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Telegram

Telegram

3.8
17,195,121 reviews Chat Communities

A cloud-based messaging app with private chats, large groups, broadcast channels, calls, file sharing, and optional Secret Chats.

Apple App StoreGoogle Play Google Play Official Site
Is Telegram good?

What is Telegram?

Cloud-Based Messaging Across Devices

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging service designed to keep ordinary chats available across supported devices. It supports private chats, groups, channels, bots, calls, and file sharing, with different privacy properties across chat types.

Speed and Cloud Sync

Because Telegram is cloud-based, you can access your messages from your phone, tablet, and computer simultaneously without relying on your phone's active connection. You can share an unlimited number of photos, videos, and files (up to 2GB each for free users, 4GB for Premium).

Groups and Channels

Telegram supports large groups and broadcast channels. Groups can hold up to 200,000 members with advanced admin tools, while Channels offer a one-way broadcasting tool to an unlimited audience.

Security and Privacy

While default chats use client-server encryption, Telegram offers Secret Chats that are end-to-end encrypted, leave no trace on Telegram's servers, and support self-destructing messages.

Bot Ecosystem

Telegram also provides an API and bot platform for moderation, payments, games, and other integrations. Developers have built thousands of bots for automated moderation, payments, games, and customized integrations.

Telegram Premium

While the core app is completely free and ad-free in private chats, Telegram Premium offers doubled limits, faster download speeds, voice-to-text conversion, and exclusive animated stickers for a monthly fee.

Key Features

  • Messaging
  • In-App Video Chat
  • Voice Chat
  • Group Chats
  • End-to-End Encryption
  • Disappearing Messages
  • File Sharing
  • Voice Messages
  • Bots & Integrations
  • Channels
  • Stickers & GIFs

Pricing details

Telegram offers a usable free tier and optional paid subscriptions or one-time purchases. Prices, limits, included features, trials, and renewal terms vary by market and platform; confirm the official checkout before paying.

Safety Features

  • Secret chats with E2E encryption
  • Self-destruct messages
  • Two-factor authentication
  • Phone number privacy

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lightning fast cloud-based sync across unlimited devices
  • Large groups and broadcast channels
  • Send files up to 2GB for free (4GB for Premium)
  • Robust open API and bot ecosystem
  • End-to-end encrypted Secret Chats with self-destruct timers

Cons

  • Standard chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default
  • Requires a valid phone number to register
  • Large public groups can quickly become overwhelmed with spam
  • Not as widely used in some regions as WhatsApp

App Details

Platforms
Windows (PC)Google Play Android macOS (Mac) Web BrowserApple iOS (iPhone/iPad)
Pricing
Freemium
Minimum Service Age
16+
Developer
Telegram FZ-LLC
Founded
2013
Official Site

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Telegram — FAQ

How does Telegram work?
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging service for private chats, groups, channels, calls, bots, and mini apps across multiple devices. Cloud Chats synchronize through Telegram's servers, while separate Secret Chats are device-specific. A username, channel, bot, or verification mark does not make every message trustworthy; check who operates a service before sharing data, files, or money.
Is Telegram free to use?
Telegram provides core private messaging and many group, channel, call, and cloud features without a required subscription. Telegram Premium and optional digital products add eligible benefits. Mobile-data charges and regional availability still apply. Review the current purchase terms and never buy Premium, Stars, usernames, accounts, or recovery services from an unverified person or payment link.
Can people see my phone number on Telegram?
Telegram uses a phone number for account registration, but number visibility can be limited through Privacy and Security settings. By default, contacts you added may see it, and discovery rules depend on the selected options. A username lets people contact an account without necessarily seeing the number. Review exceptions and synced contacts, and never share a login code.
Are all Telegram chats end-to-end encrypted?
No. Telegram's standard private and group Cloud Chats use client-server encryption and are stored in Telegram Cloud for multi-device synchronization. Only Secret Chats add end-to-end client-to-client encryption, are tied to their originating devices, and are not synchronized through the cloud. Choose the correct chat type for the risk and remember recipients can still capture content externally.
How do Telegram Secret Chats work?
Start a Secret Chat from an eligible contact's profile. Messages are end-to-end encrypted, cannot be forwarded through the normal control, can use self-destruct timers, and remain tied to the participating devices and login session. Logging out can remove local access. Screenshot alerts are not foolproof, so do not send sensitive material solely because a timer or Secret Chat is enabled.
What is the age limit for Telegram?
Telegram eligibility depends on the applicable Terms and region. Its current EU Terms require users in European Union countries to be at least 18 to sign up. Other regional rules can differ, so check the Terms presented for the account rather than relying on a store rating or old article. Never falsify age or help a minor bypass local protections.
Is Telegram safe from scams and account theft?
Telegram offers active-session controls, app passcodes, 2-Step Verification, Passkeys, reporting, and privacy settings, but public groups, bots, mini apps, and direct messages can contain scams. Never send login codes, seed phrases, money, documents, or remote-access permission. Verify administrators independently, terminate unknown sessions, add a protected recovery email, and report impersonation or illegal content.
How do I permanently delete my Telegram account?
Use Telegram's official deactivation page and confirm through the account; the login code is delivered in Telegram rather than by SMS. Deletion is irreversible and removes the account's cloud data, contacts, and history, while other people may retain copies of messages and created groups can continue under administrators. Separately cancel any store subscription and export needed data first.

Data Sources & Verification

This page is checked against the listed official sources. Features, prices, and policies can change after the review date.

Developer WebsitePrivacy PolicyApple App StoreGoogle Play Store
Data last checked: 9/4/2026

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