Usernames, t.me links and QR codes
What it is
A username is your public address: people find it in global search or open `t.me/username` or `username.t.me`, no phone number needed. Public channels and groups have one too; private ones use invite links starting with `t.me/+`.
How to do it
- Your username. iOS: **Settings › Edit › Username**. Android: **Settings ›… Your username. iOS: Settings › Edit › Username. Android: Settings › Username. Desktop: the Username field in Settings.
- Your channel's link: open its profile, then Edit (iOS), the pencil… Your channel's link: open its profile, then Edit (iOS), the pencil (Android) or … › Manage Channel (Desktop) › Channel Type. Choose Public (Public Channel on Android and Desktop) and type the link; groups have Group Type.
- More links: same settings › Invite Links › Create a New Link; limit it by… More links: same settings › Invite Links › Create a New Link; limit it by time or uses, or turn on Request Admin Approval.
- QR code: tap the QR icon next to a username or on a chat's info page and pick… QR code: tap the QR icon next to a username or on a chat's info page and pick colors and a pattern. Your own is in Settings; for an invite link, use its menu › Get QR Code.
Watch out
- Usernames: a–z, 0–9 and underscores, 5 to 32 characters, case-insensitive. A bot's username ends in "bot" and can't be changed.
- Basic usernames go to whoever takes them first; collectible ones are sold on Fragment.
- A phone link like `t.me/+123456789` works only if your settings let people find you by number.
- A private channel whose invite link is posted publicly is treated as public in content disputes.
With Gem
Gem offers free names for a new project and gives it `gem.bot/<name>` and `t.me/gembot?startapp=<name>`; a rename keeps a redirect. Your connected chats get a join-request link (the "door"), and everyone gets a personal invite link `gem.bot/<name>?i=<code>`.