A Telegram group is a shared chat where every member can write, unlike a channel where only admins post. A group can hold up to 200,000 members. Creating one takes a minute; the settings below decide whether it stays useful as it grows.
Quick answer
Open Telegram, tap the pencil or compose button, choose New Group, pick the first members, enter a group name and tap Create. Then open the group info to choose public or private, permissions and admins.
1. Create the group
- Open Telegram and tap the pencil button on Android or the compose button in Chats on iPhone. On desktop, open the menu.
- Choose New Group.
- Pick the first members from your contacts. You can invite everyone else later with a link.
- Enter a group name and, if you like, a photo.
- Tap Create. You are now the owner of the group.
Menu names can differ a little between Android, iPhone and app versions, but the path is the same.
2. Public or private group?
| Public group | Private group | |
|---|---|---|
| Link | Short link with a username (t.me/name) | Invite link that you can revoke |
| Search | Can appear in Telegram search | Not searchable |
| Earlier messages | New members always see them | You choose whether new members see them |
| Best for | Open communities, support, brands | Teams, classes, closed or paid groups |
You can switch at any time: open the group info, tap Edit, then Group Type.
3. Settings to check first
- Permissions: choose what members can do, such as sending media, links or polls, and adding other people.
- Administrators: add people who help you moderate and give each one only the rights they need.
- Slow mode: limit how often each member can send a message when the group gets busy.
- Chat history for new members: in a private group, choose whether newcomers see earlier messages.
- Topics: split a large group into separate threads, each with its own subject.
- Join requests: let admins approve each person who opens the invite link.
Which rights to give each admin: Telegram admin permissions.
Spam bots joining? See how to stop spam bots in a Telegram group.
4. Invite people
- Open the group info and tap Add Members to add contacts directly.
- Share the invite link, or create extra links with a member limit or an expiry date.
- Some people's privacy settings stop others from adding them to groups. Send them the link instead.
Need a link that opens a chat with a ready message? Use the Telegram link generator.
5. Can a new group show an older creation date?
No. Telegram records the date a group was created, and no setting changes it. Renaming the group, changing its link or importing old chats does not make the group older.
That is why groups created years ago are bought and sold. You can check the age of a public group with the Telegram group age checker.
Need an older group for your project? See old Telegram groups by creation year.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a group on Telegram?
Tap the pencil or compose button, choose New Group, pick the first members, enter a name and tap Create.
How many members can a Telegram group have?
Up to 200,000 members.
What is the difference between a public and a private group?
A public group has a username link and can appear in Telegram search. A private group is joined only through an invite link.
Can I create a Telegram group with an old date?
No. The creation date is set when the group is made and cannot be changed. An older group can only come from someone who created one years ago, which is why old groups are traded.
Can I make a group private later?
Yes. Open the group info, tap Edit, then Group Type, and switch between public and private at any time.
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