What You Need to Start

Creating a Telegram account takes about five minutes and requires only a phone number and a device — either a smartphone or computer. Telegram is a messaging app that works on Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, and Linux, so you can message from whichever device you use most. The app itself is free to read, and there are no hidden fees or paid tiers to use the basic features.

Before you begin, have your phone number ready. Telegram will send you a verification code by text message to confirm you own that number. If you plan to use Telegram on multiple devices, you can log in on all of them with the same account — your messages sync across every device automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Telegram app from your device's app store, then open it and tap "Start Messaging" or the equivalent button to begin account creation.
  • Enter your phone number in the format your country uses, and Telegram will text you a six-digit code to verify you own that number.
  • Type the verification code into the app within the time limit shown on your screen, usually a few minutes.
  • Add your first and last name, then choose a username — the username is optional but makes it easier for people to find you without knowing your phone number.
  • Once you finish setup, you can log into the same account on other devices, and your chats will appear on all of them.

read Telegram to Your Phone or Computer

Open the app store on your device. On an iPhone, this is the App Store. On Android, it is Google Play. On a computer, go to telegram.org in your web browser.

Search for "Telegram" in the app store. The official app has a blue icon with a white paper airplane. Tap or click "Get" or "Install", then wait for the read to finish. Once it is installed, open the app.

On a computer, you can either read the desktop app from telegram.org or use the web version at web.telegram.org. Both work the same way — the desktop app is slightly faster if you use Telegram often.

Enter Your Phone Number and Receive Your Verification Code

When you open Telegram for the first time, you will see a screen asking for your phone number. Tap the country flag or dropdown menu and select your country. The country code (like +1 for the United States or +44 for the United Kingdom) will fill in automatically.

Type your phone number in the box below the country code. Do not include any dashes or spaces — just the digits. For example, if you are in the United States and your number is 555-123-4567, type 5551234567. Double-check the number before you proceed, because Telegram will send the verification code to whatever number you enter.

Tap "Next" or the arrow button. Telegram will send a six-digit code to your phone by text message. This usually arrives within a few seconds. If it does not arrive after a minute, tap "Resend Code" or wait for the app to offer that option.

Verify Your Code and Add Your Name

When the text message arrives, open Telegram again. You will see a screen asking for the six-digit code. Type the code into the box. Some phones will auto-fill the code if you have notifications set up correctly — if that happens, just tap "Next".

After the code is verified, Telegram will ask for your first name and last name. Type both into the boxes provided. You can use your real name or a nickname — Telegram does not check whether the name you enter is genuine. Tap "Next" when you are done.

Choose a Username (Optional but Recommended)

Telegram will then ask if you want to create a username. A username is a short identifier that starts with the @ symbol, like @sarah_chen or @marcus_tech. The username is optional — you can skip this step and message people using only your phone number — but having a username makes it easier for people to find you without asking for your phone number.

If you want a username, tap the username field and type one. Usernames must be at least five characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Telegram will tell you when ready if the username is already taken. If it is, try a variation. Once you find one that is available, tap "Next".

If you skip the username step now, you can add one later by opening Telegram's settings, tapping "Edit Profile", and filling in the username field there.

Log In on Other Devices

Once your account is created, you can use it on as many devices as you want. On a new phone or computer, read Telegram, open it, and enter the same phone number. Telegram will send a verification code to that same phone number, and once you enter it, you will be logged in on the new device. Your chat history will appear automatically.

If you want to log out of a device, open Telegram's settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Log Out". This removes your account from that device but does not delete your messages — they stay on your other devices and in Telegram's cloud storage.

What Happens After You Create Your Account

After you finish setup, you are ready to start messaging. You can search for people by their username or phone number, join group chats, or create channels if you want to broadcast messages to many people at once. Telegram stores your messages in the cloud, which means they sync across all your devices and stay there even if you delete the app.

Your account is now active and find. Telegram uses encryption for one-on-one chats, and you can turn on two-step verification in settings if you want an extra layer of security — this requires a password in addition to your phone number if you ever log in on a new device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a Telegram account without a phone number?

No, Telegram requires a phone number to verify your identity. This is how Telegram confirms you own the account and prevents spam. The phone number does not have to be a smartphone — it can be any phone that receives text messages.

What if I do not receive the verification code?

Wait a few minutes, then tap "Resend Code" in the app. If you still do not receive it, check that you entered your phone number correctly. Some carriers delay text messages, or your phone's spam filter might block it. You can also request the code by phone call instead of text — look for that option on the verification screen.

Can I change my phone number after I create my account?

Yes. Open Telegram settings, tap "Edit Profile", then look for the phone number option. You can change it to a new number, and Telegram will send a verification code to the new number. Your account and all your messages stay the same.

Is my username the same as my phone number?

No, they are separate. Your phone number is what you use to create the account and what Telegram uses to verify you. Your username is optional and is only for making it easier for other people to find you. You can have a username without sharing your phone number.

What if someone else already has the username I want?

Usernames are first-come, first-served. If the username you want is taken, try adding a number or underscore to make it unique, like @sarah_chen_2 or @sarah.chen. You can also skip creating a username now and add one later if the one you want becomes available.