Telegram Blocks Links from Strangers on iOS and macOS

In a recent update to its iOS and macOS apps, Telegram introduced a restriction on links sent by unknown users in private chats — such links now appear as plain text, without highlighting, and cannot be opened by tapping.
📵 What’s Changed
In the latest versions of Telegram for iOS and macOS, links sent by users who are not in your contacts:
- are no longer highlighted,
- are not clickable,
- appear as regular text.
This change does not affect:
- the Android app,
- Telegram for Windows,
- or the web version of the messenger.
🔒 Why Telegram Made This Change
According to Telegram, the new restriction is aimed at protecting users from scams. Suspicious links are often used in phishing attacks, and this update reduces the chances of users clicking them by accident.
How to Make a Link Clickable Again
Telegram offers a few ways to restore functionality to links:
- Add the sender to your contacts.
- Dismiss the info banner at the top of the chat.
- Forward the message with the link to your Saved Messages — it will work there.
📌 Summary
What Changed | Links from unknown users are now disabled in Telegram for iOS and macOS |
---|---|
Purpose | Protection from scams |
Who’s Affected | iOS and macOS users |
Workarounds | Add to contacts, hide banner, or forward to Saved Messages |