Short answer
When people press Report spam on your messages and moderators agree, Telegram limits the account temporarily: you can still message people who have your number saved and reply to anyone who writes first, but you can’t start chats with strangers (and sometimes can’t post in public groups). Telegram says a first limit usually lasts a few days; repeat cases last longer. If it was a mistake, appeal through @SpamBot or the in-app appeal. Newly registered or VoIP numbers, or numbers with a previous owner’s history, can be limited too — explain that to @SpamBot.
Why Telegram limits accounts
- Recipients report your messages as spam, and Telegram’s moderators confirm it.
- Group admins can also report users who post spam in their groups.
- Common triggers: messaging many strangers, mass invites, repeated links or promotions.
What you can and can’t do while limited
- Message people who have your number in their contacts, and reply to anyone who messages you first.
- You can’t start chats with people who don’t have your number, and posting in some public groups may be blocked.
- Telegram’s newer FAQ also describes frozen accounts that can read chats but can’t send messages — appeal from the app.
How long it lasts
Telegram says a first limit usually lasts a few days. Repeat offences mean longer limits, and persistent cold messaging can lose the ability to message strangers permanently.
How to appeal
- Open @SpamBot (search it in Telegram) and check your status.
- If you think it’s a mistake, explain briefly and factually — for example a new or VoIP number, or that you only messaged people who expected it.
- For frozen accounts, use the appeal option shown in the app.
- Don’t create new accounts to keep messaging; that makes things worse.
Limited or hacked?
If the spam came from someone else using your account, end their session and set two-step verification first: hacked Telegram account. Then appeal the limit. For takeovers you can’t reverse, our hacked account recovery service works through official channels.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Telegram spam limit last?
Telegram says a first limit is usually a few days; repeat cases last longer.
Who can I still message?
People who have your number saved, and anyone who messages you first.
How do I appeal a Telegram limit?
Through @SpamBot, or the appeal option in the app for frozen accounts.
I just registered and I’m already limited. Why?
Some numbers trigger limits because of a previous owner’s activity or because they’re virtual/VoIP numbers. Explain this to @SpamBot.
Sources: Telegram — Spam FAQ, Telegram — FAQ, Telegram — sessions and two-step verification