Once you’re in the conversation, tap the three dots (top right), then Set self-destruct timer to select how long messages will stick around for—your options go from one second to a whole week. The timer starts as soon as the other party sees your text, and after the time has elapsed, the message is deleted at both ends of the conversation. When typing out a message, tap and hold on the text you want to obscure and pick the Spoiler option from the menu that appears. Keep in mind that for this feature to work, you’ll need to make sure your contacts are using it too. Translating a message is as simple as tapping on it (Android) or tapping and holding on it (iOS) and choosing Translate. The platform will automatically detect the original language, and the results will appear on-screen. Note that this option only translates languages into the default language your phone is set to, so it won’t appear for chats written in that language. Telegram has added a couple of tricks to make it easier to scroll through lots of images and videos in lengthy conversations. First, put two fingers on the screen and move them away from each other to zoom out and see more thumbnails at once. Second, scroll down and use the date button that appears on the right to jump to specific months and dates. To add a reaction to a message, just tap on it (Android) or tap and hold on it (iOS), and pick your emoji. To increase the size of the reaction’s animation effect, press and hold on it. Reactions are visible to all of the participants in a conversation, and you’ll see heart icons in the main chat list next to conversations that have unread reactions in them. When someone in your chat receives a location, they can tap on it for more details. On Android, there’s a Directions button that leads to Google Maps, and on iOS you get three directions buttons—for driving, taking public transport, and walking. Tap on any button to pick a map app to use, whether that’s Apple Maps or something else. At the time of writing some of the features unique to Telegram X include the ability to pin multiple messages inside a chat, the option to adjust video quality before sending, and statistics for your group chats that will show you which ones are more active. You can download Telegram X for Android and use it alongside or instead of the main client.
