Telegram: 10 simple tips for safe and secure chats

End-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Telegram are great for protecting your digital privacy. But it's not always obvious how, as most of these settings are optional. Our tips and tricks guide demonstrates everything you can do with Telegram to improve your privacy. We teach you how to operate the messaging app safely and securely, whether setting up multiple budget Android phones or double-checking your current phone's security status.

A Telegram Premium subscription does not contain any features related to privacy or security. Upgrading to Telegram Premium is great for power users, but you don't need it if you're worried about privacy.

Use secret chats to encrypt your messages

Regular chats on Telegram are not end-to-end encrypted by default . This feature needs to be manually enabled and should be the first thing you do after installing Telegram. However, if you use Telegram across multiple Android phones, you can't move secret chats between them.

To start a secret chat, follow these steps:

1. Open Telegram.

2. Select a contact to start a secret chat.

3. Tap the contact's profile picture.

4. Select the three-doticon in the upper-right corner.

5. Tap Start Secret Chat.

   

   

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Enable two-step verification to prevent unauthorized access

Two-factor authentication is an essential tool to protect your accounts effectively. Telegram offers a slightly different method requiring you to enter a separate password when logging in to Telegram on a new device. It also sends you a code via SMS to enter alongside the password.

1. Open Telegram.

2. Tap the menubutton in the upper-left corner of your screen.

3. Tap Settings.

   

   

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4. Tap Privacy and Security.

5. Tap Two-Step Verification.

   

   

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6. Enter a password.

You can't access your messages from another device if you forget this password. Set up a recovery e-mail when you enable two-step verification to avoid being locked out of your account.

Disable active sessions on other devices

Multiple Telegram sessions may open simultaneously if you're constantly switching between devices. Conversations on multiple devices aren't end-to-end encrypted, so disable unused sessions where possible. It's easy to forget what devices you're logged in to, so Telegram lets you view and terminate active sessions from one device.

1. Open Telegram.

2. Tap the menubutton in the upper-left corner of your screen.

3. Tap Settings.

4. Tap Privacy and Security.

   

   

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5. Tap Devices.

6. Tap Terminate all Other Sessions.

   

   

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Send self-destructing media

Self-destructing media disappears from a chat after a certain amount of time. If you're concerned about making individual messages private, this is the easiest and most effective method. You can send self-destructing media within regular and secret conversations.

1. Open Telegram.

2. Select a chat.

3. Tap the Attachicon in the lower-right corner of your screen.

4. Choose an existing image or take a new one.

5. Tap the stopwatchbutton above the Sendbutton.

6. Select how long you wish your media to last.

   

   

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7. Tap the Sendbutton.

You can also set auto-delete for your messages by going to Settings> Privacy and Security> Auto-Delete Messages.

Delete messages for ultimate privacy

Telegram allows you to delete messages in regular and group chats. While not ideal for socializing, this feature is a plus for privacy, particularly if you lost one of your devices and want to ensure no one can read your private messages.

1. Open Telegram.

2. Open a chat.

3. Long press any chat message.

4. Tap the Deletebutton in the upper-right corner of your screen.

   

   

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5. Select the Also delete forcheckbox to delete it for the other person.

6. Tap Delete.

   

   

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Lock the Telegram app with a password

Let's say someone steals your phone while it's unlocked. Assuming they keep it unlocked, they can access your Telegram messages despite your encryption settings. This feature locks Telegram behind a password, PIN, or biometric authentication.

1. Open Telegram.

2. Tap the menubutton in the upper-left corner of your screen.

3. Tap Settings.

4. Tap Privacy and Security.

   

   

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5. Tap Passcode Lock.

6. Tap Enable Passcode.

7. Choose a passcode, and then tap Confirm.

   

   

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Hide your IP address with a proxy server

Many great VPNs are available for Android , but you don't need one if you only want to hide your IP address for your Telegram chats. Unlike most VPNs, this service is free.

Here's how to set up a Telegram proxy server:

1. Open Telegram.

2. Tap the menubutton in the upper-left corner of your screen.

3. Tap Settings.

4. Tap Data and Storage.

   

   

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5. Scroll down and tap Proxy Settings.

6. Tap Add Proxy.

   

   

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Double-check your group permissions

Large groups come with security risks. Managing your group permissions can minimize risks by preventing people from adding others to the group.

1. Open Telegram.

2. Tap the menubutton in the upper-left corner of your screen.

3. Tap Settings.

4. Tap Privacy and Security.

   

   

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5. Tap Groups.

6. Change Everybodyto My Contacts.

   

   

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How to clear payments and shipping information

Thanks to the ability to make purchases over Telegram, the app may store your payment details. This sensitive information can be cleared immediately after making a purchase.

1. Open Telegram.

2. Tap the menubutton in the upper-left corner of the app.

3. Tap Settings.

4. Tap Privacy and Security.

   

   

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5. Tap Clear Payment and Shipping Info.

6. Select the Shipping infoand Payment infocheckboxes.

7. Confirm your changes by tapping Clear All.

   

   

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Automatically delete your account after losing access

Telegram has a feature that deletes your account permanently after it goes unused for a set amount of time. This is the ultimate solution if you lose access to your Telegram account entirely. Just be mindful of how much you use Telegram. You don't want to set the timer too short.

1. Open Telegram.

2. Tap the menubutton in the upper-left corner of your screen.

3. Tap Settings.

4. Tap Privacy and Security.

   

   

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5. Tap If away forunder the Delete my accountheading.

6. Choose a period of time.

   

   

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Have fun and browse safely

Telegram is a great way to protect your messages. However, it also relied on the users not to take their messaging privileges too far. Thankfully, the platform has taken steps to remove harmful and dangerous content with AI efforts. But if you're looking for other ways to protect your digital privacy, consider using a secure VPN to hide your personal information online.