Despite the fact that Telegram web is one of the most popular messaging platforms in the world, many people are still unaware of what it is. Although the app is frequently mentioned in conversations about online privacy and security, aren’t all messaging apps safe? Isn’t it true that other popular applications like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger (despite their Facebook links) also offer the legendary “end-to-end” encryption? What distinguishes Telegram web from other messaging apps?

Log in to Telegram by QR Code

1. Open Telegram on your phone
2. Go to Settings → Devices → Link Desktop Device
3. Point your phone at this screen to confirm login

Continue reading to find out what Telegram is for, what its primary features are, and why you should use it. You may also get the app right now by clicking the link below.

What exactly is Telegram web?

Telegram is a Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov’s multi-platform messaging service. It was first released on iOS and Android in late 2013, and it now has a monthly user base of around 550 million people. Telegram’s user base tends to grow anytime one of its major competitors is involved in a privacy crisis.

Telegram is distinguished by its emphasis on privacy, encryption, and an open-source API. Along with the official Telegram apps and web interface, there are a slew of unauthorized clients. It also allows multiple devices (confirmed by SMS) to utilize the same account, as well as several accounts on the same device.

What is telegram for web and how does it work?

Telegram’s main features are similar to those of most other messaging apps: you may send messages to other Telegram users, start group discussions, call contacts, make video calls, and exchange files and stickers. It does, however, have a few unique features that set it apart from other chat programs.

First and foremost, Telegram’s main feature is privacy, which it achieves through end-to-end encryption. This is what prevents others outside of a two-way dialogue from seeing what has been sent, whether they are a firm, the government, hackers, or someone else.

Telegram, on the other hand, only utilizes encryption in calls and its “secret chats” feature, not in ordinary chats. These are just encrypted client-to-server communications. Meanwhile, since 2016, WhatsApp, the ostensibly less secure app, has used end-to-end encryption in messages, conversations, and video calls.

Telegram’s increased use of the cloud is the cause behind this. It basically saves all of your chats and photographs on a safe server. Telegram is significantly more multi-platform friendly than other chat apps like WhatsApp because you may access them from any connected device.

Usernames are another security element that improves usability. You can just give your username to folks instead of your phone number. This allows you to have more control over what information is publicly available and how individuals can contact you in the future.

Is it safe to use Telegram?

Telegram is, in general, as safe as or safer than most other chat programs. It may be argued that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption on all messaging is a better strategy, but privacy activists may be put off by the company’s ties to Facebook.

You’ll also get the same level of end-to-end encryption if you use the “secret chats” option. Furthermore, users in private chats are unable to forward or screenshot messages, and messages can be designed to self-destruct. When you remove a message, it is deleted for everyone on the service, and users can delete not just their own messages, but also the messages of other users. It’s also worth noting that all chats are encrypted, even if they’re not end-to-end.

Another thing to bear in mind is that Telegram’s business model does not revolve around selling your data. Telegram is funded by its founder and CEO Pavel Durov, not by advertising or data collecting and sharing, according to the company’s FAQ page.

Telegram also cites “protecting your personal data from third parties, such as marketers, advertisers, and others” as one of its two internet privacy precepts on the same website. This sets it apart from a slew of other services like Facebook, Google, Amazon, and others.

Finally, just because you’re using Telegram instead of WhatsApp or another messaging software doesn’t guarantee your chats are any more private or safe. Server-side data leaks can still happen, and encryption won’t assist if your end device is already hacked.

Is Telegram web a free service?

Telegram is free to use and is backed by Pavel Durov, the company’s creator and CEO. In 2021, the company will start using new monetization methods, although the core business of chatting will remain free.

Ads on public one-to-many channels (similar to Twitter feeds), premium features for business teams and power users, and paid sticker packs are among the new revenue options. Some of these funds will be returned to users in the form of increased channel visibility or payments to authors of one-of-a-kind sticker packs.

Is it possible to use Telegram web on a computer?

Telegram keeps chats and files on a remote server rather than on your device, so you can access everything from the web (excluding secret chats). It’s available through a web site or a number of Chrome extensions.

The company also makes its API open source and enables developers to build clients for other platforms using it. Users can also make their own bots, themes, stickers, and other items for free.

The advantages and disadvantages of Telegram web

You might not find Telegram appealing enough to use if you already use another software for one-on-one and group discussions. Telegram, on the other hand, fits the bill if you’re searching for a highly secure chat service with rock-solid security and privacy. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using Telegram:

Pros:

• Secret chats: You can participate in end-to-end encrypted chatting with a contact using the aforementioned secret chats. But that’s not the only advantage: secret chats prevent users from forwarding messages or taking pictures. Of course, someone could use another device to take a picture of the screen, but this is discouraged, and it’s aided by another feature: self-destruct timers.
• Self-destruct timers: If you don’t want messages in your secret chats to linger indefinitely, Telegram allows you to set self-destruct durations to delete them permanently. When you get a message, it stays in the chat for a predetermined amount of time — you may pick from one second to one week — before deleting. You’ll have to be very worried about privacy to use this – it means you’ll never have a conversation log — but it’s a great feature that Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and WeChat lack.
• Because non-secret chats and files are kept in the cloud, you can access them by login into your account from any device. You’ll never have to worry about on-device storage or losing essential information again, but you’ll give up some privacy and security in the process.
• Telegram users can now erase messages sent by other users across all devices, thanks to an update released in 2019. It’s a feature that divides people. It’s not pleasant to have your communications removed by someone else. However, if your interaction is with someone you trust, it’s another useful technique to keep track of your online communications.
• Usernames: As previously stated, the usage of usernames rather of phone numbers ensures that your account is not tied to a single phone. This makes it easy to log in on different devices, enabling you to have numerous accounts on the same device, and eliminates the need to share your phone number with others in order to add them as Telegram contacts.
• Telegram web has much of the competition beat when it comes to sending large files, with support for up to 2GB files. Meanwhile, WhatsApp has a 100MB limit, WeChat has a 100MB limit, and Skype has a 300MB limit. Telegram files are also saved in the cloud and may be accessed from any device.
• Telegram web offers a number of customization choices not seen in many of its competitors, including the ability to pick the dominant app color, how the app opens links, whether or not the UI exhibits animations, and more. There’s also chatbot integration, which allows you to use bots to enhance your experience. Using the Telegram API, you can even make your own themes, bots, and complete apps. Telegram has developed up a large bot ecosystem over time, which offers even more capabilities to the service.

Cons:

• Announcing a new user: Telegram web alerts your contacts when you join it, which is a privacy disaster unless you give it permission to view your contacts. The program doesn’t tell you when it’s about to ping your contacts, which is a major drawback for individuals who prefer to use Telegram discreetly.
• Telegram lacks the Stories feature seen in some competing messaging apps, which allows you to upload photographs or short films without directly texting a contact. It’s true that for most people, it’s not a necessary feature.
• Users: Telegram’s biggest drawback versus more popular communications is probably just that: popularity. Despite its millions of users, Telegram trails WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat in terms of active monthly users. If you’re in the West and make a new contact, it’s likely that they’ll choose WhatsApp to Telegram. Telegram faces an uphill struggle in its attempt to dethrone WhatsApp, since popularity breeds popularity.

How to use your phone or computer to log into Telegram

How to use the Telegram iPhone, iPad, and Android apps

You must have an active phone number to create a Telegram account. This is because logging in necessitates entering a code that is either texted to your phone or given to you over the phone.

Open https://web.telegram.org and tap Start Messaging, then enter your Telegram account’s phone number.

Telegram web will send you a five-digit number through text message. However, if you’re already signed into Telegram on another device, Telegram will send your code to that device’s app.

You’ll be logged in after entering the code into Telegram.

If you try to log into Telegram web without using any additional verified devices, you’ll get a notice saying Telegram will call you in a few minutes. This is a fallback option for login into your account if you can’t receive SMS messages.

What is the procedure for logging into Telegram Web?

There are two ways to log in to the Telegram Web app. You can use your phone number or a QR code, much like the mobile app. To do either, go to the Telegram website. To use a QR code to log in, open Telegram on a mobile device and go to Settings, then Devices in the lower-right corner. Point your device’s camera at the QR code and select the Link Desktop Device option. The webpage should quickly log in.

You can also choose to log in using your phone number. Just like with the mobile app, type in the phone number associated with your account and then enter the code sent to you.

Some frequently asked questions about Telegram Web

Why should you use Telegram web instead of WhatsApp?

• Fast — The distributed network of data centers throughout the world allows messages to be delivered more quickly.
• Telegram messages are highly encrypted and have the ability to self-destruct.
• Cloud-based — Unlike Whatsapp Messenger, users can access their messages from numerous devices.
• Free — The Telegram app is completely free, with no adverts or hidden fees.
• Powerful – The size of the media and chats you can send with the Telegram app is unrestricted. A group chat can have up to 200,000 users.

You can do a lot with the Telegram web’s features. You can connect from the most remote areas, send documents of any sort and size, secure your company or personal secrets, schedule the deletion of your messages, and even create your own tools using the app’s API.

Is it possible to use Telegram web without having a phone number?

No, you can’t sign up for Telegram web without providing a phone number.

Is it possible for someone to see my Telegram messages?

End-to-end encryption is used in Telegram’s secret conversation, which means that only you and the recipient can see the messages. Those messages cannot be seen by a third party. Furthermore, you are unable to forward messages from private chats.

Is Telegram web aware of screenshots?

Another user will not be notified if you snap a screenshot in a standard cloud chat. However, if you capture a screenshot in a secret chat, another user will be notified that you did so. Additionally, you will receive a warning in the conversation thread.

Is it possible for anyone to access my Telegram search history?

Nobody can see what you’ve searched for on Telegram web. If your friends have contact sync turned on, they will be able to see that you have joined the app.

Is it a good idea for me to utilize Telegram web?

In online services, “privacy” isn’t a particularly appealing product feature. It can be nebulous: we don’t always feel or comprehend it, and we only take it seriously when our privacy is violated.

If you’re a very private person who is concerned about news headlines about online security and privacy breaches, Telegram web with hidden chats enabled is a must-have. You’ll enjoy a similar experience to those of other popular messaging applications, but with additional security.

That’s not to suggest Telegram will shield you from all of the internet world’s privacy threats; for a more comprehensive look, see our Android privacy guide. Telegram simply provides a nice balance of popularity and security for individuals who are concerned about the security of other chat programs.

You can get the app for free from the Google Play Store by clicking the button below; if you’re interested, give it a go with a friend. The best approach to figure out if it’s right for you is to give it a shot.

Is Telegram a Russian service?

Despite the fact that Telegram’s creator and CEO, Pavel Durov, is Russian, the company has no ties to the Russian government. In fact, after being pressed by the Kremlin for his ownership of the social media network VKontakte, the founder fled Russia in 2015. In the past, the app was blocked in Russia for refusing to share user data with the authorities. The company’s present headquarters are in Dubai.

Who can see me ‘online’ on Telegram web?

The same regulations apply to your online status as they do to your offline status. Only if you share your last seen status with others can they see you online.

There are several exceptions, as it is occasionally evident that you are on the internet. People will see you online for a limited period (30 seconds) regardless of your last seen settings if you perform the following:

• Send them a message in a private message or in a group where you are both members.
• In a one-on-one chat, read a message someone sent you.
• Send a “typing…” message to their conversation with you or to a group in which you are both members.

They’ll never see you online if you don’t share your last seen timestamp with them and don’t do any of the above. Blocking that person is another way to accomplish this.

Is it possible to obtain Telegram’s server-side code?

Telegram web’s client apps are all free and open source. We provide verifiable builds telegram web download for both iOS and Android — this technology allows you to independently verify that the software you downloaded from the app stores was developed with the same code that we publish.

Publish the server code, on the other hand, does not provide security guarantees for Secret Chats or Cloud Chats. This is due to the fact that, unlike client-side programming, there is no mechanism to ensure that the same code is executed on the servers.

You don’t require the server-side code to validate the integrity of Secret Chats because the idea of end-to-end encryption is that it must be secure regardless of how the servers operate.

Pavel Durov explained why Telegram web hasn’t released the server code, even as a publicity stunt, in a post on his channel.

Telegram’s encryption and API are well documented and available for security experts to study. Any feedback can be sent to [email protected].

Who is behind Telegram web and what are their motivations?

Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai are supporters of Telegram. Pavel contributes financially and intellectually to Telegram, while Nikolai contributes technologically. Nikolai created a unique bespoke data protocol that is open, secure, and optimized for use with numerous data centers in order to make Telegram possible. Telegram, as a result, combines security, dependability, and speed on any network.

What is the age of Telegram web?

On August 14, 2013, Telegram for iOS was released. On October 20, 2013, the alpha version of Telegram for Android was released. Telegram applications are increasingly appearing, produced by independent developers using Telegram’s open platform.

What is the procedure for deleting my account?

You can deactivate your account on the deactivation page if you want to. All of your messages and contacts will be permanently deleted if you delete your account. All of your formed groups and channels are orphaned and without a creator, but admins keep their rights.

This action requires confirmation via Telegram and cannot be reversed.

What happens if I cancel my membership?

All of your data will be flushed from our system, as previously stated: all messages, groups, and contacts associated with your account will be erased. Your contacts, on the other hand, will be able to talk in the groups you’ve made, and they’ll still have a copy of the messages you’ve sent them. Use our self-destruct timer instead if you want to send messages that will vanish without a trace.

The deletion of a Telegram web account is permanent. If you sign up again, you will be treated as a new user with no access to your previous history, contacts, or groups. Your phone number will be informed to those who have it in their contacts. In their messages list, the new user will appear as a separate conversation, and their conversation history with this new user will be empty.

Is it possible for me to remove my messages on Telegram web app?

Yes. In any one-on-one communication, you can always erase any messages you wrote or received for both sides (in groups, it’s still your own messages only). On both ends, you can also delete the complete conversation history. Deleted communications in Telegram do not leave a trace in the chat.

This, combined with privacy settings for forwarded messages, makes Telegram messaging equivalent to face-to-face communication (without a tape recorder). As a result, users no longer have to be concerned about the data that has accumulated over time in their discussions. Both parties in a communication have complete choice over what belongs to their online identity and what does not.

Can I use Telegram web to make phone calls?

Yes! End-to-end encrypted Voice and Video Calls are available.

Start a Voice Chat in one of the groups you created if you want other people to join. Voice Chats give the group a live layer of ephemeral communication. They can be used as casual lounges for any community or as virtual office spaces for teams. While Voice Chats are not the same as group calls, they can accomplish the same objectives.

What are usernames, exactly? What’s the best way to get one?

On Telegram web, you can create a public username. Other users will be able to discover you using that username because you will appear in the ‘global results’ section of the contacts search. Please keep in mind that even if they don’t have your phone number, people who locate you will be able to send you messages. If you’re not sure about this, we don’t recommend creating a Telegram web login.

You can create a username in Settings and search for chats, messages, and usernames using the universal search box in the chat list.

What should I do if my preferred username is already taken?

Usernames for Telegram web are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

We recognize that certain usernames are a part of some of our online identities. If your preferred username is already used, we would gladly assist you in obtaining it for your account or channel, as long as you have the same username on at least two of the following services: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

We reserve the right to recall usernames issued to unused bots and channels, as well as openly squatted usernames, due to the fact that one account can register many bot and channel usernames.

Can Telegram keep me safe from everything?

When it comes to data transfer and safe communication, Telegram can help. This implies that any data you send or receive over Telegram (including media and files) cannot be decoded by your internet service provider, owners of Wi-Fi networks you connect to, or other third parties.

But keep in mind that if your mother removes your unlocked phone without a passcode, we won’t be able to safeguard you. If your IT department has access to your computer at work, they may obtain information from you. Or from anyone else who has physical or root access to your Telegram-enabled phones or PCs.

If you’re concerned about your personal security, we strongly advise you to save important material in Secret Chats in official or at least verifiable open-source apps, preferably with a self-destruct timer. We also suggest using 2-Step Verification and creating a strong passcode to lock your app, both of which can be found in Settings > Privacy and Security.

What makes hidden conversations unique?

Secret talks are for those who prefer a little more privacy than the usual guy. End-to-end encryption is used to encrypt all messages in secret chats. This means that only you and the recipient can see the messages; no one else, including we at Telegram, can decode them (more on this here). Furthermore, messages from hidden chats cannot be forwarded. When you remove messages on your side of the secret chat, the app on the other side of the hidden chat will be instructed to do the same.

You can set a timer for your messages, photographs, videos, and files to self-destruct after the recipient has read or opened them. Both yours and your friend’s devices will then be free of the message.

Telegram’s private chats are device-specific and do not exist in the Telegram cloud. This means you can only see messages in a secret conversation on the device from which they were sent. They’re safe as long as you keep your device in your pocket.

How can I start a private conversation on Telegram web?

Open the user’s profile that you want to contact. ‘…’, then ‘Start Secret Chat’ are the options.

It’s important to keep in mind that Telegram hidden chats are device-specific. If you start a secret chat with a friend on one of your devices, only that device will be able to see it. All of your secret chats will be lost once you check out. With the same contact, you can create as many different secret chats as you want.

Is there any way to know if my discussion partner is taking a screenshot?

On some computers, however, there is no foolproof method of recognizing screenshots (most notably, some Android and Windows Phone devices). We will make every attempt to notify you when screenshots are taken in your Secret Chats, but it may still be possible to take screenshots without being noticed. We recommend only sharing sensitive information with persons you can trust. After all, no one can prevent someone from photographing their screen with a different gadget or an old-fashioned camera.