Telegram Features: New Updates and Hidden Tricks

Chad Collins

person using smartphone

Telegram is a messaging app recognized for its commitment to privacy and security. It boasts a user base of millions who rely on its encrypted communication services every month. The app caters to those seeking both personal and professional messaging solutions, allowing users to send messages, create groups, and share unlimited sized media.

One of Telegram’s defining features is its emphasis on user security. The app offers options like secret chats that are end-to-end encrypted and self-destructive messages for heightened privacy. Moreover, Telegram continuously introduces updates to enhance the overall experience, such as customizable themes, the ability to schedule messages, and edit sent messages, which enrich user interaction.

đź§© 1. AI-Powered Chat Features (2025 Update)

Telegram now integrates AI assistants directly into chats. You can access them via the @AI handle or through specific bots.

What’s new:

  • AI summaries for long messages or group discussions.
  • Smart reply suggestions based on conversation tone.
  • AI image and voice note transcription (for Premium users).

Tip: Type /summarize in any chat to get a quick AI summary (available in select regions).


đź’¬ 2. Hidden Chat Organization Tricks

Telegram’s chat management tools are more powerful than ever.

Hidden tricks:

  • Folders & Auto-Archive: Group chats by topic (Work, Family, Channels).
  • Chat Filters: Swipe between folders easily.
  • Archive Silent Chats: Swipe left → Archive → Enable “Auto-Archive Muted Chats.”
  • Pinned Messages 2.0: Pin multiple messages in one chat — great for group announcements.

Pro tip: Use “Chat Folders” + “Auto-Archive” to keep your inbox clean and distraction-free.


đź”’ 3. Enhanced Privacy & Security Features

Telegram remains one of the most privacy-focused messengers. In 2025, it introduced advanced control layers.

New security tools:

  • Stealth Mode: Temporarily hides your online status and typing indicator.
  • Hidden Phone Numbers: Join groups without revealing your number.
  • Auto-Delete Timers (Global): Apply auto-delete to all chats by default.
  • Session Management 2.0: See active sessions, device types, and revoke access remotely.

Hidden trick: Type Settings → Devices → Active Sessions to check if someone else is logged in.


đź§  4. Secret Chats & Self-Destructing Media

Secret Chats now support:

  • End-to-end encryption for text, media, and voice notes.
  • Screenshot alerts (on supported devices).
  • Self-destruct timers for messages and files.

How to start one:

  1. Tap on a contact’s name.
  2. Select Start Secret Chat.
  3. Set a timer for auto-deletion (1 sec to 1 week).

đź’ˇ Hidden trick: You can now lock secret chats behind Face ID / fingerprint for extra privacy.


🎨 5. Customization & Interface Tricks

Telegram’s interface is fully customizable — but some of the best tools are hidden.

Try these:

  • Custom Themes: Go to Settings → Chat Settings → Change Colors.
  • Animated Emojis & Stickers: Send any emoji to see its animated version.
  • Custom Reactions: Long-press a message → choose from dozens of reaction styles.
  • Emoji Status: Set an emoji next to your name to show your mood or activity.

Hidden trick: You can now import themes from others — just tap a shared theme link.


🗂️ 6. File Sharing Superpowers

Telegram beats competitors with its 2 GB+ file transfer limit (now up to 4 GB for Premium users).

Hidden features:

  • Send Uncompressed Media: Tap the paperclip → “File” → choose “Send as File.”
  • Cloud Storage: All shared files are stored in Telegram Cloud, accessible anytime.
  • Saved Messages Shortcut: Forward any message to yourself to create a personal notebook.

Pro tip: Use Saved Messages as your personal cloud backup for documents and notes.


🧑‍💼 7. Channel & Group Management Tricks

For creators and admins, Telegram has added professional-grade tools in 2025.

New tools:

  • Channel Boosting: Fans can boost your channel for visibility.
  • Admin Analytics: Track engagement and member activity.
  • Scheduled Posts 2.0: Now supports polls, quizzes, and voice messages.
  • Custom Join Links: Create unique invite links for tracking member sources.

Hidden trick: Use /stats in your channel to view detailed analytics (for channels with 50+ members).


đź§­ 8. Telegram Premium Perks (2025 Edition)

Premium users now get even more exclusive features:

  • AI-Powered Transcription for voice and video messages.
  • Double Upload Speed for media.
  • Profile Badges & Custom Emojis.
  • Expanded Limits: Up to 20 pinned chats, 1000 channels, and 10 favorite stickers.
  • Ad-Free Experience.

đź’ˇ Hidden trick: Premium users can now translate messages instantly by long-pressing any foreign text.


đź§ž 9. Hidden Bots & Mini Apps

Telegram’s bot ecosystem keeps expanding with Mini Apps — interactive experiences that run inside Telegram.

Examples:

  • @wallet – send crypto or payments securely.
  • @quizbot – create interactive quizzes.
  • @filetobot – store and share large files.
  • @AI – access Telegram’s built-in AI assistant.

Hidden trick: You can pin Mini Apps for quick access in your attachment menu.


🎮 10. Fun & Experimental Features

Telegram hides a few Easter eggs and playful features too:

  • Chat Background Animations: Enable “Dynamic Background” in Chat Settings.
  • Voice-to-Text Conversion: Long-press a voice note → “Convert to Text.”
  • In-App Games: Try @gamebot or @gamee for instant mini-games.
  • Spoiler Formatting: Wrap text in ||spoiler|| to hide it until tapped.

⚡ Bonus: Performance & Hidden Shortcuts

  • Swipe Right: Go back to previous chat.
  • Double-Tap Message: Quick react.
  • Hold Send Button: Schedule message or send silently.
  • Search by Date: Tap search → calendar icon → pick a date.

📚 Sources & References


âś… Summary Table

CategoryFeatureHidden Trick
AI ToolsChat summarization, smart replies/summarize messages
PrivacyStealth mode, hidden numbersAuto-delete all chats
CustomizationThemes, emoji statusImport shared themes
File Sharing4 GB uploadsSend as “File” for uncompressed media
ChannelsBoosting, analytics/stats for insights
PremiumAI transcription, translationLong-press → “Translate”

Key Takeaways

  • Telegram serves millions monthly with secure messaging services.
  • The app emphasizes both user privacy and versatile communication features.
  • Continuous updates aim to enhance user experience while maintaining security.

Telegram Fundamentals

Telegram excels in providing a wide array of communication techniques. They safeguard user interactions while ensuring seamless operation across different tech platforms. The application also offers extensive tuning of user settings and augments its core features to foster robust community and individual engagement.

Messaging Features

Telegram allows users to send and receive messages quickly. They can form groups with up to 200,000 members or chat in two-person conversations. Friends can share media like photos and videos. There are fun stickers and chatbots that add a dynamic aspect to every interaction. Users can also schedule messages or pin them to highlight important updates within a group chat.

Privacy and Security

The privacy policy of Telegram respects user confidentiality. Messages are encrypted for security. Secret chats employ end-to-end encryption ensuring that only the participants can read the conversation. For added security, Telegram includes features like self-destruct timers for messages, passcode locks, and two-step verification.

Cross-Platform Accessibility

Telegram supports numerous devices and operating systems including Android, iPhone, Windows, iOS, Mac, Linux, and iPad. Users can access their accounts from a web browser too. The service syncs across all platforms, allowing smooth transitions between devices.

Account Management and Customization

Users have control over their personal Telegram accounts with options for security and customization. They can set up a telegram username, which makes it easier to connect without sharing a phone number. Customization features allow individuals to change themes, adjust notifications, and set unique profile pictures. Chat folders help in organizing conversations, and users can tailor their experience according to their needs.

Extended Functionality

Beyond messaging, Telegram offers channels for broadcasting to an unlimited audience. The platform supports file sharing of various types and sizes. With the addition of bots, users can automate tasks or integrate additional services within the app.

Connectivity and Collaboration

Telegram also caters to those seeking to build communities larger than group chats. Channels can be a hub for sharing content like podcasts or coordinating large-scale projects amongst 200,000 members. Bots, hashtags, and pinned messages create an environment for collective collaboration.

User Experience and Engagement

The app emphasizes ease of use to keep the user experience simple and engaging. With features like stickers, voice, and video calls, Telegram maneuvers to keep personal connections lively. They also enable users to interact with wider communities via channels and group chats, enhancing the social aspect of the messaging app.