Telegram is a popular cross-platform (Available for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux.) fastest messaging service that is widely used because it offers some enhanced encryption and privacy features as well as support for large group chat features. Its an fun social messaging platform with a strong independent streak but it’s not as airtight as some other secure messaging services.
What makes Telegram unique is its focus on privacy, encryption, and an open-source API. There are countless unofficial clients to go along with the official web interface and Telegram apps. It also allows multiple devices to use the same account (verified by SMS), and multiple accounts on the same device.
Like most popular messaging platforms, you can use Telegram to send messages, files, photos, audio, and videos. Its an cloud-based messenger with seamless sync. This means that you can access your messages across all of your devices at once.
Beyond individual chats, you can create Groups on Telegram. For comparison purposes, WhatsApp group chats allow up to 256 people while Telegram supports up to 200K per group. Telegram supports file attachments up to 2 GB in size. This is one area where Telegram has virtually all other messaging apps beat.
Especially I like this feature: Secret messages can be configured to self-destruct after a set period of time, making it even more secure.
Telegram’s API and code is open so developers can create their own Telegram apps. As such, you’ll find tons of useful third-party bots that you can interact with by sending them messages, inline requests and commands.
Another security feature that adds usability is usernames. Instead of giving people your phone number, you can simply give them your Telegram username. This gives you better control over what information is out there, and how people can contact you in the future.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Telegram
Whatever your reasons for using Telegram, it’s a solid messaging app. It makes for a great alternative to WhatsApp and SMS messaging, and Telegram is well worth using, especially if you can persuade your friends to join.
However, if you haven’t moved beyond the basics, you’re missing out on a lot of the best Telegram functionality.
- Cross Platform Application
- End-to-end encryption
- Self-destructing messages
- Migrate Phone Numbers, or Add a Second Number
- Upload Multiple Profile Pictures to Telegram
- Customize the Look of Telegram
- Telegram supports file attachments up to 2 GB in size
- Make free voice calls to other users
- Utilize Telegram Bots
- Open API and protocol permits 3rd party apps
- Enable Auto-Night Mode
- Mute Contacts and Groups
- Telegram supports up to 200K per group
- Send text, photos, audio and video clips
- Share Your Live Location
This article explains three methods of installing Telegram Desktop on Ubuntu 20.04. Choose the installation method that is most appropriate for your environment.
Method 1: Installing Telegram Desktop as a Snap Package
The easiest way to install Telegram Desktop on Ubuntu 20.04 is by using the snap packaging system.
A snap package is a type of universal Linux package that you can enjoy irrespective of the distro. Its an self-contained software packages that include the binary all dependencies needed to run the application.
All you need is the snap service pre-configured, In the case of Ubuntu 20.04, it comes with snap pre-installed.
If snapd package is not already installed then you can install it by running following command.
$ sudo apt install snapdNote: Snap packages can be installed from either the command-line or via the Ubuntu Software application.
This is actually the Snap version of the Telegram Desktop. It can be used on any Linux distribution that has Snap support.
Open your terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and type the following command to install the Telegram Desktop package.
$ sudo snap install telegram-desktopAt this step, you have successfully installed Telegram Desktop on Ubuntu 20.04 system.
If you are not comfortable with the command line, open Ubuntu Software, search for “Telegram Desktop” and install the application.
Type the following command to update Telegram Desktop package.
$ sudo snap refresh --listMethod 2: Installing Telegram Desktop via PPA Repository
If you want to install the most recent version of Telegram Desktop, you can use the PPA repository.
Personal Package Archives (PPA) are software repositories designed for Ubuntu users and are easier to install than other third-party repositories. PPAs are often used to distribute pre-release software so that it can be tested.
Step #1
First of all open the terminal from system application launcher and type the following command to add the Telegram Desktop PPA to your system.
$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:atareao/telegramStep #2
Then, execute the following commands to install Telegram Desktop package on your Ubuntu system.
$ sudo apt update && sudo apt install telegramOnce installed, launch it from your system application menu.
Method 3: Official Telegram Download
The desktop section of the official Telegram website lets you download a Telegram desktop app installer that works on a variety of operating systems, including Ubuntu, Linux Mint and more.
Click the button below to download the tarball package for Linux distros (including Ubuntu) which contains a standalone Telegram runtime and updater:
To “run” Telegram using this package is easy: extract the tar.xz archive, enter the ‘Telegram’ folder it creates, then double-click on the telegram binary inside to launch the app.
You can then follow the set up instructions that appear on your screen.
Note: this method does not “install” the app on your system, but it will add a ‘Telegram’ app shortcut to your system app launcher/app menu. Just remember to not delete the binary file it links to!
Starting Telegram Desktop
Telegram Desktop can be launched from the command line by typing telegram-desktop or In the Activities search bar type “Telegram” and click on the icon.
Telegram Desktop user interface:
How to Uninstall Telegram Desktop from Ubuntu 20.04
For some reason, If you want to uninstall Telegram Desktop application, refer following methods.
Method #1
If you have installed Telegram via Snap type the following command:
$ sudo snap remove telegram-desktopMethod #2
If you have installed the appication via PPA then uninstall by running the below commands.
Step #1
It’s most likely that you added the PPA using add-apt-repository command. You can use the same command to remove the PPA as well. Just give it --remove option in the command.
$ sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:atareao/telegramStep #2
As of now we removed the PPA. What about the applications installed using these PPAs? Will they be removed as a result of removing the PPA? The answer is NO.
So this is when ppa-purge comes in picture. It not only disables the PPA but also uninstalls all the programs installed by the PPA or revert them to original version provided by your distribution.
So type the following command to install the ppa-purge package and uninstall the Telegram Desktop package.
$ sudo apt install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:atareao/telegramConclusion
I hope that now you have a good understanding of How to install Telegram Desktop on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Focal Fossa.
If anyone does have any questions about what we covered in this guide then feel free to ask in the comment section below and I will do my best to answer those.
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