How to get an OTP/SMS for registration without Telegram Premium in 2025

Is Telegram no longer free?

Telegram recently announced that it will require users to purchase a Premium subscription to receive SMS verification codes when registering from certain countries. This feature is already active within the app.

For example, if you try to register a Telegram account using a number from Kenya or South Africa Telegram will prompt you to buy a one-week Premium subscription to cover the cost of sending the SMS. This measure was introduced due to the rise in fake accounts and the high expense of sending SMS messages from the countries where the registration is attempted.

How can temp numbers help?

As mentioned earlier, Telegram will require users to purchase a subscription in some countries, but not all. For example, when registering with a US number, Telegram does not require any payment and will send the SMS verification code as usual. But what can you do if you are in a country where a subscription is needed to register on Telegram?

You can use temporary numbers from Second Number. This service provides rental numbers from different countries, including US numbers. By using such a number, you can bypass the SMS payment requirement when registering on Telegram and do it almost for free, aside from the small cost of renting the Telegram number.

What the Second Number Service Provides

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register a Telegram Account Without Buying Premium

1) Sign up on an SMS service and top up your balance in your account using available payment methods: bank cards, cryptocurrency, or Alipay.

2) Select Your Preferred Country – We suggest opting for a US number, as it’s fully compatible with Telegram and doesn’t need a subscription to register.

3) Install the Telegram app on your device, then begin the sign-up process using the number you acquired.

IMPORTANT: Before starting the registration, enable a VPN or proxy with a US location to increase your chances of successful registration

4) Telegram may ask you to provide an email where it will send an SMS with the code, but it will also send an SMS to your number during registration.

5) Once you enter the number and receive the SMS, you can use Telegram without purchasing Telegram Premium.

How to Stay Safe on Telegram in 2025 and Avoid Bans

Telegram is a robust messaging platform, but it takes spam and bot activity very seriously. If you’re using a virtual number to receive your verification code, you need to be strategic in how you set up and manage your account. Doing it wrong can lead to temporary or even permanent restrictions.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to protecting your Telegram account:

1. Steer Clear of Public or Complimentary Numbers

While free or widely shared numbers might appear handy, they are often the quickest route to account flags. Many new accounts that run into problems trace back to numbers that have been misused before.
To avoid this, opt for a personal virtual number from a trustworthy service like Second Number. This guarantees that:

• The number is exclusively yours

• It has a spotless history, free from previous bans or restrictions

2. Limit Accounts Per IP Address

If you’re setting up multiple accounts—whether personal, business, or region-specific—don’t register them all from the same network back-to-back.
Recommendations:

• Rotate IP addresses or pause between verifications

• Avoid excessive logins from the same device

3. Don’t Engage in Mass Activity Immediately

Telegram monitors new accounts closely. Actions like:

1) Joining too many groups at once

2) Sending mass messages

3) Posting links repeatedly

...can lead to shadowbans or temporary blocks within hours.

Instead:

1) Complete your profile first

2) Wait a day before becoming active

3) Interact naturally with messages and content

4. Choose Numbers from Low-Risk Countries

Certain regions have higher flag rates due to historical spam issues. It’s safer to select numbers from countries like the USA region with high deliverability and lower risk of blocks.

5. One Number Per Account

Each virtual number should only be tied to a single Telegram account. Reusing numbers for multiple accounts is one of the quickest ways to trigger a block.

Tip for Managing Multiple Accounts

If handling several profiles:

• Keep a record of which number belongs to which account

• Store login credentials securely

• Set reminders if a rented number is nearing expiration

What to Do If Your Account or Number Is Already Blocked

Even with precautions, accounts and numbers can still get flagged. Here’s a step-by-step approach to recover:

Step 1: Stop Using the Same Number Repeatedly

If you’ve attempted multiple logins with the same number, don’t continue. Telegram may have already marked it as suspicious.
Reusing the same number can:

• Extend the block duration

• Trigger shadowbans

• Prevent SMS codes from arriving

Step 2: Wait 24–48 Hours

Temporary restrictions are often lifted automatically after a short pause, especially if you:

• Requested too many codes

• Used a suspicious IP or VPN

• Switched devices too quickly

Step 3: Use a Clean Device and Connection

If your previous attempts were on public Wi-Fi, mobile hotspots, or VPNs:

• Switch to a stable home network

• Use a device that hasn’t logged in recently

• Clear the app cache (but don’t uninstall Telegram if local chats are needed)

Step 4: Contact Telegram Support (Optional)

1) For older accounts, you can email recover@telegram.org. Include:

2) Your phone number in international format

3) A brief message, for example:

“Hello, I’m trying to verify my Telegram account, but the SMS code isn’t arriving. I’m using a clean, new number and would appreciate assistance.”

While replies aren’t guaranteed, it’s worth trying, especially for accounts tied to personal information.

If your account is permanently banned, consider rotating numbers.