Recently, several Telegram users have reported that they may be required to pay for SMS verification when logging in on a new device or changing network environments, sparking widespread attention and discussion.
According to user feedback, in addition to some regions where registration requires a fee, email verification and SMS charges may also be enforced when logging in from a new device or from a different IP address.
Practical tests have shown that users typically do not trigger the charging mechanism when they log out and then log back in on the same device. However, once the IP address is changed—especially when using a U.S. proxy IP—the original login status may be deemed abnormal by the system, thus lifting the verification exemption and requiring the user to confirm their identity through a paid SMS. This means that using Telegram across different networks or regions might incur unexpected costs and operational hurdles.
Security experts advise users to be vigilant when switching devices or networks, carefully read system prompts, and avoid unnecessary expenses due to overlooking verification rules. Additionally, managing login behavior reasonably and maintaining common devices and stable network environments can help reduce the likelihood of triggering paid verification.
