Telegram is a popular messaging app that lets you connect with friends, family, and communities. And its popularity is just growing each year, so knowing how to add people on Telegram is very useful.

You can quickly start chatting with someone new or invite friends to join your groups or channels. In this guide, we will explain simple ways to add contacts on Telegram. We use easy steps so you can follow along.

Ways to Add People on Telegram

There are several ways to add people on Telegram. You can add them by their phone number, by their username, or through group invites, links and even QR codes. Below we cover each method step by step.

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

Use this method if you have the person’s phone number. Telegram will check if that number is on Telegram and then let you add the contact.

  1. Open Telegram: Launch the Telegram app on your phone (Android or iPhone).
  2. Go to Contacts: Tap the menu or Contacts icon, then choose “Add Contact.”
  3. Enter the person’s details: Type in the person’s name and phone number.
  4. Save the contact: Tap the checkmark or “Save.” If that phone number is registered on Telegram, you will see their profile.
  5. Invite if not on Telegram: If the person is not on Telegram yet, Telegram might show an option to invite them.

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

This method is handy if you don’t have the person’s phone number.

  1. Open the Search bar: Tap the Search icon (magnifying glass at the top).
  2. Type the username: Enter the person’s Telegram username (e.g., @johnsmith).
  3. Select the person: Tap the correct person’s name from the search results.
  4. Start a chat: Send them a message to begin a conversation.
  5. Add to contacts (optional): Open the chat, tap their name at the top, and choose “Add to Contacts.”

🔹 Tip: Make sure you spell the username correctly. If you can’t find the user, double-check the spelling.

You can also add people by inviting them to a group or channel.

  1. Open your group or channel: Go to the Telegram group where you want to add someone.
  2. Open group info: Tap the group name at the top of the chat.
  3. Select “Add Members/Users” (if they are in your contacts) or “Invite to Group via Link.”
  4. Share the link: Send the invite link to the person you want to add.

🔹 For more details, see our guide on how to share a Telegram group link.

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

  • Scanning a QR code:
    1. Open Telegram and go to Settings.
    2. Tap on the QR Code icon next to your profile picture.
    3. Choose My QR Code to show your own QR code or Scan QR Code to scan someone else's.
    4. Point your camera at their QR code, and Telegram will instantly add them to your contacts.
  • People Nearby feature:
    1. Go to Contacts > Find People Nearby.
    2. Find Telegram users near you.
    3. Start a chat or and add to contacts if you want.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you have trouble adding someone, try these solutions:

  • Privacy settings blocking contact addition: If a user has set their privacy settings to restrict who can add them (e.g., "Who can add me by phone number" is set to "Nobody"), you will not be able to add them unless they first message you or adjust their settings.
  • Cannot find the user by username: Check the spelling. If they don’t have a username set, you must use their phone number.
  • The person does not appear in my contacts: You need to manually save them after chatting.
  • I can’t add a person to a group: You must be an admin to add members.
  • The contact did not get my invite: They might have missed the message or decided not to join yet.
  • Error: “Too many attempts” or “Please wait”: Telegram may temporarily limit you. Wait and try again later.

🔹 For more help, check our article to know if you’ve been blocked from Telegram.

Additional Tips and Best Practices

  • Ask for permission: Before adding someone as a contact, to a group, or to a channel, ask for their consent.
  • Share your username: Create a simple Telegram username for easy connections.
  • Use a Telegram QR Generator: Use a Telegram link and QR-code generator like SUCH’s for seamless adding.
  • Keep your contacts organized: Delete old contacts if needed.
  • Stay safe when adding strangers: Do not share personal information.
  • Use group links wisely: Manage your group invite links carefully.

Conclusion

Adding people on Telegram is easy and opens up many ways to communicate. We covered how to add people on Telegram using phone numbers, usernames, and invite links. You learned how to add someone by username (without needing their number) and how to bring friends into group chats. We also discussed solving common problems and some best practices to stay safe and organized.

Now it’s your turn! Try adding a friend on Telegram using one of these methods. The more people you connect with, the more you can enjoy this great messaging app. Happy chatting!