Telegram is a popular instant messaging app that allows users to send text, voice, and video messages, as well as share files and photos. This app also allows users to communicate with each other in real-time. It is available on a variety of platforms, including iOS, Android, and the web. Telegram has become popular due to its focus on privacy and security, as well as its ability to handle large groups and channels.
However, there may come a time when a user wants to delete their Telegram account. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as, no longer using the app, or for privacy reasons.
Telegram Account Deletion Reasons
- Privacy concerns: Telegram collects and stores user data, which may make some users uncomfortable. Deleting the account removes this data from Telegram’s servers.
- Security issues: Telegram has faced criticism for its encryption practices, which some experts believe may not be as secure as advertised. Deleting the account eliminates this potential security risk.
- Lack of use: If a user no longer uses Telegram, they may choose to delete their account to free up space on their device or to declutter their social media accounts.
- Frustration with features: If a user is unhappy with Telegram’s features or design, they may choose to delete their account and switch to a different messaging app.
- To close a fake account: If a user finds a fake account has been created using their personal information, they may want to delete the account to prevent any further misuse.
- Improper use of account: If a user finds their Telegram account has been compromised or used for illegal activities, they may choose to delete the account to prevent any legal issues.
- To avoid unwanted messages/ contact: If a user is receiving unwanted messages from a particular contact or group, they may choose to delete the account to avoid these messages.
- To stop unwanted subscription: If a user is receiving unwanted subscription or unwanted notifications, they may choose to delete the account to stop those subscriptions.
Things to Consider Before Deleting Your Telegram Account
- Backup your data: Before deleting your Telegram account, make sure to backup any important messages, photos, or files that you want to keep. Telegram does not provide any options for recovering deleted data.
- Notify your contacts: Let your contacts know that you will be deleting your Telegram account. This will allow them to reach you through other means of communication.
- Check for active subscriptions: If you are subscribed to any channels or groups, make sure to unsubscribe before deleting your account to avoid any unwanted notifications.
- Review the terms of service: Make sure you understand the terms of service for Telegram and what happens to your data once your account is deleted.
- Check for account recovery options: If you have second thoughts about deleting your Telegram account and want to recover it later, check if Telegram provides any account recovery options.
- Consider alternatives: Think about whether you want to switch to a different messaging app or if you can live without a messaging app altogether.
- Have a second thought: If you are considering deleting your Telegram account because of security concerns, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) or other security measures.
- Wait for a while: If you are upset, angry or just not in a good mood, it’s better to wait before taking a decision of delete the account, reconsider your decision after a while.
Deleting Telegram Account Using iOS App
- Open the Telegram app on your iPhone.
- Tap on the “Settings” icon, which is located in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Tap on the “Privacy and Security” option.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and here you see a option “Automatic Delete My Account”, in this option you see a button “If Away For 6 months”. It’s Telegram default option. (Note: This means that if you are away from the Telegram app for 6 months they will automatically delete your account)
- Tap on the “If Away For 6 months” button, after tapping, a pop up page will appear at the bottom of the screen. From here tap on the “Delete Account Now”.
- A new window will appear asking for the reason for deleting the account and your phone number associated with the account.
- Fill in the required information and tap on the “Delete My Account” button then tap “Continue” button again tap “Continue” button.
- Now enter your phone number and tap “Continue” button.
- Telegram will send a verification code to the phone number associated with the account. Enter the verification code in the prompt that appears.
- Once the code is verified, Telegram will delete the account permanently.
Please note: Deletion of account is permanent, cannot be undo and you will lose all the data associated with that account.
Deleting Telegram Account Using Android App
- Open the Telegram app on your Android device.
- Tap on the menu button (three horizontal lines) located in the top left corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the menu.
- Tap on “Privacy and Security”
- Scroll down and tap on the “Delete my account” option.
- Choose your account deletion period from here.
- Once the period expires Telegram will delete the account permanently.
Deleting Telegram Account Using Desktop App
- Open the Telegram desktop application on your computer.
- Click on the “Settings” icon, which is located in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Select “Privacy and Security” from the menu on the left side of the screen.
- Scroll down and click on the “Delete My Account” option.
- Choose your account deletion period from here.
- Once the period expires Telegram will delete the account permanently.
Deleting Telegram Account Using Web Browser
- Visit Telegram delete account page (https://my.telegram.org/auth)
- Now enter your phone number with country code in international format and then click on “Next” button.
- Telegram will send a verification code on your Telegram mobile app.
- Enter the verification code and click on “Sign in” Button.
- After sign is click on “Delete Account”.
- A new page will appear and asking for the reason for deleting the account.
- Fill in the required information and click on the “Delete My Account” button. After that a pop up window will appear and asking you asking you a question “Are You Sure”, then click on the “Yes, delete my account” button.
- Telegram will delete the account permanently.
Alternative Options to Account Deletion
If you’re not sure if you want to delete your Telegram account permanently, there are a couple of alternative options you can consider:
- Temporarily deactivating the account: Instead of deleting the account permanently, you can choose to deactivate it temporarily. This will hide your profile and all your messages and contacts, but you can reactivate it at any time. To deactivate your account, go to the “Delete my account” page and select “Deactivate my account” instead of “Delete my account”.
- Changing phone number associated with the account: If you want to keep your Telegram account but change the phone number associated with it, you can do so by going to the settings icon, then selecting “Privacy and Security” and “Change number”.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deleting a Telegram account is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps. However, before taking the decision to delete your account, consider the alternatives such as temporarily deactivating it or changing the phone number associated with it. Remember, once an account is deleted, it cannot be recovered, so make sure it’s something you really want to do.