Introduction to Telegram Desktop QR Code Login
Telegram offers a convenient QR code login method that allows you to quickly log in to the desktop application without entering your phone number or verification codes. This method is particularly useful when using Telegram on public computers or when you can't receive SMS verification codes.
This tutorial will guide you through the process of using your phone to scan a QR code and log in to Telegram desktop, including Windows, macOS, and Linux versions, as well as Telegram Web. Whether you're using Telegram desktop for the first time or encountering issues with QR code login, this guide will help you complete the login process smoothly.
How to Log in to Telegram Desktop with QR Code
Download and Install Telegram Desktop
First, you need to download and install the Telegram desktop application for your operating system:
- Windows: Download the Windows installer from the official Telegram website
- macOS: Download from the official Telegram website or the Mac App Store
- Linux: Download the Linux package from the official Telegram website or use your package manager
If you don't want to install the desktop application, you can also use Telegram Web directly in your browser.
Open Telegram Desktop
After installation, open the Telegram desktop application. If this is your first time using it, or if you've previously logged out, you'll see the login screen.
Select QR Code Login
On the login screen, you'll see two login options:
- Log in with phone number
- Log in by QR Code
Click the Log in by QR Code option, and the desktop app will display a QR code.
Note: In some versions, the QR code might be displayed directly without requiring an additional click.
Prepare Your Phone
Make sure you have the Telegram app installed and logged in on your phone. You'll need to use your logged-in phone app to scan the QR code on your computer.
Open the QR Scanner on Your Phone
On your phone's Telegram app, follow these steps to open the QR scanner:
- Tap the three-line menu in the top left corner or swipe right to open the sidebar
- Tap Settings
- Tap Devices (might appear as "Devices" or "Logged in devices" in some versions)
- Tap Scan QR Code or the + icon in the top right, then select Scan QR Code
Scan the QR Code on Your Computer Screen
Use your phone's camera to point at the QR code displayed on your computer screen. Keep it steady and wait for automatic recognition. Make sure there's adequate lighting and the QR code is clearly visible.
Confirm Login
After successful scanning, your phone will display a login confirmation prompt with the following information:
- Device name (like "Windows PC", "MacBook", etc.)
- Location information (based on IP address)
- Login time
After verifying the information is correct, tap the Confirm or Log in button to complete the login.
Login Complete
After confirmation, the Telegram desktop application on your computer will automatically log in to your account. Now you can use all Telegram features on your desktop.
Can't Scan the QR Code? Use Our Tool to Assist with Login
If you're having trouble scanning the Telegram desktop QR code with your phone, you can try using our tool to assist with the scanning process.
Take a Screenshot of the QR Code
Capture a screenshot of the QR code on the Telegram login screen and save it to your computer.
- Windows: Press Win+Shift+S or use the Snipping Tool
- macOS: Press Command+Shift+4 then select the area
Use Our QR Scanner Tool
Visit our Telegram QR Code Scanner tool, upload the saved QR code image or directly paste the image from your clipboard.
Get the Login Link
Our tool will parse the QR code and generate a Telegram login link.
Open the Link on Your Phone
Send the generated link to your phone (via text message, email, or other means), then tap the link on your phone. The link will automatically open in the Telegram app and display the login confirmation screen.
Confirm Login
Confirm the login request on your phone to complete the desktop login process.
Telegram Desktop Login Security Tips
When logging in to Telegram desktop using QR codes, keep these security considerations in mind:
Regularly Check Logged-in Devices
In your phone's Telegram app, regularly check the list of logged-in devices under "Settings → Devices" to ensure there are no unauthorized devices accessing your account.
Log Out from Public Computers
If you use Telegram on a public or someone else's computer, make sure to log out when you're done. Click the three-line menu in the top left, then click "Log Out" at the bottom.
Enable Two-Step Verification
For increased account security, enable two-step verification. In your phone's Telegram app, go to "Settings → Privacy and Security → Two-Step Verification" to set it up.
Don't Scan Unknown QR Codes
Only scan Telegram login QR codes that you've generated yourself on trusted devices. Don't scan QR codes from unknown sources to prevent account theft.
Frequently Asked Questions About Telegram Desktop QR Code Login
Why can't I scan the Telegram desktop QR code?
Possible reasons include:
- Your phone camera can't focus properly or there's insufficient lighting
- Your computer screen brightness is too low or has glare
- The QR code is displayed incompletely or is too small
- Your phone's Telegram app is outdated
Solutions: Adjust lighting and distance, ensure the QR code is completely and clearly visible; update your Telegram app to the latest version; or use our tool to assist with scanning.
What if the Telegram desktop QR code expires?
Telegram login QR codes typically have a validity period of one minute. If the QR code expires, you'll see a "QR code expired" message. Simply click the "Refresh QR code" or "Generate new code" button to get a new QR code.
Can I be logged in to Telegram on multiple devices simultaneously?
Yes, Telegram supports multi-device login. You can be logged in to your Telegram account on multiple computers, phones, and tablets simultaneously, and all devices will sync messages and notifications.
How do I log out from Telegram desktop?
In Telegram desktop, click the three-line menu in the top left, scroll to the bottom, and click "Log Out". If you want to remotely log out from a device, you can do so from your phone's Telegram app by going to "Settings → Devices", finding the respective device, and clicking "Log Out".