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How to Add Someone on Telegram Without Their Phone Number (iPhone)?

Let’s cut to the chase: Adding someone on Telegram for iPhone without knowing their phone number is absolutely possible, and frankly, it’s a sign you’re using the platform to its full potential. The key lies in leveraging usernames and nearby features. You can add someone via their username, assuming they have one set up, or through the “People Nearby” function if you’re physically close. We’ll delve into both methods, offering you a step-by-step guide and exploring the nuances.

Adding via Username: The Digital Handshake

This is your primary method when you don’t have someone’s phone number but know their Telegram username. It’s the equivalent of exchanging business cards in the digital world.

Finding Their Username

First things first, you need their username. Telegram usernames are unique identifiers, similar to Twitter handles. It starts with an “@” symbol (e.g., @TelegramExpert). If you don’t know it, ask them! There’s no shame in wanting to connect on Telegram.

Steps to Add via Username

Open Telegram: Launch the Telegram app on your iPhone.
Tap the Search Bar: Locate the search icon, usually in the top right corner of the screen, and tap it.
Enter the Username: Type in the complete username, including the “@” symbol. As you type, Telegram will start suggesting matches.
Select the Correct User: Make sure you’ve found the right person. Profile pictures are helpful for verification.
Tap “Start”: Once you’ve selected the user, a chat window will open. Tap the “Start” button to initiate a conversation.
Add to Contacts (Optional): You can now add the user to your contacts within Telegram by tapping on their name at the top of the chat, and then selecting “Add to Contacts.” This is entirely optional, as you can continue chatting without adding them as a formal contact.

Important Considerations for Username Additions

Username Accuracy: Double-check the username. A single typo can lead you to the wrong person.
Privacy Settings: Some users have configured their privacy settings to prevent unknown users from messaging them. If you can’t initiate a conversation, it could be due to this.
No Guarantees: Just because someone has a username doesn’t mean they’ll automatically respond to your message.

Leveraging “People Nearby”: The Social Discovery Tool

Telegram’s “People Nearby” feature is a fascinating way to discover and connect with others in your immediate vicinity. It’s especially useful at conferences, meetups, or any situation where you’re physically close to people you want to connect with.

Accessing “People Nearby”

Open Telegram: Launch the Telegram app on your iPhone.
Go to Contacts: Tap on the “Contacts” tab, usually located at the bottom of the screen.
Find “People Nearby”: Look for the “People Nearby” option. It might be slightly hidden depending on your app version, but it’s usually near the top.
Grant Location Permissions: Telegram will request access to your location. You’ll need to grant this permission for the feature to work.

Using “People Nearby” to Add Someone

Ensure Mutual Visibility: Both you and the person you want to add need to have “People Nearby” open and be broadcasting your presence. You can do this by tapping “Make Myself Visible.” Be mindful of your privacy, and only enable visibility when you actively want to connect.
Select the User: Telegram will display a list of users who are also broadcasting their presence. Select the person you want to add.
Initiate a Conversation: Tap on their name to open a chat window and send a message.
Add to Contacts (Optional): As with username additions, you can add them to your contacts within Telegram after initiating a conversation.

Caveats and Considerations for “People Nearby”

Privacy is Paramount: Be cautious about broadcasting your location. Only use “People Nearby” when you’re comfortable sharing your presence with others in your vicinity.
Range Limitations: The feature relies on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals, so the range is limited. You need to be relatively close to the person you’re trying to connect with.
Mutual Participation: Both parties need to be actively using the “People Nearby” feature for it to work.
Stalkerware Concerns: Be aware of the potential misuse of location-based features. Always prioritize your safety and be mindful of who you’re connecting with.

Why Avoid Phone Number Additions?

While adding someone via their phone number is the traditional method, there are several reasons why avoiding it can be beneficial:

Privacy: Not everyone is comfortable sharing their phone number, even with acquaintances. Using usernames or “People Nearby” respects their privacy preferences.
Security: Limiting the number of people who have your phone number can reduce the risk of unwanted calls, messages, or even SIM swapping attacks.
Professionalism: In some professional contexts, exchanging usernames is more appropriate than exchanging phone numbers.

Mastering Telegram Connections

Adding someone on Telegram without their phone number boils down to understanding and leveraging the platform’s features designed for user discovery and connection. By mastering usernames and “People Nearby,” you can build your Telegram network in a privacy-conscious and efficient manner. Remember to always be mindful of your own privacy and the privacy of others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it truly impossible to add someone on Telegram without their phone number or username?

Yes, it is effectively impossible. You need either a phone number or a username to initiate contact through the app. Without either of these identifiers, Telegram has no way to locate the user.

2. If someone blocks me, can I still add them using “People Nearby”?

No, blocking someone prevents all forms of contact, including through “People Nearby.” You won’t be able to see them in the list of nearby users, and they won’t be able to see you.

3. Can I find someone’s username if I have their phone number but they haven’t shared their username with me?

Not directly through Telegram. You cannot use a phone number to reverse-search a username within the app itself. However, if they have linked their Telegram account on other social media platforms or websites, you might find their username there.

4. What happens if someone changes their username after I’ve added them?

If someone changes their username, your existing chat with them will still function. However, the old username will no longer work for new connections. Their new username will be displayed in your chat.

5. Does “People Nearby” drain my iPhone’s battery?

Using “People Nearby” can consume battery, especially if you have location services constantly enabled. It’s best to only enable it when you actively want to connect with others and disable it when you’re not using it.

6. Are there any third-party apps that can help me find someone on Telegram without their phone number?

While there might be some third-party apps claiming to do this, be extremely cautious. Many of these apps are scams or malware. It’s best to stick to Telegram’s official features.

7. How can I make my Telegram profile more discoverable without sharing my phone number?

The best way is to set a public username and make it easy to remember. You can also share your Telegram username on other social media profiles or on your website.

8. Can I use “People Nearby” on the Telegram desktop app?

No, the “People Nearby” feature is exclusively available on the mobile app (iOS and Android) due to its reliance on location services.

9. If I make myself visible in “People Nearby,” will everyone in my city see me?

No, “People Nearby” only shows users who are in close proximity to you and are also actively using the feature and have enabled the “Make Myself Visible” option.

10. How do I report someone who is misusing the “People Nearby” feature?

You can report a user by opening a chat with them, tapping on their name at the top, and then selecting “Report.” Choose the appropriate reason for reporting, such as spam, harassment, or inappropriate behavior.

11. Is it possible to create a group on Telegram without adding members using their phone numbers?

Yes, you can create a public group on Telegram and share the group’s invite link or username. People can join the group by clicking on the link or searching for the username, without you needing their phone numbers.

12. What are the privacy implications of having my phone number linked to my Telegram account?

Having your phone number linked to your Telegram account means that anyone who has your number in their contacts can potentially find you on Telegram. You can control who can see your phone number in your Telegram privacy settings, limiting it to “My Contacts” or “Nobody.” However, even if you set it to “Nobody,” people who have you in their contacts can still see that you are on Telegram, even if they can’t see your exact number.