The short answer
- 1The bottom of the chat says why you cannot write.
- 2Usually: not joined, a channel, a closed group, a restriction on you, or slow mode.
- 3Only admins can lift restrictions; beware fake 'admins' who message you first.
In this article
Read the bottom of the chat
When you can't write in a group or channel, the place where the message box should be usually explains why. Match what you see:
| What you see | What it means | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| A Join or Join Group button | You are only previewing a public chat | Join first, then write |
| Apply to join group, then Join request sent | Admins approve new members by hand | Wait for approval |
| A Mute or Unmute button and no message box, in a channel | Only channel admins post in channels | Comment under posts if the channel has a discussion group |
| "Sending messages is not allowed in this group." | The admins closed the group to messages for everyone | Nothing for now; it is often temporary or an announcements-only group |
| "The admins of this group have restricted you from messaging until …" | You personally are restricted, until that time | Wait, or ask an admin in private |
| "The admins of this group have restricted your ability to send messages." | You are restricted with no end date | Ask an admin |
| "Slow Mode is active. You can send your next message in …" | One message per person every so often | Wait for the timer in the message box |
| "you were removed", or you cannot open the chat | An admin removed you from the group | Only an admin can let you back |
Text works, media does not
Admins can allow text but block other kinds of messages. You may see "Sending media isn't allowed in this group." or "Stickers aren't allowed in this group." for everyone, or "The admins of this group have restricted your ability to send media" for you alone. The attach button or sticker panel then does nothing, or shows that message. Send the information as text, or ask an admin whether files are welcome.
Slow mode in practice
With slow mode on, you can send one message, then wait. Two things catch people out:
- Long text is refused if it would split into several messages: "This text is too long to send as one message." Shorten it, or send it as a file.
- Sending several things in a row is refused: "Slow Mode is active. You can't send more than one message at once." Put everything into one message.
Admins are not affected by slow mode, which is why they can post freely while you wait.
Asking an admin
The group's info page lists its admins. Message one of them politely and briefly: what you wanted to post and what the app says. Avoid posting the same question in other groups or messaging every admin at once. If the restriction is a mistake, they can lift it in a few taps.
If you run the group and members cannot post, check your group's permissions and slow mode first. If your own account cannot message people outside groups either, see mutual contacts only. Next step: appealing a ban on your channel, bot or sticker set.
FAQ
Why can't I send messages in a Telegram group?
The group may be closed to messages, you may be restricted, slow mode may be on, or you have not joined yet. The bottom of the chat says which.
Why can't I post in a Telegram channel?
Only channel admins post. Members can comment under posts if the channel has a discussion group.
How do I get unrestricted in a Telegram group?
Ask one of the group's admins, listed in the group info. Only they can lift it.
Sources
At a glance
- 1Read the bar
Join, Apply to join, Mute, or a restriction message.
- 2Media only
Text can be allowed while media or stickers are not.
- 3Slow mode
One message at a time; wait for the timer.
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