Joining a Telegram group can sometimes feel confusing if you have never done it before. The good news is that there are several simple ways to get in, whether the group is public and open to everyone or private and requires an invite.
There’s a slight difference in how to join a Telegram channel instead of a group.
In this guide, you will learn how to join a Telegram group using search, invite links, QR codes, and join requests, along with some common fixes if things do not work as expected.
Quick Answer: How To Join A Telegram Group
You can join a Telegram group in five main ways:
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Search for a public group by name or username inside the app.
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Use a t.me invite link shared by an admin or member.
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Scan a QR code that links directly to the group.
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Send a join request if the group requires admin approval.
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Be added directly by an admin who already manages the group.
Before we go deeper, make sure you know whether you are joining a group or a channel. Groups allow two-way conversations, while channels are more like broadcast feeds where you only see posts from the owner.
Find And Join Public Telegram Groups
Public groups are searchable inside Telegram. You can join them without needing an invite.
Use In-App Search
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1. Open Telegram on your phone or desktop.
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2. Tap the search bar at the top and type the group name or keyword.
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3. Look for results that show a group icon with the member count.
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4. Tap on the group and press Join.
This works across iOS, Android, and Desktop. However, you should know that results can vary depending on how close your search matches the group’s username. Adding the word “chat” or “group” sometimes helps surface the right one.
Join By Username
Every public group is linked to a unique @username. If you already know it, type that name into Telegram's search bar. The group will show up right away, and you can simply tap Join. This shortcut saves you from digging through a long list of similar results.
Join A Private Telegram Group With An Invite Link
Private groups do not show up in search. To get in, you need an invite link. These links look like:
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t.me/+< randomstring >
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t.me/joinchat/< randomstring >
When you open the link, Telegram will show a preview of the group. Simply tap Join Group.
Steps for each platform:
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Mobile (iOS/Android): Tap the link from your browser, text, or email. Telegram will launch and take you to the join screen.
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Desktop: Paste the link into a browser or directly into the Telegram Desktop app. Click Join Group.
If the group is truly private, only admins can share the invite link. Be cautious with links from unknown sources, since QR and invite links can sometimes be used to lure people into spam groups.
Join With A QR Code
Many Telegram groups now share QR codes instead of text links. Telegram made this easier in 2025 by allowing you to scan codes directly in-app.
To scan:
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1. Switch to a Professional AccountOpen Telegram.
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2. Go to Settings → Devices → Scan QR Code.
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3. Point your camera at the QR code.
If the QR leads to a private group, you may see a Send Join Request button instead of joining instantly. Once approved by the admin, you will be added to the group.
Send A Join Request When Admin Approval Is Needed
Some groups are invite-only but still share links publicly. In this case, when you click the link, you will see a Send Join Request button. Tap it and wait for an admin to approve you.
You will not be able to post or see messages until approval is granted. Depending on the group’s settings, this may take a few minutes or a few days. Once approved, you will get a notification confirming your access.
Check You Are Joining A Group And Not A Channel
It is easy to confuse groups with channels. Here is how to tell the difference:
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1. Groups: Button says Join. Members can chat with each other. You will see the member count.
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2. Channels: Button says Subscribe. Only admins post content. You will not see other people’s replies in the main feed.
This distinction matters because many users search for groups but accidentally subscribe to a channel and wonder why they cannot talk.
Troubleshooting: Why You Cannot Join A Telegram Group
Sometimes things do not go smoothly. Here are the most common reasons you cannot join and how to fix them.
The Invite Link Is Invalid Or Expired
Invite links can expire or be revoked. If you get an error, ask the group admin for a new link.
The Group Is Full Or You Were Banned
Groups have a 200,000-member limit. Once full, no one else can join. If you were banned earlier, you will also be blocked from rejoining.
The Group Requires Admin Approval
If you sent a join request, you must wait. Check your notifications later to see if you were accepted.
Your App Is Outdated
Older versions of Telegram sometimes have trouble opening links. Update your app from the App Store or Google Play.
Network Or VPN Issues
If links do not open, check your internet connection. Some VPNs block Telegram traffic. Try switching servers or disconnecting temporarily.
Privacy Notes When Joining Groups
By default, when you join a Telegram group, people will see your display name and profile photo. Your phone number is not visible unless you allow it in settings.
If you want extra privacy:
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Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Phone Number.
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Set Who Can See My Number to Nobody.
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Use a unique @username instead of sharing your number.
This way, you can join groups without exposing personal details.
Jumpstart Your Telegram Growth
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A strong starting base builds trust, encourages engagement, and signals that your channel is worth joining.
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Conclusion
Getting into a Telegram group isn’t complicated once you know the options. You can search for public groups by name, join private ones through an invite link, or scan a QR code if that’s how the group is shared. Some groups ask you to send a request first, and in those cases, you just need to wait for an admin’s approval. If you encounter trouble, it’s likely because the link has expired, the group is full, or the app needs an update.
By keeping these points in mind, you’ll have no problem finding and joining groups that match your interests, while staying mindful of your privacy along the way.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions |
Can I join without an invite link?
Yes, if the group is public. Search for its name or username inside Telegram and tap Join.
Why do I only see Subscribe instead of Join?
That means you found a channel, not a group. Channels are one-way broadcasts, and groups allow conversations.
How do I know if my request was approved?
You will receive a Telegram notification once an admin approves you. The group will then appear in your chat list.
Can I join a group from Desktop without the phone app?
Yes. Open the invite link in Telegram Desktop and click Join Group.
Are QR codes safe to scan in Telegram?
Yes, as long as they come from trusted sources. Avoid scanning random codes shared online to reduce the risk of spam.