5 Steps to Add Someone on Telegram Using Their Phone Number

Telegram is a popular messaging app that offers fast, secure, and feature-rich communication for millions of users worldwide. One of the most basic yet essential functions of any messaging app is the ability to add contacts. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of adding someone on Telegram using their phone number, along with some helpful tips and additional information about the platform.

Introduction

Telegram has become one of the top 5 most downloaded apps globally, boasting over 950 million active users. Its popularity stems from its focus on speed, security, and user-friendly features. Before we dive into the steps of adding contacts, let’s briefly explore why Telegram stands out among other messaging apps.

Why Choose Telegram?

Multi-device synchronization: Telegram allows you to use the app on multiple devices simultaneously, with messages syncing seamlessly across all your phones, tablets, and computers.
File sharing: You can send messages, photos, videos, and files of any type (doc, zip, mp3, etc.) through Telegram.
Large group chats: Create groups for up to 200,000 people or channels for broadcasting to unlimited audiences.
Username search: Find people by their usernames, making it easy to connect without sharing phone numbers.
End-to-end encryption: Telegram supports secure voice and video calls, ensuring your conversations remain private.

Now that we understand the benefits of using Telegram, let’s focus on how to add someone using their phone number.

Steps to Add Someone on Telegram Using Their Phone Number

Step 1: Install and Set Up Telegram

Before you can add contacts, you need to have Telegram installed and set up on your device. If you haven’t done so already, follow these steps:

Download Telegram from your device’s app store (App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android).
Open the app and enter your phone number to create an account.
Verify your number by entering the code sent to you via SMS.
Set up your profile by adding a profile picture and username (optional).

Step 2: Access Your Contacts List

Once you have Telegram set up, you can start adding contacts. Here’s how to access your contacts list:

For iOS users:

Tap the “Contacts” icon at the bottom of the screen.
Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner.

For Android users:

Tap the circular pencil icon in the chat list.
Select “New Contact” from the menu.

For Telegram Desktop:

Click the menu button in the top left corner.
Select “New Contact” from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Enter the Contact’s Information

Now that you’ve accessed the “Add Contact” screen, it’s time to enter the person’s information:

Type in the person’s phone number, including the country code.
Enter their first name (required) and last name (optional).
If you want, you can also add a nickname or additional information in the appropriate fields.

Step 4: Save the Contact

After entering the contact’s information, simply tap or click the “Save” or “Done” button to add them to your Telegram contacts list.

Step 5: Start a Conversation

Once you’ve added the contact, you can immediately start a conversation with them:

Find the newly added contact in your contacts list.
Tap or click on their name to open a chat window.
Type your message and hit send!

Additional Tips and Information

What If the Person Isn’t on Telegram?

If you add a phone number and the person isn’t on Telegram, the app will notify you. You’ll have the option to invite them to join Telegram. When they do join, you’ll receive a notification, and they’ll automatically appear in your contacts list.

Using Usernames Instead of Phone Numbers

Telegram offers the unique feature of usernames, which allows users to find and add each other without sharing phone numbers. If someone has set up a username, you can search for them using the global search function in the app. This is particularly useful for maintaining privacy or connecting with people you don’t know personally.

Privacy Considerations

While adding contacts by phone number is convenient, it’s essential to be mindful of privacy. Telegram offers various privacy settings that allow you to control who can see your phone number, last seen status, and profile photo. To adjust these settings:

Go to Settings > Privacy and Security.
Review and adjust the options according to your preferences.

Syncing Contacts

Telegram can automatically sync with your device’s address book to find contacts who are already using the app. However, you can control this feature:

Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Data Settings.
Toggle the “Sync Contacts” option on or off as desired.

Creating Groups

Once you’ve added contacts, you might want to create a group chat. Telegram allows for massive groups of up to 200,000 members. Here’s how to create a group:

For iOS:

Start a new message (tap the icon in the top right corner in Chats).
Select “New Group.”

For Android:

Tap the circular pencil icon in the chat list.
Choose “New Group.”

For Telegram Desktop:

Click the menu button in the top left corner.
Select “New Group.”

Using Invite Links

If you want to add multiple people to a group or channel at once, you can create an invite link:

Go to the group or channel info.
Select “Add Member.”
Choose “Invite to Group via Link.”

This link can be shared with anyone, and they’ll be able to join the group or channel by clicking it.

Conclusion

Adding someone on Telegram using their phone number is a straightforward process that opens up a world of communication possibilities. With its focus on speed, security, and feature-rich environment, Telegram offers a compelling platform for personal and business messaging needs.

Remember that while phone numbers are a common way to add contacts, Telegram’s username feature provides an additional layer of privacy and convenience. As you explore the app, you’ll discover many more features that make Telegram a powerful tool for staying connected in today’s digital world.

Whether you’re chatting one-on-one, participating in large group discussions, or broadcasting to a wide audience, Telegram’s user-friendly interface and robust feature set make it an excellent choice for modern communication. So go ahead, add your contacts, and start enjoying the benefits of this popular messaging app!