How to Delete Telegram Account Permanently: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Introduction
How to delete Telegram account is one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, offering privacy-focused features, encrypted chats, and seamless communication. However, if you no longer wish to use Telegram due to privacy concerns, data security, or simply switching to another platform, you might be wondering how to delete your Telegram account permanently.
Unlike other messaging platforms, Telegram does not offer a direct “Delete Account” option within the app. Instead, you must follow a specific process to deactivate and remove your account. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire procedure, ensuring a hassle-free deletion. How to delete Telegram account
Why You Might Want to Delete Your Telegram Account
Before proceeding with account deletion, it’s essential to understand why users choose to leave Telegram. Here are some common reasons: How to delete Telegram account
1. Privacy Concerns
Despite Telegram’s strong encryption, some users are worried about their data security, privacy policies, or cloud-based chat storage.
2. Switching to Other Platforms
Many users prefer other messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or iMessage, which offer different security and usability features.
3. Reducing Social Media Usage
Some individuals want to limit their digital footprint and spend less time on messaging apps.
4. Unwanted Spam or Scams
Telegram groups and channels often attract spam messages, scams, and fake accounts, making the experience less enjoyable.
If any of these reasons resonate with you, deleting your Telegram account might be the right decision.
Things to Consider Before Deleting Your Telegram Account
1. Permanent Deletion
Once your account is deleted, all messages, contacts, and groups will be permanently removed. There is no way to recover them.
2. Loss of Cloud Data
Telegram stores messages in the cloud, meaning all your conversations, media, and files will be lost.
3. Re-registering Limitations
If you delete your account, you may not be able to sign up again with the same number for a few days.
4. Inform Your Contacts
Since Telegram does not notify contacts about your deletion, consider informing friends, family, or business connections beforehand.
How to Delete Telegram Account Permanently
Telegram offers two primary ways to delete your account:
- Manual Deletion via Web Browser
- Automatic Self-Destruction After Inactivity
Method 1: Delete Telegram Account Manually (Immediate Deletion)
If you want to remove your account instantly, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Telegram Account Deactivation Page
Telegram does not provide a direct deletion option in the app. Instead, visit the official Telegram Deactivation Page:
👉 https://my.telegram.org/auth?to=delete
Step 2: Enter Your Phone Number
- Type your registered Telegram phone number in the required field.
- Make sure to enter it in international format (e.g., +1 for the USA, +44 for the UK).
- Click Next to proceed.
Step 3: Enter the Confirmation Code
- Telegram will send a confirmation code to your Telegram app (not via SMS).
- Open Telegram, check for the message, and enter the code on the deletion page.
Step 4: Confirm Account Deletion
- After entering the code, you will be redirected to a confirmation page.
- Telegram will ask for a reason for leaving (optional).
- Click Delete My Account and confirm the action.
🎉 Your Telegram account is now permanently deleted!
Method 2: Automatic Deletion via Inactivity
Telegram has a self-destruction feature that automatically deletes inactive accounts after a certain period. By default, this period is six months, but you can change it: How to delete Telegram account .
Step 1: Open Telegram Settings
- Go to the Telegram app on your phone.
- Tap on Settings (three-line menu on Android, bottom-right on iPhone).
Step 2: Select Privacy & Security
- Scroll down and tap Privacy and Security.
Step 3: Set Self-Destruction Period
- Find Delete My Account If Away For under the “Delete My Account” section.
- Choose from 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year.
After the selected duration of inactivity, Telegram will automatically delete your account.
How to Back Up Your Telegram Data Before Deletion
Since Telegram does not allow account recovery, it’s crucial to back up your important messages and files before deleting your account.
For Mobile Users:
- Manually save important chats by taking screenshots or forwarding them to another app.
- Download media (photos, videos, documents) to your device storage.
For Desktop Users:
- Use Telegram’s built-in export feature:
- Open Telegram Desktop.
- Go to Settings > Advanced > Export Telegram Data.
- Select the data you want to save.
- Click Export and download your files.
What Happens After Deleting Your Telegram Account?
Once you delete your account, the following changes occur:
✅ All messages, groups, and contacts will be erased permanently.
✅ Your Telegram username will become available for others to claim.
✅ You won’t receive messages from previous contacts.
✅ Your groups will continue to exist, but you will be removed as an admin (if applicable).
FAQs on Deleting Telegram Account
1. Can I Reactivate My Telegram Account After Deletion?
No, once deleted, your Telegram account cannot be restored. You must create a new account if you wish to use Telegram again.
2. Will My Telegram Contacts Be Notified When I Delete My Account?
No, Telegram does not notify your contacts when you delete your account. However, they will see your profile disappear.
3. Can I Use the Same Phone Number to Register Again?
Yes, but Telegram may restrict re-registration for a few days after deletion.
4. What Happens to My Telegram Groups and Channels?
- If you are the only admin of a group, it may be deleted.
- If there are other admins, the group will remain active.
- Channels will continue, but new posts won’t be made under your name.
5. Can I Delete My Telegram Account Without Access to My Phone Number?
No, you need access to your Telegram app or phone number to receive the confirmation code.
Introduction
Telegram has become one of the most widely used messaging apps, offering advanced security features, cloud-based storage, and fast communication. With millions of users worldwide, it is often preferred over traditional messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal. However, there are various reasons why someone might want to delete their Telegram account permanently.
Privacy concerns have become a significant issue for many users, as Telegram stores messages on its cloud servers. While the app provides end-to-end encryption for secret chats, standard conversations are stored in the cloud, which some users find unsettling. Additionally, Telegram groups and channels are often filled with spam messages, scams, and unwanted advertisements, making the platform less appealing to some.
Others might want to delete their Telegram account due to digital detox reasons, reducing their online presence, or switching to alternative messaging platforms. Some users also find Telegram’s policies unclear or are worried about potential data leaks. In any case, deleting your Telegram account is a viable option if you no longer want to use the service.
Unlike other messaging apps, Telegram does not provide an easy “Delete Account” button within its mobile app. Instead, users need to follow a specific process using Telegram’s official deactivation portal. Additionally, Telegram offers an automatic self-destruct feature that deletes inactive accounts after a set period.