Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security, it's super-fast, simple and free. You can use Telegram on all your devices at the same time – your messages sync seamlessly across any number of your phones, tablets or computers.

With Telegram, you can send messages, photos, videos and files of any type (doc, zip, mp3, etc.), as well as create groups for up to 200,000 people or channels for broadcasting to unlimited audiences. Plus, you can share videos up to 2GB, send multiple photos from the web, and forward any media you receive in an instant.

Can you use Telegram without sharing your phone number?

You do need a phone number to create a Telegram account, but after setup, you can control who sees it. You can also use a username to connect with others without sharing your number. Some users use virtual numbers or secondary SIMs during registration for additional privacy.

Is Telegram really private and secure?

Telegram offers some privacy and security features, but it is not as private by default as many people assume. Only "Secret Chats" use end-to-end encryption. Regular cloud chats are encrypted between your device and Telegram servers, which means Telegram technically has access to the content. Users looking for maximum privacy should use Secret Chats.

How do I back up my Telegram chats?

Telegram regular chats are stored on Telegram's servers, so no manual backup is needed – they sync automatically across devices. However, Secret Chats are device-specific and cannot be backed up or synced. If you want a local copy of your chats, you can use Telegram Desktop, which allows you to export chat history, go to: Settings > Advanced > Export data.

Why do people use Telegram instead of WhatsApp or Signal?

People often choose Telegram for its advanced features, large file sharing, support for groups with thousands of members, bots, channels, and cross-device syncing. However, it is important to remember that privacy-conscious users may still prefer Signal for its stronger encryption policies.

How do I delete my Telegram account?

Telegram accounts can be deleted via the official Telegram account deletion page. Deleting the app won't delete your account. Be aware that deleting your account will erase all messages, groups, and contacts.

Are Telegram groups and channels safe?

Groups and channels are as safe as the people managing them. Content is not end-to-end encrypted, and administrators can see your profile if you interact. Public groups and channels may expose your username to anyone. Many users recommend caution when joining unknown or large public channels.

What's the difference between Telegram groups and channels?

  • Telegram Groups are for two-way communication where all members can chat and interact.
  • Telegram Channels are for one-way broadcasting where only admins can post and subscribers receive updates.

If you want discussion, use a group. If you want to share info to an audience, use a channel.

Can I use Telegram on my phone and PC at the same time?

Yes, you can use Telegram on your phone and PC at the same time. Telegram is designed for multi-device support and your cloud chats will sync across devices. You can start a conversation on your phone and continue it on your PC seamlessly.

Is Telegram better than WhatsApp?

That depends on what you value most. Telegram is more feature-rich and flexible, while WhatsApp is more secure by default and more universally adopted. If privacy is your top priority, Telegram's Secret Chats are end-to-end encrypted, but normal chats are not. WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption for everything by default.

What's New

Desktop Client 5.15.4

  • Fix updating messages in Saved Messages subchats.
  • Fix possible issues with mouse cursor on Linux.
  • Fix new contact top bar appearance.
  • Remove change photo button for channel direct messages.

Unsend Messages

We hope everybody had a great celebration. We at Telegram certainly did. One of our engineers got so excited about the new year that he mistakenly shared awful stickers with his Mom. To fix this, he quickly added a way to unsend recently sent messages. This smart move saved his morning, and it can still save yours! If you use Telegram v.3.16 or later, you can now unsend any weird messages you shared within the last 48 hours.

Shareable Chat Folders

Chat folders can now be shared with a link - inviting your friends or colleagues to dozens of work groups, collections of news channels, and more. With one tap, they will add the folder and instantly join all its chats. Each chat folder supports multiple invite links allowing access to different chats. When creating a link, select the chats you'd like to include - and give it a unique name to match, like Interns or Managers. If you add more chats to your folder and update its link, members will see a suggestion to join the new chats.

Desktop 5.15.0 Changelog

  • Send Direct Messages to Channels.
  • Enable New Tab Layout for Topics.
  • Create Polls with Up To 12 Options.

Previous release notes

Today's update gives content creators and public figures more control over their privacy while offering new ways to monetize their popularity. Now you can filter incoming messages, protect your peace of mind, and earn Telegram Stars – all while staying connected with your audience.

This update also introduces an info page for new chats to prevent scams, the option to gift Premium with Stars, and Verification Platform 2.0, helping startups save on user verification – plus much more!

Stay in Control of Your Inbox with Star Messages

If you receive a high volume of messages, you can now set a fee for incoming messages from users outside your contacts. This ensures that only those who truly value your time can reach you – giving you full control over your inbox while allowing you to earn Stars for your attention.

With this feature, you can:

  • Filter out unwanted messages and avoid inbox overload.
  • Ensure that every message you receive is meaningful – strangers can only contact you if they're willing to send Stars.
  • Monetize your popularity while safeguarding your privacy and peace of mind.
  • Stay open to new conversations while protecting your account from spam and message floods.

This setting can also be applied to group chats and channel discussions to keep interactions focused and free from spam, helping group owners monetize their community and earn Stars from meaningful conversations.

Flexible Controls & Instant Refunds

Star Messages come with customizable settings – you can allow certain users or members of specific groups to message you for free. And if you ever need to make an exception after a message is sent, you can instantly refund the Stars with a single tap.

How to Enable Star Messages

• In private chats: Ensure you have Telegram Premium, then go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Messages.
• In groups: Enable 'Charge Stars for Messages' in the Permissions section.

Take control of your messages, protect your time, and turn your popularity into an opportunity – all while keeping your inbox safe and manageable!

Know Who's Messaging You with Contact Confirmation

Now, when someone outside your contacts messages you for the first time, you'll see a detailed info page that helps you spot scams, avoid impersonators, and verify who you're talking to – before you even reply.

This page gives you essential insights about the sender, including:

  • Their country (based on their phone number).
  • Any shared groups you have in common.
  • When they joined Telegram – so you can spot fresh accounts.
  • When they last updated their username or profile picture – a handy way to detect sudden identity changes.
  • Clear indicators showing whether the user is an official account, has third-party verification, or is just a regular user.

With this new feature, you're in control of who gets your attention – no more second-guessing unknown senders or falling for impersonators. Whether you're chatting with a potential collaborator, a fan, or a new friend, you'll have the info you need to decide whether to engage – effortlessly and with confidence.

Gift Premium with Stars

Now you can use your Telegram Stars to share Premium perks with others. Use your balance to gift Premium to friends – all without spending extra money.

Earned Stars from Star Messages? Use them to celebrate holidays or congratulate contacts with a Premium subscription: exclusive features, faster downloads, custom emoji and more – all powered by your Stars!

Withdraw Stars via Fragment

Users and groups that earn Telegram Stars through Star Messages can withdraw these Stars via Fragment, converting Stars into valuable rewards. These rewards can be instantly used to purchase Telegram Ads, collectibles on the TON blockchain and more.

Manage Group Star Balances

Group owners who receive Stars from Star Messages can now view and manage their group's Star balance directly from the group's profile, making it easier to track and utilize earned Stars.

Pin Gifts on Your Profile

In addition to wearing your favorite gift, you can now pin up to 6 other gifts to showcase them both on your gifts tab and on your profile cover.

Stream to Chromecast on Android

Android users can now cast videos straight to their Chromecast devices – whether you're watching memes with friends or presenting important content in a meeting, enjoy it all on the big screen!

Save Even More on User Verification

Telegram Gateway is a cost-effective and privacy-focused solution for user authentication, allowing businesses to verify their customers' phone numbers through Telegram at a fraction of traditional SMS costs.

Telegram's Verification Platform was already 9x cheaper than other services, and now it's 20% more cost-effective! Today's update lets developers set a max delivery time – if a code isn't delivered within the window, it's automatically refunded.

SMS verification elsewhere can cost $0.50 or more per message, while Telegram Gateway offers authentication for just $0.01.

It's completely free to test – letting startups cut unnecessary costs and focus on building great products. Learn more in our detailed guide and start saving today.