Telegram Loses Global Short Links as t.me Domain Disabled Worldwide by .me Registry

On July 13, users worldwide discovered that Telegram’s short links in the t.me format stopped opening in web browsers, although the messenger itself continued to function normally. The issue was first reported by the Russian publication Kode Durova and affects only external browser access, while links remain fully operational inside the Telegram desktop client and mobile applications. According to preliminary findings, the domain was effectively removed from the DNS system at the registry level of the .me top-level domain, which belongs to Montenegro and is operated by the company doMEn. The exact reason for the deactivation remains unknown, with possible explanations including a legal dispute, routine verification, government requests, or a violation of the domain zone’s rules. Notably, the t.me domain is registered to Telegram until 2035, ruling out simple expiration or administrative oversight. As a result, users are currently advised to open t.me links directly through the Telegram app while waiting for the domain to be restored in the global DNS.

AntiMalwareJuly 14, 2026Translated from Russian

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On July 13, internet users around the world noticed that Telegram short links using the t.me format had stopped opening in web browsers. The problem was first highlighted by the Russian publication Kode Durova.

Despite the disruption, the messenger itself continues to operate normally. Both the desktop version and mobile applications remain fully accessible, and t.me links continue to work when opened inside the Telegram app. The only affected functionality is external access through regular web browsers.

Technical Cause of the Outage

According to preliminary data, the t.me domain was effectively excluded from the DNS system at the registry level of the .me top-level domain. This domain zone belongs to Montenegro, and its operator is the company doMEn, selected by the local authorities.

Why the registry decided to disable the domain remains unclear. Among the possible reasons are a legal dispute, a compliance check, requests from government agencies, or a violation of the domain zone’s registration rules. No official statements have been issued at the time of publication.

Registration Status

Importantly, the domain remains officially registered to Telegram until 2035. This means the registration period has not expired, and the situation cannot be explained by simple administrative oversight or failure to renew the domain.

The resulting outage has created an unusual situation: Telegram services continue to function, channels and chats work without interruption, yet the familiar short links opened from a browser lead nowhere.

Until the cause is clarified and the domain is restored in the global DNS, users are advised to open t.me links directly through the Telegram application or wait for the technical issue to be resolved.

Telegram Kode Durova

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