Create a Telegram invitation link

You create a Telegram invitation link from the info page of your group or channel. Open Edit or Manage, choose Invite Links, and copy the primary link or create a new one. For an extra link, you can set an expiration date, usage limit, and admin approval.

An invitation link lets people join themselves. So you do not need to add every account manually. The feature works for private groups, supergroups, and channels.

Below you will find the steps for iPhone, Android, and Telegram Desktop. You will also learn how to create safe links, use a QR code, view members by link, and revoke an old invitation.

When do you need a Telegram invite link?

An invite link is useful when you want to give people access quickly and in a controlled way. You can use the link when you want to:

• allow people into a private group;
• invite subscribers to a private channel;
• move members from another chat app;
• share a link in an email or on a website;
• measure which members join per campaign;
• ask for admin approval first.

A public group or public channel also has a public username and a normal t.me link. That public link is not the same as a managed private invite link. A public link is mainly meant to be found. A private link gives you more control over access.

Where can you find invite links in Telegram?

First open the group or channel that you own or are allowed to manage. Then tap or click the name at the top. Next, look for Edit, Manage, Add Members, or Invite Links.

In some versions, the default link also appears under Add Member and Invite via Link. The exact label can differ by device and app version. The feature always belongs to group or channel management.

Do not see the option? First check whether you are using the right account and have enough rights. Also update the Telegram app to the newest available version.

How do you create an invite link on iPhone?

On an iPhone, you create the link from the group or channel settings. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Telegram group or channel.
2. Tap the name or photo at the top.
3. Tap Edit.
4. Choose Invite Links.
5. Copy the primary link or tap Create New Link.
6. Give the extra link a clear name.
7. If needed, set an expiration date.
8. If needed, set a maximum number of users.
9. Turn on admin approval if you want to review every request.
10. Create the link and share it through the app you want.

Test the link with another Telegram account before you send it to a large list. That way you know the link opens and the settings work properly.

How do you create an invite link on Android?

On Android, it works almost the same as on an iPhone:

1. Open the group or channel.
2. Tap the name at the top.
3. Tap the pencil icon.
4. Open Invite Links.
5. Choose the existing link or create a new one.
6. Set the time, usage limit, and any approval settings.
7. Save the link.
8. Copy or share the invite link.

Do you only see a normal option to add members? Open that option and look for Invite via Link. Update the app if the advanced management options are missing. Also check whether the owner has given you permission to invite users.

How do you create a link in Telegram Desktop?

Open the group or channel in Telegram Desktop. Click the name at the top or open the menu with the three dots. Choose Manage Group or Manage Channel, and then open Invite Links.

You can now copy the primary link or create an extra link. For an extra link, set the conditions you want. Think about an end date, a maximum number of users, and admin approval.

Telegram Desktop is useful when you want to place the link directly in a newsletter, document, or website. You can also give the link a clear internal name more easily from your computer.

Telegram syncs link management across your other devices. So a link you revoke on your computer also stops working for someone who opens it on a phone.

What is the difference between primary and extra links?

New groups and channels get a primary invite link. This default link is meant for general access. You can use it when you do not need separate conditions or tracking.

In addition, owners and approved admins can create extra links. Use an extra link for example for:

• a specific newsletter;
• an event;
• a course group;
• a partner;
• a staff member;
• a temporary campaign.

With separate links, you can revoke one access route without invalidating all the other invitations. Telegram can also show which users joined through a specific link. That helps you compare different sources more easily.

Give every link a clear internal name. Instagram July is more useful than New link 4. If needed, also include the purpose, the manager, and the end date in the name.

How do you set an expiration date?

When creating an extra invite link, choose an end time. After that date and time, nobody can use the link anymore. People who already joined through the link usually stay in the group until an admin removes them.

An expiration date is useful for:

• a live event;
• temporary access to a course;
• a promotion with a fixed end date;
• an invitation for one meeting;
• a link on a temporary landing page.

Always check the time zone and end time. Also mention in the accompanying text when the invitation expires. That way, people do not think Telegram or the group is not working.

How do you set a usage limit?

With a usage limit, you decide how many accounts may join through the link. Once that number is reached, the invite link stops working.

This is useful when you invite exactly ten guests or want to create a small test group. Do not set the limit too low if people may use multiple accounts or if a colleague tests the link first.

A usage limit is not full identity verification. The limit counts accounts, but it does not automatically check who is behind an account. If you want to review every participant, also turn on admin approval.

How does admin approval work?

With a link that has Request Admin Approval turned on, a user does not enter right away. That person first sends a join request.

Admins see the requests in Telegram. They can view the requester’s public profile photo and bio, then accept or reject the request.

This option works well for a closed community, paid course, or group with sensitive conversations. It does take extra time. So agree in advance on who checks the requests and how quickly someone will reply.

Approval helps keep unwanted accounts out, but it does not provide full certainty about someone’s identity. For important groups, use your own review process as well.

How do you make a QR code from the invite link?

Telegram can turn an invite link into a scannable QR code. Open Invite Links, tap the menu next to the link you want, and choose the QR code option.

You can use the code on:

• a poster;
• a business card;
• a presentation;
• a product package;
• a screen at an event;
• a printed guide.

Test the QR code before you share or print it. For print materials, do not use a link that expires in a few days unless that is intentional. Also leave enough white space around the code so phones can scan it easily.

For an event, it is best to create a separate link. You can revoke it after the event without stopping your other invite links.

How do you revoke an invite link?

Open the overview with invite links. Choose the link you want and tap or click Revoke. A revoked link stops working immediately.

Revoking a link is smart when:

• the link has been shared publicly without permission;
• too many spam accounts are joining;
• a campaign is over;
• a staff member should no longer be able to hand out access;
• you suspect the link has been copied.

Then create a new link for the people who are still welcome. Replace the old invitation on all websites, messages, and documents you manage.

Telegram may keep information about revoked links in the admin overview. However, the revoked link itself no longer gives access.

Can you see who joined through a link?

Telegram provides information for each managed invite link about users who joined through that link. That lets you compare different campaigns, partners, or inviters.

Create a separate link for every source. For example, use one link for email, one for social media, and one for an event. Do not use the same primary link everywhere if you later want to know which source worked best.

Use this information only to manage your community. Clearly explain in your privacy notice which data and access your group or channel uses.

How do you share an invite link safely?

An invite link is a key to your group or channel. So share it in a way that matches the privacy level you want. For sensitive or temporary access, use an extra link rather than the primary link.

For a small private group

Send the link directly to known participants. Use an expiration date and a limited usage cap. Ask participants not to share the link further.

For a paid community

Use a separate link for each group, client, or period, and turn on admin approval. Revoke the link when a paid period ends. Also check access in your own records.

For a public campaign

Use a separate campaign link or QR code. Expect spam and assign enough moderators. With one link per campaign, you can track results and revoke access later on its own.

For a team

Create a link with a limited duration. Also verify identity through your own organization’s process. Remove accounts when someone is no longer part of the team.

A private channel with an invite link that is publicly shared everywhere is not really private in practice. Telegram also notes that a private channel with a publicly distributed link may be treated as public in content disputes.

If you want to grow your first group of participants faster alongside organic invitations, you can buy Telegram group followers at SocialKings. For extra reach within a channel or group, you can also buy Telegram auto views or buy Telegram post views. Always manage invite links safely, no matter how you reach new members.

Which rights does an admin need?

Not every admin can automatically manage all invite links. The owner decides which rights someone gets. An admin at least needs permission to invite users if that person must be able to create and manage links.

Give this right only to trusted people. Whenever possible, create a separate link per admin or campaign. That way you can close off one source without changing the primary link.

Remove old admins when their role ends. Also revoke their invite links if they should no longer be used. Check regularly which admins still have access to sensitive settings.

Why is the invite link not working?

A Telegram invite link can stop working for several reasons. Check the link settings and test it with another account.

The link has been revoked

A revoked link stops working immediately. Ask the owner or admin for a new invitation.

The expiration date has passed

Check the set date and time. Create a new link with a suitable period if the old invitation has expired.

The usage limit has been reached

The link has already allowed the maximum number of participants. Increase the limit where possible or create a new invite link.

The text was copied incompletely

Copy the full t.me link. Make sure that a messaging app did not remove a character at the end. Also try opening the link directly in a browser or in Telegram.

The user has been blocked

A banned user cannot always rejoin through a new link. Check the list of removed or blocked members before sending a new invitation.

Telegram or the internet connection has a temporary issue

Test another link and another network. Update the Telegram app and try again later. Also check whether Telegram opens normally on the device.

For a more detailed check, see Telegram invite link not working: solutions.

How do you manage many different links?

If you have multiple campaigns, admins, or groups, the overview can quickly become confusing. So work with a simple and fixed system:

1. Give every link a clear name.
2. Note the purpose and owner of the link.
3. Set an end date when access is temporary.
4. Use a separate link per source or campaign.
5. Check monthly which links are no longer in use.
6. Revoke old and unsafe links.
7. Test active links regularly with a second account.

Never use one unlimited private link for all campaigns if real access control matters. With separate links, you can act faster and see better where members come from.

How do you first create the right group or channel?

An invite link always belongs to an existing Telegram chat. If you do not have one yet, first create a Telegram channel for broadcasting or a Telegram group for conversations.

A channel is a good fit when mainly admins post messages and subscribers read them. A group works better when members need to talk to each other.

Then decide whether the chat should be public or private. For a public channel or a public supergroup, a recognizable public username may be easier. For controlled access, use private invite links with appropriate restrictions.

Frequently asked questions about Telegram invite links

Can anyone create a Telegram invite link?

No. The owner and admins with the right permissions can create and manage links. A regular member does not always have that ability.

Does the link work on iPhone and Android?

Yes. A valid Telegram invite link can be opened on both devices. Link management is also available in both official apps.

Can I disable a link later?

Yes. Open Invite Links and revoke the link you want. After that, it stops working immediately.

Can an invite link be used only once?

Yes. Create an extra link with a usage limit of one. You can also turn on admin approval.

Is a Telegram invite link the same as a public link?

No. A public link uses the public username of a channel or supergroup. A private invite link gives access without the group or channel needing to be publicly discoverable.

Can I see which link someone came through?

Yes. Telegram can show which users joined through each managed invite link. That is why you should use a separate link for each campaign or source.

Do existing members stay in the group if a link expires?

Yes, usually. An expired or revoked link prevents new joins. Existing members stay until an admin removes them.

Which link should you create now?

For a small private group, the best choice is an extra link with an expiration date, usage limit, and possibly admin approval. For a public campaign, create a separate campaign link or QR code. That way, you can measure results and revoke the link later on its own.

Do not share the primary link without first thinking about access and privacy. Give every extra link a clear name and test it with a second account. That keeps management organised and means you do not have to replace all invitations if something goes wrong.