If you’re looking to download Telegram for the first time, here’s what you need to know. Most people still use WhatsApp out of habit. Their contacts are there, their family groups are there, and switching seems like more effort than it’s worth.
I thought the same – until I actually started using Telegram regularly. Larger file transfers, groups with up to 200,000 members, no phone number required for sign-up, no ads, faster on a desktop, and a new AI editing tool built right into the message box. The comparison isn’t even close anymore.
Whether you’re downloading Telegram for the first time or setting it up on a new device, this guide walks you through everything – including the 2026 features most users haven’t found yet.
What’s in this guide:
- How to download Telegram on Windows and Mac
- How to download Telegram on iPhone and Android
- First-time setup – what to do when you open it
- What’s new in Telegram in 2026
- Telegram vs WhatsApp – the honest comparison
- Privacy settings you should change immediately
- Common problems and fixes
How to Download Telegram on Windows PC
Option 1: Official Website (Recommended)
Download Telegram for Windows – Official Site
- Go to desktop.telegram.org and click Download for Windows
- Run the downloaded installer (
tsetup-x64.exe) - Telegram installs automatically – no settings to configure
- The app opens and asks you to sign in with your phone number
Option 2: Microsoft Store
Search “Telegram Desktop” in the Microsoft Store. The official app by Telegram FZ LLC is the correct one. This version updates automatically through the Store.
System requirements: Windows 7 or later. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions available. The 64-bit version (tsetup-x64) is recommended for all modern PCs.
How to Download Telegram on Mac
Download Telegram for Mac – Official Site
- Go to desktop.telegram.org and click Download for macOS
- Open the downloaded
.dmgfile - Drag Telegram to your Applications folder
- Open Telegram from Applications and sign in
Telegram is also available on the Mac App Store – search “Telegram” and install the version by Telegram FZ LLC.
System requirements: macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later. Works on both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) Macs.
How to Download Telegram on iPhone
Download Telegram for iPhone – Free
- Search “Telegram” on the App Store
- Install the app by Telegram FZ LLC – make sure it’s the official app
- Open and tap Start Messaging
- Enter your phone number and verify with the SMS code
- Set your name and optional profile photo
How to Download Telegram on Android
Download Telegram for Android – Free
- Search “Telegram” on Google Play
- Install the official app by Telegram FZ LLC
- Open and enter your phone number
- Verify with the SMS code sent to your phone
- Your account is ready – contacts who use Telegram appear automatically
Multiple devices: Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram works on all your devices simultaneously without your phone needing to stay online. Log in on your PC, Mac, phone, and tablet – everything syncs in real time.
First-Time Setup – What to Do When You Open Telegram
Find your contacts
Go to Contacts then allow Telegram to access your contacts then anyone already on Telegram appears in your list automatically. You can also find people by searching their username (without needing their phone number).
Set up a username
Settings then tap your name then Username. A username lets people find and message you without knowing your phone number – useful for privacy and easier to share than a phone number.
Enable two-step verification
Settings then Privacy and Security then Two-Step Verification. Add a password as a second layer of security. This prevents anyone who gets access to your SIM card from taking over your account.
What’s New in Telegram in 2026
AI Text Editor – Fix and Improve Messages Before Sending
The most useful new feature in 2026. When you’re typing a message, tap the AI Tools button and Telegram can translate your text, fix grammar, change the tone, summarize, or rewrite it – all in two taps, without leaving the chat.
Practical uses: translate a message to a different language before sending, quickly clean up a rushed message before it goes out, or change a blunt message to a more diplomatic tone. The AI runs on Telegram’s servers – no third-party service, no extra setup.
Drawing Tools – Annotate Photos Before Sending
You can now draw, highlight, and annotate directly on photos before sending them. Useful for marking up screenshots, pointing out specific areas in an image, or adding handwritten notes to a photo.
Enhanced Polls – Media, Locations, and Suggested Options
Telegram’s polls got a significant upgrade. You can now attach images or videos to poll options, add location pins, and let respondents suggest their own options. More useful for group decisions and community engagement.
Voice Message Trimming
Record a voice message and trim the beginning or end before sending it – no need to re-record if you started a second early or ended with background noise.
New Bottom Navigation
The interface has been reorganized with a four-tab bottom navigation: Chats, Contacts, Settings, and Profile. More intuitive than the previous menu structure, especially on mobile.
Telegram vs WhatsApp – The Honest Comparison
| Feature | Telegram | |
|---|---|---|
| Max group size | 200,000 members | 1,024 members |
| File size limit | 2GB free / 4GB Premium | 2GB per file |
| Multiple devices | All devices simultaneously | Limited (phone must be on) |
| Username (no phone needed) | Yes | Phone number required |
| End-to-end encryption | Secret Chats only | All chats by default |
| Ads | No ads in chats | Ads in Status |
| Channels (broadcast) | Unlimited subscribers | Limited |
| AI features | Built-in AI Editor (2026) | Limited |
| Price | Free forever | Free |
One important note on encryption: WhatsApp encrypts all messages end-to-end by default. Telegram only uses end-to-end encryption in “Secret Chats” – regular cloud chats are encrypted but stored on Telegram’s servers. If maximum encryption is your priority, enable Secret Chats for sensitive conversations.
Privacy Settings to Change Immediately
Telegram’s default settings aren’t the most private. Change these when you first set up the app:
Who can see your phone number: Settings then Privacy and Security then Phone Number then change to “Nobody” or “My Contacts”
Who can see your last seen status: Settings then Privacy and Security then Last Seen and Online then “Nobody” if you want full privacy
Who can add you to groups: Settings then Privacy and Security then Groups and Channels then “My Contacts” to prevent strangers from adding you to unwanted groups
Who can find you by phone number: Settings then Privacy and Security then Phone Number then Who can find me by my number then “My Contacts”
Common Problems and Fixes
SMS verification code not arriving
- Wait 60 seconds, then tap “Send via Call” for a voice call with the code instead
- Make sure you’re entering the correct country code
- Check that your phone can receive international SMS messages
Telegram not syncing across devices
- Make sure you’re signed into the same account (same phone number) on all devices
- Check internet connection on all devices
- Log out and back in on the device that’s out of sync
Can’t find someone on Telegram
- Search by their exact username (case-sensitive)
- Or ask them to share their t.me/username link directly
- If they’ve set their privacy to “Nobody can find me by phone number,” you can only reach them via username
Desktop app not receiving notifications
- Windows: Check that Telegram is allowed in Windows notification settings
- Mac: System Settings then Notifications then Telegram then ensure notifications are enabled
- Make sure Telegram is running in the background (minimize to tray, don’t fully close)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Telegram free?
Yes. Telegram is completely free and has committed to remaining free forever. There is a Telegram Premium subscription ($4.99/month) that adds extra features like larger upload limits (4GB per file instead of 2GB), faster downloads, and exclusive stickers – but the free version has no meaningful limitations for regular use.
Do I need a phone number to use Telegram?
You need a phone number to create a Telegram account. However, after creating your account, you can set a username and adjust your privacy settings so others can find and message you without knowing your number.
Is Telegram safer than WhatsApp?
The answer depends on what you mean by “safe.” WhatsApp encrypts all messages end-to-end by default – meaning even WhatsApp can’t read them. Telegram’s regular chats are stored on its servers (encrypted, but not end-to-end). For maximum privacy, use Telegram’s Secret Chats feature, which does use end-to-end encryption and leaves no server trace.
Can I use Telegram on multiple phones?
Yes. Telegram has no practical limit on the number of devices logged into your account at once – phone, tablet, and computer can all stay signed in and synced simultaneously. This is one of Telegram’s biggest advantages over WhatsApp, which ties your account more closely to a single primary phone.
What’s the difference between a Telegram group and a channel?
Groups are two-way conversations where all members can send messages – up to 200,000 members. Channels are one-way broadcasts where only admins post – unlimited subscribers. Channels work like a newsletter or broadcast feed; groups work like a chat room.
Final Thoughts
Telegram has been getting consistently better every year, and 2026’s updates – particularly the AI text editor and enhanced media tools – make it more practical than ever for everyday use. Whether you’re switching from WhatsApp or just setting up Telegram for the first time, the setup takes under two minutes and the difference in capability is immediately noticeable.
If you’re setting up multiple messaging apps at once, our guide on downloading Signal covers another strong privacy-focused alternative worth having installed.
Download it now on whichever platform you’re on:
Download for Windows / Mac Download for iPhone Download for Android
