Finding groups in Telegram means using the search function, following invite links, or browsing the directory — each method works differently depending on whether you already know the group's name or are looking for communities around a topic.

Telegram groups are public or private communities where multiple people chat together. Public groups appear in search results and anyone can join. Private groups require an invite link or a direct invitation from someone already in the group. The method you use depends on what you're looking for and whether someone has already sent you a link.

The three main ways to find groups are searching by name if you know it, using an invite link someone sends you, or browsing public directories. Each takes a different number of steps, and some work only on certain devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Public groups show up in Telegram's search function if you know the group name, but private groups do not appear in search results at all.
  • Invite links are the most common way to join private groups — they look like t.me/joinchat/[code] and work on any device.
  • The search function works the same way on phone and desktop: tap the magnifying glass, type the group name, and tap the result to join.
  • Once you join a group, you can mute notifications, leave without notifying others, or report the group if it violates Telegram's rules.

Searching for public groups by name

If you know the name of a public group, the fastest way to find it is through Telegram's search. Open Telegram and tap the magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen (on phone) or use the search bar at the top left (on desktop). Type the group name exactly as you remember it. Telegram will show matching groups, channels, and people — look for the result labeled as a group, which shows a small icon of multiple people.

Tap or click the group name to open its preview. You will see the group description, member count, and a button to join. Tap "Join" and you are now a member. The group will appear in your chat list when ready. If you do not see the group you are looking for, try searching with different keywords — for example, search "photography" instead of "photography enthusiasts" if the exact name is not working.

Public groups are searchable because the group creator chose to make them visible. If a group does not appear in search, it is private, and you will need an invite link to join it.

Joining groups through invite links

An invite link is the standard way to join a private group. These links look like t.me/joinchat/[long code] or sometimes t.me/+[code]. Someone who is already in the group sends you the link, usually through another messaging app, email, or a website. You do not need to search for anything — just tap or click the link.

When you tap an invite link, Telegram opens and shows you the group preview with the name, description, and member count. A "Join Group" button appears at the bottom. Tap it, and you are added to the group when ready. You do not need permission from the group admin — the link itself grants access. If the link has expired or been revoked, Telegram will tell you the link is no longer valid.

Invite links are private by design. Only people who have the link can join, which is why private groups use them instead of appearing in search. If you want to invite someone else, ask the group admin for permission first — some groups do not allow members to share the link.

Using Telegram's directory and discovery features

Telegram does not have a single central directory of all public groups the way some apps do. However, you can discover groups through a few other methods. The "Explore" section in Telegram shows trending channels and groups based on what is popular in your region. Open Telegram, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and look for "Explore" or "Discover" depending on your version.

You can also find groups through Telegram's bot search. Some bots are designed to list groups by category — for example, a bot that shows language-learning groups or hobby communities. Search for these bots by typing their name in the search bar. Tap the bot, and it will show you a list of groups you can join. These are usually public groups that the bot creator has collected.

Another way is to look at groups that people you follow are members of. If you follow a Telegram channel about a topic you like, check the channel's description — it often links to related groups. You can also ask in channels or other groups whether anyone knows of communities around your interests.

What happens when you join a group

Once you join, the group appears in your chat list. You can see all previous messages (in public groups) or only messages sent after you joined (in some private groups, depending on the admin's settings). You can read, react to messages, and send your own messages unless the admin has restricted your permissions.

By default, you will receive notifications when someone sends a message. If the group is very active and the notifications are distracting, you can mute the group. Tap and hold the group name, then select "Mute" and choose how long to mute it — you can mute for a few hours, a day, a week, or indefinitely. You will still see new messages when you open the group, but you will not get alerts.

If you want to leave, tap and hold the group name and select "Leave Group." Other members will not be notified that you left. If the group violates Telegram's rules or contains spam, you can report it by tapping the group name at the top, scrolling down, and selecting "Report Group."

Avoiding scams and unwanted groups

Not every group is legitimate. Some groups are designed to scam people, sell illegal items, or spread misinformation. Before joining a group through an invite link, ask the person who sent it what the group is about. If someone sends you a link without context, especially if they claim you have won something or need to act quickly, it is likely a scam.

Once you join a group, watch the first few messages before sending anything personal or financial information. Legitimate groups have clear descriptions, active moderation, and members who are actually discussing the stated topic. Groups full of promotional messages, requests for money, or links to external websites are usually not safe.

If you realize a group is not what you expected, leave when ready. You can also block the person who sent you the link if they keep sending unwanted invites. Tap their name, scroll down, and select "Block User."

Finding groups on different devices

The steps for finding groups are nearly the same on phone and desktop, but the buttons are in slightly different places. On iPhone or Android, tap the magnifying glass at the top of the chat list. On desktop (Windows, Mac, or web), click the search icon at the top left of the window. Type the group name and tap or click the result.

Invite links work the same way on all devices — tap or click the link and Telegram opens to show the group preview. If you are using Telegram Web (the browser version), invite links will open in your browser and ask you to confirm before joining.

If you are using Telegram on multiple devices, joining a group on one device automatically adds it to all your devices. You will see the same group in your chat list on your phone, tablet, and computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search for groups by topic instead of by exact name?

Telegram's search function looks for exact matches or close variations of the group name you type. It does not search by topic or description. If you want to find groups about a topic, try searching for a keyword you think might be in the group name, browse the Explore section, or ask in channels about that topic whether anyone knows related groups.

What is the difference between a group and a channel?

A group is for conversations where multiple people can send messages and reply to each other. A channel is for broadcasting — only the channel admin sends messages, and members can only view and react. Groups show member names; channels do not. The search and joining process is the same for both.

If I leave a group, can I rejoin later?

Yes, if the group is public, you can search for it again and join. If it is private and you left, you will need a new invite link to rejoin — the old link may still work, but it depends on whether the admin revoked it. Ask someone in the group to send you a fresh link.

Why can't I find a group I know exists?

The group is probably private, which means it does not appear in search results. Ask the person who told you about it for the invite link. Alternatively, the group name might be spelled differently than you remember — try variations or search for a keyword from the description.

Can I create my own group?

Yes. Tap the pencil icon (on phone) or the menu button (on desktop), select "New Group," add members or invite them later, give the group a name and description, and choose whether to make it public or private. Public groups are searchable; private groups require an invite link.