Fix: “You Can Only Message Mutual Contacts” Restriction on Telegram
Telegram may sometimes restrict your account so that you can only message mutual contacts. For many users, this feels sudden and unfair, especially if they believe they haven’t broken any rules. In reality, these restrictions are usually triggered by Telegram’s automated anti-spam system, which can mistakenly flag normal behavior as suspicious.
Real example: I was using a dating app on Telegram and started messaging people who did not have me saved in contacts. I copied a short intro and sent it to many new chats. From Telegram’s perspective, this looked like mass outreach to strangers, so my account was limited. It wasn’t personal. The system simply detected a spam-like pattern. Thankfully, my account was restored after 24 hours.
Here are the most common triggers behind these limits:
- Sending too many cold messages to people who don’t have you in their contacts
- Copying and pasting the same text across multiple chats
- Joining several groups in a short time
- Frequently changing your profile and sharing links right after
- Getting reported by users for unwanted or suspicious activity
Telegram’s system continuously monitors for these behaviors and applies temporary restrictions to protect other users.
Note: If your account ends up on a shadowban list, the system review can clear it within a few hours. Simply reopen Telegram later to check if the restriction has been lifted.
If the limit is still active, you can submit a polite appeal using Telegram’s built-in Spam Info Bot:
Step 1: When you see the “Sorry, you can only send messages to mutual contacts at the moment” error, tap “Learn more” to open the Spam Info Bot chat.
Step 2: In the Spam Info Bot chat, press “START” to begin your appeal. After that, select “Submit a complaint.”
Step 3: Telegram will show its policies. Read them carefully and then confirm by selecting “No, I’ll never do any of this!” to acknowledge the rules.
Step 4: When asked to describe your complaint, keep it short and honest. For example:
“I was messaging new people from a dating app who did not have me in contacts, which may have looked like spam. I understand the policy and will avoid this in the future. Please review my account and remove the restriction.”
Step 5: After submitting your appeal, check your account periodically. Restrictions are often lifted silently without any notification.
