3 Ways to Fix Telegram “Can’t Terminate Older Sessions From a Device”

Hey there! If you’re like me, you’re probably pulling your hair out over that annoying Telegram error message: “For security reasons, you can’t terminate older sessions from a device.”

You will get similar error messages like these below;

“For security reasons, you can’t terminate older sessions from a device that you’ve just connected. Please use an earlier connection or wait for a few hours.”
“For security reasons, you can’t terminate older sessions from a device where you’ve recently logged in. You can use an older session or wait for up to 24 hours.”
“For security reasons, you can’t terminate older sessions within a few hours after connecting a new device”

You might be wondering what it means, why you’re seeing it, and most importantly, how you can fix it.

That’s exactly what we’re going to dive into today. In this blog post, we will cover troubleshooting methods to fix your issue.

Why Does This Error Message Show Up?

So, why does this mysterious error message appear in the first place?

Telegram, like many other messaging apps, places a high priority on security. This error message usually shows up for one of three main reasons:

Security Protocols

Telegram has security protocols that prevent you from terminating older sessions from new devices. Why? Because it wants to make sure you’re really you, and not some hacker with a vendetta against adorable dog memes.

Multiple Active Sessions

If you’re a multi-device kind of person—smartphone, tablet, laptop, you name it—this can also trigger the error message. Telegram gets a bit nervous when too many devices access your account.

Account Hacking Scenarios

Telegram’s security feature is also aimed at preventing unauthorized access. Imagine this: a hacker gains access to your account and tries to log you out from your own device.

That’d be bad news bears, wouldn’t it? This feature serves as an extra layer of protection.

How to FIX Telegram “can’t terminate older sessions from a device” Error Message

Here are three (3) methods you can use to resolve the issue;

Method 1: Use Telegram Web to Terminate Sessions

If you’re a fan of thinking outside the box, this first method is for you. We’re going to tackle this issue using Telegram Web, the browser-based version of our beloved Telegram app.

Let’s break it down, step-by-step.

Setting Up Telegram Web

Open Your Web Browser: Any browser will do, whether it’s Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
Search for Telegram Web: Type “Telegram Web” into the search bar and hit enter.
Log In: Click the link to Telegram Web, and it’ll prompt you to log in using your phone number linked with Telegram. Once you’ve entered your number, you’ll receive a verification code on your mobile Telegram app. Punch that in, and you’re good to go.

Navigating to Active Sessions

Click on the Three Horizontal Lines: These are often referred to as the “hamburger menu,” located on the top-left corner.
Head to Settings: Scroll down and click on ‘Settings.’
Select ‘Privacy and Security’: Within the settings menu, find and select the ‘Privacy and Security’ option.

By the way, what does ‘terminate session’ in Telegram mean? When you terminate a session, you’re essentially kicking that device out of your Telegram account. Think of it as security bouncer duties, but for your Telegram account!

Terminating Older Sessions

Locate ‘Active Sessions’: Under ‘Privacy and Security,’ scroll down until you find ‘Active Sessions.’ Click on it.
Review and Terminate: You’ll see a list of all devices where your Telegram account is active. Hit the ‘Terminate’ button next to the sessions you want to end. A pop-up will appear, confirming your action. Click ‘Yes,’ and you’re golden!

Tools You Can Use

Multi-Device Management Software: If you’re juggling multiple devices, consider software like LastPass to manage your logins. It’ll make tracking your active sessions much easier.

Method 2: Use Telegram’s In-App Features

If you’re not keen on switching platforms, no worries. Telegram has some built-in tools that can help you solve this issue. Let’s walk you through it.

Accessing Telegram Settings

Open Telegram App: Grab your go-to device and fire up the Telegram app.
Tap on the Settings Gear: Usually located in the lower right-hand corner of the app.
Select ‘Privacy and Security’: It’s the same menu you’d find in Telegram Web, just more thumb-friendly.

Checking Active Sessions

Scroll Down to ‘Active Sessions’: Within ‘Privacy and Security,’ you’ll see an ‘Active Sessions’ option.
Review the List: Here, you’ll find all the devices currently logged into your Telegram account.

How to Terminate Sessions

Tap ‘Terminate All Other Sessions’: A nifty option, especially if you’ve got more devices than fingers.
Confirm Your Action: You’ll be prompted to confirm that you want to log out of all other devices. Tap ‘Yes,’ and boom, it’s sorted.

Tools You May Need

Password Manager Apps: Something like Dashlane can be invaluable for keeping track of where you’re logged in. Plus, it helps manage your passwords like a pro.

How can I see what devices are logged into my Telegram? This in-app method offers a comprehensive list, my friend. Just take a scroll through ‘Active Sessions,’ and you’ll know!

How to reset forgotten Telegram passcode? If you’re worried about security, you might want to read this article on how to reset a forgotten Telegram passcode. A quick tip: Always set up security questions!

Method 3: Two-Step Verification and Session Review

The third method is an added layer of security with a cherry on top: Two-Step Verification and a thorough session review.

Enabling Two-Step Verification

Go to ‘Settings’: Open your Telegram app and tap the settings gear icon, usually at the bottom right.
Select ‘Privacy and Security’: Scroll until you find it, and tap.
Tap ‘Two-Step Verification’: This is your next step toward Fort Knox-level security.
Set Up a Password: Follow the prompts to establish a strong, unique password. You’ll also have the option to add a hint or a recovery email, which is always a good idea.

Reviewing Your Sessions Post-Verification

Revisit ‘Active Sessions’: You’ll find it in the same ‘Privacy and Security’ section.
Terminate Any Unknown Sessions: With two-step verification, these sessions will require your new password to gain access again.
Log Out and Log Back In: For good measure, log out of your Telegram account and log back in. This should apply your new security settings across the board.

Handy Tools

Authentication Apps: Apps like Google Authenticator or Authy are superb for managing two-step verification codes.

How do I terminate older sessions in Telegram? With two-step verification enabled, terminating older sessions becomes a no-brainer. It’s like adding an extra lock to your front door.

Conclusion

We’ve gone through a whirlwind tour of how to fix the pesky Telegram error message, “for security reasons you can’t terminate older sessions from a device.”

Whether you opted for the work-around approach of Method 1, went native with Telegram’s own features in Method 2, or ramped up your security game with Method 3, you’ve now got the tools to deal with this issue like a pro.

Remember, security is not a one-time setup in the digital age—it’s an ongoing process. Keeping your Telegram sessions secure is just one part of the equation.

3 Ways to Fix Telegram “Can’t Terminate Older Sessions From a Device”