How to unlock 18+ content in Telegram (desktop and mobile)

Telegram may hide adult or sensitive channels by default to comply with app store and regional rules. If you’re of legal age and want to lift this filter, the steps below are the most reliable options as of 2026.

Tip: If you don’t see a “sensitive content” toggle on your phone, that’s normal for many store builds. Enable it once via Telegram Web or Telegram Desktop — it usually applies to your account across devices.

Method 1 — Telegram Web (works anywhere)

• Open web.telegram.org and sign in.
• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
• Enable “Disable filtering” / “Show sensitive content” (wording may vary).
• Refresh the page, then reopen Telegram on your phone/desktop.

If you’re using a mobile browser and don’t see the setting, try “Request Desktop Site” and check again.

Method 2 — Telegram Desktop (Windows, Linux, macOS)

• Install Telegram Desktop from telegram.org (store builds may hide some options).
• Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Sensitive Content (or similar) and enable it.
• Quit and reopen Telegram Desktop if the change doesn’t apply immediately.

Troubleshooting (if content is still blocked)

• Enable the setting on Telegram Web first, then restart the mobile app.
• Some regions restrict content — a VPN may be required in certain countries.
• Confirm the channel isn’t removed or banned (not all blocks are “sensitive content”).

Security and legal notes

• Local laws may prohibit certain content — know your jurisdiction.
• Sensitive channels can contain malware or scams — avoid unknown links/files.
• Your username may be visible in groups — review privacy settings if needed.

FAQ

• Do I need to repeat this on every device? Usually not — once on web/desktop is enough.
• Why can’t I find the toggle on iOS/Android? Some store builds hide it; use Telegram Web or Desktop to enable it on your account.
• Can I revert? Yes — disable the same setting in the same menu.