Telegram calls: how to call, video and group calls, and what to do if a call fails
How to make a voice or video call on Telegram, start a group call with up to 200 people, control who can call you, and what to check when a call does not connect.
You start a Telegram call from the person's profile page. Telegram has voice and video calls with end-to-end encryption, and any call can be turned into a group call with up to 200 participants. Calls work from a phone and from a computer, and all you need is an internet connection. If a call won't connect, the usual causes are app permissions or the "Who can call me" privacy setting.
How to make a call on Telegram
- Open the person's profile. According to Telegram, a call starts from the contact's profile page.
- Tap the call button and wait for them to answer.
- To add video, tap the camera during the call: you can switch video on or off at any moment of a voice call.
Calls go over the internet, so both of you need a connection. Button names and positions differ a little between app versions.
Calls also work on a computer: the Telegram apps for desktop (Telegram Desktop) support them. If you minimize the app during a call, Telegram may keep using the microphone. Its FAQ says so directly, so the microphone indicator on a minimized app during a call is not a glitch.
How to check that a call is secure
Telegram calls are end-to-end encrypted. You can check it together with the other person: four emoji are shown on the call screens, and if both of you see the same ones, the call is secure. Group calls are verified the same way.
How to start a group call
There are three ways, all inside the app:
- From a regular call. Call one person and tap "Add Person" in the top right corner. Up to 200 participants can be added to a call.
- From the calls tab. Start a new call and pick several people at once.
- With a link. In the calls tab you can create a call link and send it to anyone; the call menu also has a QR code for invitations.
Separately, any group can start a video chat (Telegram's FAQ still calls it a voice chat): an ongoing conversation that group members join whenever it suits them. Camera and screen sharing can be switched on right in the chat.
People in a group call or video chat can send comments and reactions without interrupting the conversation: tap the "Message" button. These messages are brief, appear on the call screen and disappear. According to Telegram's October 2025 announcement, this works in groups with fewer than 1,000 participants.
Who can call you
Not everyone has to be able to call you: Telegram lets you decide. Open Settings → Privacy and Security → Calls and choose who can call you. As with other privacy settings, you can add exceptions. If someone has closed calls to you, you won't be able to call them.
The same section has a Peer-to-Peer switch. Telegram explains it like this: if you turn peer-to-peer off, all calls go through Telegram's servers, the other person can't see your IP address, but audio and video quality may get worse. With it on, a call goes directly when possible.
Your login code is only for signing in. Never read it out to anyone, in a call or in a chat. More in how to protect your Telegram account.
If a call does not connect
Check these in order:
- Internet. It has to work for you and for the other person.
- Permissions. The app needs the microphone, and for video the camera too. On iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone (or Camera) and turn Telegram on. On Android: Settings → Apps → Telegram → Permissions. Names differ by phone maker.
- The other person's call settings. They may have limited who can call them. Send a message instead.
- App version. Update Telegram and restart it.
If the call connects but the quality is poor, look at Peer-to-Peer: with the switch off, Telegram says quality may drop.
Frequently asked questions
How do I call someone on Telegram?
Open the person's profile and tap the call button. You can switch video on during the conversation.
Can I make Telegram calls from a computer?
Yes, the Telegram apps for desktop support calls. You need an internet connection and the Telegram Desktop app.
How do I start a group call on Telegram?
Call one person and tap "Add Person", or start a new call from the calls tab and pick several people. The maximum is 200 participants.
How do I stop people from calling me on Telegram?
Settings → Privacy and Security → Calls → "Who can call me": choose who may call you and add exceptions if needed.
Why won't my Telegram call connect?
Check your internet connection, the microphone (and camera) permission in your phone's settings, and whether the other person has closed calls in their privacy settings.
