Telegram

Telegram is a cross-platform instant messaging app launched in 2013. Since then, it has become one of the most widely used communication platforms worldwide, boasting several features unavailable in other apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, Viber, Line, or Signal. Telegram also offers a premium mode that unlocks many benefits. Additionally, Telegram provides a range of options to customize the interface. Beyond choosing between a light or dark theme, you can personalize the app's color scheme.

Profiles and phone numbers

When signing up for Telegram, you must provide your phone number. However, you don't have to share your phone number with other users if you prefer, as usernames are available. You can search by username using the app's built-in search engine or share your username with others to help them find you. After adding someone to your contacts, you can initiate chats with them, both individually and in groups.

Individual and group chats

Groups allow you to add hundreds of thousands of members, and you can set parameters like restricting messages to administrators only or establishing a minimum time between messages to prevent an overwhelming number of messages. If you find yourself tired of a particular group, chat, or channel, you can mute it. You can also disable notifications or archive chats to avoid distractions throughout the day, allowing you to check them at your convenience.

Security and encryption

Telegram employs two encryption methods depending on the chat. By default, Telegram uses MTProto encryption, which encrypts all content passing through Telegram's servers. This protocol utilizes SHA-256 to encrypt messages sent through the app, providing protection against IND-CCA attacks. This ensures that no one can spy on the content you send. Remember that public channels and groups are accessible to anyone, so any communication within them will be visible to third parties.

For enhanced security, you can opt for secret chats. These chats are end-to-end encrypted, guaranteeing that no one can access the content within. However, be aware that these secret chats are only accessible from the device where they were initiated and cannot be accessed on other devices. You can also set messages to disappear shortly after they have been read.

Unlimited storage

All your chat data is stored in the cloud. This enables you to use Telegram even when your device is not connected to the internet and allows you to synchronize all the photos, videos, and files you have shared in your chats. You can send as many files as you like over chat, with a limit of 2GB per file. You can also send files that disappear a few seconds after being viewed, with the added security that this self-destructing content cannot be screenshotted.

Calls, video calls, and multimedia messages

Beyond sending text messages, this app allows you to make VoIP calls and video calls. You'll notice a series of emojis at the top of the screen during both types of calls. If the recipient of the call has the same icons as you, it means that no one is accessing or altering the call's content. Within a chat, you can also send audio messages or short videos. The process for both is similar, allowing you to press and slide up to keep recording or simply hold down and release when you're finished. Like other messaging apps, you can also send photos, videos, GIFs, and files in any format.

Bots and channels

Another interesting feature of Telegram is the presence of bots and channels. Bots are automated chats that can be interacted with according to their programming. For example, there are AI bots and others that allow you to download content by simply entering the name of what you're looking for. As for channels, administrators are the only ones who can post content, making them ideal for sending content to a large number of users. Some channels may enable comments, allowing you to share your thoughts on the posted content.

Stickers

Telegram pioneered the use of stickers in chats. Since their introduction, they have undergone numerous improvements, including animated stickers and large animated emojis. Most emojis have an animated and full-size version, and the animation will only play once when the receiver opens the chat, although you can replay it by tapping on it. Animated stickers loop continuously, while fixed stickers remain static. Telegram offers a pre-selected list of stickers, and you can access many more by subscribing to the premium mode.

Premium mode

Given that Telegram is free and its maintenance costs have been increasing since its launch, the creators introduced a premium mode in 2022 with exclusive features. These include more reactions to messages in group chats and channels, access to exclusive stickers, sending files up to 4GB, faster downloads, audio-to-text conversion, ad removal, custom emojis, real-time translation in chats and channels, and much more.

Download the Telegram APK and enjoy one of the best encrypted instant messaging platforms on the market.

Requirements (Latest version)

Android 4.4 or higher required

Frequent questions

• How do I change the language on Telegram?
  To change the language on Telegram, go to Menu > Settings > Language.
• How do I hide my telephone number on Telegram?
  To hide your phone number on Telegram, go to Menu > Settings > Privacy and Security > Phone number. There, you can choose who can see your number.
• How do I schedule messages on Telegram?
  To schedule messages on Telegram, open the conversation where you want to send the message, type it, then tap and hold the send button. On the menu that appears, tap Schedule message, then choose when you want to send it.
• How do I add stickers on Telegram?
  To add stickers on Telegram, go to Menu > Settings > Stickers and Emojis. From there, tap Show more stickers and search for what you're looking for.
• How can I access Telegram?
  Accessing Telegram is very easy. Simply download the app—or one of the official clients—, log in, and start enjoying the most comprehensive messaging app.
• Is Telegram free?
  Yes, Telegram is free. However, the messaging app has released a paid version that allows sending files at a greater speed and dodging some of the restrictions of the free APK.