Telegram keeps downloaded videos inside the app by default. To watch them from your Photos or Gallery app, or share them elsewhere, you have to save a copy. Menu names differ slightly between versions, but the steps below work on current iPhone, Android, and desktop apps.
On iPhone
Save one video:
- Open the chat and tap the video so it downloads and opens.
- Tap the share icon (a square with an arrow) or the three-dot menu.
- Choose Save to Camera Roll or Save Video.
- Open the Photos app and look in Recents.
If iOS asks for permission to add to your photo library, allow it.
Save many at once: long-press a video, tap Select to pick more, then use the forward/share option and choose Save.
On Android
Save one video:
- Open the video in the chat.
- Tap the three-dot menu at the top right.
- Choose Save to Gallery (or Save to Downloads).
- Open your Gallery or Photos app. Videos saved to Downloads appear in the Files app and sometimes in the gallery under a Downloads album.
Turn on auto-save: in Telegram’s settings, look in Chat Settings or Data and Storage for an option such as Save to Gallery and choose which chats it applies to. Labels vary between versions, and auto-saving can fill your storage quickly, so use it sparingly.
On Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Right-click the video in the chat.
- Choose Save As.
- Pick a folder and save.
Desktop also shows a Show in Folder option for videos you have already downloaded.
If the Option Is Missing
- No save option on a video. The channel or group may have restricted saving and forwarding. This is set by the owner, and the app deliberately removes the save option. For what is and isn’t possible, see private or restricted channels.
- The video hasn’t downloaded yet. Tap the download arrow first, then save.
- The video saved but isn’t in Photos. Check the Recents album on iPhone, or the Downloads folder or a Telegram album on Android. Some Android gallery apps need a moment to refresh.
- Nothing happens when you tap Save. Update Telegram and check that it has permission to access photos or storage.
Save From a Public Link Instead
For a video in a public channel, paste its link into the Telegram Downloader to get the file directly in your browser, then open it from your downloads. See how to download Telegram videos for every method side by side.
Save Space After Saving
Telegram stores a lot in its cache. After saving what you need, clear Telegram’s cache from its storage settings to free space. The cache only holds downloaded copies, and your chats stay in the cloud. If a saved video is large, compress it before sending it on. For stuck downloads, see Telegram download limits and fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I save a Telegram video to my iPhone camera roll?
Open the video, tap the share icon, and choose Save to Camera Roll or Save Video.
How do I save Telegram videos to the gallery on Android?
Open the video, tap the three-dot menu, and choose Save to Gallery.
Why can’t I save a video from a Telegram channel?
The channel owner may have restricted saving and forwarding.
Can Telegram save videos automatically?
Yes, on Android there is an auto-save option in settings. Use it carefully because it uses storage.
Does saving a video remove it from Telegram?
No. It stays in the chat; you simply have an extra copy on your device.