How to find groups on Telegram: a complete guide to discovering and joining communities

Telegram Telegram has evolved far beyond a simple instant messaging app: it's a complete platform that offers advanced features to connect people from all over the world and create active communities around shared interests. In addition to its private chats, Telegram is especially known for its channels and groups, which can host anywhere from a few people to hundreds of thousands. Throughout this article, we'll delve deeply into how to search for groups in Telegram, the differences between groups and channels, methods for finding them, external tools, tricks, security tips, FAQs, and recommendations to get the most out of them.

What are the differences between groups and channels in Telegram?

One of the first key concepts for any Telegram user is to clearly distinguish between groups and channels:

Telegram groups. They are spaces designed for the interaction between all members. They can range from small private groups for friends and family to huge public communities of up to 200.000 people. In groups, everyone (unless the administrator limits it) can write messages, share files, images, voice notes, and much more. Groups can be public (anyone can join and search), or Private (access only by invitation or link).
Telegram channels. Oriented to the dissemination of messages to a mass audienceOnly administrators can post, and members receive messages without being able to reply in the main channel (although some channels allow separate comments). Channels have no limit on the number of members. Channels can also be public (accessible and searchable) or private (access by invitation).

The fundamental difference lies in the form of interaction: in the groups everyone can actively participate, while in the channels The communication flow is unidirectional (administrators to subscribers).

Why find and join groups on Telegram?

Telegram stands out from other messaging apps for its huge catalog of public groups and thematic communitiesJoining groups allows you to:

Access debates on specific topics of your interest (technology, employment, humor, music, video games, trading, series...)
To be informed about news, offers or updates through very active communities
Professional networking or connect with geographically like-minded people (groups by city or country)
Share, ask and learn from other experienced users
Discover resources, tools, files, and relevant news that you would hardly find on other platforms.

To find these groups, you have several methods at your disposal, which we'll discuss in detail later: internal search, invitation links, web directories, location searches, and recommendations.

How to create a group in Telegram step by step

Before you search for and join groups, you may want to create your own group on Telegram. The process is intuitive and similar across all platforms:

Access Telegram and click on the pencil icon (top right on iOS, bottom right on Android).
Choose New group.
Choose the contacts you want to add initially and click on Next.
Put a name the group (you can also add a group image) and click on Create.

From that point on, you can set the group to public or private, add administrators, change the photo, share the group link to invite others outside your contact list, and much more. Public groups allow anyone to find them from the global search engine, while private groups require a link or direct invitation.

Additionally, from the group options section you can:

Add new members from your contacts list or with the invitation link
Customize permissions, choose administrators, pin messages, set group rules, and restrict actions (for example, only allowing text messages or blocking media content)
Mute notifications or leave the group whenever you want

How to search for groups on Telegram from the app itself

El Telegram's integrated search engine It's the most direct and fastest way to locate public groups on any topic. It's available in both the mobile version (Android, iOS), the desktop app (Windows, MacOS), and Telegram Web.

The steps are practically the same in all versions:

Locate the search box at the top of the app (on mobile devices it may be hidden and you may have to swipe down on the chat list to make it appear).
Write keywords related to the topic of the group that interests you (for example, “Amazon offers”, “Pokémon Alicante”, “remote employment”, “anime Spain”, etc.).
Telegram will show results that include chats, contacts, groups, channels and botsPay attention to the information that appears under the name of each result:

If it appears members: It is a group and everyone can participate.
If it appears subscribers: It is a channel and only administrators post.
If it says muzzle: is an automated bot.
If it shows the last connection time: it is a personal profile, not a group or channel.

Click on the group you are interested in. In the next window, simply click on Join to enter and participate.

From that moment on, you'll have access to the entire group history (unless the administrator restricts access to the history for new members). If the group is very active, you can mute its notifications to avoid constant alerts.

Differentiate between group and channel from the search engine

It's important to know how to distinguish search results. Typically:

The channels They show a megaphone icon and the word “subscribers.”
The groups They show an icon of two people and the word “members.”
The bots They have the word “bot” in their name or description.
Private profiles display the last online time or just the username.

These details will help you avoid confusion and always find the type of space you want.

Search for groups by location: Groups near you

One of the most useful (and least known) features of Telegram is being able to search for groups and people physically close to youThis feature is designed to help you find users who are geographically nearby and even discover local groups in your city or neighborhood. Its availability may vary depending on your platform and country, but it is currently available on most devices.

To activate and use this feature:

On Android: Display the left side menu by clicking on the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner and select “people nearby".
If you are using it for the first time, please grant Telegram permission to access your location. This is used only to show you people and groups near your current location.
They will be displayed first nearby users (with distance) and below will appear the local groups.
You can tap on any group to see the latest message and join directly.

On iOS, go to the section Contacts and then to Find people nearby (GPS icon). The whole process is very similar. This tool is ideal if you want to connect with communities in your area, discover events, meet new people, or even create your own local group.

You can disable location permission at any time from the app settings.

Search for groups on Telegram using specialized directories and websites

If Telegram's internal search engine does not give you the results you expected (something that is common given that Not all public groups appear indexed), there are numerous web pages and thematic directories which compile thousands of groups and channels organized by categories, language, country and topics.

Some of the most popular and reliable websites for finding Telegram groups are:

TLGRM: It offers a powerful search engine, advanced filters and lists by category, with useful information about each group/channel.
Telegram Channels: Similar to TLGRM, it allows you to browse by category or search for specific keywords.
Forums, blogs and thematic listsMany tech blogs, niche forums, or vertical sites publish up-to-date lists of the best groups and channels, for example, about deals, technology, jobs, music, or entertainment.
Social Media: : Invite links to popular groups are often posted in Facebook groups, Twitter (X) or Reddit forums.

Using external directories is especially useful for finding private groups (which do not appear in public searches) or to discover lesser-known niche communities.

Tips for searching Telegram groups in directories

Perform searches by combining keywords and the term “Telegram group” followed by your topic of interest.
Before joining, please review the description, number of members and opinions if there are any.
Be wary of suspicious links or groups with little information: always prioritize security and privacy.

Joining groups using invitation links

Many public and private groups operate through a invitation link (usually of the type https://t.me/nombre_del_grupo). These links are usually shared on websites, social media, blogs, forums, or directly between users. By clicking (or tapping) the link, you'll be taken to the group in the app, and all you have to do is tap "Join."

Private groups They only accept members who join through a direct invitation from the administrator or by using a link. These groups never appear in search results or public directories.

How to find private groups?

Ask someone for the link group member
Search in specialized forums or external communities where they usually share access links
Remember to always have caution before entering unknown groups

Other advanced ways to search for groups on Telegram

Telegram is a very flexible platform. In addition to the usual methods, you can find groups through:

Searches on external engines: Use Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo with combinations like “Telegram gaming groups,” “Telegram + city groups,” “Telegram + jobs,” etc.
Recommendations between users: Sometimes the best groups are found by asking around in like-minded communities or asking for suggestions on social media, forums, or even your own contacts.
Updated thematic listsMany websites (such as AndroidGuias.com) and blogs periodically publish rankings of the best Telegram groups and channels by topic, activity, or interest.

Limitations of searching for groups on Telegram

The Telegram search engine is powerful, but it has some limitations:

They are only indexed public groupsPrivate messages will never appear unless you send them the link.
For very general searches, the first results may be your recent personal chats or popular channels, not always the groups you're looking for.
The order of results may vary depending on your activity and location.
There are no filters to search only for groups and exclude the rest (channels, bots, contacts).

Therefore, it is always advisable to complement with external directories and searches.

Rules, security, and privacy in Telegram groups

Joining massive groups can be very positive, but it also involves a series of safety recommendations and good practices:

Always read the group rulesMany groups present a message with basic rules when accessing it: avoid spam, disqualifications, illegal topics, etc.
Some groups require you to solve a captcha or click a button. before you can type for the first time. This is a common anti-bot system.
If you receive private messages from strangers after joining a group, be extremely careful. caution before responding or sharing personal information.
adjust your privacy and security settings on Telegram to protect your photo, number and profile.
Mute notifications in busy groups to avoid disturbances and save battery life.
Do not share sensitive information or private in open groups.

Some official or trusted groups may be verified (a blue tick next to their name), but the vast majority are not, so it's essential to use common sense before interacting or downloading files.

How to mute, leave, or report a group on Telegram

If you join a group that doesn't meet your expectations, or you simply want to stop receiving messages, you can:

Mute the group: Access the group details and tap the notification bell to stop receiving alerts (you can choose to mute for 1 hour, 8 hours, or forever).
leave the group: Tap the group icon, access the options menu (three horizontal dots), and select "Leave group." You'll stop receiving messages, and they'll disappear from your chat.
ReportIf the group is offensive or contains illegal content, you can report it to Telegram from the group options.

These options are available in both the mobile app and the desktop and web versions.

Recommendations for popular groups and channels on Telegram

If you want to discover relevant groups without searching for hours, here are some topic recommendations:

News and technology

El País (@elpais): Current news directly from the newspaper.
El Mundo (@elmundoes): National and international information.
Computer Today (@ofertas_computerhoy): Technology and real-time offers.

Offers and purchases

Chollometer (@chollometro): Discounts of all kinds.
AliExpress Offers (@ofertasAliExpress): AliExpress promotions and sales.

Entertainment and humor

Memes in Spanish (@memesTIg): The most viral images.

You can search for these names in the search engine or in external directories for direct access.

Frequently asked questions about searching for groups on Telegram

Why don't some groups appear in the search engine?

Only the public groups They are indexed in Telegram's global search. Private groups never appear unless someone gives you the direct link.

How can I tell if a group is safe?

Check the number of members, activity, verification status, and (especially) the group's reputation. Avoid sharing personal information and leave groups that raise concerns.

Can I search for groups by country, language, or topic?

Yes. Enter combinations like "Telegram groups + language," "Telegram groups + city," etc. into the search engine. The directories allow you to filter by language, country, or category.

How to find and join Telegram groups on different platforms?

Android/iOS: Search in the top bar, access groups and join in one click.
Windows / Mac OS: Use the search bar in the top left. It works the same way.
Web: Link your account to your browser using a QR code and search just like on your mobile.

What do I do if I've lost the link to a private group?

You can only log back in if you get the invitation link from a member or administrator. Telegram doesn't save this history.

Can I organize my groups and channels?

Yes, Telegram allows you to create custom folders to organize your groups, channels, and contacts by topic or priority.

What is the limit of members in groups?

Currently, Groups can have up to 200.000 people and the channels have no subscriber limit.

What safety recommendations should I keep in mind?

Do not share your personal or banking information in open groups.
Configure who can see your number and photo.
Report any group with illegal content.

Tips and tricks for finding the best Telegram groups

Always combine several methods: use the Telegram search engine, directories, advanced Google searches, and user recommendations.
Take advantage of the function of groups near you to find local communities, especially useful if you've just moved to a city.
Join several similar groups and stick to the most active and well-moderated ones.
Periodically review the activity and relevance of your groups to avoid information overload.
Don't hesitate to leave groups that don't add value.

Telegram gives you all the tools you need to discover, create, and manage communities that are right for you. Knowing how to search for groups and channels, doing so safely, and keeping your participation organized will allow you to turn this platform into your best ally for staying informed, connecting, and sharing. Always use a combination of methods, configure your privacy settings, and take advantage of all the resources Telegram offers to join the groups that truly fit your interests and needs... and start enjoying a much richer and more personalized social experience!

AndroidGuías