Frequently asked questions
Short answers about buying and selling Stars, gifts, Premium and paying — with links to the full guides.
Telegram Stars
Can I buy Stars without a username?
Crediting a Telegram account needs the recipient's public @username: Fragment credits Stars to it. Set a username in Telegram's settings, or buy Stars to the wallet in the bot, which needs none.More: How to buy Telegram Stars
Can I buy Stars for a friend?
Yes. Choose "as a gift" and type your friend's @username. If your friend charges for incoming messages, Telegram will not let you gift less than that price — the bot checks this before you pay and names the minimum.More: How to buy Telegram Stars
Which ways to pay can I use?
It depends on the bot's language and currency: rouble methods (SBP, cards) are shown to Russian readers and to those counting in roubles; with the Belarusian rouble, a Belarusian bank card and ERIP; everyone else pays with crypto. More in the guide on ways to pay by country.More: How to buy Telegram Stars
Why can't I buy Stars inside Telegram?
Inside the app, Stars are sold through the App Store and Google Play, which take only some cards and work only in some countries. The reasons and other ways are in can't buy Stars; what works on each phone is in buying Stars on iPhone and Android.More: How to buy Telegram Stars
What if my Stars have not arrived?
Check the order in the bot. If it is paid and the Stars are more than half an hour late, read what to do if Stars have not arrived and contact support — a paid order is either completed or refunded.More: How to buy Telegram Stars
Where are my Stars on Telegram?
In "Settings" → "My Stars". The item has the same name on iPhone, Android and in the desktop apps.More: Where to see your Telegram Stars balance
Can I delete my Telegram Stars history?
No. Single transactions or the whole Stars history can't be deleted — Telegram has no such option.More: Where to see your Telegram Stars balance
Can I get a refund for Telegram Stars?
Telegram doesn't refund bought Stars: under its terms the purchase is final. A bot's developer can return Stars if a purchase didn't arrive, and the recipient of a paid message can return what you paid.More: Where to see your Telegram Stars balance
Why don't Stars from the bot's wallet show up in "My Stars"?
They are two separate balances. Stars from the Shiba Bank wallet reach your account once you withdraw them: "Wallet" → "Withdraw" → "To a Telegram account".More: Where to see your Telegram Stars balance
How do I see a channel's or bot's Stars balance?
A channel's Stars are in its statistics, on the "Monetization" tab; a bot's are in the bot's profile under "Edit" → "Balance". Only the owner can withdraw them through Fragment.More: Where to see your Telegram Stars balance
Can Stars be exchanged for money?
Through Fragment, Telegram pays out only Stars received by channels and bots, and Stars that people and groups get for paid messages. Stars on your account can be sold in the Shiba Bank bot for USDT — see the separate guide, and every way at once in how to withdraw Stars.More: What Telegram Stars are
Do Stars expire?
No: bought Stars stay on your account balance until you spend them.More: What Telegram Stars are
Can I send Stars to a friend?
Yes. The simplest way is to buy Stars straight for your friend's @username. Stars in your bot wallet can be withdrawn to a friend's account or sent in a group chat with +send — see how to gift Stars to a friend.More: What Telegram Stars are
What is the smallest gift?
Buying — from 50 Stars. Withdrawing from the wallet and +send — from the minimum the bot shows on the screen or in its reply.More: How to gift Stars to a friend in Telegram
Does my friend need Telegram Premium?
No. Stars can be gifted to any Telegram user with a public username.More: How to gift Stars to a friend in Telegram
Can I gift Stars and Premium together?
They are two separate orders: Stars under "Buy Stars", the subscription under "Buy Premium". See how to buy Telegram Premium.More: How to gift Stars to a friend in Telegram
What does the level on a Telegram profile mean?
It is the level of the Stars rating. It grows from Stars spent on gifts, paid messages and channel posts, and drops after refunds and gift conversions. Tap the badge on a profile and Telegram shows what the rating is based on.More: Telegram profile rating and levels
How much rating do Telegram gifts give?
A gift from Telegram's shop counts in full: as many Stars as it cost, that much is added. A gift bought from another user adds 20% of its price. Converting a gift to Stars deducts 85% of its value.More: Telegram profile rating and levels
How many Stars do I need for the next level?
Each level has its own threshold, and the rating window on your profile shows how close you are. The quickest way to reach it is with gifts from Telegram's shop: every Star spent on them counts in full.More: Telegram profile rating and levels
Why is my Telegram rating negative?
Because of deductions: refunded Stars are deducted ten times over, and converting gifts to Stars takes away 85% of their value. Telegram shows on your profile how many Stars you need to spend to get out of the negative.More: Telegram profile rating and levels
Can I hide my rating?
Telegram's privacy settings have no separate option for the rating. Pending points and your future rating are visible only to you.More: Telegram profile rating and levels
Does buying Stars raise the rating?
Buying them does not. The rating counts Stars you spend on gifts, paid messages and channel posts.More: Telegram profile rating and levels
Can I get dollars on a card?
No, the payout is USDT on TON only. You can exchange USDT for money with any service you like.More: How to sell Telegram Stars
Can I sell Stars I received as a gift or for a gift?
Yes, as long as they are on your Telegram account balance: it does not matter whether you bought or received them.More: How to sell Telegram Stars
How long does the payout take?
If the request needs no check, USDT goes out right after payment. If it needs a check or a delay, the bot says so before you pay.More: How to sell Telegram Stars
Can I cancel a request?
Yes, until you pay the invoice with Stars — nothing is taken.More: How to sell Telegram Stars
Can Stars in the wallet get frozen?
The age of the account has nothing to do with it. Only an active check of a particular payment or of where particular Stars came from can hold them; the rest of the balance stays available.More: The Stars wallet in the Shiba Bank bot
Is there a fee for withdrawing to an account?
No: the number of Stars you enter is what arrives on the account.More: The Stars wallet in the Shiba Bank bot
Can I pay for Premium with wallet Stars?
Yes, Telegram Premium in the bot is paid with crypto or with Stars from the wallet.More: The Stars wallet in the Shiba Bank bot
Why can't I join a drop?
A drop with a button has conditions set by the chat: how many messages you wrote, how many days you have been in the chat, whether Premium or an NFT gift is needed. The bot names exactly what is missing.More: How to get Telegram Stars without buying them
Do I need a username?
For +boom — yes, a public one. For +boom react, cheques and giveaways — no.More: How to get Telegram Stars without buying them
Can I join from several accounts?
In giveaways the bot filters out linked accounts before the result: one person, one ticket.More: How to get Telegram Stars without buying them
Why is the bot silent in my group?
Most likely it has no admin rights. Without them Telegram shows the bot only commands starting with "/".More: How to give away Stars in a Telegram group
Can I join my own drop?
No, the organizer does not take part in their own drop.More: How to give away Stars in a Telegram group
Where do won Stars go?
To the winner's wallet in the bot. From there they can be withdrawn to a Telegram account.More: How to give away Stars in a Telegram group
Who gave away how much in a chat?
The /stars command in the group shows who handed out how many Stars.More: How to give away Stars in a Telegram group
Where do Stars from a cheque go?
To the claimer's wallet in the bot. From there they can be withdrawn to a Telegram account.More: Stars cheques: Stars by link
Can a cheque be posted in the cheques channel?
Yes, with a separate button and a confirmation, if the cheque is large enough. A posted cheque cannot be taken down or changed, and it can be closed some time after the post.More: Stars cheques: Stars by link
What if nobody claims the cheque in time?
When it expires, the Stars left return to your wallet by themselves.More: Stars cheques: Stars by link
Why does Telegram ask for Stars to message someone?
That person charges Stars for messages: people outside their contacts pay for each message. Telegram shows the price before you send.More: Paid messages on Telegram: how to send them and charge for them
How can I message someone on Telegram without paying Stars?
Wait for them to message you first, or ask them to add you to their contacts — then you don't pay.More: Paid messages on Telegram: how to send them and charge for them
Can I get my Stars back for a message?
Only if the recipient returns them: in the chat with you they tap "Remove Fee" and refund the Stars. The full amount is returned.More: Paid messages on Telegram: how to send them and charge for them
Do I need Premium to charge Stars for messages?
For private messages, yes: only Telegram Premium subscribers can turn it on. In a group, the owner turns it on under "Permissions".More: Paid messages on Telegram: how to send them and charge for them
How many Stars does the recipient get?
85% of each payment. These Stars can be spent on Telegram or withdrawn through Fragment after 21 days.More: Paid messages on Telegram: how to send them and charge for them
How do I view a paid photo or video on Telegram?
Tap "Unlock for …" on the post and confirm the payment. A paid post doesn't open without paying.More: Paid messages on Telegram: how to send them and charge for them
Can I run a giveaway in someone else's channel?
Only with the consent of whoever is responsible for the channel: the bot gives a link where the owner confirms the channel's part.More: How to run a Stars giveaway in a channel
How do I join a giveaway?
Tap the button under the post: the giveaway window shows the conditions, and once they are met you get a ticket.More: How to run a Stars giveaway in a channel
Where does the prize go?
To the winner's wallet in the bot. From there it can be withdrawn to a Telegram account.More: How to run a Stars giveaway in a channel
Is Fragment Telegram's own site?
Yes, Fragment was built by the Telegram team, and Telegram itself sends channel and bot owners there to withdraw Stars. The real address is fragment.com — beware of sites with lookalike addresses.More: Fragment on Telegram: what it is and how to use it
How many Stars can I buy on Fragment?
From 50 Stars at a time; large packages are there too.More: Fragment on Telegram: what it is and how to use it
Can I withdraw Stars from my personal account through Fragment?
Only the Stars you got for paid messages. Bought and gifted Stars can't be withdrawn — they can be sold, for example to the Shiba Bank bot for USDT.More: Fragment on Telegram: what it is and how to use it
Can I buy Stars for a friend on Fragment?
Yes, just enter their @username. The Shiba Bank bot does this too: choose “As a gift” and enter your friend's username.More: Fragment on Telegram: what it is and how to use it
Can I withdraw Stars to a bank card?
Not directly. Stars on a personal account can be sold to the bot for USDT, and USDT exchanged for local money.More: How to withdraw Stars from Telegram
Can I withdraw Stars I received for paid messages?
Yes. People and groups that charge Stars for messages withdraw the Stars they got that way through Fragment, 21 days after the Stars arrive. Bought Stars can't be withdrawn — only sold.More: How to withdraw Stars from Telegram
How much do 1,000 Stars bring?
It depends on the rate: how much USDT the bot pays for 1,000 Stars from an account and from the bot's wallet is on the price and rate page.More: How to withdraw Stars from Telegram
Can I sell Stars from a channel's balance?
No: the bot takes payment only in Stars from a personal account. Channel Stars are withdrawn through Fragment.More: How to withdraw Stars from Telegram
Why can't channel Stars be withdrawn right away?
Telegram makes each Star received available for withdrawal only after 21 days.More: How to withdraw Stars from Telegram
Can I take back Stars sent as a reaction?
No: the Stars go straight to the channel's balance. You can hide your name among the supporters even after sending.More: Stars in a Telegram channel
Why is there no Star reaction under the posts?
A channel admin turns it on. If Star reactions are off in the channel's settings, you can't send one.More: Stars in a Telegram channel
Can I sell a channel's Stars to the bot?
No: the bot takes payment only in Stars from a personal account. A channel's Stars are withdrawn through Fragment.More: Stars in a Telegram channel
How many Stars do I need to withdraw them from a channel?
At least 1,000 Stars, and each of them has to stay on the channel's balance for 21 days.More: Stars in a Telegram channel
Gifts and NFTs
What does a gift on Telegram mean?
It is a token of attention: bought with Stars and sent with a message. The gifts someone shows on their profile are visible to everyone who opens it.More: What are Telegram gifts and what are they for
Are Telegram gifts NFTs?
Regular gifts are not. An upgraded (collectible) gift is unique, and it can be moved to the TON blockchain through Fragment, where it becomes an ordinary NFT.More: What are Telegram gifts and what are they for
Are Telegram gifts worth money?
Only a unique gift can be put up for sale — for Stars, on Telegram's marketplace. A regular gift can be converted into Stars in its first 7 days. Stars on your account can then be sold in the Shiba Bank bot for USDT — how to sell Stars.More: What are Telegram gifts and what are they for
Can I pass a gift on to someone else?
Only a unique one. A regular gift can't be transferred: you can keep it on your profile or, within 7 days, convert it into Stars.More: What are Telegram gifts and what are they for
How do I remove a gift from my profile?
Hide it from your profile in the gift's card: it stays yours, but others no longer see it. In its first 7 days a regular gift can also be converted into Stars — then it is gone for good.More: What are Telegram gifts and what are they for
Do Telegram gifts expire?
No, a gift you receive stays with you. Only converting a regular gift into Stars has a deadline — 7 days after you receive it.More: What are Telegram gifts and what are they for
Can I send a gift without Telegram Premium?
Yes. Anyone with Stars can send regular gifts. Only some gifts are sold to Premium subscribers alone.More: How to send a gift on Telegram
Does the recipient know who sent an anonymous gift?
If the sender turned on "Hide My Name", yes: that option hides the name and message only from people who view the recipient's profile, and the recipient sees who sent it.More: How to send a gift on Telegram
How do I find out who sent me a gift?
If the gift came to you, the sender is shown in the chat it arrived in — even if they hid their name. On someone else's profile, the sender of a hidden-name gift can't be seen.More: How to send a gift on Telegram
How do I stop people from sending me gifts?
Telegram Premium subscribers choose which gifts they accept in Settings > Privacy and Security > Gifts. The same screen sets whose gifts appear on your profile automatically.More: How to send a gift on Telegram
Can I gift Telegram Premium?
Yes: the same "Send a Gift" screen lets you gift Premium for Stars. In the Shiba Bank bot you can also get Premium for 3, 6 or 12 months for a friend by their @username — how to buy Telegram Premium.More: How to send a gift on Telegram
What does an upgrade cost?
Each gift has its own upgrade price in Stars — it is in the gift list. The sender can pay for the upgrade right away, together with the gift. More in how to upgrade a gift.More: NFT gifts in Telegram
Can an NFT gift be sold?
Yes: a unique gift can be put up for sale in Telegram for Stars, or exported to TON and sold on an NFT marketplace. Stars from a sale can then be sold for USDT. More in how to sell a gift.More: NFT gifts in Telegram
How is an NFT gift different from an ordinary NFT?
While the gift is in Telegram, it lives inside Telegram. Once exported through Fragment, it becomes an ordinary NFT on the TON blockchain.More: NFT gifts in Telegram
Can an upgrade be undone?
No: an upgraded gift stays unique.More: How to upgrade a gift in Telegram
Can I choose the model or the backdrop?
No, the combination is drawn at random from the ones that gift has.More: How to upgrade a gift in Telegram
What can I do with the upgraded gift?
Keep it on your profile and pin it at the top, give it to someone, sell it in Telegram for Stars or export it to TON as an NFT — more in NFT gifts in Telegram and gifts on your profile.More: How to upgrade a gift in Telegram
Can I buy a gift that is already unique?
Yes: unique gifts are sold by their owners on Telegram's marketplace and as NFTs on TON — see how to buy an NFT gift.More: How to upgrade a gift in Telegram
Where are NFT gifts in Telegram?
Your own are in My Profile → Gifts, other people's on their profiles. Gifts for sale are under Settings → Send a Gift, with the "Collectible" filter.More: How to buy an NFT gift on Telegram
Can I buy an NFT gift with Stars?
Yes. On Telegram's marketplace collectible gifts are sold for Stars, though some sellers accept only GRAM.More: How to buy an NFT gift on Telegram
Can I pay for an NFT gift with a bank card?
Not directly: the marketplace takes Stars or GRAM. Buy Stars first — in the app, on Fragment with crypto, or in the Shiba Bank bot with crypto or a Russian or Belarusian card — and pay for the gift with them.More: How to buy an NFT gift on Telegram
What does an NFT gift cost on Telegram?
The seller sets the price, so gifts of one collection are priced differently by different sellers. As a guide, look at the "Value" field on the card: the approximate resale price and the average sale price in the collection.More: How to buy an NFT gift on Telegram
Do I need Telegram Premium to buy an NFT gift?
Not for most gifts. But some limited-edition gifts can only be bought by Telegram Premium users.More: How to buy an NFT gift on Telegram
How do I sell an NFT gift on Telegram?
Open it on your profile, tap "Sell" and set the price. The gift appears on the marketplace with a "Sale" label; tap "Unlist" to take it down. More in how to sell a gift.More: How to buy an NFT gift on Telegram
Can a regular gift be sold?
Only a unique gift can be listed for sale. A regular one can be converted into Stars within 7 days of receiving it — that is the "sell for … Stars" button on its card; see how to convert a gift.More: How to sell a gift in Telegram
How do I sell a Telegram gift after 7 days?
A regular gift can't be sold: conversion into Stars is available only for the first 7 days, and only unique gifts can be listed for sale. If the gift has an upgrade, upgrade it — after that it can be sold.More: How to sell a gift in Telegram
Why doesn't my gift have a Sell button?
Only unique gifts have a Sell button. A regular gift has only conversion into Stars — the "sell for … Stars" button — for the first 7 days, and then that disappears too.More: How to sell a gift in Telegram
What is my gift worth?
A unique gift's price depends on demand and on how rare its model, backdrop and symbol are. A good guide is the price of similar gifts on Telegram's market and on NFT marketplaces.More: How to sell a gift in Telegram
How do I upgrade a gift so I can sell it?
See how to upgrade a gift to an NFT.More: How to sell a gift in Telegram
Why can't I convert my gift into Stars?
Most likely more than 7 days have passed since you received it, or it is a unique NFT gift — those can't be converted. Gifts bought at an auction can't be converted either.More: How to convert a gift into Stars on Telegram
Can I convert a gift into Stars after 7 days?
No. Conversion is available only within 7 days of receiving the gift. After that you can keep the gift on your profile, hide it or, if it has an upgrade, upgrade it to a unique gift.More: How to convert a gift into Stars on Telegram
How many days do I have to convert a gift?
7 days from receiving it. When you confirm the conversion, Telegram shows how many days it is still available.More: How to convert a gift into Stars on Telegram
Can I get the gift back after converting?
No. Converting is final: the gift disappears and the Stars stay on your balance.More: How to convert a gift into Stars on Telegram
Can I convert a gift after upgrading it to an NFT?
No. A unique gift can be sold or transferred, but not converted into Stars.More: How to convert a gift into Stars on Telegram
Can I hide gifts on Telegram?
Yes, any gift: press and hold it in the Gifts tab and choose Hide. A hidden gift stays with you, but only you can see it.More: Gifts on your Telegram profile: how to hide, remove and pin them
Can other people see my gifts?
Displayed ones — yes, anyone who opens your profile. Hidden ones are seen by nobody but you.More: Gifts on your Telegram profile: how to hide, remove and pin them
Can I see someone else's hidden gifts?
No. Telegram shows hidden gifts only to their owner.More: Gifts on your Telegram profile: how to hide, remove and pin them
How do I remove a gift from my profile for good?
A regular gift disappears if you convert it into Stars within 7 days of receiving it; a unique one, if you transfer or sell it. After 7 days a regular gift can only be hidden.More: Gifts on your Telegram profile: how to hide, remove and pin them
How many gifts can I pin?
Up to 6. Only unique gifts can be pinned; with six already pinned, you have to unpin one to pin another.More: Gifts on your Telegram profile: how to hide, remove and pin them
How do I stop people from sending me gifts?
With Telegram Premium: in Accepted Gift Types in the gift settings, turn off the kinds you don't want, or all of them. Without Premium you can't refuse gifts, but you can keep them off your profile.More: Gifts on your Telegram profile: how to hide, remove and pin them
How many Stars does the bear cost?
The bear sells for 15 Stars — the price Telegram has kept since the gift appeared. You can check today's price on the gifts page.More: The teddy bear gift on Telegram
Do I need Telegram Premium to send a bear?
No, anyone with Stars on their balance can send regular gifts, the bear included.More: The teddy bear gift on Telegram
Can I send a bear if I have no Stars?
First top up your Stars — for example, buy 50 Stars in the Shiba Bank bot. Once they arrive on your account, you can send the bear.More: The teddy bear gift on Telegram
Paying
What if I sent a little more?
An overpayment counts as payment: what matters is that the amount is not less than the invoice and the comment is there.More: How to buy Telegram Stars with crypto
How long until the Stars arrive?
The payment is usually found within a minute of being confirmed on the network, and the Stars go out right after.More: How to buy Telegram Stars with crypto
Can I pay from an exchange?
Yes, if the exchange lets you add a comment to the transfer. If not, send the coins to your own TON wallet first and pay from there.More: How to buy Telegram Stars with crypto
What do Stars cost in USDT?
Current prices are on the Telegram Stars prices page.More: How to buy Telegram Stars with crypto
Why don't I see SBP?
SBP is shown to Russian readers and to those who chose roubles as the currency. Change the language or the currency under "⚙️ Settings".More: Ways to pay for Telegram Stars by country
Can I pay with a card from a bank outside Russia and Belarus?
The card methods work with cards of Russian and Belarusian banks. With any other card, paying with crypto is the easier way.More: Ways to pay for Telegram Stars by country
Which currency are prices shown in?
The one chosen in the bot's settings. The currency only displays prices: you pay in the currency of the method you pick.More: Ways to pay for Telegram Stars by country
Why is there no option to buy Stars in my Telegram?
In some countries Telegram does not show Star purchases. You can still buy Stars for your account through the bot — they appear on your balance just like Stars bought in the app.More: Can't buy Stars in Telegram
Are these real Telegram Stars?
Yes. The bot buys Stars through Fragment, Telegram's own platform, and credits them to your account. They are the same Stars the app sells.More: Can't buy Stars in Telegram
Can I buy fewer than 50 Stars?
No, the smallest purchase in the bot is 50 Stars.More: Can't buy Stars in Telegram
How long do Stars take to arrive?
Usually about a minute after the payment is confirmed. If they haven't arrived, see what to do.More: Can't buy Stars in Telegram
Can I buy Telegram Stars with Apple Pay?
Yes, if Apple Pay is available for your Apple Account in your country: Stars bought in the app are charged to your Apple Account's payment method.More: How to buy Telegram Stars on iPhone and Android
Can I buy Stars with an Apple Gift Card or Google Play balance?
Yes. An Apple Gift Card adds funds to your Apple Account balance, and that balance pays for in-app purchases in the App Store. On Android, your Google Play balance pays for digital content on Google Play.More: How to buy Telegram Stars on iPhone and Android
How do I buy Stars on Android without Google Play?
In the version of Telegram from telegram.org, Stars are sold by @PremiumBot. Other ways are Fragment with crypto and the Shiba Bank bot.More: How to buy Telegram Stars on iPhone and Android
Why can't I buy Stars on my iPhone?
The App Store may be unable to charge the payment method on your Apple Account, or Star purchases may be restricted where you live. You can buy Stars without the App Store — on Fragment or in a bot.More: How to buy Telegram Stars on iPhone and Android
Will Stars bought in a bot show up on my iPhone?
Yes. Stars are credited to your Telegram account and show on every device you are signed in on, just like Stars bought in the App Store.More: How to buy Telegram Stars on iPhone and Android
When something goes wrong
How long do Stars usually take?
Usually a few minutes after payment, and within 30 minutes.More: My Stars have not arrived — what now
I sent crypto without the comment. What now?
Contact support with a link to the transaction: a payment without the comment cannot be matched automatically, so it is checked by hand.More: My Stars have not arrived — what now
Can I cancel a paid order?
A paid order is completed automatically. If it cannot be, the money or Stars are returned — the bot tells you.More: My Stars have not arrived — what now