If you have used dating or social networking apps, you are surely familiar with the famous “People Nearby” feature. Yet, when it comes to Telegram—a well-known instant messaging app—this feature seems to be missing.
Actually, Telegram used to have this feature, but it has since been removed. So, are there any other ways to find other users on Telegram? There may still be some methods.
What Is Telegram Nearby
The Telegram Nearby feature allows users to discover other Telegram users and local groups within a certain distance. The feature used GPS location and displayed approximate distances between users.
It’s essentially a low-friction way to discover local Telegram life without exchanging phone numbers first. You see a profile name, photo, and approximate distance — then decide whether to say hello.
However, the feature is no longer available for most users.
Did Telegram Remove People Nearby
Yes.
Telegram officially removed it in September 2024.
Here’s the timeline:
- 2019 — Telegram launched People Nearby, letting you see other Telegram users and location-tagged groups within GPS range.
- 2020 — “People Nearby 2.0” arrived, pitched as a way to exchange contacts face-to-face at parties, campuses, and events.
- September 6, 2024 — Pavel Durov announced on X that the feature was being removed entirely, replaced by Businesses Nearby, verified shops, product catalogs, and payments — not people. But it hasn’t been released yet.
Durov’s own words: “We’ve removed the People Nearby feature, which was used by less than 0.1% of Telegram users, but had issues with bots and scammers.”
As a result, searching for nearby Telegram users directly inside the app is no longer possible.
Why Did Telegram Remove Telegram Nearby
- Privacy Concerns
Location-based features always create privacy risks.
Although Telegram only showed approximate distances, researchers discovered that location information could sometimes be used to estimate a user’s position. Many users became uncomfortable sharing their location.
Protecting privacy has always been one of Telegram’s biggest priorities, so removing the feature helped reduce those risks.
- Bots, Scammers, and “Illicit Activities”
The People Nearby feature attracted unwanted behavior.
Scammers used groups of fake accounts to spam people with romance scams, crypto tricks, and dangerous links.
Without a mutual friend network like WhatsApp, People Nearby was an easy target for bot farms.
- Low Usage
Less than 0.1% of Telegram’s ~950 million users ever touched it. For a team obsessed with clean UX, a near-dead feature taking up prime real estate in Contacts is an easy cut.
Can I Still Find People Nearby on Telegram
Not directly. Telegram no longer provides a dedicated nearby user finder. However, there are several alternative methods that work even better.
Alternative 1: Join Local Telegram Groups
Global Search + City Keywords
Open Telegram → tap the search bar at the top of your chat list → type your city + a qualifier:
- “Shanghai meetup”
- “Berlin expats”
- “Tokyo hiking”
- “Bangalore tech”
- “NYC dorm”
After you type, select the “Groups” or “Channels” filter right below the search bar. This will show public groups with local names or descriptions. Since many group links include the city name (like t.me/SF_foodies), searching in both English and the local language works best.
Alternative 2: Use Telegram Group Directories
Telegram’s built-in search is limited and often misses local groups. Use these directories to find public Telegram groups organized by city or category:
- TLGRM.io — filters by category, language, region
- TelegramChannels.me
- Reddit — subreddits like r/TelegramGroups or city-specific subs often pin invite links
- Search “your city + Telegram group” in a normal browser; the results are often better than in-app search
Alternative 3: Campus / Event / Conference Shortcuts
If you’re at a university or conference, don’t search blindly — check:
- The event’s official site/lanyard QR code, many orgs now make a “Telegram Announcements” channel
- Flyers in dorms/student unions often have t.me/ codes
Alternative 4: Switch to another app
if your actual goal was dating / random stranger chat / “who’s at this bar?”, Telegram is no longer the tool. Options outside TG:
- Nyburs: Hyperlocal social, village/city/district layers, E2EE
- Wizz / Yubo: Make-friends-near-you, Gen Z oriented
- Grindr / Her / Tinder “Passport”: Dating with location
Your Privacy Settings Still Matter
Even without Nearby, privacy still matters.
To secure your privacy, review your settings using the guide “Your Telegram Status Says More Than You Think — Here Are 10+ Ideas.”
These settings allow you to join communities while protecting personal information.
FAQs about people nearby Telegram
Q: Will Telegram ever bring “People Nearby” back?
A: There is currently no indication that Telegram plans to restore the feature. While anything is possible, users should not expect the original People Nearby feature to return soon.
Q: Can I download an old Telegram version?
A: Older versions may still contain the menu, but the feature often no longer works correctly.
Q: Are nearby groups still available?
A: Some local groups still exist, but they must usually be found through search or invitations.
Q: Is Telegram becoming less social?
A: Not necessarily. Telegram is focusing more on communities rather than location-based connections.
Q: Can I find nearby Telegram users using bots?
A: Most bots claiming to find nearby users are unreliable or unsafe.
Final Thoughts
The removal of Telegram Nearby disappointed many users. For some people, it was an easy way to meet locals, discover communities, and make new connections.
Telegram likely removed the feature due to safety risks, spam, and a lack of active users.
Ultimately, the app is moving away from meeting random people nearby. Instead, it is focusing on bringing people together through shared interests, hobbies, and local communities.
