How to Delete Your Telegram Account
As more people join the internet and the number of data breaches rises, privacy and security have become the focus of almost every company with an online presence. Chat apps now incorporate privacy features like encryption, two-factor authentication, and disappearing messages. Telegram is one such messaging app that emphasizes privacy.
Despite its popularity, there are reasons why you might want to delete your Telegram account. Whether it’s because you don’t want to grant it access to your contacts, you’re unhappy with how it handles auto-deleting messages, or you’re not a fan of how the app operates. Whatever your reason, there are multiple ways to achieve it. This guide shows you the necessary steps to delete your Telegram account permanently
Delete Your Account Immediately
Deleting your account in the shortest time possible is easy using Telegram’s instant account deletion tool. However, this feature is not available on the app, but you can use the web version of Telegram to access it by following these steps:
- Open your favorite browser and navigate to the Telegram Delete Account or Manage Apps page.
- Enter the phone number you used to create your Telegram account. A code is sent to any of your devices currently logged in to the Telegram app.
- Enter the confirmation code into the provided space on the login page.
- Click the blue Sign In button. You’re taken to a Delete Your Account page explaining the implications of your action alongside warnings and links to alternative measures you can take.
- Type the reason why you’re disabling your Telegram account in the Why are you leaving box.
- Click Delete My Account. A dialog box appears asking you to confirm the deletion.
- Select Yes, Delete My Account.
After completing these steps, your Telegram account will be successfully deactivated, and all your messages deleted. However, it takes a few days before you can open another account using the same phone number.
How to Automatically Delete Your Telegram Account After a Period of Inactivity
Telegram allows users to set a specific time for account deletion. This feature comes in handy when you’re away from the app for an extended period. To activate this feature, follow these steps:
- Open the Telegram app and select the menu button in the upper-right corner.
- Select Settings from the list of options.
- Choose Privacy and Security.
- Under Delete My Account, select If away for.
- Choose the time period that works for you.
Telegram will delete your account automatically once the set time for account deletion expires, ensuring your privacy is maintained.
Give Telegram Another Look
Telegram has several features that you might find helpful, even if you want to delete your account. These features might rekindle your love for the app. Check out our list of little-known Telegram features to make the most of the app.
