Telegram messaging app
It's easy to join Telegram groups from the mobile app or desktop program.
NurPhoto / Contributor/Getty Images

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app with the option for end-to-end encryption.

You can use Telegram to send messages with just a few people, or with groups of up to 200,000 members. 

There are two ways to join a group. One is by clicking on a link. The other is by seeking out and joining a specific group.

How to join a Telegram group from an invite link

1. To start, you must already have a Telegram account. You can join a group either from the app or on a desktop program.

2. When somebody sends you a link, click on it. It will start with https://t.me/ (for example, https://t.me/AppleUsersGroup).

3. The link will open in your Telegram app. Tap on "Join Group" to join it.

How_to_join_Telegram_group_2
Click on "Join Group" at the bottom of the chat.
Ryan Ariano/Business Insider

How to find and join a Telegram Group without an invite link

Many websites and entities have public groups and channels. A group is a chat run by one person, or a few people, that allows up to 200,000 members.

1. To find a group, the best place to start is by searching the web for groups that match your interests. https://Tdirectory.me is a great resource for finding groups.

How_to_join_Telegram_app_3
There are many online resources for finding Telegram groups, such as the site Tdirectory.me.
Ryan Ariano/Business Insider

2. When you find a group you want to join, click on it and click "Join Group" on the group's About page in the Telegram app. If it's a private group, you'll have to click on a link asking to be approved before you can join.

How_to_join_Telegram_app_4
You can click on "Join Group" through this directory and (if necessary) follow the prompt to join the group in the Telegram app.
Ryan Ariano/Business Insider

3. Once you've been approved, the group will then show up in your Telegram chats.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

Read the original article on Business Insider