Where to get Telegram and what to expect

Telegram is a messaging app made by a company called Telegram FZ-LLC. You download it from your phone's app store (Apple App Store if you use iPhone, Google Play if you use Android) or from Telegram's official website if you want it on a computer. The app is free, and you do not need to pay anything to use the basic messaging features.

When you first open Telegram after installing it, you will need to verify your phone number. Telegram sends you a code by text message or phone call, and you enter that code to confirm the number belongs to you. This is how Telegram identifies your account — it does not use a username and password like email does.

The whole process from download to first message usually takes about five minutes. The app works on iPhones, Android phones, Windows computers, Mac computers, and Linux computers.

Key Takeaways

  • Download Telegram from the Apple App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android; on a computer, go to telegram.org and download from there.
  • You will need to verify your phone number by entering a code Telegram sends you by text or call.
  • Telegram is free and does not require a credit card to set up or use for basic messaging.
  • You can use Telegram on multiple devices at the same time with the same account, unlike some other messaging apps.

Downloading Telegram on iPhone

Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a magnifying glass). Type "Telegram" in the search box. The official Telegram app will appear at the top of the results — it has a white paper airplane on a blue background. Tap the cloud icon next to it that says "Get", then use Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password to confirm the download.

The app will download and install automatically. Once it finishes, the "Get" button changes to "Open". Tap "Open" to start Telegram for the first time. If you close the App Store instead, you can find Telegram on your home screen and tap it there.

Downloading Telegram on Android

Open Google Play on your Android phone. Tap the search icon at the bottom (it looks like a magnifying glass). Type "Telegram" in the search box. The official Telegram app will appear — it has the same white airplane on blue background. Tap "Install" and wait for the download to finish.

Once installation is complete, the "Install" button changes to "Open". Tap "Open" to start Telegram. If you close Google Play, you can find Telegram in your app drawer or on your home screen.

Downloading Telegram on Windows or Mac

Go to telegram.org in your web browser. At the top of the page, you will see a button that says "Get Telegram". Click it. The page will show you different versions — choose the one for your computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux).

Click the download link for your system. A file will download to your computer. For Windows, double-click the file and follow the installation steps. For Mac, the file is usually a .dmg file — double-click it, then drag the Telegram icon into the Applications folder. Once installation is done, you can open Telegram from your Applications folder or Start menu.

Setting up your account after download

When you open Telegram for the first time, it asks for your phone number. Enter the number exactly as it appears on your phone bill, including the country code (for example, +1 for the United States). Tap "Next".

Telegram will send you a code by text message or offer to call you with the code. Enter the code when you receive it. If you do not see the code arrive within a minute, tap "Didn't get the code?" and choose to receive it by call instead.

After you enter the code, Telegram asks for your first and last name. You can use your real name or a nickname — this is what other people see when you contact them. Once you enter a name and tap "Sign Up", your account is ready to use.

What to do if the download fails

If the download stops or the app will not install, the most common reason is not enough storage space on your device. Check how much free space you have. Telegram itself takes about 100 to 200 megabytes, but your phone or computer needs extra space to download and install it. Delete old photos, videos, or apps you no longer use, then try downloading again.

If you are on Wi-Fi and the download keeps stopping, try switching to mobile data instead, or move closer to your router. If the app store itself is not working, restart your phone or computer and try again. If you still have trouble, you can uninstall the app (if it partially installed) and download it again from the beginning.

Using Telegram on multiple devices

One of Telegram's features is that you can use the same account on your phone and your computer at the same time. Download Telegram on both devices and sign in with the same phone number on each one. Your messages and contacts will appear on all of them.

If you sign in on a new device and want to sign out on an old one, you can do that in Telegram's settings. On your phone, go to Settings, then Devices, and you will see a list of all the places you are signed in. You can tap any device and choose to sign out of it remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Telegram safe to download from the app store?

Yes. The official Telegram app in the Apple App Store and Google Play is made by Telegram FZ-LLC. Make sure you are downloading the one with the white airplane on a blue background and that it says "Telegram FZ-LLC" as the developer. Avoid any app that looks similar but has a different name or developer.

Do I need a Facebook or Google account to use Telegram?

No. Telegram only needs your phone number. You do not need to connect it to Facebook, Google, or any other account. You can use Telegram with just a phone number and a name.

Can I download Telegram on a tablet?

Yes. On an iPad, download it from the Apple App Store the same way you would on an iPhone. On an Android tablet, download it from Google Play. Telegram works on both.

What happens if I uninstall Telegram and download it again?

When you sign back in with the same phone number, all your messages and contacts will be there. Telegram stores your messages on its servers, so uninstalling the app does not delete them. Just sign in again with your phone number and the code it sends you.

Can I download Telegram without a phone number?

No. Telegram requires a real phone number to create an account. You need to be able to receive a text message or phone call at that number to verify it. This is how Telegram confirms you are a real person and prevents spam accounts.