With the increasing number of users migrating away from WhatsApp due to it’s privacy policy update, other competitor messaging apps are luring users now more than ever. Telegram and Signal are the two of the most sought alternatives for WhatsApp.

Though Signal is founded by one of the founders of WhatsApp, users prefer Telegram over signal due to its familiarity and more powerful features. One of such powerful features are the ability for users to find fellow Telegram users nearby. This allows users to identify, chat and also join groups based on your location.

The surprising bonus here is that, you can do all this without having to share your or other user’s mobile number. Telegram strikes gold on privacy here!!!

To find new people near you on Telegram

1. Open Telegram mobile app.
2. Navigate to Contacts > Add People Nearby

3. Select any of the users listed on your mobile.
4. Start chatting with them.
5. If required, click Add to Contacts.

Note: The list displays only the users who have marked themselves to be visible and not all the Telegram users. To mark yourself visible, click Make Myself Visible. Also, please note that once marking yourself visible, other users will be able to contact you even if you navigate away from the page or close the app.

Similarly, you can also join Groups Nearby your location.

To find local groups near you on Telegram

1. Open Telegram mobile app.
2. Navigate to Contacts > Add People Nearby

3. Scroll down to Groups Nearby section.
4. Select any of the groups listed on your mobile.
5. Start chatting with the new group members.

To create a new local group on Telegram

1. Open Telegram mobile app.
2. Navigate to Contacts > Add People Nearby

3. Scroll down to Groups Nearby section.
4. Click Create a Local Group.

5. Click Start Group.
6. Provide a name for the group.
7. Click Create.
8. Invite or add users to the group.
9. Start chatting with the group members.