The symptoms usually start like this: you try to join a group, but nothing happens when you tap; you try to DM someone, and a red exclamation mark appears next to the message; or you open your account and see a line saying you can only send messages to mutual contacts.
This means your account is restricted. Don't rush to get a new account just yet—restrictions are either temporary or permanent, and they are handled completely differently. If you get the type wrong, you'll end up waiting for nothing or abandoning an account that could still be saved.
- Restrictions are temporary or permanent and handled differently. Message @SpamBot first to check.
- The best fix for a temporary restriction is waiting. Repeatedly testing it during the restriction period only extends the time.
- Restrictions are tied to the account. Logging in on a different device won't lift them.
- If you really need a new account, keep its usage intensity lower than the original one.
Step 1: Confirm if you are actually restricted
Some situations look like a restriction but aren't. Rule these out first:
- The other person's privacy settings: If they set "Who can send me messages" to contacts only, your messages won't go through. This has nothing to do with your account status.
- Group restrictions: Some groups require admin approval to join, or have temporarily closed new member joins.
- Network or app version issues: Outdated app versions occasionally get stuck on certain actions. Update the app and try again.
There is one reliable way to confirm a real restriction: find the official @SpamBot in Telegram and send it a message. It will tell you exactly what your current account status is and when the restriction will be lifted. This is the most important step in this entire guide. Every other decision starts here.
Step 2: Understand SpamBot's reply
| What the reply means | Type of restriction | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No restrictions on the account | The issue isn't your account | Go back and check the three situations in Step 1 |
| Restricted, with an exact lift time | Temporary restriction | Wait it out. Don't trigger it again during this time |
| Restricted, with no lift time | Severe restriction | You can try appealing, but keep your expectations low |
| Account has been disabled | Permanent | Appeal or get a new account |
Temporary restrictions are the most common. They usually happen because you did too many things that "look like spam" in a short time—mass DMing strangers, joining groups too fast, or repeatedly sending the same content. This restriction will lift on its own, provided you don't repeat the behavior while waiting. Many people keep trying to do things during the restriction period, which only drags a temporary restriction into a longer one.
Which behaviors trigger restrictions the most
When reviewing your actions, look in these directions. Their common denominator is "doing the same thing to people you don't know, many times, in a short period":
- Proactively DMing a large number of strangers, especially if they don't reply or directly hit report
- Joining many groups in a short time, especially if you start posting immediately after joining
- Posting the same content or links across multiple groups, which is almost guaranteed to be flagged as spam
- Using a new account heavily right after registration, without any history of normal interaction
If you read this and think "I didn't do any of that," then you definitely need to check with @SpamBot and review your device list—someone else might be using your account.
Step 3: What to do (and not do) during a temporary restriction
What to do:
- Chat normally with mutual contacts (this usually isn't affected)
- Review your recent actions to find the likely trigger
- Check that your account's two-step password and device list are normal to rule out a hijacked account
What NOT to do:
- Repeatedly try to DM strangers or join groups to "test if it's fixed"
- Switch to another device during the restriction to do the same things
- Submit multiple appeals using the same account
Waiting is the most effective fix. This is counterintuitive, but the restriction itself is a cooldown mechanism. The more eager you are to test it, the longer the cooldown gets.
Step 4: Restrictions with no lift time
If @SpamBot doesn't give a lift time, you can submit an appeal through it. When appealing, explain your actual use case in a plain, straightforward tone. You don't need a long essay. In practice, the results of these appeals vary wildly. Some are lifted within days, while others never get a response.
If you did actually do things that would be flagged as spam, the chances of a successful appeal are low. At this point, you need to seriously consider: will your usage habits change? If not, getting a new account will just move the exact same problem to a new place.
Step 5: When you really need a new account
If you've assessed the situation and your original account won't be usable anytime soon, but you still have things to do, only then should you consider getting a new account. Keep a few things in mind:
- Figure out why the original account was restricted, so you don't repeat the same mistakes with the new account
- Keep the usage intensity of the new account lower than the original, especially for the first two weeks
- Accounts with a longer history generally have a higher tolerance for sudden spikes in activity. This is why people who need stable usage tend to choose an aged account
As for where to get an account, we have a complete comparison in 4 ways to register without your own phone number; if you aren't sure which type of account you need yet, start by reading 6 situations where you need a second account.
Most people who ask us "what to do when my account is restricted" are actually dealing with a temporary restriction, and most have already tried testing it multiple times during the restriction period. Our first piece of advice is almost always the same: go ask @SpamBot for the lift time, and then do absolutely nothing until then. This advice sounds passive, but it really is the most effective. The people who genuinely need a new account are the ones where @SpamBot didn't give a time, or those who have urgent business and cannot wait.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a temporary restriction usually take to lift?
@SpamBot will tell you the exact time it lifts, so go by its reply. A few days to a couple of weeks is common, but if you trigger it again during the restriction, the timer will reset or extend.
Can a restricted account still chat with existing contacts?
Usually, yes. Most restrictions target "proactively contacting strangers" and "joining new groups." Chatting with mutual contacts is generally unaffected.
Will the restriction disappear if I log in on a different phone?
No. Restrictions are tied to the account, not the device. Switching devices and continuing to do the same things might actually make the situation worse.
Do I need to write the appeal in English?
Just use a language you can express yourself clearly in. The key is to explain your actual use case in a plain tone. You don't need to write a long essay, and don't repeatedly submit it.
What to do next
If your account was restricted because the usage intensity was too high, keep an eye out for our upcoming post on "warning signs before an account gets banned." If you need a usable account right away, ask our customer service directly and explain your situation. We will recommend the right specs based on your use case.