Telegram is one of the most popular and secure messaging apps available today. With over 500 million active users, Telegram offers encrypted chats, group messaging, file sharing, and much more. This beginner’s guide will teach you everything you need to know to get started with Telegram.
What is Telegram?
Telegram is a cloud-based mobile and desktop messaging app focused on security and speed. Here are some of its key features:
- End-to-end encrypted chats
- Group chats with up to 200,000 members
- Channels to broadcast messages to unlimited audiences
- Bots for automation and new features
- File sharing up to 2GB in size
- Self-destructing messages
Telegram aims to provide a secure, fast and feature-packed messaging experience on all your devices. It is much more than just another messaging app.
Getting Started with Telegram
Here is how you can get started with Telegram in a few quick steps:
1. Download and Install the App
Telegram is available for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Windows PC, Linux and macOS. You can download the app from the official website or app stores for your device.
2. Sign Up
The signup process is quick and simple. You need to provide your phone number to get started. Telegram will send an authentication code via SMS which you need to enter in the app.
3. Find Contacts and Groups
Telegram gives you multiple options to find new contacts and groups:
- Sync contacts from phonebook
- Search for usernames
- Invitation links for groups/channels
- Recommendations based on recent chats
4. Start Chatting
To start a chat, simply tap on a contact’s name from your contacts list. You can then text, send media or documents easily. For group chats, you can create new groups or join existing groups using invite links.
Core Features of Telegram
Now that you know how to get started, let’s look at some of the awesome features that make Telegram an indispensable messaging app.
Encryption
Telegram chats use end-to-end encryption by default for maximum security. This means only you and the recipient can read the messages, not even Telegram itself. For extra protection, you can use the ‘secret chats’ feature.
Speed
Telegram is known to be one of the fastest messaging apps. It delivers messages quickly by using a distributed infrastructure spread across data centers worldwide. Offline messages are also synced efficiently when you get back online.
Cross-platform
Unlike some messaging apps, Telegram is truly cross-platform. You can access your messages from any of your devices – mobile, tablet or computer. Your messages sync seamlessly across all devices.
Media & Files
You can easily send media and files like photos, videos up to 2GB each in size. Everything is stored securely in Telegram’s cloud.
Groups
Telegram groups allow up to 200,000 members! You can create groups for your family, friends, colleagues and discuss anything imaginable.
Channels
Channels are a great way to broadcast public messages to large audiences. Like Twitter or RSS, you can subscribe to channels of your interest to get updates.
Advanced Features
Beyond the basics, Telegram comes packed with advanced capabilities through its innovative bots and extra features.
Bots API
Telegram bots can automate tasks, provide information on demand or simply add fun new features to your chats. You can explore popular bots or create your own using the Bot API.
Usernames
You can set a public username instead of using just phone numbers. Usernames make it easy to find people and groups to interact with.
Stickers & GIFs
Telegram allows you to use and even create your own stickers and GIF animations to spice up your chats and have more fun.
Getting Help
Telegram has an excellent support system to help you out with any issues. Here are some options in case you need assistance:
- In-app Messages from @Telegram
- Online Telegram FAQs and documentation
- @BotSupport bot on Telegram
- Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
I hope this beginner’s guide was useful in helping you understand how to use Telegram. The app offers the perfect balance of security, speed and features you’d expect from a secure messaging platform. Sign up now to start enjoying Telegram across your devices.
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