Telegram Login Shows "SMS Fee" and Wants Payment? Here's the Free Way Around It
Recently, many long-time Telegram users have run into a blocking screen they had never seen before when switching to a new phone or logging in on a new Android device — the "SMS Fee."
Recently, many long-time Telegram users have run into a blocking screen they had never seen before when switching to a new phone or logging in on a new Android device — “SMS Fee.”
All they wanted was to log in, yet the system said a “fee” had to be paid before a verification code could be sent, and it even pushed users toward subscribing to Telegram Premium.
If this happens to you, don’t rush to pay! This is actually a risk-control policy that newer Telegram versions apply to certain regions or carriers. This article reveals the reason behind it and offers a completely free solution that has been tested and works.
What Is the “SMS Fee” Block?
As shown in the screenshot above, when you try to log in on a newer version of Telegram (usually v11.6.2 and above), you may see this prompt:
High SMS Costs. Due to fake accounts and high SMS costs in your country, you’ll need to cover your signup fee.
The only option the system offers is usually “Support via Telegram Premium” — that is, paying for a verification code.
Why Does This Happen?
Telegram officially says this is meant to fight fake accounts and cope with high international SMS costs. But for long-time users with real accounts, it is a terrible experience — especially when you clearly have other online devices that could receive the code, yet you are still forced into the paid SMS channel.
The Fix: Downgrade (Go Back to a Version Before v11.6.1)
In fact, this “paywall” is mainly a limitation of the newer client. Older versions of Telegram did not have this forced-payment logic, and they kept the priority of “receiving the code through another online device.”
Steps:
- Uninstall the new version: First, uninstall the new Telegram version that is asking you to pay (note: if it was installed through an automatic Google Play update, it is usually the latest version and must be uninstalled).
- Download an older APK: You need to download the Android v11.6.1 or earlier APK.
- Install and log in: Install the older APK, open the app, and enter your phone number to log in.
- Receive the code: The magic happens — the older version won’t show the “SMS Fee” screen. Instead it will first try to send the code to your other logged-in devices (such as your computer or old phone).
- Check your other Telegram clients and enter the 5-digit code you receive to log in successfully.
- If no other device is online, the older version usually still allows a free standard SMS verification, without forcing the block.
How It Works
The logic behind this method is simple:
- New version (v11.6.2+): checks the carrier and regional costs first, forces the paid SMS route, and blocks the free channel.
- Old version (v11.6.1 and earlier): the login flow is in-app code > free SMS > phone-call verification. It bypasses the new “paywall” code directly and asks the server to send an in-app code. As long as the server side hasn’t completely locked the account, the old client can still pass verification normally.
Summary
If your Telegram account is an old one and you’re only being asked to pay because you switched to a new phone, don’t be a sucker. Just spend a few minutes downloading an old version before v11.6.1, and you can easily save that wasted money and finish logging in!
Note: after logging in successfully, you can keep using the old version, or overwrite-update to the latest version from Google Play (your logged-in state is usually preserved).
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