Easy Ways to Add People on Telegram: A 2025 Step-by-Step Guide

Telegram is one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, providing users with a simple, fast, and secure platform to communicate. Whether you want to chat with friends and family, join communities, or share content, Telegram offers multiple ways to add people and make new connections. The platform’s continuous growth means it’s important to know how to add contacts, join groups, and maintain your privacy while using Telegram.

In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to easily add people on Telegram through different methods. Whether it’s by phone number, username, or invite link, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions. We’ll also offer tips to troubleshoot common issues and give you best practices for managing your contacts and staying safe on the platform.

Ways to Add People on Telegram

There are various methods to add people on Telegram, and understanding these will allow you to connect with others quickly and efficiently. Let’s explore the different ways to add people to your Telegram contacts.

1. How to Add Someone on Telegram by Phone Number (Contact List)

This is the most common way to add people on Telegram. If you have the person’s phone number saved in your contact list, Telegram will automatically check if they are using the app and allow you to add them. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Telegram: Launch the Telegram app on your smartphone. This method works on both Android and iPhone devices.
2. Go to Contacts: Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top left corner or directly go to the “Contacts” tab.
3. Add Contact: Look for the “Add Contact” button and tap on it.
4. Enter Information: Input the person’s name and phone number in the designated fields.
5. Save the Contact: Once you’ve entered their details, tap “Save.” If the person is on Telegram, their profile will appear.
6. Invite to Telegram: If they are not on Telegram yet, you’ll see an option to invite them to join the platform via SMS or a direct message.

By adding contacts this way, Telegram automatically syncs with your phone’s contact list. This means you don’t need to manually add anyone as long as their number is in your contacts and they’re on the platform.

2. How to Add People on Telegram by Username (Without Phone Number)

Sometimes, you may not have a person’s phone number, but you can still connect with them using their Telegram username. This method allows you to find people and start conversations directly.

Here’s how to add someone by username:

1. Open the Search Bar: Tap the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen to open the search feature.
2. Search by Username: Enter the person’s Telegram username in the search bar (for example, @johnsmith). Telegram usernames are unique and can be easily identified by the “@” symbol preceding the name.
3. Select the Correct Profile: Once you see the person’s profile in the search results, tap on it.
4. Start a Chat: You can now send a message to the person directly by tapping on the “Message” button.
5. Add to Contacts (Optional): If you want to add them to your contacts, tap on their name at the top of the chat window and select “Add to Contacts.”

Tip: Make sure the spelling of the username is correct. If you can’t find the user, double-check the spelling or try contacting them to confirm their exact username.

3. How to Add People to a Telegram Group via Invite Link

Another great way to add people to Telegram is by inviting them to your group or channel. You can do this by sending an invite link, which is especially useful for managing larger groups.

Here’s how to invite people to your Telegram group:

1. Open Your Group or Channel: Navigate to the Telegram group or channel where you want to add a person.
2. Open Group Info: Tap the group name at the top of the chat to open the group’s profile.
3. Invite Members: Select “Add Members” if they are in your contacts or tap on “Invite to Group via Link” if you want to share an invite link.
4. Share the Invite Link: Copy and send the invite link to the person you wish to add. They can join the group by clicking on the link.

Tip: For more control over your group, make sure you only share invite links with trusted individuals to prevent spam or unwanted users from joining.

4. Other Ways to Add People on Telegram (QR Codes and People Nearby)

Telegram also offers other innovative ways to add people without the need for phone numbers or usernames. Two key features that make adding people easy are the QR Code and People Nearby options.

Scanning a QR Code:

1. Open Telegram: Launch the app and go to your profile settings.
2. QR Code Icon: Tap on the QR code icon next to your profile picture.
3. Choose to Scan or Show QR Code: Select “Scan QR Code” if you want to add someone by scanning their code, or choose “My QR Code” to show your own code.
4. Scan the QR Code: Point your camera at the person’s QR code, and Telegram will automatically add them to your contacts.

People Nearby Feature:

1. Open Contacts: Go to the “Contacts” section in Telegram.
2. Find People Nearby: Tap on the “Find People Nearby” option to see a list of Telegram users close to your location.
3. Start a Chat: You can start a chat with anyone you find nearby, and if you wish, you can add them to your contacts.

These methods allow for seamless connections without needing any personal information like phone numbers or usernames, making Telegram a great platform for connecting in real life.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes you may run into issues when adding people on Telegram. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:

1. Privacy Settings Blocking Contact Addition

If someone has set their privacy settings to restrict who can add them by phone number or username, you might not be able to add them directly. In this case:

• Solution: Try messaging them first. If they respond, you can add them to your contacts. Alternatively, they might need to adjust their privacy settings to allow you to add them.

2. Unable to Find a User by Username

If you can’t find a user by their username, it’s possible that:

• Solution: Double-check the username for typos. If they don’t have a username, you’ll need to add them by their phone number.

3. Contact Not Appearing in My Contacts

If a contact does not appear in your contact list after you’ve chatted with them, it could be because:

• Solution: You’ll need to manually save them to your contacts after you start a conversation.

4. Can’t Add a Person to a Group

To add someone to a group, you need to have administrative rights in the group. If you’re not an admin, you won’t be able to add new members.

• Solution: Ask an admin to add the person for you.

5. “Too Many Attempts” or “Please Wait” Error

If you see a message like “Too many attempts” or “Please wait,” it means Telegram has temporarily blocked you from adding people to prevent spam.

• Solution: Wait for some time before attempting again.

Additional Tips and Best Practices

While adding people on Telegram is easy, it’s important to follow some best practices to ensure your safety and privacy, as well as to maintain a good user experience.

1. Ask for Permission

Before adding someone to a group or sharing your contact information, always ask for their consent. It’s important to respect other people’s privacy.

2. Share Your Username

Instead of sharing your phone number, you can create a unique Telegram username to make it easier for people to find you. This way, you avoid sharing your private contact information.

3. Use a Telegram QR Code Generator

You can use a Telegram QR code generator, such as the one offered by SUCH, to create a link to your Telegram profile or group. This makes it easy for others to add you or join your groups.

4. Organize Your Contacts

Telegram allows you to delete contacts or organize them into specific groups. If you’ve added a lot of contacts over time, consider keeping your list organized by deleting old or unnecessary contacts.

5. Stay Safe

When adding strangers or unknown users, never share personal information like your address, financial details, or passwords. Always be cautious while chatting with new people.
Adding people on Telegram is simple and offers various options. You can use phone numbers, usernames, invite links, QR codes, or even the “People Nearby” feature to connect with others. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily make new friends, join groups, and enjoy the numerous benefits of this messaging app.

As Telegram continues to grow, many users also look to boost their presence on the platform. Some may choose to buy Telegram members for their channels or groups to increase visibility and engagement. However, it’s crucial to follow best practices and be mindful of privacy and security when using Telegram. With the right approach, you can connect with people, grow your network, and make the most out of this fantastic messaging platform.

Happy chatting and connecting on Telegram!