How to join a Telegram group or channel

Telegram links start with https://t.me/. A public group or channel has a readable name such as t.me/examplechat, while a private invite looks like t.me/+AbCdEf... or the older t.me/joinchat/....

Groups vs channels

  • Groups are chats where members can post and reply.
  • Channels are broadcasts: only admins post, and subscribers read (sometimes with comments).

Join step by step

  1. Install Telegram on your phone or computer, or use web.telegram.org, and sign in.
  2. Open the invite link (t.me/name or t.me/+code) you were given by a friend or found on the group’s official website.
  3. Telegram shows a preview. Tap Join Group or Join Channel. Some groups send a join request to the admins first.
  4. Read the pinned message: most groups pin their rules there.

If the link does not open

Private invite links can be revoked or limited to a number of uses or a time window. Public groups can be renamed, which changes their link. If a group was banned or deleted, Telegram shows an error or an empty preview.

Privacy settings worth changing

  • Settings → Privacy and Security → Phone Number: set “Who can see my phone number” to Nobody.
  • Groups & Channels: control who can add you to groups.
  • Mute busy groups and archive them so they do not flood your chat list.

Common Telegram scams

Telegram is popular for trading “signals”, “earning” tasks and giveaways. Real admins rarely message you first. Never send crypto or pay a “release fee”, and never share the login code Telegram sends you – anyone with that code can take over your account. More in our safety guide.

Leave or report

Open the group, tap the name or the ⋮ menu and choose Leave group (or Leave channel). Use Report in the same menu for spam, scams or illegal content.

Safety note: Groups listed here are run by third parties. JoinLinkHub does not own, moderate or verify them, and invite links can expire or change. Never share passwords, one-time codes or payment details with group members, and be wary of “investment”, giveaway or job offers. Read the full safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can people in a Telegram group see my phone number?

Only if your privacy settings allow it. Set "Who can see my phone number" to Nobody to keep it hidden from group members.

What does t.me/+ mean?

A t.me/+ link is a private invite link. It can be revoked or limited by the group admins at any time.

Do I need the app to join?

No. You can join from web.telegram.org or the desktop app as long as you have a Telegram account.

Last updated: October 3, 2026