# Telegram's 'Liquid Glass' UI Redesign on Android Canonical: https://snipgeek.com/blog/telegram-android-february-2026-liquid-glass-redesign Locale: en Description: Telegram for Android rolls out its biggest UI overhaul with the "Liquid Glass" approach, ditching the side menu for a more modern bottom navigation. Date: 2026-02-17 Updated: 2026-03-19 Category: Tags: android, telegram, ui-design, apps JSON: https://snipgeek.com/api/posts/telegram-android-february-2026-liquid-glass-redesign?locale=en --- In early February 2026, Telegram for Android released the biggest interface update since the app's inception on the platform. Version 12.4.x brought a complete overhaul of the navigation structure, visual aesthetics, and several user experience (UX) elements. This redesign adopts a visual approach called “Liquid Glass,” moving away from the classic side-menu structure to a more modern, transparent, and one-handed-use-oriented layout. This approach was previously introduced on iOS and is now more consistently implemented on Android. Here are the most prominent key changes in this update. --- ## 1. Main Visual Changes ### a. Bottom Navigation Bar The most fundamental change is the move of the main navigation from a hamburger menu to a bottom navigation bar. This pattern is more aligned with modern Android app design standards. ![New bottom navigation bar on Telegram for Android](/images/_posts/telegram/snipgeek-telegram-ui-1.webp) Four main tabs are now permanently placed at the bottom of the screen: * Chats * Contacts * Settings * Profile This bar remains visible as the user scrolls, allowing for faster menu switching without having to return to the main page. --- ### b. “Liquid Glass” Design Telegram adopts semi-transparent elements that provide a layered and more dynamic visual effect. This approach brings a modern feel, especially in light mode. ![The "Liquid Glass" effect on the new Telegram interface](/images/_posts/telegram/snipgeek-telegram-ui-2.webp) Key characteristics of this design: * Panels with a light blur/transparency effect * More rounded element corners * A smoother visual hierarchy * A lighter and more spacious look --- ### c. Improved Access to Search & Features The search bar is now larger and permanently displayed at the top of the chat list, no longer hidden within a small icon. ![Permanent search bar above the chat list](/images/_posts/telegram/snipgeek-telegram-ui-3.webp) Some features that were previously in the side menu have been moved to the overflow menu (three-dot icon) in the top right. This structure simplifies navigation while maintaining a clean main interface. --- ## 2. User Experience (UX) Improvements ### a. Cross-Platform Consistency This redesign aligns the user experience between Android and iOS. The navigation structure, visual style, and interactions now feel more consistent across both platforms. ### b. Performance and Responsiveness According to the official release notes, the interface code was rebuilt from scratch. The results: * Smoother transitions * Faster navigation response * Better stability across various Android devices This approach shows Telegram's focus on performance efficiency while modernizing its look. --- ## 3. Additional Features in Version 12.4.x ### a. More Adaptive Group Management The update also touches on community management aspects: * If a group owner leaves, ownership can be automatically transferred to another admin after a certain period. * Group owners can appoint a successor admin before leaving the group. This feature enhances the sustainability of community management without structural disruption. --- ### b. Gift Crafting & Colored Bot Buttons Telegram introduces new interactive features: **Gift Crafting** Users can combine multiple digital gifts to create rarer or more exclusive items. **Colored Bot Buttons and Emojis** Bot developers can now customize buttons with colors and emojis, creating a more visual and intuitive experience for users. This feature expands interaction flexibility, especially in the bot ecosystem and digital monetization. --- ## 4. Community Response This update sparked widespread discussion in the user community. Most were positive: * More ergonomic bottom navigation * A more modern look * More comfortable one-handed use However, some longtime Android users felt the change was too close to iOS design style. This difference in response is natural, as large-scale changes often affect established usage habits. --- ## 5. Conclusion The redesign of Telegram for Android in February 2026 is one of the most significant transformations in the app's history on the platform. With: * More ergonomic bottom navigation * The “Liquid Glass” visual approach * Performance improvements * New management and interaction features Telegram is making a strategic move to unify the cross-platform experience while updating its design standards on Android. For Android users, this update brings a more modern, lightweight, and structured experience. To access these changes, make sure your Telegram app is updated through the Play Store. --- ## 6. Quick Checklist After Updating If your interface looks different from the screenshots above, run this quick checklist: 1. Check that your app is on Telegram **12.4.x or newer**. 2. Force close Telegram once, then reopen it. 3. Go to **Settings > Chat Settings** and confirm your current theme (light/dark) to see how transparency behaves. 4. If animations feel choppy, restart your phone after the update so background caches are rebuilt. --- ## 7. Known Issues and Practical Notes Not all devices receive visual changes at the exact same time. Telegram can roll out UI updates gradually based on app build and server-side toggles. Common user reports and what they usually mean: * **Bottom tabs missing:** your build may still be on an older UI layer, even if the app was recently updated. * **Transparency looks too strong:** this is usually more noticeable on bright wallpapers and can be reduced by using a darker chat background. * **Feature location changed:** check the top-right overflow menu (three dots), since several side-menu actions moved there. If your workflow depends on muscle memory, give it 2-3 days before deciding whether this redesign helps or hurts your speed. Most users adapt quickly once they memorize where features moved.