Telegram now lets users add contacts without phone numbers, adds location-based chats feature

WhatsApp's encrypted rival messaging app Telegram is making it easier for users to exchange contact info in its latest update. As a result, all new chat conversations on Telegram includes an "Add to Contacts" option at the top. Meaning, users can quickly add people who message them as their Telegram contacts, even if they don't have their contact number saved in their phone's contact list. In the event that you do not wish to see them in your messages, you can block them, Telegram notes.

How to add people nearby on Telegram app

Telegram is now also making it easier for you to add someone's contact without having to exchange business cards. Make sure your Telegram is updated to the latest version. Now,.go to Telegram and open contacts. You will find a new option "Add people nearby." This way, you can quickly exchange contact info with Telegram users who are standing next to you. Make sure both of you have this section open on Telegram. This feature can be beneficial when you meet multiple people at a business meeting or some event.

READ | Cyber Attacks From China Reportedly Targeted Telegram During Recent Hong Kong Protest

Location-based group chat conversations

Similar to finding people nearby, Telegram provides users with an option for "Group nearby". That is a location-based group conversation for Telegram users around you to join. Tap "Create a Local Group." Once people have the "Group nearby" section open on their Telegram, they will be shown an option to join the group chats around. What's more, the update also includes features such as Transfer Group Chats, Improved Notifications Exceptions, Siri shortcuts among others.

READ | Telegram benefits from Facebook's worst outage in history; Gains 3 million new users

Telegram now supports transferring ownership rights from any groups and channels to other users. You can grant full admin rights to others using the Transfer Ownership button. Notification Exceptions have also just got improved in Telegram. You can now toggle message previews for specific chats. If you have multiple exceptions, you can use Search to find the right conversation. You can also ‘Delete All’ to get back to default notification exceptions settings.