How to Make Group Video Calls on Telegram

Telegram group video calls let people in a group chat talk face to face, or join a voice chat and turn on video when ready. You’ll need Telegram on a supported phone, tablet, or computer, an internet connection, and permission to use your microphone and camera.

What You’ll Need

A Telegram account and the Telegram app or desktop application, signed in on your device.
A group chat with the people you want to invite. If you are not an admin, check whether the group allows members to start voice chats.
A working internet connection and a microphone. A camera is needed to send video; headphones can help reduce echo.
Camera and microphone permissions enabled for Telegram in your device settings.

Step-by-Step

Open the group chat. In Telegram, select the group where you want to meet. Group video is generally started as a voice chat that participants can join and use video in; it is not the same as starting a one-to-one video call and adding several contacts afterward.
Start a voice chat or video chat. On mobile, tap the group name at the top to open its profile, then tap the menu button (usually three dots) and choose Start Voice Chat or the similarly named option. Depending on the app version, device, and group interface, Telegram may label the feature Video Chat or offer a video-chat option directly. On desktop, open the group and use its menu or group profile to find the voice-chat control.
Confirm the start. If prompted, confirm that you want to begin. In some groups, only an administrator can start a voice chat. If the option is unavailable, ask an admin to start one or check the group’s permissions.
Join the chat with your microphone set appropriately. Once the chat opens, Telegram may connect you muted or prompt you to choose how to join. Check the microphone control before speaking. If you are in a noisy place, stay muted until you need to talk.
Turn on your camera. Tap or click the camera icon in the voice-chat controls. Telegram may ask for camera permission the first time. Approve it if you want to share video. Use the camera-switch control, when available, to change between front and rear cameras on a phone.
Invite the other participants. Use the invite or share-link option in the chat controls, if shown, or tell members to open the group and tap the active voice chat at the top of the chat. Some versions also let you share an invitation link outside the group. Share it only with people you intend to include.
Check the call layout and controls. Switch between available views, such as a grid or a focused speaker, using the on-screen layout control if offered. Use the microphone and camera buttons to mute or stop video. The exact layout and control placement can differ between mobile and desktop.
End your participation or close the chat. Tap the leave or hang-up control to exit. If you started the chat and want to end it for everyone, choose the option to end the voice chat for all participants, if shown. Leaving the chat and ending it for everyone are different actions, so read the confirmation before proceeding.

Common Mistakes

Looking for a group call button in the message composer. Group video is usually accessed through the group’s voice-chat feature, not the phone-call button used for a private conversation.
Assuming every member can start the chat. Group settings may reserve starting voice chats for admins. Ask an admin rather than changing unrelated settings.
Joining without checking mute or camera status. Confirm the microphone and camera icons before speaking or sharing video, especially in a room with other people.
Sharing an invite link too broadly. A link may allow people outside the group to join, depending on the chat and link settings. Send it privately and remove or replace it if it reaches the wrong people.
Confusing leaving with ending. Leaving usually removes you from the session; ending it for everyone stops the session for the group. Check the button label carefully.

Tips

Ask participants to update Telegram if they cannot see the voice-chat controls. App interfaces and feature availability can vary by platform and release.
Use a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. If video becomes choppy, switch off your camera or move closer to the router.
Place your device on a steady surface and face a light source. This makes the image easier to see without requiring special equipment.
Use headphones when several people are in the same room or when you hear feedback. Keep your microphone muted while someone else is speaking.
For a larger group, agree on a simple turn-taking approach. Participants can mute themselves when not talking to make the conversation clearer.

Troubleshooting

The start option is missing: Make sure you are in a group rather than a channel or private chat. Open the group profile and menu, and look for the voice-chat option. If it remains unavailable, the group may not support it in your current interface, or your permissions may not allow you to start it. Ask an admin to check.
The camera or microphone does not work: Open your device’s privacy or app-permission settings and allow Telegram to access the camera and microphone. Close other apps that may be using the camera, then leave and rejoin the chat. On a computer, check that Telegram has the intended camera and microphone selected in the operating system or app settings.
Other people cannot hear or see you: Make sure you are not muted and that video is turned on. Check that the correct input device is selected, then test it in another app. If you joined from a browser or desktop, confirm that the browser or operating system has also granted permission.
The call freezes or drops: Check your connection, move to a stronger Wi-Fi signal, or try mobile data. Turn off video temporarily to reduce the amount of data being used. Reopen Telegram and rejoin if the session has become unresponsive.
A participant cannot join: Ask them to open the correct group and tap the active voice chat. If they are using an invitation link, send a fresh link through a private channel and confirm they are signed in to Telegram. They should also update the app and check their connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start a group video call directly from a Telegram group?
Yes. Start a group voice chat, then turn on your camera. The option may be labeled differently depending on the app and device.

Can anyone in the group start a video chat?
Not always. Group permissions can limit who may start a voice chat, often to administrators. Ask an admin if you cannot find or use the option.

Can I join without turning on my camera?
Yes. You can participate with your microphone only, or stay muted. Camera use is optional.

Can people who are not in the group join?
They may be able to join if the chat offers an invitation link and its settings permit it. Share links only with intended participants.

How do I end a group video call for everyone?
Open the chat controls and select the option to end the voice chat for all, if available. Simply leaving the chat may not end it for other participants.

Why can’t I see the video-chat controls?
Check that you opened a group chat, update Telegram, and verify your group permissions. The control’s name and location can vary between platforms.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →