Many Android users remember the characteristic sound of an incoming message, which defined the Internet era of the late 90s and early 2000s ICQ was not just a app, but a real cultural phenomenon, a symbol of digital communication. However, time passed, and ICQ was replaced by more modern instant messengers such as WhatsApp and Telegram, leaving the legendary client on the periphery of attention.
In recent years, developers have attempted to revive the brand by releasing an application called ICQ New. This software is radically different from its progenitor both visually and functionally. A logical question arises: does it make sense to install this app on a modern smartphone, or is it just a nostalgic attraction with limited functionality?
In this article we will analyze the capabilities in detail ICQ New, analyze its security architecture and compare it with current market leaders. You will understand whether this app is capable of replacing your main means of communication or whether it is destined to serve as a backup option for specific tasks.
History of revival and differences from the classic version
Classic ICQ worked on the OSCAR protocol, which is now considered outdated and unsafe by modern standards. The new version known as ICQ New, was built from scratch on a completely different technological base. The developers used the protocol XMP with their own extensions, which made it possible to integrate modern encryption and multimedia standards.
The main visual difference is in the interface. If the old client was utilitarian and minimalistic, then ICQ New offers a bright, adaptive design that fully complies with the Material Design guidelines for the platform Android. The user receives smooth animations, a dark theme and intuitive navigation, which is critical for retaining the audience in 2026.
However, it is worth understanding that this is not just an update of old software, but in fact a new application that uses a recognizable brand to attract attention. Transferring contacts from the old version of ICQ to the new one is impossiblesince the server infrastructure and user databases were completely separated when the project was restarted.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to find the classic version of ICQ in the official Google Play store. Only the modern ICQ New client is available there, and older versions may contain security vulnerabilities.
Key features and functionality of the application
A modern messenger must provide a wide range of functions for comfortable communication. The developers ICQ New tried to implement all the necessary tools to compete with the market giants. The application supports not only text messages, but also full exchange of media files.
An important feature is support for high-quality voice and video calls. To operate these functions, technology WebRTCis used, which ensures minimal delays even with an unstable connection. This makes the application suitable for business negotiations or communication with relatives on the road.
The list of main features is as follows:
- 📱 Exchange of photos, videos and documents without strong quality compression.
- 🎙️ Voice messages with the ability to listen in the background.
- 👥 Creation of group chats with support for up to 500 participants.
- 🔒 Two-factor authentication to protect your account from hacking.
The function channelsdeserves special mention. Unlike regular chats, channels allow you to broadcast to an unlimited audience, which brings the functionality of the messenger closer to social networks. Administrators can publish news, articles and media, and subscribers can respond to content.
Data security and encryption of correspondence
In the era of total digitalization, the issue of confidentiality is especially acute. ICQ New announces the use of end-to-end encryption (End-to-End) for personal chats. This means that decryption keys are stored only on the devices of the interlocutors, and the server acts only as an intermediary for transmitting encrypted data packets.
To implement protection, an algorithm is used Olm, which is also used in other popular secure instant messengers. It is a reliable standard, tested by time and the cryptographic community. However, it is important to distinguish between personal chats and group conversations, where the encryption architecture may differ.
Users are advised to independently configure their privacy settings. In the settings menu, you can hide your phone number, limit adding to groups, and configure the visibility of the “Online” status. Ignoring these settings may lead to leakage of metadata about your activity.
Settings → Privacy → Phone number → NobodyDespite the stated security measures, experts recommend not using the messenger to transfer critical trade secrets or state secrets if you are not sure about the data retention policy of the owner company.
Regularly check active sessions in the “Devices” section. If you see an unfamiliar phone or computer, immediately end this session and change your password.
Comparison with Telegram and WhatsApp: characteristics table
To understand the place ICQ New in the mobile application ecosystem, it is necessary to make a direct comparison with market leaders. Each messenger has its own strengths and weaknesses, which determine the user's choice.
Telegram stands out for its openness and cloud functions, which allow storing huge amounts of data on the server. WhatsApp relies on simplicity and ubiquity, linking the account strictly to a phone number. ICQ New Tries to find a balance by offering unique features such as bots and integration with other Mail.ru Group services.
| Features | ICQ New | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account linking | Phone / Email | Phone | Phone |
| Encryption | End-to-end (personal chats) | Secret chats | Default everywhere |
| File size | Up to 2 GB | Up to 2 GB (4 GB Premium) | Up to 2 GB |
| Cloud storage | Limited | Unlimited | Local + Backup |
As can be seen from the table, ICQ New offers flexibility in registration, allowing you to use email, which can be convenient for creating work accounts without being tied to a personal SIM card. However, in terms of cloud storage volume, it is still inferior to its main competitor.
The main advantage of ICQ New is the ability to register via email, which provides additional anonymity compared to competitors that only require a phone number.
Installation process and initial setup
Installing the application on a device with an operating system Android does not require complex manipulations. Just go to the official Google Play store, enter the name in the search and click the install button. The weight of the application is relatively small, which allows you to install it even on budget smartphones with limited memory.
After launch, you will need to go through the registration procedure. You will be asked to enter your phone number or email address. A confirmation code will be sent to the specified contact, which must be entered in the appropriate field of the interface.
For the messenger to work correctly, you must provide a number of permissions. The Android system will ask for access to your contacts, microphone, camera, and file storage. Without granting these rights, the functionality of the application will be severely limited: you will not be able to make calls or send photos.
☑️ Initial setup of ICQ New
An important step is setting up notifications. By default, they can be too intrusive. It is recommended to go to the sounds and vibrations section to turn off notifications from advertising channels or set up custom sounds for important contacts.
⚠️ Attention: When granting permissions, carefully read the pop-up windows. Some versions of Android may require access to geolocation, which is not necessary for the basic operation of the messenger.
Nuances of working on different versions of Android
Performance ICQ New may vary depending on the version of the operating system and the hardware of the smartphone. On modern devices running Android 12-14 the application works stably, launches quickly and displays notifications correctly.
However, on outdated versions of the system, such as Android 8 or 9, users may experience background performance issues. Aggressive energy saving algorithms of smartphone manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei) can “kill” the messenger process, causing messages to arrive with a delay.
To solve this problem, you need to add the application to the exclusion list of the energy saving system. The path to the settings may vary, but usually it looks like this:
Settings → Applications → ICQ New → Battery → No restrictionsIt is also worth noting that the application interface is optimized for high-resolution screens. On devices with a small diagonal, some controls may be located too close to each other, which makes navigation difficult for users with large fingers.
What to do if the application crashes?
If ICQ New constantly closes, try clearing the application cache in the phone settings. If this does not help, uninstall and install the app again, making sure that you download the latest version.
Conclusion: the relevance of the messenger in 2026
To summarize, we can say that ICQ New is a high-quality modern product that has managed to be reborn from a legend of the past. It offers a decent set of features, strong encryption and a pleasant interface, which makes it quite suitable for everyday use.
However, it is unlikely to completely displace Telegram or WhatsApp due to the network effect: people use it where their friends and colleagues are. However, as a second messenger for work, communication in thematic communities, or for those who value the ability to register by email, it is an excellent choice.
The decision to install depends on your personal needs. If you're looking for an alternative to the mainstream giants or want to bring back a bit of nostalgia with a modern twist, ICQ New definitely deserves a spot on your Android app list.
⚠️ Attention: The functionality and interface of the application can be updated by developers. The menu paths and capabilities described in the article are current at the time of publication, but may change slightly in future versions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transfer correspondence history from the old ICQ to ICQ New?
Unfortunately, no. These are two different applications with different server architectures. The old database is incompatible with the new one, so migration of contacts and messages is technically impossible.
Is using ICQ New on Android free?
Yes, the application itself is free to download and use. Inside, there may be paid stickers or subscriptions to advanced channel functions, but the basic communication functionality is available without payment.
Does ICQ New work without a SIM card?
Yes, unlike many competitors, ICQ New allows you to register using only an email address. This allows you to use the messenger on tablets or phones without an active SIM card if Wi-Fi is available.
Is it safe to store bank cards in ICQ New?
The messenger does not have a built-in wallet for storing cards in the usual sense, as in some other applications. It is not recommended to transmit card data in chat, even with end-to-end encryption, for reasons of digital hygiene.