Beginner guide
Get started with Telegram step by step
New to Telegram? This friendly guide walks you through everything from creating your account to building communities and syncing every device — in about ten minutes.
Download and install Telegram
Pick your platform on the download center and install the official app — Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone, or open Telegram Web in a browser.
Create your account
Open the app, enter your phone number and type the confirmation code you receive by SMS. Add a name and photo, and you're in.
Add contacts and start chatting
Telegram automatically finds friends already on the app. Tap the pencil icon, pick a contact and send your first message, photo or file.
Create groups and channels
Start a group for friends or a public channel to broadcast to an unlimited audience. Add a description, photo and invite link in seconds.
Discover bots and folders
Use bots for reminders, polls and downloads, then organise everything into chat folders like Work, Family and News.
Link desktop and mobile
Install the desktop app or open Telegram Web, then scan the QR code from Settings → Devices to keep every chat in sync.
Communities
Grow groups and channels with ease
Groups keep friends and teams together, while channels let you broadcast to an unlimited audience. Add admins, pin posts and share a public invite link to grow your community fast.
- Create a group or channel in a few taps
- Assign admins with fine-grained permissions
- Pin announcements and schedule posts
- Share a public @username or invite link
Handy tips
Make Telegram your own
Turn on privacy
Enable two-step verification and a passcode lock so only you can open your chats.
Make HD calls
Tap a contact's profile to start a crystal-clear voice or video call, with screen sharing on desktop.
Personalise it
Switch on dark mode, add themes and grab animated sticker packs to make Telegram yours.
Coming from WhatsApp?
Telegram can import your existing chat history. See how it stacks up against WhatsApp and Signal, then make the switch with confidence.