Telegram has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 700 million active users. Its focus on privacy, security, and cross-platform functionality has made it a top choice for many.
However, you may eventually want to delete your Telegram account and all of its data. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to permanently delete your Telegram account.
Table of Contents
Why You May Want to Delete Your Telegram Account
There are several reasons why you may want to delete your Telegram account:
- Privacy concerns: Even though Telegram prioritizes privacy, some may still worry about data breaches or government surveillance. Deleting the account eliminates this risk.
- Storage limitations: The Telegram app can take up significant storage space on your device with cached media. Deleting the account frees up space.
- Account inactivity: If you no longer use Telegram, deleting the inactive account improves security and privacy.
- Start fresh: Deleting your current Telegram account allows you to create a new one with no previous data or contacts.
How to Delete Your Telegram Account
On Mobile:
Unfortunately, you cannot directly delete your Telegram account from the mobile app. However, you can set up auto-deletion:
- Open the Telegram app and tap the hamburger menu in the top left.
- Go to Settings > Privacy and Security.
- Tap “Delete My Account” > “If Away For”.
- Select the inactivity period after which you want your account deleted (1-12 months).
Your account will now automatically delete if you do not access Telegram for the selected inactivity period.
On Desktop:
You can instantly delete your Telegram account from the web:
- Go to telegram.org/delete-account on any browser.
- Enter your phone number with country code and click Next.
- Telegram will text you a login code. Enter this code and click Sign In.
- Click “Delete My Account” and confirm again.
Export Chat History First (Optional):
Before deleting your Telegram account, consider exporting your Telegram data:
- Open Telegram Settings > Privacy and Data > Export Telegram Data.
- Select whether to export messages only or messages and media. Tap Export.
- Telegram will compile all your account data into a .zip file which can take hours or days to process.
- Once ready, Telegram will send you a download link for your data archive.
What Happens When You Delete Your Telegram Account
When you delete your Telegram account:
- All messages, contacts, media, and other account data is erased from Telegram’s servers. This cannot be reversed.
- Your username is released and available for anyone else to claim.
- Any Telegram groups you created will continue to exist with the other members.
- You can sign up again with the same phone number after a few days. However, you’ll start fresh with no restored data.
Tips for Closing Your Telegram Account
Follow these tips for safely and permanently closing your Telegram account:
- Turn on two-factor authentication before deleting your account to prevent unauthorized logins in the interim period when your number can be registered again.
- Change your privacy settings to control data exposure before deleting your account. For example, hide your phone number, last seen status, etc.
- Delete Telegram from all devices after your account is deleted to ensure no data remnants stay behind.
- Use a separate messaging app if you want to maintain contact with certain Telegram groups or contacts. This allows you to fully separate from Telegram without losing touch.
Can Deleted Telegram Accounts Be Recovered?
No, Telegram does not allow recovering deleted accounts. According to Telegram’s privacy policy:
“Deleting your account removes all messages, media, contacts and every other piece of data you store in the Telegram cloud. This action must be confirmed via your Telegram account and cannot be undone.”
So once your Telegram account is deleted, whether manually or through auto-deletion, all account data is permanently erased. There is no account recovery option.
The only way to reuse the same phone number is to sign up for a brand new Telegram account after a few days. However, none of your old Telegram data will be available in the new account.
Closing Your Telegram Account Securely
As Telegram usage continues to grow globally, properly deleting your Telegram account is key to maintaining privacy and security.
Carefully consider your options before closing your account. Follow the step-by-step instructions to delete your account manually from desktop or set up auto-deletion on mobile.
Exporting your Telegram data allows you to retain a backup even after deletion. Remember that Telegram account deletion is permanent, but you can sign up again with the same phone number after a few days.
Use these best practices to close your Telegram account swiftly and securely. This ensures your data is erased from Telegram’s servers while giving you a fresh start if you choose to return.
