If you’re still using WhatsApp or one of the many slick WhatsApp alternatives, you may be interested in checking out reasons to start using Telegram instead.
But if you’re convinced that Telegram is the future and have already switched over, here’s a list of lesser-known Telegram features that you may have overlooked but should be using.
1. Multiple Phone Numbers
Have you ever needed to change the phone number you’re using on an app, and had to figure out a way to transfer all your contacts onto the new number? It can be a lot of work, but Telegram does it all for you. You can easily change the phone number attached to your account without losing any chats or contacts.
In order to change the Telegram number you’re using, open Settings and tap on your phone number. Click “Change Number” and follow the instructions on your screen. The best thing? All your messages will be moved to the new mobile number and Telegram will automatically add your new number to all your previous contacts.
The latest update also allows you to use multiple Telegram accounts. That way you could keep your personal and professional lives separate without having to switch to another messaging app.
2. Multiple Profile Pictures
Speaking of multiples, Telegram allows you to upload multiple profile photos. In fact, you can upload as many pictures as you like. The latest photo is the profile picture your contacts will see, but they can swipe to see the rest of the photos.
To upload your profile pictures, open the Settings and tap on the Camera icon. The next time you upload a picture, it won’t remove any of your previous photos.
3. Secret Chats
Did you know that your message history is the most revealing part of your phone when it comes to private information? No matter why you might want to keep your chats in secret, Telegram gives you the ability to do it.
You can create secret chats that use end-to-end encryption and aren’t recorded on Telegram’s servers. They also self-destruct off your phone after a certain period of time. A perfect feature for someone who is very conscious about their security and their private information staying private.
4. Customize Your Telegram
In Telegram, you can create and use your own custom theme. And there are many ways to customize it and make your Telegram look exactly the way you want it to.
If you want to create your own theme, go to Settings – Theme and click “Create New Theme”. There, you can paint it, and change different elements until you get the desired look. For those who don’t feel like spending time on creating their own theme, there’s the option of searching for already made ones. Tap on the Search icon and search for themes that are already on Telegram.
You can also customize your chat background image. In order to do that, go to “Chat Background” in Settings.
5. Telegram Bots
Where there is digital communication, there will be chatbots. While bots aren’t likely to replace your apps, they are still useful. Bots can do everything from helping you retrieve different kinds of information to helping you improve your productivity.
There are thousands of bots available on Telegram. We sorted through them and picked the best Telegram bots you’ll love to use.
6. Auto-Night Mode
Telegram also has an auto-night mode that you can use to that the app doesn’t blind you. When you turn it on, the app automatically switches to dark mode. To enable the function, go to Settings – Themes and click on Auto-Night Mode.
You’ll have two options to choose from: Automatic and Scheduled. If you select Automatic mode, it’ll switch based on the ambient light. With Scheduled mode, the night mode will start at a time that you set yourself. You can also choose at what percentage of the ambient lighting you’d like the auto-night mode to start at.
7. Special Chat Options
Think WhatsApp has superb chatting options? Telegram probably beat them to it, you just didn’t know about it.
For example, a feature that allows deleting sent messages. If you want to delete a sent message on Telegram, you simply need to select it and tap on the trash can icon in the top right. However, you can only delete a message in the first 48 hours of sending it.
Have a group or a channel on Telegram? You can now organize your chats inside it by using hashtags. When you use a hashtag in a message, that word becomes searchable to everyone. Tap the hashtag to see all the messages on that topic.
One more handy group/channel option is being able to pin messages inside them. That way, you’ll never lose anything important that you discussed in the chats.
8. Mute Contacts and Groups
If you got a little too excited about Telegram and joined a few too many groups and channels, you can always mute them without leaving them. Muting people on social media is a great option for those who don’t want to miss out on anything fun but just want to have some peace and quiet.
In any Telegram chat, all you have to do is tap on the three dots and choose Mute notifications for either one hour, eight hours, or until you manually unmute it.
9. Live Location Sharing
Did you know that you could share live location with your contacts on Telegram? All you need to do is open the chat and find the attachment button. Then, click on Location. You can choose to either share your current or your live location.
When you select the live location, you also get to set the time limit for which your location will be shown to the person. Which could prove to be very handy in a wide range of situations.
10. Proxy Server
Are you someone conscious about your security? Telegram allows you to use a proxy server which can help you protect your data or use the app in countries such as Russia where Telegram is banned.
In order to set up a proxy server, open Settings – Data and Storage, then scroll down and find Proxy Settings. Fill in all the required information and you’re all set.
Become a Pro Telegram User!
Are you ready to become an advanced Telegram user and take full advantage of the app, or are you still stuck using WhatsApp or one of the other, less secure messaging apps?
Hopefully, we have listed enough superb Telegram features to help you choose between Telegram and WhatsApp. But whichever instant messaging service you end up using, make sure you’re aware of all the most useful features it’s offering.
Read the full article: 10 Useful Telegram Features You Should Be Using
