How to watch Telegram videos on Android TV

On Android TV, the simplest way is a native app installed from the TV's Play Store: Tevegram shows your Telegram channels and chats, gathers their videos into a library, and plays them with the remote. Two minutes to install, sign-in by QR code.

What you need

A TV or set-top box running Android TV with the Google Play Store (Sony Bravia, TCL, Philips, Hisense, Xiaomi TV, Android TV boxes…).
A Google account signed in on the TV (the Play Store one).
Your phone with the Telegram app, to scan the sign-in QR code.

Step by step

Install Tevegram from the Play Store. Open the Play Store on the TV and search for "Tevegram". The full name is "Tevegram: Telegram for TV". You can also start the install from a computer or phone: the Play Store listing offers your TV in the device list.
Connect your Telegram account. A QR code appears on the sign-in screen. On your phone, open Telegram, then Settings, Devices, Link Desktop Device, and scan it. No password to type with the remote.
Pick your sources and start a video. In the Chats tab, tick the channels and groups you want to follow. The Media tab then gathers all their videos into one library. Playback starts while the file is still downloading, and every video resumes where you left it.

Good to know on this device

Which Android TV plays comfortably?

Every recent Android TV plays 1080p without trouble. For 4K and large files, the TV's video decoder and memory make the difference: entry-level models (1 to 1.5 GB of RAM) handle 1080p, mid-range and premium models take 4K in stride. Since version 3.3.9, Tevegram adapts its behavior to modest devices.

Where are the videos stored?

Videos are downloaded into the app cache while playing, on the TV's internal storage. Keep at least 1 GB free. The cache can be cleared from Tevegram's settings, and you can delete videos you have already watched.

Frequently asked questions

My TV runs Android TV but has no Play Store. What now?

Some Chinese or store-brand TVs run a version of Android without Google services (AOSP). Without the Play Store, the app cannot be installed the normal way. The reliable fix is a certified Android TV or Google TV stick or box plugged into HDMI.

Does Tevegram work offline?

Videos already fully downloaded into the cache replay without a connection. Everything else (chat list, new videos, streaming playback) needs the Internet.

Can I reply to messages from the TV?

Yes. Conversations show on the TV and you can reply with the remote's on-screen keyboard. Tevegram can also overlay new messages while a video plays.