On Telegram, the widely popular instant messaging app, many users—especially those with newly registered accounts—encounter the message “Sorry, you can only send messages to mutual contacts at the moment.” This is known as the “mutual-contact restriction” or “mutual contacts limit,” and it is a common account-protection mechanism. This article systematically explains its causes, specific effects, and effective steps to lift it, helping users quickly restore their normal usage experience.

Causes of the mutual-contact restriction

Telegram imposes the mutual-contact restriction primarily to guard against spam, harassment, and abuse. Specific triggering factors include:

  • Automatic restriction of new accounts: New accounts registered with phone numbers from certain high-risk regions (such as Chinese mainland +86 numbers) are often subjected to a restriction by default. This is because historical data shows that accounts from these regions have a higher proportion of spam.
  • Rule violations: Frequently sending messages to strangers, being reported as harassing by multiple users, abusing the group invitation feature, or sending repetitive content (such as advertisements).
  • System misjudgment: Occasionally, normal users are affected due to algorithmic errors.

This restriction is not a permanent ban (a ban would prevent you from logging in); rather, it is a temporary protective measure that usually lasts from a few hours to a few days.

Effects of the mutual-contact restriction

A restricted account mainly behaves as follows:

  • You cannot proactively send private messages to non-mutual contacts (i.e., users with whom you have not saved each other's phone numbers or established a mutual friendship), even if the other person is in the same group or knows your username.
  • You can still receive messages and reply normally.
  • Group chats, channel browsing, and other features are unaffected.
  • It may be accompanied by other temporary restrictions, such as limits on joining new groups.

Official methods to lift the mutual-contact restriction

Telegram provides official channels to handle such issues, and the most reliable way is to appeal through the official bot @SpamBot. Below are the detailed steps (applicable to the latest version of Telegram, as of early 2026):

  1. Find and start the bot:
    • Type “@SpamBot” in the Telegram search bar (make sure it is the official Spam Info Bot with the blue verified checkmark).
    • Tap to enter the chat window and send “/start” or simply begin the conversation.
    • If a prompt appears when a message fails to send, you can directly tap the “Details” link to jump to @SpamBot.
  2. Follow the bot's guidance to appeal:
    • The bot will ask about the type of restriction; choose “I can't message non-contacts” (or a similar option, such as “But I can’t message non-contacts!”).
    • Confirm that you will not engage in rule violations (select the corresponding button, such as “No, I’ll never do any of this!”).
    • Provide additional explanation: enter a brief description in English, for example “This is a mistake” or “I didn’t send spam, please review my account.”
    • After submitting, the bot will tell you the estimated time for the restriction to be lifted (usually from half an hour to a few days).
  3. Wait and verify:
    • After a successful appeal, wait a while and then test sending a message to a stranger.
    • If it is not lifted immediately, you can repeat the process or wait patiently. Serious violations may require a longer review period.

Other supporting measures and prevention tips

  • Subscribe to Telegram Premium: Premium accounts enjoy more lenient anti-spam rules, reducing the likelihood of being restricted.
  • Change the linked phone number: Registering a new account with a foreign phone number can avoid the initial restriction.
  • Maintain normal usage habits: Avoid frequently messaging strangers or sending bulk identical content; actively participate in group interactions and build mutual contacts.
  • If the appeal is ineffective: In rare cases, you can provide further feedback through Telegram's official support channels, but @SpamBot is the primary route.

 

The mutual-contact restriction reflects Telegram's emphasis on user privacy and security. By following the platform's rules, most users can quickly restore full functionality. If you encounter a specific problem during the process, we recommend consulting Telegram's official FAQ or community experience shared by others. We hope this article has been helpful to you—enjoy using Telegram!