Telegram is completely free to download and use. There are no hidden charges or subscription fees associated with the basic functionalities of the app. You can send messages, make voice calls, and share files with your contacts without any cost. This makes it an attractive option for users who are looking for a robust communication tool without the burden of recurring payments.

However, users should be aware that Telegram offers optional in-app purchases for premium features and enhancements. Additionally, while the app doesn't bombard users with ads, some features or bots available through third parties might have their own monetization. Overall, you can enjoy a rich messaging experience without spending anything, unless you choose to unlock additional features.

Installation on iOS Devices: Telegram is compatible with iOS devices running iOS 9.0 or later. To install Telegram on your iOS device, open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Use the search bar to type "Telegram" and tap the "Get" button next to the official Telegram Messenger app. The app will begin downloading and installing automatically. Once installed, open the app and grant the necessary permissions, such as access to your contacts and push notifications, to enhance your messaging experience. You can customize these settings in the iOS Settings app under Telegram.

Installation on Android Devices: For Android users, Telegram supports devices running Android 4.1 and up. To install the app, open the Google Play Store and search for "Telegram." Tap the "Install" button next to the official app released by Telegram FZ-LLC. After the app is installed, open it and allow the app to access your contacts, photos, and media files, if prompted. Make sure to review any other settings, such as notification preferences, to tailor your experience to your liking.

Step 1: After installing Telegram, open the app and tap "Start Messaging" on the welcome screen. You'll need to enter your phone number for verification. Telegram will send you a code via SMS; input that code to verify your account.

Step 2: Once verified, you can set up your profile by adding a profile picture and username. This step is optional but helps your friends recognize you. Tap "Set Profile Photo" to upload an image and enter your username where prompted.

Step 3: You'll be directed to the main chat interface, which is clean and minimalist. From here, you can start a new chat by tapping the pencil icon in the lower right corner. This allows you to message someone in your contacts who is also using Telegram.

Step 4: Explore Telegram's features by tapping the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner. Here, you can create new groups, channels, or access your saved messages. To create a group, select "New Group" and follow the prompts to add members and set group parameters.

Step 5: Voice and video calls can be made by opening a chat and tapping on the phone or camera icon, respectively. To enable more advanced features like secret chats or self-destructing media, open a chat, tap on the user's name, and explore the options available.

Tip 1: Take advantage of Telegram's cloud-based storage by sending yourself important documents or media files to access them from any device with the app installed. Use the "Saved Messages" feature as a personal storage space.

Tip 2: If you're concerned about privacy, use Telegram's "Secret Chats" for end-to-end encryption. These chats are not stored on Telegram's servers and can be set to self-destruct after a certain period. Start a secret chat by opening a user profile and selecting "Start Secret Chat."

Tip 3: Enhance your experience with bots. Telegram offers a wide range of bots for various tasks like reminders, weather updates, and news aggregation. Search for bots using the search bar and follow their setup instructions to get started.