See how to use Telegram on mobile and on the web

Use Telegram on mobile and PC simple and intuitive. The free messaging app considered the main competitor of WhatsApp. In addition to texts, the app allows you to send photos, videos and files up to 1.5GB in any format.

New contacts can still be added by user name or phone number. The service also guarantees the creation of groups with up to 100 thousand people and channels with an unlimited number of members.

Another feature that deserves to be highlighted is the secret chat. When activating the option, it is possible to configure messages and files to self-destruct after a certain period of time. Furthermore, it does not allow screen captures of the conversation.

WhatsApp or Telegram? Find out which app is the best and safest

How to use Telegram on mobile

The messaging program is available for smartphones with Android, iOS and Windows Phone operating systems. If you have already downloaded and installed the app on your phone, just follow the steps below:

1. Open Telegram;

2. Touch the button Start chatting;

3. On the next screen, enter your cell phone number and tap the check icon () at the top right of the display to confirm;

4. A message will appear stating that your number is being checked. Seconds later, you will be taken to the app's home screen;

5. To add new contacts, go to the icon composed of three horizontal lines and, in the menu that opens, in Contacts;

How to use Telegram on mobile and web

6. The service will display the contacts in the phone book of the device that are also Telegram users. To talk to one of them, just tap on the name and the chat window will open.

How to use Telegram Web (without downloading anything)

In order to use Telegram Web, it is not necessary to download the program on the PC or have it installed on the cell phone. Simply access the service's website in the browser.

1. Access the Telegram Web site;

2. The login screen will be displayed, in which it is necessary to inform the country and your cell phone number. When finished, click Next;

How to use Telegram Web

3. A confirmation window will appear. If the number is correct, click OK;

4. An activation code will be sent to your phone via SMS or via the Telegram app, if installed on your phone. Enter the code in the corresponding field and then click Next;

5. You will be taken to the application's home screen. As in the mobile version, it is possible to check the friends who use the program. To do this, touch the three line icon located in the upper right corner of the screen;

How to use Telegram on the web

6. In the menu that opens, click Contacts;

7. Then click on the name of the person you want to chat with so that the chat window opens.

Telegram for PC

In addition to the mobile and web versions, the messenger also has a desktop edition, available for Windows, MAC OS and Linux. If the user chooses to use it, it is necessary to download and install the program on the computer.

As with the web and mobile versions, it is necessary to provide a valid mobile phone number. Among the advantages over the web version, is the possibility to create channels, make calls and activate night mode.

Telegram or WhatsApp?

As Telegram and WhatsApp have the same function, that is, the two apps are messengers, it is common to see comparisons between them. However, it is up to the user to decide which option is best for them, according to their needs.

Regarding the number of users, WhatsApp leads the way, since it is more popular in Brazil and, therefore, has a greater number of followers. But, for those who need to maintain discretion and have more privacy, Telegram has some advantages.

With the function of Secret Chat, it is possible to have all the content destroyed after a certain period of time, in addition to not allowing the screenshot of the conversation. The program also offers password protection natively, without the need to install third party apps.

Secret Chat Telegram

People who wish to communicate with a large number of contacts, may also prefer Telegram. The groups in the app support having up to 100 thousand users (against just 256 of the competitor).

There is also the possibility to create channels in which only administrators can send content – the rest are just viewers.

In terms of file transfer, Telegram also stands out. While WhatsApp only supports photos of up to 16MB and files in general of 100MB, the rival guarantees the sending of items of up to 1.5GB.

However, when it comes to video and audio conversations, WhatsApp is still the champion. The competitor is only compatible with voice calls, while the category leader has group video calls with a capacity of up to four participants.

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Taysa Coelho

Journalist graduated from UFRJ, she has been writing about technology for seven years. Carioca currently lives in Portugal, a country he adopted. In his free time, he enjoys going to the beach, reading, watching movies and doing serial marathons. Instagram is your favorite social network, but WhatsApp saves you from missing those who stayed in Brazil.