Why @PremiumBot isn't working
Updated
Short answer: @PremiumBot only takes payments in the versions of Telegram downloaded from telegram.org. If you installed Telegram from Google Play or the App Store, buy Premium in the app instead (through your store, which in Kenya takes M-Pesa on Android), on Fragment with crypto, or with M-Pesa in our bot.
Why it happens
Telegram's own FAQ gives two possible reasons: either Telegram Premium isn't available in your country, or your app was downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, and therefore doesn't support @PremiumBot.
The second is the usual one. @PremiumBot "is currently accessible from the direct versions of Telegram's Android, Desktop and macOS apps", the versions you download from telegram.org. Telegram apps from the App Store or Google Play take subscriptions through the store instead.
Source: Telegram Premium FAQ.
Your options
1. Subscribe inside the Telegram app
Open Settings › Telegram Premium. You pay in KES through your app store: on Android, Google Play takes a bank card or M-Pesa (M-Pesa Xpress); on iPhone, whatever your Apple ID accepts. The subscription renews until you cancel it.
2. Use @PremiumBot in a direct version of Telegram
Install Telegram for Android or your computer from telegram.org and open @PremiumBot there. You pay with the payment methods @PremiumBot offers, such as a bank card. Telegram says subscribing through the bot gives a discounted price, because the payments are not subject to fees from Apple or Google.
3. Get Premium with M-Pesa from Oya Stars
Telegram Premium gifts are coming soon. Stars are available now. When Premium opens, you'll be able to buy a 3, 6 or 12-month gift for any username and pay with M-Pesa, in any version of Telegram.
4. Fragment, with cryptocurrency
Fragment sells Premium for cryptocurrency from a TON wallet. It works in any app, but you need a crypto wallet and crypto first. More about Fragment.
Stay safe
- Never give anyone your Telegram login code or password, even someone offering Premium for less. A Premium gift needs only your username.
- Pay only through official checkouts: your app store, @PremiumBot, Fragment, or the M-Pesa prompt our bot sends to your phone.
Questions
Why does @PremiumBot say Premium isn't available?
Usually because your Telegram app came from Google Play or the App Store, which take Premium payments themselves. Less often, Premium isn't offered in your country.
Can I use @PremiumBot from Kenya?
In a direct version of Telegram from telegram.org, with a payment method it accepts, such as a bank card.
Is there a way to get Premium without a card?
Yes: in the Telegram app on Android, Google Play takes M-Pesa; or buy a Premium gift with M-Pesa in our bot.
Comparing every option side by side: How to pay for Telegram Premium in Kenya.