What is Telegram? A V2024 Guide to the Messaging App
Find out What Telegram is.
i. Using Telegram is quite straightforward. Here's a guide to help you get started:
1. **Download and Install:**
- Download the Telegram app from your device's app store (App Store for iOS, Google Play for Android).
- Install the app on your device.
2. **Sign Up:**
- Open the Telegram app.
- Enter your phone number. You'll receive a verification code via SMS.
- Enter the code to verify your phone number.
- Set up your profile by adding a name and profile picture.
3. **Interface Overview:**
- Telegram's interface is user-friendly. The main screen displays your chats, and you can access additional features from the menu at the bottom.
4. **Start a Chat:**
- To start a chat, tap the pencil icon or the "+" button.
- Select a contact or enter a phone number to send a message.
5. **Send Messages:**
- Type your message in the chat box.
- You can send text, photos, videos, documents, and voice messages.
6. **Create Groups:**
- Tap the three lines in the upper-left corner.
- Select "New Group" to create a group chat.
- Add participants and set a group name and photo.
7. **Channels:**
- Channels are one-way communication tools. To join a channel, you need an invite link.
- Open the link to join the channel.
8. **Secret Chats:**
- Telegram offers end-to-end encrypted secret chats.
- To start a secret chat, go to a contact's profile, tap on the three dots, and select "Start Secret Chat."
9. **Stickers and Emojis:**
- Express yourself with stickers and emojis. Tap the emoji icon to access them.
10. **Voice Messages:**
- Hold the microphone icon to record a voice message. Release to send it.
11. **Settings:**
- Access settings by tapping the three lines in the upper-left corner.
- Here, you can customize notifications, privacy settings, and more.
12. **Voice and Video Calls:**
- Make voice or video calls by tapping the phone or camera icon in a chat.
- You can also make voice or video calls from the contact's profile.
13. **Multiple Accounts:**
- Telegram supports multiple accounts on one device. You can switch between them easily.
14. **Cloud Storage:**
- Telegram offers cloud storage for your messages, making it easy to access your chat history from different devices.
15. **Customization:**
- Customize the app's appearance, including chat backgrounds and themes.
Remember that Telegram values privacy, and its features like secret chats and self-destructing messages enhance user security. Explore the settings to tailor the app to your preferences.