What are Telegram Stars and how do you use them?

Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Telegram Stars are Telegram's in-app currency. They're used to buy digital goods and services in bots and mini apps, unlock paid content in channels and send gifts.

How to get Stars

• In the Telegram app under Settings → Telegram Stars.
• From the payment window when a bot asks you to pay — you can top up the missing Stars right there.
• Through Telegram's official @PremiumBot.

Payment goes through your app store or Telegram's official payment screen; your card details are never sent to the bot.

Where to spend them

• Bots: many bots, including AI bots, sell credits or subscriptions for Stars.
• Mini apps and games: in-game items.
• Channels: paid posts, reactions and subscriptions.
• Gifts: send Stars or Telegram gifts to friends.

Stay safe

A real Stars payment always opens in Telegram's own payment window and shows the amount clearly. Ignore accounts that send you to an outside website to enter card details or offer "cheap Stars".