Telegram is a popular messaging platform available on various devices, including Android, iPhones, Windows PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks. Recent news regarding Telegram’s CEO and concerns about the platform being used for illegal activities have led some users to consider leaving Telegram. If you’re thinking about deleting your Telegram account for privacy reasons or any other cause, this guide will walk you through the process of how to delete your Telegram account permanently and explore the platform’s self-destruct feature.
Permanently Deleting Your Telegram Account
If you’ve decided to permanently delete your Telegram account, the platform offers a straightforward way to do so immediately. This process can be initiated through the Telegram web app, the iOS app, or by accessing Telegram’s account deletion tool from the Android app using a mobile browser. Here’s how to delete your Telegram account across different platforms:
Deleting Your Telegram Account Using a Browser
This method works across all devices with a web browser, providing a universal approach to account deletion.
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Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the Telegram Delete Account or Manage Apps page.
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Enter the phone number associated with your Telegram account in the provided field. Telegram will send a confirmation code to your Telegram app, not via SMS.
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Check your Telegram app for the confirmation code and enter it in the designated space on the deletion page.
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Click the Sign In button. You will be directed to the Telegram account deletion page, which outlines the implications of deleting your account.
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Optionally, provide a reason for leaving Telegram in the Why are you leaving text box. This step is not mandatory to proceed with deletion.
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Click the Delete My Account button. A confirmation prompt will appear to ensure you intend to delete your account.
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Select Yes, Delete My Account to finalize the process.
Upon completing these steps, your Telegram account will be permanently deactivated, and all associated data will be deleted.
Deleting Your Telegram Account on iPhone
For iPhone users, Telegram offers a direct deletion option within the app settings.
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Launch the Telegram app on your iPhone.
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Tap on Settings located in the bottom navigation bar.
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Select Privacy and Security from the settings menu.
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Scroll down to the If Away For section, found under the Delete My Account heading. Tap on it.
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In the If Away For settings, tap Delete Account Now. This option immediately triggers account deletion.
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Confirm your decision to delete your account when prompted.
By confirming, your Telegram account will be deleted from your iPhone and all Telegram servers.
Accessing Telegram’s Account Deletion Tool on Android
Android users need to navigate through the Telegram FAQ section within the app to access the account deletion tool.
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Open the Telegram app on your Android device.
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Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner to open the side menu.
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Select Settings from the side menu.
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Tap on Telegram FAQ, which is typically found within the Settings menu.
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Under the Your Account section in the FAQ, find and select Delete your Telegram account. This will open the Telegram account deactivation page in an in-app browser.
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On the deactivation page, you will see a prompt to enter your phone number. Input the phone number linked to your Telegram account.
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A confirmation code will be sent to your Telegram app. Note that this code is delivered via Telegram, not SMS.
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Tap the overflow menu (three vertical dots) usually located in the upper-right corner of the screen within the in-app browser.
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Select Open in Chrome browser (or your preferred browser) from the menu options. This step is crucial for the deletion process to function correctly.
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Enter the confirmation code you received in the Telegram app into the browser.
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Tap Delete My Account to proceed with deactivation.
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Confirm your decision to delete your account when prompted.
Once completed, your Telegram account and all associated messages will be permanently deleted. Telegram mentions that you can create a new account using the same phone number after a few days if you decide to rejoin.
Setting Up Automatic Deletion for Telegram Account Inactivity
Telegram also provides a self-destruct feature that automatically deletes your account after a period of inactivity. This feature is a proactive approach to privacy, ensuring your account isn’t left active indefinitely if you stop using it. By default, this feature is enabled with a six-month inactivity period, but you can customize this duration.
To adjust the automatic account deletion period, follow these steps:
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Open the Telegram app on your device.
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Access the Settings menu. This is usually found via a menu button in the top corner or bottom navigation, depending on your device.
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Navigate to Privacy and Security within the Settings menu.
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Under the Delete my account section, tap on If away for.
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Choose your preferred inactivity period from the options provided, ranging from one month to one year.
After setting your preferred period, Telegram will automatically delete your account, including all messages, media, contacts, and data, if you remain inactive for the specified duration.
Considering Alternatives
While deleting your Telegram account is a definitive step, it’s worth noting that there are alternative messaging apps available that also prioritize privacy and security. Exploring options like encrypted messaging platforms might be beneficial as you consider your communication needs moving forward.
Conclusion
Deleting your Telegram account is a simple process that can be accomplished through various methods depending on your device. Whether you choose to delete your account immediately through the browser, iPhone app, or Android deletion tool, or set up automatic deletion for inactivity, Telegram provides users with control over their account and data. If privacy concerns or other reasons lead you to leave Telegram, this guide ensures you can confidently and effectively delete your account.
