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Telegram Only Contacts Can Message – Reason + Fix

Telegram Only Contacts Can Message – Reason + Fix

Telegram is a globally accessible messaging platform that helps you connect with others, but some users complain that their account is restricted to only contacts who can send a message.

To help you with this, we’ll show you are facing this strange restriction on the chat app and how you can fix this glitch with easy and quick solutions.

Can non contacts message me on Telegram?

When you set a username on Telegram, non-contacts can find your account and text you through the “Global Search” option on the app, even if they don’t have your phone number.

However, if your profile does not have a username, your account will be restricted, and strangers will not be able to send you messages.

Why only contacts can message me on Telegram?

  • You are not active or part of any Telegram group or channel. 
  • You have blocked the non-contact person on your account.
  • Account privacy settings are incorrect.
  • Your contacts are unable to forward your messages to others with a link to your account. 
  • Your phone number is set to private.  
  • You have deactivated the “People Nearby” feature on your Telegram account. 

How do I allow non contacts to communicate with me on Telegram?

Add Your Username on Telegram

Android / iOS:

  • Open Telegram.”
  • Tap the three lines.
  • Choose “Settings.”
  • Select “None.”
  • Add a username in the given field.
  • Select the “Tick” icon to confirm the action.

Telegram Desktop App:

  • Open Telegram.”
  • Click the three lines.
  • Click “Settings.”
  • Select “Edit Profile.”
  • Click “t.me/username.”
  • Enter the username.
  • Click “Save.”

Now others can message you on Telegram through your username. 

Remove Phone Number From Private

  • Open Telegram.”
  • Click or tap the three lines at the top-left corner of the app’s screen.
  • Select “Settings.”
  • Select “Privacy and Security.”
  • Choose “Phone Number.” 
  • Next, choose “Everybody” in the “Who Can See My Phone Number?” section. 
  • In the “Who Can Find Me By My Number” section, select “Everybody.”
  • Tap the “Tick” or choose the “Save” icon to apply the changes, and you will now receive messages from non-contacts.

Stay Active on Telegram Groups and Channels

One of the best methods to resolve the issue is to stay active on Telegram channels and groups to connect with others. This way, the members can find your profile to get your phone number or username and text you. 

You can also configure your account settings to let non-contacts add you to groups and channels. To do this: 

  • Open “Telegram.”
  • Select the three lines.
  • Choose “Settings.”
  • Go to “Privacy and Security.”
  • Select “Groups & Channels.”
  • Select “Everybody” under “Who Can Add Me To Groups and Channels.”
  • Choose “Save” or tap the tick icon.

Change Forwarded Message Settings on Telegram

  • Launch “Telegram.”
  • Tap or click three horizontal lines.
  • Select “Settings” > Privacy and Security.”
  • Choose “Forwarded Messages.”
  • Select “Everybody” under the “Who Can Add a Link To My Account When Forwarding My Messages.”
  • Click “Save” or tap the Tick icon. 

Now, others can click on your profile link to send you text messages. 

Unblock Non-Contacts on Telegram

You might have blocked the non-contact person on your account, which could be why they cannot send you any messages. 

To unblock them and allow them to text you, try these steps:

  • Open “Telegram.”
  • Tap or click the three lines.
  • Select “Settings.”
  • Go to “Privacy and Security.”
  • Tap or click the profile name on the top of the screen.
  • Select “Unblock User.” 
  • Choose “Blocked Users.”
  • Click or tap “Unblock” next to the target person. 

Enable People Nearby Option In Telegram

  • Open “Telegram.”
  • Tap or click the “Hamburger” icon (Tripple bar).
  • Tap “Allow Access” to let Telegram access your current location.
  • Select “People Nearby.”
  • Click or Tap “Make Myself Visible” to turn off the invisible setting. 

By activating this function, you will help people in your area who are not in your phonebook to start conversations with you.

NOTE: When the People Nearby option is disabled, Telegram will also stop you from sending messages to nearby people.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explained why your Telegram is limited to only your saved contacts who can send you a text and how you can quickly fix this issue. 

Hopefully, this article was helpful, and you can now enjoy a more open and engaging experience on Telegram with people outside your Telegram network.

Author

  • Tauqeer Ahmed

    Tauqeer Ahmed is a technology expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He has a degree in Computer Science and specializes in network security and software troubleshooting. You can find out more about him at https://helpfixthat.com/tauqeer-ahmed/