Registry Action Takes t.me Offline

The .me domain registry applied a serverHold status to t.me, removing the domain from the global DNS system. This action made every t.me link return NXDOMAIN errors, preventing resolution to associated services. The status comes directly from the registry operator and overrides normal domain functionality regardless of payment or registration details. Records show the domain remained paid through 2035, ruling out expiration as a factor.

The .me extension operates as Montenegro's country-code top-level domain with technical backend support from Identity Digital. Telegram had established a partnership making t.me its primary short-link domain for messaging and related services.

Impact on TON Blockchain Services

Access to Telegram's custodial Wallet via t.me/wallet stopped working, blocking users from buying, storing, and transferring assets such as USDT, Bitcoin, and Gram, the native token of The Open Network. TON Mini Apps, tokenized collectible usernames, and NFT-based features like Telegram Gifts also became unreachable through standard web links.

While the core Telegram messaging application continued to function for existing users, external onboarding and shared invitation links across the web failed. This created immediate barriers for new users trying to enter TON-related activities through browser-based entry points.

Response from Telegram Founder

Pavel Durov addressed the issue publicly on X, stating: "Hey @domainME, t.me links stopped working. Can you look into it?" The post indicated the team learned of the outage alongside users, with no advance warning from the registry.

As of the latest reports, neither Telegram nor the registry operators had released a formal statement detailing the cause or expected resolution timeline. Speculation in communities included possible administrative, verification, or compliance factors, but no confirmation emerged.

Broader Ecosystem Dependencies

The incident exposed the central role of t.me in connecting Telegram's massive user base to TON blockchain activities. Services built around the messenger rely on these short links for distribution of channels, bots, and decentralized applications. The event prompted discussions about infrastructure concentration risks in platforms that blend messaging with financial tools.

Telegram directed users internally toward telegram.me links during the disruption to maintain continuity where possible. Industry sources noted the need for potential longer-term adjustments to reduce reliance on any single domain entry point.

The situation continues to develop with users and developers monitoring for updates from involved parties on restoring full functionality.