SL;DR
- You can now create a t.me link to your phone number on Telegram.
- The app also has a new download manager to view, pause, resume and prioritize downloads.
If you are a Telegram user, a new update is waiting for you. The latest version of this app brings lots of features and improvements. There’s a new Download Manager, a redesigned interface for Android apps, previews for media albums, and more. One of the most important features comes in the form of a new phone number link.
You can always create a username on Telegram and share your t.me/username link so others can find you without your phone number. However, this username is public and allows people to find you in global searches. The update now allows you to share a direct t.me link to your phone number which opens a chat with you immediately.
The format of this link is t.me/+123456789, with the full phone number in international format. Of course, the link will only work if your privacy settings allow others to find you by your phone number. So in essence, this link won’t make you searchable by anyone, but it will still allow those with your phone number to contact you more easily.
Elsewhere, Telegram has also introduced a new Download Manager. While files are actively downloading, a new icon will now appear in the search bar. You can tap the icon or open the “Downloads” tab in Search to view, pause, resume, and prioritize downloads.
When sending multiple photos, you can now preview media albums and rearrange or delete items before sending them.
The Telegram Android app is also getting a facelift with a new transparency effect. In Night Mode, panels and headers will now have a subtle transparent appearance, making chat backgrounds, stickers, and media files stand out more.
Another new feature coming to the app is support for live streaming. This update lets you broadcast from streaming tools like OBS Studio and XSplit Broadcaster — to easily add overlays and multi-screen layouts.
