Telegram 2026: Fast, secure messaging with easy setup and powerful group features worldwide.
Create a Telegram account in minutes and enjoy private, global chats on any device.
Join 1 billion+ monthly users on Telegram, offering privacy, media sharing, and large community chats.
Telegram now supports passkeys, so users can sign in with Face ID, a fingerprint or a device PIN instead of waiting for an SMS code.
A phone number is still required to sign up, even though passkeys are available for later logins.
As of 2026, Telegram is one of the leading messaging apps, with more than 1 billion monthly active users. Its speed, reliability, and security features have made it an essential app for personal, professional, and community chats. Telegram users value the app’s media sharing, especially real-time messaging, handling large groups, and consistent performance.
Founder Pavel Durov announced the 1 billion milestone in March 2025, saying the user base was “significantly over 1 billion.” That remains the latest official figure. Third-party estimates put daily active users near 500 million.
Since no complexity is involved, new users can get Telegram up and running quickly, with account creation taking minutes. After that, it’s effortless to join community groups or friend channels. With an easy-to-understand layout, Telegram allows users to create accounts and helps them meet new people, find hobbies, and participate in public channels. As a result, it is a perfect messaging platform for people wanting simple chats or those wishing to connect with large global communities.
Also read: Telegram’s Pavel Durov Backs Musk, Slams French Probe Against Twitter
The first step in opening an account on Telegram setup is downloading the application. Telegram Accounts are downloadable on several platforms, so on whatever platform one would like to use the device, one can easily download his or her version.
For Android, users must reach the Google Play Store, type “Telegram” in the search bar, and click download.
User Applications: There is a way for an iPhone user to find the application in the App Store. If it looks for the word “Telegram,” it will likely find and download the application.
Desktop versions: The computer version of the application can be downloaded from the official website, https://telegram.org.
Download Link: Telegram setup is available in over 200 countries across all regions of the globe.
Telegram has released several updates in 2026, including ones in January, February and March. Users should install the latest version so they get the newest security features, including passkeys.
Immediately after downloading and installing, the Telegram app should be used. Users will be prompted to open the app, input an active phone number, authenticate it, and sign in.
The Telegram account creation will authenticate by sending a one-time password to the SMS account. After receiving the one-time password, users should enter it to complete the registration.
This phone number will be the network’s identity and contact with other users.
Telegram still requires a phone number to sign up in 2026. Passkeys only change how users log in later. Once the account exists, users can also sign in on a new device by scanning a QR code from a phone that is already logged in.
Verifying the phone number is the final step in signing up for the Telegram account. This can be done by entering the OTP received via SMS. It can be made authentic and supports the security of a platform.
Thanks to its privacy focus and reliable service, around 2.5 million new users now join Telegram every day, according to third-party estimates.
Users should never share the verification code with anyone, since scammers often use it to take over accounts. After sign-up, they can add a Two-Step Verification password and set up a passkey under Settings > Privacy and Security.
When users confirm their phone numbers in the Telegram tour, they can set up their profile by entering a name and adding a profile picture. While not mandatory, it does make the experience feel more personal.
Does one care about privacy? Then that’s fine. Telegram guide: Always change this later—for example, who can see the name and profile picture?
Users can also pick a public username, so others can find them without knowing the phone number. The privacy settings let them limit who can see their phone number, last seen time and profile photo.
Once the account is created, users can start using Telegram. This can import contacts from the mobile phone’s contact list or discover groups and channels one can subscribe to.
The Telegram guide is user-friendly, making it easy to navigate. Thus, users with little experience can befriend new app users without spending much time getting the hang of it.
In 2026, Telegram also offers Stories, digital gifts and mini apps, so there is plenty to explore after setup. Telegram Premium is optional, and Durov said in May 2025 that it had passed 15 million paid subscribers.
To conclude, creating a Telegram account is as simple as installing the app, confirming your phone number with a one-time password, and setting up a profile. Millions of users join Telegram monthly with its locked-in security, privacy, and user-centric features. Telegram’s ease of use and wide range of features make it one of the world’s most widely used and most trusted messaging applications.
As of 2026, Telegram counts more than 1 billion monthly users, and Durov’s March 2025 announcement is still the latest official number. Turning on passkeys and Two-Step Verification right after sign-up is the best way to keep a new account safe.
1. How to create a Telegram account?
Ans: Download Telegram from the App Store or Google Play. Open the app, tap ‘Start Messaging,’ enter your phone number with country code, verify via SMS code, enter your name, and start using Telegram.
2. Do I need a phone number to sign up?
Ans: Yes, Telegram requires a valid phone number for verification to create an account. A code will be sent via SMS or call. In 2026, this is still true even with passkey support, and a username can hide the number from other users.
3. Can I create a Telegram account without a phone number?
Ans: Officially no, but there are unofficial ways using temporary or virtual phone numbers for verification.
4. Is Telegram free to use?
Ans: Yes, Telegram is free to download and use with no hidden costs.
5. Can I use the same number on multiple devices?
Ans: Yes, Telegram supports using one account on multiple devices simultaneously with synced messages. Users can set up passkeys on more than one device, so they can still log in if a phone is lost.