What is a t.me link?
t.me is Telegram's own short domain. A link like t.me/yourname opens a chat with that user, or the page of a public channel, group or bot with that username. On a phone with Telegram installed, it opens the app. Elsewhere it shows a web page with a button to open Telegram.
Because it works from your username, people can reach you without ever seeing your phone number.
Setting a username
You need a public username before a t.me link can point to you. Set one in Telegram under Settings, then Username. Usernames are 5 to 32 characters, using letters, numbers and underscores.
Channels and public groups have their own usernames, set in their info screen, and the same t.me format works for them.
Prefilled messages
You can add ?text= to a username link so the message box is filled in when the chat opens. Newer Telegram apps support this; older ones simply open the chat. Either way, the person still taps send, so nothing goes out unless they choose to send it.
Where to use your link
Add your t.me link to your link-in-bio page, email signature or website footer. On printed menus, flyers and packaging, use the QR code. For a public group, it's an easy way to let customers join without searching for it.
Tips for links that work
A few habits save confusion later:
- Test the link from a phone that isn't logged in as you.
- Use a channel for announcements and a group for conversation, and share the right link for each.
- If you change your username, old t.me links stop pointing to you, so update them everywhere.
- Say what people get before the link, like Ask us anything on Telegram.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a link to my Telegram profile?
Set a username in Telegram under Settings, then use t.me/ followed by it, like t.me/maya_studio. Type it above to get the link and a QR code.
Can I make a Telegram link without a username?
Not one that opens a chat with you for anyone. Without a username, people need your phone number, or an invite link if it's a group or channel.
What's the difference between a t.me link and an invite link?
A t.me/username link points to a public account, channel or group. Private groups and channels use invite links that Telegram makes for you, which start with t.me/+.
Does a t.me link work without the Telegram app?
It opens a web page with a button to open or download Telegram. Public channels can also be previewed on the web.