How to create, find, and join Telegram groups

Telegram’s focus on encryption and privacy makes it a popular instant messaging app. It also stands out for letting you add up to 200,000 members to a group, which is more than apps like WhatsApp and Signal allow. Telegram makes it easy to manage large communities, host events, or create a space where people can connect without limits. You can pin important messages, share large files, and create a dynamic space for any purpose.

That level of freedom is perfect if you don’t want to be restricted by smaller group limits. This guide shows you how to create new Telegram groups or join existing ones on various devices, including Android phones and iPhones, or the web app on PCs.

What’s the difference between a Telegram group and a channel?

Telegram channels and groups appear the same but have different purposes. For one, channels are all about sending messages to a big crowd. Only the channel owner or the admin can post to the channel. Everyone else, called subscribers, can read the messages. If the admin allows it, subscribers can comment on messages, similar to a post on X (formerly Twitter).

On the other hand, Telegram groups let you send messages to interact with other members. Anyone who uses Telegram can join a public group. To join a private group, you need an invitation from an existing member.

Group admins can restrict messages from members, make the group public or private, and appoint other members as admins. Both channels and groups can include rich media like video, audio, and polls. A Telegram group can have up to 200,000 members, while a Telegram channel can have unlimited subscribers.

How to create a Telegram group

Telegram makes creating groups easy. You need the app on your device and an account. After logging in, follow the steps below.

Create a Telegram group on Android

1. Open the Telegram app.
2. Tap the pen icon in the lower-right corner and select New Group.

   

   

3. Select the contacts you want to add to the group and tap the arrow icon.
4. Add a name and a photo for the group and tap the checkmark to create it.

   

   

5. Groups are private by default. To make your group public, tap the group name at the top and select the pen icon in the upper-right corner.

   

   

6. Tap Group Type and select Public Group.

   

   

7. You can create a unique link for your public group so that other users can easily find it on Telegram. Tap the text box under the Public link.
8. After creating the public link, tap the checkmark in the upper-right corner to save your changes.

Create a Telegram group on iOS

1. Open the Telegram app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Compose icon (the pen and pad icon) in the upper-right corner.
3. On the next page, select New Group.

   

   

4. Select the contacts you want to add to the group. Then, tap Next.
5. Enter a name and a photo for the group. Then, tap Create.

   

   

6. Telegram groups are private by default. To make a group public, tap the group’s name at the top and select the Edit button on the next page.

   

   

7. Tap Group Type and select Public Group.
8. You can set a public link for your Telegram group. Type a unique name next to t.me/.
9. Tap Done to save your changes.

   

   

Create a Telegram group on the desktop

1. Open the Telegram app or visit the web page.
2. On the website, click the pen icon in the lower-left corner. Then, select New Group. On the app, click the hamburger or menu icon.

   

3. Click the checkboxes beside contacts to select the people you want in your group. Then, click the arrow icon at the bottom.

   

4. Enter a name and a photo for the group. Then, click the arrow icon at the bottom.
5. To make your group public, click the group’s name at the top and select the pen icon in the right sidebar.

   

6. Click Group Type and choose Public Group.
7. To create a link for your public group, click the text box under Link and enter a unique name.
8. Click the checkmark in the lower-right corner to save your changes.

   

How to find a Telegram group

Telegram’s search tool makes it easy to find public groups and channels. You only need to know their names or the topics. However, it doesn’t work for private groups. You’ll need an invitation link from a member. Follow these steps to join a public group.

Find a Telegram group on Android

1. Open the Telegram app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap the search icon in the upper-right corner. Then, type the name of a group or topic you’re looking for.
3. You’ll see new results under Global Search. Tap Show more to expand them.

   

   

4. Select the group you want to join and tap the Join button to hop in.

Find a Telegram group on an iPhone

1. Open the Telegram app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the Search field at the top.
3. Type the name of a group or a topic that interests you.
4. Results appear under Global Search. Tap Show more to view the list of available groups and channels.

   

   

5. When you find a group you’re interested in, tap the Join button.

Find a Telegram group on the desktop

1. Open the Telegram app on your computer or visit the web page.
2. Click the Search field in the upper-left corner.
3. Type the name of the group you want to join.
4. Under Global search results, you’ll see the list of channels that match the name you entered.

   

5. Click the group you are looking for and click the Join button.

   

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Get more out of Telegram

Now that you’ve joined a Telegram group, you can chat, share ideas, and meet new people. The basic free version is more than enough for most people. For even more fun, try Telegram Premium. You’ll download content faster, send bigger files than you’re already allowed to, and transcribe texts, among other interesting features.