Telegram Voice & Video Calls: Complete Guide
Telegram offers comprehensive voice and video communication features, from 1-on-1 calls to massive live streams with thousands of participants. This guide covers all calling and voice chat features available in 2026.
1-on-1 Calls
Voice Calls
- End-to-end encrypted by default
- Verify encryption with emoji key displayed to both parties
- Supports noise suppression and echo cancellation
- Works on 2G/3G/4G/5G and WiFi
Video Calls
- End-to-end encrypted
- Picture-in-picture mode on mobile
- Screen sharing during video calls
- Camera and screen can be shared simultaneously
To call someone: Open their profile → tap the phone or video icon.
Group Voice Chats
Voice chats are persistent audio rooms in groups and channels:
- Open your group or channel
- Tap the group name → "Voice Chat" (or the three-dot menu)
- Select "Start Voice Chat"
- Members can join and leave freely
Features
- Raise hand: Request to speak (moderated chats)
- Mute/unmute: Admins can mute participants
- Listen-only mode: For large audiences
- Schedule: Plan voice chats in advance
- Recording: Record the voice chat (admin feature)
Group Video Calls
- Support up to 30 simultaneous video streams
- Up to 1000 participants (with most in listen/watch mode)
- Screen sharing available for all participants
- Grid and spotlight view modes
- Noise suppression built-in
Live Streaming
Channels and groups can host live streams:
- Unlimited viewers (scales to millions)
- RTMP support for professional streaming software (OBS, etc.)
- Stream video from external sources
- Combine with voice chat for interactive Q&A
Setting Up RTMP Streaming
- Start a voice chat in your channel
- Tap "Start Streaming" and select "External Source"
- Copy the RTMP URL and stream key
- Paste into OBS or your streaming software
- Start streaming from your software
Quality Settings
- Auto: Adapts quality based on connection speed
- Data saving: Lower quality for mobile data conservation
- Full quality: HD video when on WiFi
- Configure in Settings → Data and Storage → Calls
Peer-to-Peer Settings
For privacy, configure P2P in Settings → Privacy → Calls:
- Everybody: Direct connection (better quality, reveals IP)
- My Contacts: P2P only with contacts, routed for others
- Nobody: All calls routed through Telegram servers (more private, slightly higher latency)
Troubleshooting
- No audio: Check microphone permissions in device settings
- Choppy call: Switch from WiFi to mobile data (or vice versa)
- Cannot join voice chat: Update Telegram to latest version
- Echo: Use headphones or enable noise suppression
Get your Telegram User ID for managing call permissions and bot integrations in voice chats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Telegram voice calls end-to-end encrypted?
Yes, 1-on-1 voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted. You can verify this by comparing the four emoji shown to both callers. Group voice chats use server-client encryption (not E2EE).
How many people can join a Telegram group call?
Up to 1000 people can participate in a group voice chat. Up to 30 can share video simultaneously. For live streams via RTMP, there is no viewer limit.
Can I record a Telegram voice chat?
Yes, group/channel admins can record voice chats. The recording is saved as an audio file in the chat when you stop recording. All participants are notified that recording is active.