Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about downloading, installing and using Telegram safely across your devices.
Downloading
Which build to pick for Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile or the web.
Installing
Step-by-step setup and fixes for common installation problems.
Security
How encryption, Secret Chats and two-step verification protect you.
Compatibility
Supported operating systems and multi-device usage explained.
Is Telegram free to download and use?
Yes. Telegram is completely free to download and use on every platform. There are no subscriptions, no ads in your private chats and no hidden fees. You only need a phone number to create an account.
Is Telegram safe and secure?
Telegram uses its own MTProto protocol to protect your messages in transit and at rest. Regular cloud chats are encrypted between your device and Telegram's servers, while Secret Chats add end-to-end encryption so only you and the recipient can read them.
Which devices and operating systems can I install Telegram on?
Telegram is available for Windows, macOS and Linux on desktop, for Android and iOS on mobile, and as a web app that runs in any modern browser. Your account and chats stay in sync across all of them at once.
How do I install Telegram on Windows?
Open the download page, click “Download for Windows” to save the installer, then run the .exe file and follow the setup wizard. Once installed, sign in with your phone number and your cloud chats appear automatically.
Do I need to install anything to use Telegram Web?
No. Telegram Web runs entirely in your browser, so you can start chatting without downloading or installing an app. It is ideal for shared or managed computers where you cannot install software - just open the web app and sign in.
How do I enable end-to-end encryption?
End-to-end encryption is always on for Secret Chats. Open a contact's profile, choose “Start Secret Chat”, and every message in that conversation will be encrypted directly between your devices with no cloud backup.
Why won't Telegram install on my computer?
The most common causes are an unsupported operating system version, insufficient disk space, or security software blocking the installer. Make sure you meet the minimum requirements, free up space, and allow the download when prompted, then try again.
How much storage does Telegram need?
The desktop app is roughly 45 MB to download and installs in about 200 MB of space. On mobile it is similarly lightweight. Because your media is stored in the cloud, Telegram uses far less local storage than most messaging apps.
How do I update Telegram to the latest version?
The desktop apps update themselves automatically in the background. On Android and iOS, updates arrive through Google Play and the App Store. You can always download the newest build again from our download page.
Can I use the same Telegram account on several devices?
Absolutely. Telegram is built for multi-device use. Sign in on your phone, desktop and the web at the same time and every message, photo and file stays perfectly in sync thanks to secure cloud storage.