ICQ New tries to occupy an intermediate niche, offering a balance between the privacy characteristic of Signal and the functionality of social networks. However, its user base is much smaller, which is the main barrier to mass transition.
| Characteristics | ICQ New | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration | Phone / UIN | Phone | Phone |
| Encryption | E2EE (default in chats) | Only in secret chats | E2EE (always) |
| Cloud storage | Yes (limited) | Unlimited | Local + backup |
| Application size | ~60-80 MB | ~100-150 MB | ~70-90 MB |
| Audience in RF | Low | Very high | High |
As can be seen from the table, ICQ New has its own unique features, such as UIN support, but loses to its competitors in popularity. This creates the effect of an “empty phone”: you install the application, but you have no one to communicate with, because all your contacts are already in other messengers. This is the main factor to consider before installation.
Why is the user base so important?
The network effect means that the value of the messenger grows exponentially with the number of its users. Even the most technologically advanced application is useless if your friends and colleagues are not there.
Do you need to install ICQ New: final verdict
The answer to the question of whether installation is necessary depends solely on your personal needs and environment. If your friends, relatives and colleagues actively use this messenger, then there is no alternative - you will have to install it. However, if you are considering it as a backup option or out of curiosity, it is worth weighing the pros and cons.
Installation makes sense if you require specific functionality, for example, anonymity through UIN or integration with VK services. This may also be a good solution for work chats within companies that have chosen this platform for internal communication for reasons of security or the cost of corporate licenses.
Otherwise, for an ordinary user who already has Telegram and WhatsApp configured, an additional messenger can only become a source of unnecessary noise and notifications. Smartphone resources are not unlimited, and running unnecessary background processes can affect battery life, especially on older devices.
Install ICQ New only if there is a specific need for it (communication with a certain circle of people or specific functions). As a main messenger, it loses to its more popular analogues due to its small audience.
Is it possible to recover an old password from classic ICQ?
Direct recovery of a password from a classic client in a new application is impossible, since the security systems have been completely changed. You will need to go through the password reset procedure through the linked phone number or email, if they were specified in the security settings of the old account before migrating it.
Is it safe to store personal photos in ICQ New?
When using regular chats, photos are stored on the company's servers, which carries certain risks. For maximum security, it is recommended to use the Secret Chat feature, where end-to-end encryption is enabled and files are not saved in the cloud, but are transferred directly between devices.
Does the application consume a lot of battery in the background?
The optimized version for Android consumes a moderate amount of energy. However, if you have many active chats open with a constant stream of media, your battery drain may increase. It is recommended to set up exceptions in the phone's energy saving system for this application if you are waiting for important messages.
Does the application have advertising?
In the current version of ICQ New, advertising is not explicitly displayed in personal chats. However, developers can integrate native promotional channels or offers from partners into the news feed or recommendations section. The user can unsubscribe from such channels manually.
Does the application work without a SIM card?
For initial registration, an active SIM card is required, since a confirmation code is sent to it. After registering and logging into your account, the application can work via Wi-Fi without a SIM card, but to re-authorize on a new device, access to the number will be required again.