Hidden Telegram Tricks

Hidden features of Telegram Messenger 

Telegram is an emerging cloud based instant messaging application that has over 100 million users and 350,000 users joining daily. Founded in 2013 this application has gained a reputation for secure messaging and end-to-end encryption, so much so, that the founders Nikolai and Pavel Durov have announced an award of $200,000 for cracking Telegram’s algorithm. It is lighter than its immediate rival application WhatsApp and provides an array of features that have gained popularity. Take a look at some of these hidden features of Telegram that you must know for an even better experience on the application:

1.       Managing Sessions in Telegram:

One of the most remarkable features of the Telegram is using and managing sessions. Telegram is available across all the platforms and allows access to one’s account from multiple devices at the same time. As cited earlier it is a cloud based service so all the chats are kept synchronized on every device. Sessions can also be managed under Privacy Settings to view all the active sessions and terminate sessions with one tap.

   

2.       Using Telegram on web browser:

Telegram allows access to account through the web browsers on web.telegram.org. The chats and contacts would appear on the window and messages can be sent seamlessly without using the application. This web version is also accessible from mobile browsers and general functionality like sending photo or video is also available.

            

    

3.       Using secret chats:

Boasting of security features like end-to-end encryption, Telegram also provides a feature called Secret Chats which provides self-destructing messages that are by design deleted once read or viewed. The Secret Chat can be started from the new chat option and selecting the contact. One can also choose the period from the self-destruct timer for which the message is available to be read or viewed which would thereafter be deleted. The timer starts when the message is read or an image is opened. The application also sends a notification if the receiver has taken a screenshot.

     

                   
   

4.       Hiding the last seen from specific contact:

Even as most messaging apps provide the feature of hiding the last seen from contacts, Telegram provides an added aspect of hiding the last seen from a specific contact. Under the Last Seen menu of Privacy Settings in the application one can specify the people with whom to not share the last seen.

                                               

5.       Blocking people from adding you in groups:

On numerous occasions people start adding you to unknown groups and channels which is annoying. Henceforth to reduce the effort of exiting unknown groups repeatedly, Telegram provides a feature where you can specify the people who can add you into groups and channels. This Setting is available under the Groups menu in Privacy settings.

                                                    

6.       Setting and Using Username:

The Username menu under Settings allows you to choose a username for your account for other people to contact you without knowing your phone number. This is an improvement wherein you don’t have to share your phone number with other people as it is considered more personal.

                                                       

7.       Channels on Telegram:

Channels are tools to broadcast messages to a large number of audiences. You can join existing channels or create your own channels. As the creator of the channel you can broadcast messages, delete any messages, add members, remove members, change the channel's name, profile image and link, as well as delete the channel completely. The creator can also add and remove administrators to help manage the channel. There are two types of channels Public and Private. Public channels have a username and can be viewed and joined by anyone. One can join a channel by visiting telegram.me/channelname on the web browser and then opening the link through telegram or by sending a message @channelname to one of the contacts and tapping on that link. There is a catalog of channels on tchannels.me

    

    

8.     Using @ in Telegram:

Telegram introduced inline bots which are used to communicate in a more efficient way by searching and sending the content relevant to the conversation right from the chat screen. You can send relevant gifs or information from websites like Wikipedia, Imdb to the users groups or channels instantly. Several sample bots like @gif, @imdb, @wiki, @bing, @bold can be used. You just need to type @username of the bot you want to use along with the keyword to get the relevant content.

       

9.       Using editor while sending photos:

Sending photos is one of the universal features provided by any instant messaging application. Telegram provides an added feature to edit the images before sending it to the contacts or groups. The editor can be used to crop and edit effects to enhance the photos before sharing.

      

                                       

10.   Using Passcode lock and Two-Step verification:

App locks provide an easy and efficient method to keep the private chats secure from prying eyes of friends and family. Though there are numerous App locks available for the Android applications, iOS does not have efficient third party App locks. Telegram provides Passcode feature to secure your application. Furthermore it provides a two-step verification password feature that sets a regular password for when you sign in from a new device along with the pass code you receive on the number. This is an added security feature to keep a track of the new sessions from multiple devices.

      

                

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