To create a Telegram group, open the app, start a new message, choose New Group, add members (or skip that for now), give the group a name, and tap create. It takes under a minute on any device. The part that takes more thought is what you do in the five minutes after, because the settings you choose before inviting people decide whether your group stays tidy or fills up with spam.
Below are the exact steps for Android, iPhone and desktop, followed by a setup checklist that most new owners skip and later wish they hadn't.
Before you start: group or channel?
A group is a conversation where members can all post. A channel is a broadcast where only admins post and everyone else reads. If you mainly want to publish updates, a channel with an optional discussion group may suit you better. Our comparison of Telegram channels and groups helps you choose. If you want people to talk to each other, keep reading.
Step-by-step: creating the group
On Android
- Open Telegram and tap the pencil button in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap New Group.
- Select contacts to add, or continue without adding anyone if your app version allows it.
- Enter a group name and, optionally, tap the camera icon to add a photo.
- Tap the check mark to create the group.
On iPhone
- Go to the Chats tab and tap the compose icon in the top-right corner.
- Tap New Group.
- Choose members, then tap Next.
- Type a name, add a photo if you like, and tap Create.
On Telegram Desktop
- Click the menu icon (three lines) in the top-left corner.
- Choose New Group.
- Enter a name and optional photo, click Next, choose members, then click Create.
During creation, some versions also let you set an auto-delete timer for messages. Leave it off unless you have a specific reason; most communities want their history to last.
The setup checklist (do this before inviting anyone)
Open the group, tap its name, then tap Edit. Work through these in order.
1. Write a description
Two or three lines that say who the group is for, what's on topic and what isn't. People see it before they join. Our guide on writing a group description has examples.
2. Choose public or private
Under Group type, decide whether the group gets a public t.me/username address or stays private with invite links only.
| Public group | Private group | |
|---|---|---|
| How people join | Search or the public link | Invite links you create |
| History for newcomers | Always visible | Your choice |
| Spam risk | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Open communities that want growth | Teams, classes, friends, curated groups |
3. Set member permissions
In Permissions, turn off "Add members", "Pin messages" and "Change group info" for anything beyond a small circle of friends. Decide whether you want stickers, GIFs and links. You can always loosen rules later; tightening them after a problem is harder.
4. Add at least one co-admin
Under Administrators, promote someone you trust with just the rights they need, usually deleting messages and banning users. A group with a single admin has nobody to step in when you're asleep. See our explanation of Telegram admin rights before you hand out powers.
5. Decide on chat history
For private groups, choose whether new members can see earlier messages. Visible is usually best for communities; hidden suits teams and sensitive topics.
6. Consider Topics
If you expect several parallel conversations, such as help, announcements and off-topic chat, enabling Topics turns the group into a forum with separate threads. It's easiest to do this early, before habits form.
7. Pin your rules
Post a short rules message and pin it. Five clear rules beat twenty vague ones.
8. Protect your account
Turn on two-step verification in Telegram's privacy and security settings. As the owner, your account is the key to the whole group.
Inviting your first members
A group with three people and no messages feels empty. Before you share the link widely:
- Seed a few conversations. Post a welcome message, a question for members to answer, and maybe a useful resource.
- Invite a core group first. Ten people who'll actually talk are worth more than two hundred who won't.
- Use named invite links. Create a separate link for each place you share it, such as your website, newsletter or a friend's channel. You'll see which source brings real members.
- Turn on join requests if you'll share the link publicly and want to screen people.
Once the group has some life in it, you can list it for free on Grupla through the group submission page, so people looking for communities like yours can find it.
Common mistakes new owners make
- Adding people without asking. Dropping contacts into a group they didn't choose is the fastest way to get reported and left. Share a link and let people opt in.
- A vague name. "The Group" or "Chat 2025" tells nobody anything. Use a name that says what the group is about.
- No rules until something goes wrong. Writing rules after a fight looks like you're targeting someone.
- Giving every friend admin rights. Admins should be few and chosen deliberately.
When you're ready to grow, our guide to growing a Telegram group picks up where this one leaves off.
Frequently asked questions
Is creating a Telegram group free?
Yes. Creating and running groups is free, including all admin tools. Telegram Premium is optional and isn't needed to own or manage a group.
How many people can join a Telegram group?
Up to 200,000 members. If you need an unlimited audience for one-way updates, use a channel.
Can I change the group name and photo later?
Yes. Owners and admins with the right to change group info can edit the name, photo and description at any time from the group's edit screen.