Telegram
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Analysis by LookedApp · Published · Updated
Telegram is a messaging application designed for rapid communication and extensive file sharing across multiple devices. It is well-suited for individuals and groups seeking a platform that supports large community interactions and offers various customization options. The app emphasizes privacy features, including message deletion and end-to-end encrypted secret chats.
What is Telegram?
Telegram is a widely used messaging application, recognized as one of the top 5 most downloaded apps globally, with over 1 billion active users. It facilitates instant communication through a distributed network of data centers worldwide, aiming for fast message delivery.
The application is published by Telegram FZ-LLC, a developer that maintains the app's presence across major mobile platforms. It is designed to be accessible and functional for a broad user base.
Users can obtain Telegram through the Google Play store for Android devices and the App Store for iOS devices. Its availability on these prominent platforms ensures wide accessibility for smartphone and tablet users.
Latest on Telegram
Is this the real Telegram app?
- Verified publisher infoSame developer on Google Play and the App Store (Telegram FZ-LLC), and the developer website telegram.org matches the publisher.
- Established since 2013Listed since Aug 14, 2013, 1,000,000,000+ installs on Google Play.
| Developer on Google Play | Telegram FZ-LLC |
|---|---|
| Developer on the App Store | Telegram FZ-LLC |
| Same developer on both stores | Yes |
| Android package name | org.telegram.messenger |
| iOS bundle ID | ph.telegra.Telegraph |
| On the stores since | Aug 14, 2013 |
| Installs on Google Play | 1,000,000,000+ |
| Developer website | telegram.org |
| Content rating | Google Play: Mature 17+ / App Store: 12+ |
These details come from the public store listings. LookedApp doesn't host downloads: install from the Google Play or App Store buttons on this page.
Key features
- Telegram provides fast messaging capabilities, connecting users via a unique, distributed network of data centers across the globe.
- Messages are synced across all user devices, including phones, tablets, and computers, allowing continuous access without needing a phone connection.
- Users can send media and files of any type and size without stated limits, with chat history stored in the cloud without occupying device disk space.
- The platform supports the creation of large group chats, accommodating up to 200,000 members, and allows sharing of documents up to 2 GB each.
- It includes powerful photo and video editing tools, animated stickers, and emoji for enhanced communication.
- Users can customize the app's appearance with fully customizable themes and access an open sticker and GIF platform.
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Privacy and permissions
Telegram states it prioritizes user privacy, asserting that it does not provide third parties with access to user data. Users have the ability to delete any message they have sent or received from both sides of a conversation at any time, leaving no trace. The developer also states that user data will not be utilized for displaying advertisements.
For enhanced privacy, Telegram offers Secret Chats, where messages can be programmed to self-destruct automatically from both participating devices. This feature allows for sending disappearing content, such as messages, photos, videos, and files. Secret Chats employ End-to-End Encryption to help ensure that only the intended recipient can read a message. On Google Play, the app requests various permissions, including access to Identity, Contacts, Location, Phone, Photos/Media/Files, Storage, Camera, Microphone, Wi-Fi connection information, and Device ID & call information.
Telegram FZ-LLC publishes its privacy policy at telegram.org.
Telegram permissions in plain English
The Google Play listing shows 10 permission groups. Google Play also lists 15 other permissions, such as “view network connections”. That is more than most social & messaging apps LookedApp reviews (typical: 9).
- CameraCan take photos and record video
- ContactsCan read your contacts
- Device ID & call informationCan read your device ID and call status
- IdentityCan find accounts on the device
- LocationCan use your precise location
- MicrophoneCan record audio
- PhoneCan read phone status or make calls
- Photos/Media/FilesCan read and change your photos, media and files
- StorageCan read and change files in shared storage
- Wi-Fi connection informationCan see Wi-Fi connection details
Permission names come from Google Play; the plain-English lines describe what each permission group allows, not how this app uses it.
Telegram at a glance
| Developer | Telegram FZ-LLC |
|---|---|
| Category | Social Networking |
| Rating on App Store | 4.0 out of 5 (283K ratings) |
| Rating on Google Play | 3.8 out of 5 (17M ratings) |
| Installs on Google Play | 1B+ |
| Price | Free |
| Age rating | 12+ |
What changed in the latest Telegram version
App Store · Version 13.0, released Oct 8, 2026
The release notes are general and don't list specific changes:
“Bug fixes, minor improvements, and more.”
Quoted from the store listings' release notes.
Pricing
On the Google Play store, Telegram is listed with a price of 0, indicating it can be obtained without an upfront cost. However, the Google Play listing also notes the presence of in-app purchases, which may offer additional features or content.
Similarly, on the App Store, the application is listed as 'Free'. The store listings do not provide specific details regarding the costs or types of items available through these in-app purchases.
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How to get Telegram safely
To obtain Telegram, users are advised to download it exclusively from reputable sources such as the Google Play store for Android devices or the App Store for iOS devices. It is important to verify that the application is published by 'Telegram FZ-LLC' to ensure authenticity.
Users should exercise caution and avoid downloading the app from unofficial channels, such as third-party APK mirrors or websites offering modified versions, as these may pose risks to device security. Prior to installation, reviewing the permissions requested by the app is a recommended practice to understand the data it may access.
How to install Telegram
On Android (Google Play)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for Telegram, or use the Google Play button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is Telegram FZ-LLC.
- Tap Install (or the price, for a paid app) and wait for the download to finish, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
On iPhone and iPad (App Store)
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for Telegram, or use the App Store button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is Telegram FZ-LLC.
- Make sure your device has iOS 15.0 or later and about 244 MB of free space, as the listing states.
- Tap Get (or the price), confirm the download, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
Telegram version and app details
| Google Play | App Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Latest version | – | 13.0 |
| Last updated | Oct 11, 2026 | Oct 8, 2026 |
| First released | Sep 6, 2013 | Aug 14, 2013 |
| Package name | org.telegram.messenger | – |
| Bundle ID | – | ph.telegra.Telegraph |
| Requires | – | iOS 15.0 or later |
| Download size | – | 244 MB |
| Content rating | Mature 17+ (Users Interact, Shares Location) | 12+ (Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence; Infrequent/Mild Realistic Violence; Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes; Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humor; Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References; Infrequent/Mild Sexual Content and Nudity; Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes) |
| In-app purchases | Yes ($0.31 - $289.99 per item) | Yes |
| Contains ads | No | – |
| Languages | – | 19 (including English) |
| Developer | Telegram FZ-LLC | Telegram FZ-LLC |
Who Telegram is for
Telegram is suitable for individuals who require a messaging platform that offers seamless synchronization across multiple devices, including phones, tablets, and computers. It caters to users who value the ability to access their conversations from any of their devices without interruption.
The app is also well-suited for those who participate in or manage large online communities, given its capacity for group chats with up to 200,000 members. Users who frequently share large files or media will find its unlimited file type and size capabilities beneficial. Furthermore, individuals concerned with message privacy and data control, such as message deletion for both parties and self-destructing messages in Secret Chats, may find Telegram appealing. The content rating is Mature 17+ on Google Play and 12+ on the App Store.
Telegram for kids and families
Pros
- Messages are synced across multiple devices, allowing access from phones, tablets, and computers simultaneously.
- Users can send media and files without any stated limits on their type or size.
- The app supports very large group chats, accommodating up to 200,000 members.
- It includes powerful photo and video editing tools, animated stickers, emoji, and customizable themes.
- Privacy features allow users to delete messages for both sides and offer Secret Chats with self-destructing content and end-to-end encryption.
Cons
- The Google Play listing indicates that the app includes in-app purchases, which may incur additional costs for certain features or content.
- The content rating on Google Play is Mature 17+, which might restrict its suitability for younger audiences.
- The App Store version has a size of 256 MB, which could be a consideration for devices with limited storage capacity.
- The Android version requests access to a broad range of permission groups, including Identity, Contacts, Location, and Microphone.
Telegram: frequently asked questions
Is Telegram free to use?
The app is listed as 'Free' on the App Store and has a price of 0 on Google Play. However, both platforms indicate the availability of in-app purchases.
On which devices can Telegram be used?
Telegram is available for Android devices via Google Play and for iOS devices via the App Store. It is designed to sync messages across phones, tablets, and computers.
Who developed Telegram?
Telegram FZ-LLC is the developer of the Telegram application.
What are the content ratings for Telegram?
On Google Play, Telegram has a content rating of Mature 17+. On the App Store, its content rating is 12+.
Does Telegram offer privacy features?
Yes, Telegram allows users to delete any message for both sides of a conversation, states it will not use data for ads, and provides Secret Chats with self-destructing messages that use End-to-End Encryption.
What is the maximum size for files that can be sent?
Users can send documents of any type, with each file having a maximum size of 2 GB.
Telegram
- Category
- Social Networking
- Version
- 13.0
Download
Looking for the Telegram website or sign-in? Go to telegram.org →The developer's website, as given on the store listing.
Telegram ratings breakdown
Google Play 3.8 average from 17,313,305 ratings
- 562%
- 47%
- 35%
- 24%
- 123%
App Store 4.0 average from 283,139 ratings
- 563%
- 410%
- 36%
- 25%
- 116%
Share of ratings for each star level, as shown on the listings, as of Oct 13, 2026.
