How to Stop Telegram's SMS Charges and Still Get Your Login Code
Dec 1, 2025
Table of Contents
Why Telegram Charges for SMS Verification
Understanding SMS Charges in Telegram
Get Your Login Code Without SMS Charges
Use Voice Calls Instead of SMS
Create and Use Backup Codes
Explore Third-Party Telegram Clients
Why Switch to Turrit for Better Telegram Experience
How to Prevent SMS Charges in the Future
Telegram users frequently face unexpected SMS charges when logging into their accounts or verifying their phone numbers. This happens because Telegram relies on SMS-based verification systems that your mobile carrier charges for. The good news is you can stop these charges and still access your login codes through several practical methods that do not require paying extra fees.
Why Telegram Charges for SMS Verification
Telegram does not directly charge you for SMS messages. Instead, your mobile carrier adds charges to your phone bill when Telegram sends verification codes through SMS. When you create a new account or log in from a new device, Telegram needs to verify your phone number. The platform uses SMS as the default delivery method for verification codes, which triggers carrier charges that vary by location and service provider.
The cost structure depends on your carrier's rates for incoming SMS messages. Some carriers charge per message, while others include a certain amount of SMS in their plans. International carriers often charge higher rates for verification messages, making this a bigger problem for users outside the United States.
Understanding SMS Charges in Telegram
SMS charges from Telegram verification codes typically range from 10 cents to several dollars per message, depending on your location and carrier. These are not fees that Telegram collects—they are charges your phone company adds to your account.
Each time you log into Telegram or add a new device, you receive one verification code via SMS. If you have multiple devices or frequently log out and back in, these charges accumulate quickly. Users in countries with expensive international rates face even higher costs.

Get Your Login Code Without SMS Charges
Telegram offers multiple ways to receive your login code beyond SMS messages. The most common alternatives include voice calls and backup codes. Understanding these options helps you avoid carrier fees while maintaining secure access to your account.
Each method provides the same security level as SMS but eliminates the cost issue. You can switch between these options depending on your situation and preferences. Many users combine multiple methods to create a backup system that works in any scenario.
Use Voice Calls Instead of SMS
When you request a login code from Telegram, the app offers a "Call me instead" option if SMS is not working or you want to avoid SMS charges. Telegram calls your phone number and delivers the verification code through an automated voice message.
To access this feature, follow these steps during the login process: Enter your phone number and request the verification code, wait for the SMS to arrive or for the option to become available, tap "Call me instead" when the button appears, answer the incoming call from Telegram, and listen for your verification code in the automated message.
Voice calls are often free or included in your phone plan, making this method cost-effective. The main drawback is that you must be available to answer the call when it comes in, which may not work if you are traveling or do not have access to a phone at that moment.

Create and Use Backup Codes
Telegram allows you to generate backup codes that work as alternatives to SMS or voice call verification. These codes function as one-time passwords that you store securely and use when you cannot receive SMS or voice calls.
To set up backup codes in Telegram, open the app and go to Settings, select Privacy and Security, find the Two-Step Verification option, enable it if not already active, and generate backup codes. Telegram provides a list of single-use codes that work as verification alternatives.
Store these codes in a secure location outside your phone—use a password manager, write them down in a safe place, or store them in encrypted cloud storage. Each code works one time, so you need a fresh set when you run out. This method eliminates SMS charges entirely because you use codes you already have rather than requesting new ones.
Explore Third-Party Telegram Clients
Third-party Telegram clients offer enhanced features and often handle verification differently than the official app. Some clients integrate alternative verification methods or provide settings that reduce the frequency of verification requests.
One notable option is Turrit, a feature-rich Telegram client that streamlines the login experience and offers enhanced security features without triggering excessive SMS charges. Turrit supports multiple account logins and provides a more efficient verification process.

Why Switch to Turrit for Better Telegram Experience
Turrit is a third-party Telegram client that eliminates many frustrations associated with the official app, including SMS verification issues. This client provides a superior user experience with additional features that the official Telegram app does not offer.
Turrit allows you to log in with up to 10 different accounts simultaneously, which is particularly useful if you manage multiple Telegram accounts for different purposes. The client includes advanced translation features that work across all your messages and channels in real time.
One of the standout features of Turrit is its intelligent translation system. You can translate messages before sending them with 99% accuracy using AI-powered translation technology. The app also translates entire chats dynamically as you scroll, making communication across language barriers seamless. For pages you open in the built-in browser, Turrit provides real-time page translation with up to 95% accuracy.
Turrit offers unlimited cloud storage and provides download speeds up to 20 times faster than standard Telegram. The interface is simplified and customizable, allowing you to choose between side navigation and bottom navigation layouts based on your preference. You can even customize the app icon to match your phone's home screen theme with various color options.
Turrit includes advanced privacy detection features that scan your account and show you a privacy score. You can enhance your security with one click. The app allows you to block specific keywords to filter advertising messages and filter individual users' messages within groups.
The app supports pinning up to 10 different chats across all folders, giving you quick access to your most important conversations. Turrit also includes Video Flow functionality similar to scrolling through TikTok, allowing you to browse video content in a continuous stream. You can download videos up to 20 times faster to your saved files and enjoy player gesture controls for adjusting volume and brightness through simple swipes.



Turrit includes content search functionality that lets you explore more groups, channels, and bots directly from the search bar. Channel owners can submit their communities to increase visibility. The app also features group remark functionality that keeps your chat names organized with custom labels visible only to you.
How to Prevent SMS Charges in the Future
Once you have successfully avoided SMS charges for your current login, take steps to prevent them from happening again. The most effective approach is to enable two-step verification with backup codes, which reduces the need for verification messages.
Keep your login information in a secure location so you do not need to log out and back in frequently. If you use multiple devices, log in once and keep those sessions active rather than repeatedly signing in and out. This single change prevents the majority of SMS charges because each login attempt triggers verification requests.
Consider using a third-party client like Turrit, which handles sessions more efficiently and reduces unnecessary verification prompts. Enable backup codes and store them securely, using them instead of SMS whenever possible. Check your mobile carrier's settings to see if you can disable premium services or reduce charges for verification messages.
Keep your phone number updated in Telegram settings so verification messages reach you on the first attempt rather than requiring resend requests. Contact your carrier if SMS charges from Telegram seem excessive—some carriers offer verification message plans at reduced rates or can block specific types of charges.
By implementing these methods, you maintain secure access to your Telegram account while eliminating unexpected carrier fees. Choose the combination of methods that works best for your situation, and you will never pay for Telegram verification codes again.
