Telegram stands out as one of the most versatile and advanced messaging applications. compared to other platforms like WhatsApp. Thanks to its continuous evolution and the integration of functions that go beyond the simple exchange of messages, millions of users take advantage of all the possibilities of privacy and connectivity that this service offers.
One of the key points of Telegram is its alias system, known as username or user name. This option allows users to be easily found without the need to share their phone number, which increases their privacyThis way, you can locate a person using only their alias and keep your personal number protected. Growing privacy concerns have led many users to choose to hide their number or limit its visibility, making the use of aliases and other alternatives essential.
Throughout this article, you will learn How to send messages on Telegram to contacts you don't have added to your address book, exploring all the possible alternatives and delving into the limits, security features, and advanced tricks, so you can master the inner workings of Telegram and send private messages effectively and securely.
Links to chat on Telegram using the phone number
The incorporation of the option of direct links to chat with a phone number This marked a significant evolution for Telegram, putting it on par with WhatsApp in this regard. Now, if you know the phone number (including the international prefix) of the person you want to contact, you can generate a special link that, when opened either in your browser or directly from another Telegram chat, will take you to the conversation window with that user, without having to add them to your address book first.
The link format is simple, just type the following URL into your browser or share it from any platform:
- https://t.me/+códigopaísnúmerodetelefono
For example, for Spain it would be: https://t.me/+34123456789
There are some very important aspects to keep in mind regarding privacy and restrictions of this method:
- The link will only work if the user in question allows themselves to be reached by phone number., that is, if the privacy setting is enabled for “Everyone” or, in some cases, if you are part of their contacts.
- If the person has limited the visibility of their number to “My Contacts,” you may need to be on their list for this trick to work.
- On Telegram, unlike WhatsApp, numbers are not always public, and the platform prioritizes the protection of private data.
When you open this type of link, Telegram will show you the user's profile and the button “Send message” or “Open chat”If privacy permits, the chat window will open directly.
How to use the direct link to start a chat with a number
- Open the browser on your mobile device or computer.
- Enter the address https://t.me/+códigopaísnúmerodetelefono in the address bar, replacing “countrycodephonenumber” with the actual number of the user you want to write to.
- Press enter and, if the user's privacy allows it, the profile will appear, along with the option to start a conversation directly from Telegram, using the "Send message" button.
This method is extremely useful for those who wish to Quickly contact businesses, companies, or individuals with whom you will only have occasional dealings, without having to fill your contacts list with numbers you probably won't use again.
Remember: Depending on the recipient's privacy settings, you may not always be able to open the chat using their number. In this case, there are other alternatives.
Alternative: Add the contact temporarily in Telegram
Telegram's contact system is independent of your phone's address book. This means that, unlike other messaging apps, You can add someone to your internal Telegram address book without having to add them to your phone's contacts..
This method is preferred by those seeking timely communication and do not wish to keep a long-term record:
- Open the Telegram app on your device.
- Open the side menu by clicking on the three horizontal lines at the top left and access the “Contacts” section.
- Within the contacts section, select the icon to add a new contact, usually located in the lower right corner with the + symbol.
- Enter your first and last name, select the international prefix, and add the desired phone number.
- Click “Confirm” to save the contact only on Telegram.
Once the first message is sent, you can delete the contact from Telegram and the conversation will remain active.This allows you to maintain privacy and keep your schedule clean, only saving interactions if you really need to.
This feature is especially useful in sales, customer service, one-time inquiries, or interviews, where you want to maintain active conversations without cluttering your personal or professional contact list.
Search for users by username on Telegram
One of the most powerful and secure features of Telegram is the Ability to search and write to anyone using their username. So can contact someone without having their number.
The username in Telegram is unique, public, and can be changed at any time by the user. This feature facilitates interaction between users while preserving the privacy and avoiding the exposure of personal data.
- Open Telegram and tap the magnifying glass icon (search engine) located in the top right corner of the main screen.
- Enter the exact username of the person or channel you want to write to (for example: @username).
- Select the correct profile from the list of results and click “Send Message” to start the conversation.
This method is ideal for finding users, groups, or public channels without sharing your number. However, it will only work if the person you want to contact has set up or activated a username on their Telegram profile.
- To set up your username You just have to go to “Settings”, click on your profile and fill in the “Username” field.
Remember that if you have high privacy enabled, other users may not be able to find you by just your number or nickname unless you allow it in your settings.
Privacy and limitations when sending messages on Telegram
On Telegram, the Privacy management is one of the fundamental pillars of the platformEach user can customize who can reach them via their phone number, whether their nickname is publicly available, and who can initiate private conversations with them.
Relevant privacy options for sending messages to unadded contacts:
- Who can see your phone number: You can choose between All, Contacts o Anyone.
- Who can find you using your number: If you have the “Everyone” option selected, anyone who knows your number can start a conversation.
- Custom exceptions: You can add exceptions to allow or block specific users.
To modify privacy from your account and protect or share your number:
- Go to Telegram and tap the three lines to access the side menu.
- Select “Settings” and then “Privacy and security.”
- Under “Phone Number,” configure who can see and find your number, and add or remove exceptions as needed.
You should keep in mind that if you have restrictive settings, some contacts won't be able to find you or send you messages if they're not in your address book. Likewise, you won't be able to contact certain users if their privacy policies are equally strict. This is especially relevant when you try to use direct links with phone numbers.
Limits, restrictions, and Telegram's anti-spam system
Telegram has a spam prevention system known as Spamban, which may restrict your ability to send messages to contacts with whom you have no mutual relationshipThis measure seeks to protect users from unwanted messages and abusive practices.
- If you have received a Spamban, You will not be able to write to users who do not have you added as a contact. and vice versa.
- The platform may also prevent you from adding users to groups or channels if there is no prior relationship.
- Trying to start many conversations with strangers in a short period of time can be interpreted as suspicious behavior.
- In case of restrictions, Telegram may display messages like “Sorry, you can only send messages to mutual contacts at this time.”
To manage and understand restrictions, Telegram has a official bot called @SpamInfoBotThis bot informs you about your account status and any restrictions, explaining, when possible, the reason and duration of your spam ban. If you have restrictions, you can use this bot to obtain information and, in some cases, request a review.
It is important to note that:
- Spamban may be temporary, but if complaints persist, it can be prolonged and even become indefinite.
- If you delete a restricted account and create it again with the same phone number, the spam is automatically transferred.
If you are a Telegram Premium user, you can benefit from less severe restrictions and shorter blocking periods, but does not guarantee you immunity from restrictions.
Other advanced ways to contact without adding as a contact
In addition to the main methods (direct link with number, username and add temporarily), there are advanced scenarios in which you can contact people, companies or groups:
- Invitation to groups: You can invite someone to a public or private group by sharing the invitation link. However, if the person doesn't have you added, they can choose whether to reply to you.
- Messages in public channels: In some channels and groups, you can reply to messages and start a conversation with other members. This may require the other user to allow messages from strangers.
- Contacting via bots: Some official bots and communities allow users to exchange messages without sharing any personal information. For example, bots for buying and selling or providing technical support.
Recommendations to protect your privacy when sending or receiving messages from non-contacts
When contacting users who are not in your address book or who have not added you, take special care of your privacy and follow good practices:
- Set your visibility of number and profile in “Settings” > “Privacy and security”.
- Don't share sensitive personal information in your first messages.
- If you receive unsolicited messages, you can block and report the user easily.
- Use the option temporary messages or self-destructing messages if you wish to maintain greater confidentiality.
Telegram allows the recipient to decide who can contact them and offers quick options to block, report, or delete unwanted conversations from within the initial chat.
Frequently asked questions about writing to unadded contacts on Telegram
- Can I write to anyone using their number?
Only if your profile allows you to be located by number. If you've set your privacy settings so that no one or only your contacts can find you, the direct link won't work. - Is my phone number visible if I start a conversation with a stranger?
It depends on your privacy settings. You can hide your number completely or limit it to your contacts only. If you use a username, you can communicate only by displaying your nickname. - What happens if someone contacts me and I don't want to talk to them?
You can block the user, report them as spam, or simply ignore and delete the conversation. They won't receive any notifications about your block. - Why does Telegram block me if I text people I haven't added?
To prevent abuse and spam. The anti-spam system detects suspicious behavior, such as starting multiple conversations in a short period of time, and takes action by temporarily limiting your account. - Is there any way to avoid being contacted by strangers?
Configure your privacy settings in “Settings” > “Privacy & Security,” and adjust options so only your contacts can write to you.
Telegram offers a lot of options, settings and shortcuts to contact any user, even if they're not in your address book or contact lists. Leveraging alias features, direct links, privacy settings, and the independent contact system allows us to maintain complete control over our communication experience and personal information. With this knowledge, you can optimize the way you communicate and enjoy a more secure and personalized experience within Telegram.