How do I invite my friends?
There is a built-in invite flow on each platform, but the most reliable method on any of them is simply sending someone the link: https://telegram.org/dl/. It works through any channel and costs nothing.
The built-in options
| Platform | How | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| iOS | Invitations are sent as normal SMS | Your carrier charges for them at the standard rate, unless they go via iMessage |
| Android | Open the app menu by swiping right in the chat list, then Invite Friends | You choose which app to send through |
Why the link is usually better
The download link can be sent through email, another messenger, a social post or anything else that carries text, so it reaches people wherever you already talk to them and does not depend on SMS. It also avoids the situation where an invitation arrives as an unexplained text message from a number the recipient has to work out.
Once they have installed it
- Send them your t.me/username link so they can open a chat with you directly.
- Or share your QR code from Settings, which is the fastest way in person.
- For a group, send the invite link rather than adding them yourself. Being added to a group without being asked is the most common first bad impression.
Anyone who already has your number in their contacts will see you in their Telegram contact list automatically once they install it. Often no invitation is needed at all, only a nudge to install.