How to Search for Telegram Groups and Channels

Quick Tips

• To quickly join a public group or channel, launch the Telegram desktop, web, or mobile app > type the name or username in the search box > Join or Join Channel.
• Want to join a private channel or group? Launch Telegram > navigate to the chat where you received the invitation and click on it > Join Group or Join Channel.

How to Find and Join Public Telegram Groups and Channels

Joining public groups or channels on Telegram is easy if you know the exact name or username. You can also request an invitation from the admin or creator.

On the Telegram Desktop App or Web

Step 1: Launch the Telegram desktop app. Then, go to the search box in the left pane above the chats.

Step 2: Now, type the group’s or channel’s name or username, and from the search results, click on the one you want to join.

Step 3: Finally, click the Join or Join Channel button to enable yourself to message or share content in the group.

That’s it. You searched and joined the group or channel you wanted to join. If you don’t have access to a desktop and want to search for groups or channels in the Telegram mobile app, continue reading.

Also Read: How to hide your phone number on Telegram

On Telegram Mobile App (Android or iOS)

Step 1: Open the Telegram app. Once launched, tap the magnifying glass icon at the top-right corner.

Step 2: Now, type the public group or channel name, and from the search results, tap on the one you wish to join.

Step 3: Finally, click the Join Group or Join Channel button to enable yourself to message or share content in the group.

There you go. You have joined a public Telegram group or channel without a Telegram group or channel link. This was the case when the group or channel was open to everyone. But what if the group or the channel is private? keep reading.

How to Join Private Telegram Groups

Private groups or private channels cannot be found when searched on Telegram. To join a private group or channel, you must be invited or have an invite link. If you already have the invitation link, let’s begin with the steps for the desktop.

On the Telegram Desktop App or Web

Step 1: Launch the Telegram desktop app. Then, navigate to the chat consisting of the invitation link.

Step 2: Click the invitation link.

If you revert to the same chat, the invitation link has likely expired, or the private group or channel no longer exists.

Step 3: Depending on the privacy settings, you can navigate through the older chats before joining. Once sure, click the Join Group or Join Channel button.

If you don’t have access to your desktop and want to do the same using a mobile device, continue reading.

Also Read: What are Telegram read receipts, and can you turn them off?

On Telegram Mobile App (Android or iOS)

Step 1: Open the Telegram app. Once launched, navigate to the chat containing the invitation link.

Step 2: Tap the invitation link. Finally, click the Join Group or Join button to enable yourself to message or share content in the group.

That’s about it. Once you join the group or channel, depending on the privacy settings in place, you can look back at the conversation, including shared images, videos, or gifs that members had shared before you joined the group.

FAQs

Also Read: How to manage downloads in Telegram