Telegram has rolled out a new update that focuses on security, convenience, and small quality-of-life improvements. The latest version introduces passkey-based login, adds audio support in Stories, and brings a safer way to buy and sell profile gifts.
The most notable addition in this update is the support for Passkeys. So, users can access their account using their device PIN or biometric authentication such as Face ID or a fingerprint. This works even if SMS delivery is delayed or unavailable, which has been a common issue in some regions.
Passkeys are more secure than passwords and one-time codes. They use encrypted keys that stay on your device and are designed to protect users from phishing attacks. Telegram says these keys can also sync with password managers like iCloud and Google, making it easier to log in across devices.
To enable passkeys, open the Telegram app, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, tap on Passkeys, and turn the feature on.
Stories on Telegram are getting more creative options. Users can now add audio directly from their profile playlist while posting a Story. The option is available under the sticker menu, where you can choose music from your saved audio files. This makes it quicker to create more engaging Stories without searching for files manually.
Telegram has also introduced a new way to buy gifts from other users’ profiles. When viewing a gift, you can now make an offer to purchase it using Stars, Telegram’s in-app currency, or TON, the native cryptocurrency of the TON blockchain.
You can set both the price and a time limit for the offer. The payment remains reserved during this period. If the offer is rejected or expires, the money is refunded instantly. Telegram says this system is protected to reduce scams and keep both buyers and sellers safe, which is important as digital gifting becomes more popular on the platform.
All these features are available in Telegram version 12.2.1 and newer. Android users can update the app from the Google Play Store or download the APK from Telegram’s official website. iPhone users can get the update from the App Store.
