Telegram, one of the world’s leading messaging apps, offers a variety of ways to connect with others. While most people are familiar with adding contacts through phone numbers, you can also add people on Telegram using their username. This method is particularly useful if you don’t have someone’s phone number but know their unique Telegram username. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process of adding someone to your Telegram account using their username across different devices, including mobile phones and PC.
Why Use a Telegram Username?
A username on Telegram acts as a unique identifier for each user, allowing you to search for them without needing their phone number. This is especially useful for maintaining privacy or connecting with people you don’t have personal contact information for. By using their username, you can send a direct message to anyone, as long as they have set a public username.
Here’s how you can find and connect with people on Telegram using their username.
How to Add Someone on Telegram Using Their Username
Step 1: Open the Telegram App
The first step to adding someone by their username is to open the Telegram app. Whether you’re using Android, iPhone, or PC, the process remains mostly the same.
Step 2: Use the Search Feature
To find someone using their username, follow these steps:
On Android and iPhone:
- Open the Telegram app on your phone.
- Tap the Search Icon: On both Android and iPhone, the search icon is usually located at the top of the screen. Tap it to open the search bar.
On PC:
- Open Telegram Desktop or Telegram Web on your computer.
- Click on the Search Bar: The search bar is located at the top of the window. Click on it to begin typing.
Step 3: Enter the Username
Once you have the search bar open, you need to enter the person’s username. A Telegram username always starts with an @ symbol.
For example, if the username is johndoe, you would type @johndoe in the search bar. This tells Telegram to search for a user by their username.
- Important: Make sure you don’t include any spaces or other special characters. Just type the @ symbol followed directly by the username.
Step 4: Select the Correct Profile
After typing the username, Telegram will show you a list of results that match the search query. Tap or click on the correct profile to open the chat window. You can now start chatting with the person, just like you would with any other contact on Telegram.
- If the person has a public username, you’ll be able to find them easily in the search results. If the person has a private username, you won’t be able to search for them unless you have the exact username.
- If you’re unsure about the username, double-check it to avoid connecting with the wrong person. Some usernames may be common, so be sure to verify that the profile you choose matches the person you’re trying to reach.
How to Start a Chat with Someone After Adding Them
Once you’ve found the correct user by their username, the next step is to start chatting with them. Telegram automatically opens a chat window when you tap or click on their profile.
Sending a Message:
- Type your message in the chat window that opens.
- Send media (images, videos, files) or stickers as you would in any regular Telegram conversation.
- If you want to call the person, you can also use Telegram’s voice or video calling feature directly within the chat.
This method ensures you can interact with anyone on Telegram, whether or not you have their phone number. As long as they have set a public username, you can connect with them instantly.
Additional Features for Finding People on Telegram
If you want to make the process of finding users by username even easier, Telegram provides a few additional features:
1. Usernames in Group Chats
If you’re part of any public group chats or channels, you can often find users there and add them by their username. Telegram will display the usernames of participants in any public group or channel, making it easy to connect with new people.
2. User Profile Links
Another way to add someone is by sharing their profile link. The link follows the format t.me/username, and you can use it in browsers or other apps. For instance, if someone’s username is johndoe, their link would be t.me/johndoe. Clicking on this link will take you directly to their Telegram profile, where you can start a chat.
3. Privacy Settings
While adding contacts via username is straightforward, remember that users can control their privacy settings. If someone has set restrictions on their profile (such as not allowing anyone to message them unless they are mutual contacts), you may not be able to start a chat right away. In these cases, you may need to send an introduction or a request to connect.
