How to Fix Telegram SMS Fee in 2026: Causes and Bypass Methods

Following the widespread issue of "Telegram not receiving verification codes," a new hurdle has emerged for users trying to register or log in: the Telegram SMS Fee.

Recently, an increasing number of users have been getting blocked by an "SMS Fee" page during the login process. The page explicitly states that receiving a verification code via SMS now requires payment. The problem? Many users either see no payment entry at all or receive no code after payment.

This article provides a systematic analysis of the Telegram SMS Fee issue, covering its mechanics, triggers, solutions, and limitations. Our goal is to help users stuck at this stage determine the best Telegram SMS fee bypass method for their situation.

1. What Is Telegram SMS Fee and Why Is It Triggered?

Telegram's decision to charge for SMS verification is not a universal global policy. Instead, it is a mechanism gradually introduced since the second half of 2024, targeting specific regions and high-risk login scenarios.

When Telegram's algorithms flag a login request as "high risk" or "expensive," they stop sending free SMS codes. Instead, it may:

• Disable free SMS verification.

• Require payment for SMS delivery.

• Suggest a short-term Premium subscription to unlock verification.

Telegram appears to be positioning SMS Fee as a permanent risk-control mechanism, not a temporary experiment.

Common triggers reported by users:

• Logging in from a new device or browser.

• Frequent IP or network changes.

• Repeated use of "Resend code."

• Phone numbers from regions with high SMS delivery costs.

• Numbers with a history of frequent Telegram registrations.

Telegram uses this approach to separate high-risk verification requests from normal ones. In other words, the SMS Fee functions as a risk-control threshold, not a punishment.

Note: Many users confuse "not receiving the code" with "paying for the code." They are fundamentally different. If you are simply unable to receive code without a payment prompt, this is not an SMS Fee issue, and the solution path is completely different.

2. How to Fix Telegram SMS Fee?

Below are several potential methods that may help bypass the problem, and some of them are repeatedly mentioned in the Telegram SMS Fee Reddit thread. While results vary depending on device and network conditions, these methods are not guaranteed and should be treated as references only.

1) Network Adjustment / App Reinstallation

• Switch to a different country-level IP (not just a city change)

• Fully close Telegram, clear the cache, or reinstall the app

• Retry login after a short cooldown period

Reality check:

Low success rate, but still works occasionally. iOS users report slightly higher success than Android.

2) Prioritize In-App Verification

If you are still logged into Telegram on any other device (such as an old phone, tablet, or PC), the code will be sent to the Telegram Service Notifications chat within that active app, bypassing the SMS route entirely.

Action: Check your old devices before clicking "Send via SMS."

Limitations:

• The old device must be online.

• Not applicable to first-time registrations.

3) Use Telegram X or Official Direct APK

Some users report that using Telegram's official alternative app, such as Telegram X, or downloading the direct APK version from Telegram's website (instead of Google Play), can trigger a different verification flow and bypass the forced payment page.

4) Use Older Telegram Versions (Android Only)

Android users can search for keywords like "Telegram APK" to find and install older versions of the client. These versions may not yet have the latest billing logic implemented.

Warning:

This is a temporary workaround. Once Telegram enforces server-side rules, older versions may stop working.

3. Paid SMS Fee Unlock Options — What They Do and Don't Solve

If the free methods above fail, or if the Telegram SMS fee is unavailable in your region (meaning you can't pay even if you wanted to), you need a third-party bridge.

Before choosing a paid option, it's critical to understand one thing: Bypassing the SMS Fee does not mean bypassing verification. Telegram still requires a valid verification step. Paid unlocks simply allow access to that step.

AccountBoy provides a specific "Telegram One-Week Premium" designed to bypass the SMS Fee wall for users who lack international payment methods or are region-locked.

What paid unlocks can help with:

Removing the SMS Fee payment screen

Allowing Telegram to send a verification code again

What they cannot fix:

This is a functional bypass, not a full Telegram Premium subscription.

It does not grant Premium features (like star badges or faster downloads).

It is designed strictly to resolve the "Stuck on Payment Page" issue.

Tutorial: How to Bypass SMS Fee with AccountBoy

If you are stuck, follow these steps to force the verification code through:

(1) Get the Code: Place an order on the AccountBoy website to receive your "Redemption Code" and specific link.

(2) Activate: Open the provided link, enter your redemption code, click "Check," and proceed.

(3) Input Number: Enter the phone number that is currently blocked by the SMS Fee page.

(4) Verify: You will be asked for a verification email. Enter a valid email address.

(5) Complete: Input the code sent to your email.

Result: Once redeemed, the Telegram system recognizes the account as having "paid" the threshold, releasing the SMS verification code to your phone.

4. Why Telegram SMS Fee Is Bypassed but Codes Still Don't Arrive

This is a critical warning. Bypassing the fee allows Telegram to send the code, but it guarantees your phone will receive it.

If you bypass the fee but still don't get the SMS, the issue is likely:

Carrier Blocking: Your local mobile carrier (or VOIP provider) is blocking international texts.

Virtual Numbers: Many virtual numbers cannot receive short-code SMS, regardless of payment.

Network Lag: High latency in your local network or long-term use of high-risk network environments

In these cases, the issue lies with your phone provider, not the Telegram fee mechanism.

5. Telegram Premium vs. SMS Fee: What's the Relationship?

Telegram Premium focuses on feature enhancements and efficiency, such as higher upload limits and faster download speeds. It does not guarantee that the SMS Fee will never be triggered.

However, from a long-term perspective, stable and normal account usage behavior can reduce the likelihood of repeatedly triggering Telegram's risk controls. This is one reason some users choose Telegram Premium.