Telegram shows a channel's Stars in two numbers. The total balance is everything earned; the available balance is the part you can withdraw right now. If the available balance is zero, the Stars usually still exist; they are simply not released yet.
Total balance vs available balance
- Total balance: all Stars the channel or bot has earned and not yet withdrawn.
- Available balance: the part that has passed the waiting period and can be withdrawn now.
Newly earned Stars move from the total balance to the available balance after the waiting period, so a fresh payment never shows up as withdrawable on the same day.
The rules that decide what you can withdraw
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | Earned Stars become withdrawable only after a holding period, commonly reported as 21 days after you receive them. |
| Minimum amount | A withdrawal needs at least the minimum balance, commonly reported as 1,000 Stars. The app shows the current limit. |
| Owner only | Only the channel or bot owner can withdraw, and Telegram asks for the owner's two-step verification password. |
| Where the money goes | Withdrawals go through Fragment to a TON wallet you provide. Channel ad revenue in TON is withdrawn the same way. |
| Spending instead | Stars can also be used to pay for Telegram Ads instead of being withdrawn. |
Telegram can change the waiting period and limits; the numbers shown in your app are the ones that apply.
How to withdraw
- Make sure the account is the owner of the channel or bot and has two-step verification turned on (see the two-step verification guide).
- Open the channel's statistics or monetization section and the Stars balance.
- Check that the available balance is above the minimum.
- Start the withdrawal, confirm with the two-step verification password and follow the link to Fragment.
- On Fragment, enter or connect your TON wallet and confirm. Keep a screenshot of the request.
Common problems and what to check
- Available balance is zero: the Stars are still in the waiting period. Check when they were earned.
- No withdraw button: you are an admin, not the owner, or the available balance is below the minimum.
- Asked for a password you don't have: two-step verification is not set on the owner account; turn it on first.
- Fragment shows an error: make sure you are logged in to Fragment with the same Telegram account, your TON wallet is connected, and try again later. If it keeps failing, keep screenshots and contact support; do not use third-party "unlock" services.
Buying or valuing a monetized channel
Stars and ad revenue belong to whoever is the owner when they are withdrawn. Before buying a channel advertised as monetized, agree in writing what happens to the existing balance, ask for dated payout records rather than screenshots of a balance, and make sure you receive the owner role. Estimate a fair price with the channel value calculator, read 8 ways to monetize a channel, or see old channels with subscribers.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I withdraw my Telegram Stars?
Usually because they are still in the waiting period, the available balance is below the minimum, or you are an admin rather than the owner. Withdrawals also need the owner's two-step verification password.
How long until Telegram Stars can be withdrawn?
Earned Stars are held for a waiting period, commonly reported as 21 days, before they become available. Your app shows the current rule.
What is the minimum Telegram Stars withdrawal?
A minimum balance applies, commonly reported as 1,000 Stars; the app shows the current limit.
Where do Telegram Stars withdrawals go?
Through Fragment to a TON wallet. Stars can also be spent on Telegram Ads instead.
Can an admin withdraw a channel's Stars?
No. Only the owner can withdraw, using the owner account's two-step verification password.
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