in the bottom-right).Tap Privacy and Security.
Scroll down to the Contacts section.
Make sure the "Sync Contacts" toggle is ON telegram number database (blue/right-aligned).
Grant Telegram Permissions:
Telegram needs permission to access your device's contacts.
Android: Go to your phone's Settings > Apps (or Apps & notifications / App management) > Telegram > Permissions. Ensure "Contacts" is allowed.
iOS: Go to your iPhone's Settings app > scroll down and tap Telegram > Toggle "Contacts" to ON.
Check Your Telegram Contacts:
Once enabled and permissions are granted, Telegram will automatically scan your phone's address book. Any contact you have saved who is also on Telegram will appear in your Telegram contact list.
You might receive a "Contact Joined Telegram" notification if someone from your phonebook signs up (depending on your notification settings).
Method 2: Adding a Contact by Phone Number (Manual)
If you have someone's phone number but they're not appearing through sync, or you prefer to add manually:
Start a New Message/Add Contact:
On Android: Tap the blue circular icon with a pencil/message bubble in the bottom-right corner. Then, tap the "Add Contact" icon (a person with a plus sign) in the bottom-left.
On iOS: Tap the "New Message" icon (a square with a pencil) in the top-right corner. Then, tap "New Contact".