How to Start a New Chat in Telegram: A Simple Guide

Starting a new chat in Telegram is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to connect with friends, family, or colleagues. Whether you’re organizing a group project, catching up with an old friend, or creating a space for your community, Telegram offers a seamless experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step while sharing practical tips and relatable examples to make your experience smooth and engaging.

Why Telegram?

Before we dive in, let’s talk about why Telegram stands out. Unlike other messaging apps, Telegram combines speed, security, and versatility. You can send texts, photos, videos, and files, all while enjoying features like cloud storage and end-to-end encryption. Plus, it works across multiple devices simultaneously—so no need to worry about switching from your phone to your laptop.

I remember the first time I used Telegram. It was for a family group chat where we shared vacation photos. The app made it so easy to send large files and scroll back through older messages. Since then, it has become my go-to for both personal and professional conversations.

Step 1: Open the App

First things first, you’ll need to open the Telegram app. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, head over to your app store, install it, and sign up. The process is straightforward—just enter your phone number, verify it, and you’re in.

Pro Tip: Use a strong password for two-step verification to keep your account secure. Telegram gives you the option during setup, and it’s worth the extra step.

Step 2: Locate the “New Message” Icon

Once you’re in the app, look at the bottom-right corner (on mobile) or the top-left menu (on desktop). You’ll see a pencil or “+” icon labeled New Message. Tap on it.

This is your gateway to starting a new chat. It’s like opening the door to a new conversation, whether it’s a simple “Hello” or a life-changing discussion.

Step 3: Search for a Contact

After tapping the “New Message” icon, Telegram will display a list of your contacts. You can either scroll through this list or type the name of the person you want to chat with in the search bar.

Here’s an example: Say you want to message your friend Sarah. Simply type her name, and if she’s in your contact list, her profile will pop up. Tap on her name, and voilà—you’re ready to type your message.

Step 4: Type Your First Message

Starting a conversation can sometimes feel awkward. What do you say? How do you break the ice? Telegram makes it easy because the platform itself feels casual and user-friendly.

• For catching up: “Hey Sarah! Long time no chat. How have you been?”
• For work: “Hi John, I wanted to share some ideas about our project. Do you have a moment?”
• For family: “Hey Mum, can you forward me Grandma’s recipe of the apple pie?”

Feel free to add emojis or GIFs to make your messages more lively. Telegram has a great built-in sticker library to add some fun.

• Learn how to set up Telegram Web and sync your chats across devices.

Real-Life Example: Reconnecting with an Old Friend

A few months ago, I decided to reconnect with an old school friend. I found her name on my Telegram contacts, and with a bit of hesitation, typed out a message: “Hey Lisa! I was just thinking about our high school drama rehearsals. Do you remember those days?”

She replied within minutes, and we spent the evening reminiscing. Since then, we’ve been chatting regularly, and Telegram has become our little memory vault.

Step 5: Enhance Your Chat with Media

One of Telegram’s standout features is its ability to share media effortlessly. Once your chat is open, you’ll notice a paperclip or “+” icon next to the message box. Here’s how you can use it:

• Send Photos and Videos: Share a funny meme or a photo of your latest trip.
• Share Documents: Perfect for work files or school assignments.
• Record Voice Messages: When texting feels too slow, hold down the microphone icon and record a quick message.

For instance, I recently helped my cousin with her resume by sending her templates and suggestions directly through Telegram. It saved us from back-and-forth emails.

Step 6: Create a Group Chat (Optional)

If your goal is to connect with multiple people, creating a group chat is the way to go. First, make sure to tap the “New Message” icon and select New Group thereafter. Next, pick the contacts you want to bring to this group, give it a name and that’s all.

Groups are perfect for planning events, brainstorming sessions, or even sharing memes with your inner circle. Last year, my friends and I organized a surprise birthday party for one of our pals through a Telegram group. It made coordination so much easier!

Common Questions and Tips

• What if I can’t find someone on Telegram? If they’re not on Telegram yet, you can invite them by sending an SMS invite directly from the app.
• What if I accidentally send a wrong message? Telegram has an edit and delete feature. Just long-press the message, and you’ll see options to fix or remove it.
• Can I chat with someone who isn’t in my contacts? Yes! If you know their username, type it into the search bar, and you can start a chat without needing their phone number.

Why Personalize Your Chats?

The beauty of Telegram lies in how you make your chats your own. You can set custom wallpapers for individual conversations, pin important messages, or even mute chats during work hours.

For example, I have a separate wallpaper for my family chat—a picture of our dog that everyone loves. It adds a personal touch and makes the conversation feel special.

Wrapping It Up

Starting a new chat in Telegram is as simple as a few taps. But what truly matters is how you use this tool to strengthen your connections, share your ideas, and create memories. Whether it’s a quick text to check in on someone or a heartfelt message to reconnect, Telegram helps you do it all with ease.

So, pick up your phone or open your desktop app, and start your first chat today. Who knows? It could be the start of something wonderful.