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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and detailed examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and detailed examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Advertising Disclosure

vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and detailed examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Editor's Note: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.Got it!

How To Delete Your Telegram Account Permanently in 2025

Husain Parvez Updated on October 13, 2025 Fact-checked by Matthew Amos Cybersecurity Researcher

I wish deleting Telegram was as simple as hitting “uninstall”, but it isn’t. And as much as I hate to admit it, I spent far too long finding the actual way to deactivate. This is mainly because my code never arrived (I was waiting ages for the SMS), only to discover it gets sent inside the app — mind-blowing revelation, I know.

Can you permanently delete your Telegram account? Yes, instant web deletion is the most effective way to delete your Telegram account permanently. It’s a simple fix, and even though the average Telegram user opens the app 21 times per day (LinkedIn, 2025)1, most don't know about this method. Inactivity auto-delete is also a legitimate method to delete Telegram. I'll take you through both options step by step, as well as what to do if you lose your phone or switch numbers. Plus, a few tips on what you should do before and after removing your account.

How Do You Delete Your Telegram Account Permanently?

  1. Open Telegram’s deactivation page.
    Go to the official deactivation page via your web browser (on phone or desktop) to instantly delete your Telegram account.
  2. Enter your phone number and log in.
    Type your number in full international format (e.g., +1, +44, +91). Telegram will send a confirmation code directly within the app.
  3. Delete your account.
    After signing in, select Delete Account and confirm. Your chats, contacts, and media will be removed from Telegram’s servers, and you can safely uninstall the app afterward.

How To Delete Your Telegram Account in 2025

Why can’t I delete my Telegram account? Despite Telegram having over 1 billion users worldwide (Demand Sage, 2025)2, there are various reasons people have trouble deleting the app; most are waiting for the SMS code — you won't receive one, as it's sent directly within the app via the "Telegram" service chat. Others input the wrong phone number format (you need to use the +country code) or forget that they have two-step verification enabled, which can block login.

To delete your Telegram account and remove everything instantly, use Telegram’s web deactivation page. It took me less than 2 minutes to test this process (both via my phone and desktop), and the steps below are the exact ones that work.

Alternatively, the in-app self-destruct timer deletes your account after a specified period of inactivity, and the mobile app settings allow you to adjust this timer.

Permanently Delete Telegram via the Web

This is the most reliable and fastest way I’ve found to delete your Telegram account instantly. You can complete the process on your phone or desktop browser, but you’ll need to have access to your Telegram app to receive the confirmation code. Here’s how it works:

1. Find the Official Telegram Deactivation Page

Go to my.telegram.org/auth. This is Telegram’s official deactivation portal and not the mobile app. Also, avoid any third-party sites that claim to delete your account because they actually can’t.

Screenshot showing the deactivation page on TelegramIt's also labeled as an authentication page, which is confusing

2. Enter Your Phone Number

Type your number in the full international format (for example, +1 for the US or +91 for India). Tap Next to proceed. And, if you've lost access to your phone number, you'll need to contact the Telegram support team before proceeding to the next step.

Screenshot showing the Delete Account or Manage Apps page on TelegramMy confirmation code arrived inside the app instantly

3. Verify Your Account With the Code (Inside the Telegram App)

Telegram sends the verification code directly within your Telegram app, not via SMS. So, open Telegram on any device where you’re still logged in and copy that code (I know it’s a hassle). Check the Telegram chat (unarchive/unmute if needed).

Screenshot showing the login code message on TelegramThe code should be 11 characters long

A 2-step verification code could block your login. Use the recovery email to reset the 2-step. If you never set one, you’ll need to wait out the inactivity timer or regain access to a device already logged in.

Pro tip. Repeated code requests or rapid logins can trigger rate limits. Stop trying for a while (sometimes up to 24–48 hours), then try again — preferably from a stable network and a single device.

4. Sign in on the Web Page Using the Code

Enter the code into the web delete page and click Sign In. You’ll see a few account management options appear, including the option to delete your account.

Screenshot entering the login code message on Telegram web pageMake sure to double check the code before signing in

5. Click "Delete My Account"

Select Delete Account and confirm your choice. Once this is done, you can safely uninstall the app from your devices. How fast is immediate Telegram deletion? It takes effect immediately upon confirmation on the web page. Telegram flushes your data from its systems and logs you out everywhere.

Screenshot showing the You won't be able to recover anything after deleting your account

Deleting your account doesn’t automatically cancel a store-billed Telegram Premium. You must cancel Premium where you bought it (Apple ID, Google Play/in-app “Manage”) before deletion to avoid renewal charges.

Delete Telegram From the App

If you open Telegram and try to delete your account (like any normal person would assume), you’ll quickly see the problem. The app itself doesn’t have an option to delete your account instantly. What you’ll find instead is the “Delete my account if away for” setting, which only removes your account after a long period of inactivity.

This method has a bunch of limitations:

  • It’s not instant. If you want to delete your account right now, use the web browser method.
  • Any login or opening the app on any device resets the countdown to zero.
  • You need ongoing access to your account to let the timer run, so this feature is not helpful if you lose your phone, SIM card, or access to the app.
  • Others may still see past messages or a “Deleted Account” label in old chats until the deletion is complete.

So, it’s only an option if you’ve already moved to another app and don’t plan to come back. However, if you want to delete your account immediately, you must use the web browser method.

Set Up Self-Destruct on Telegram To Delete After Inactivity

If you don't want to delete your Telegram account immediately, you can enable the self-destruct option. This automatically erases your account and all its data after a set period of inactivity.

Delete Telegram on Android or iOS via Self-Destruct

  1. Open Telegram and go to Settings.
  2. Tap on Privacy and Security.
  3. Tap on Delete my account if away for and choose 1, 3, 6, or 12 months.

Now, close Telegram on all devices and do not open it again until the end of the period. Your account will be deleted automatically after the time you chose.

Telegram Self-Destruct on Desktop

  1. Open the Telegram Desktop App and navigate to Settings.
  2. Select the Privacy and Security tab.
  3. Click on Delete my account if away for and pick 1, 3, 6, or 12 months.

Now, quit Telegram everywhere and stay signed out until the end of the period.

What Gets Removed When You Delete Telegram (And What Doesn't)

When you delete your Telegram account, Telegram wipes almost everything tied to your profile. That said, not all your traces disappear immediately. Here’s what actually happens once you confirm deletion on the web page:

What Gets Removed

All messages that are stored on Telegram’s servers. Your chats, media, stickers, contacts, and cloud backups are permanently erased.
All active sessions. You’ll be logged out from every device, including phones, tablets, and desktops.
Your account information. Your username, profile picture, and bio are deleted.
Your secret chats. These are end-to-end encrypted and stored only on devices, so they vanish as soon as the account is closed.

What Doesn’t Get Removed

Messages you sent to others. Telegram doesn’t retroactively delete those from the recipient’s chat history. Anyone you’ve messaged before will still see “Deleted Account” where your name used to be.
Groups and channels you created. They remain active and can continue without you. Telegram automatically transfers admin rights to another member.
Shared media in public groups. Photos, files, or links posted in public chats may remain visible to others.
Usernames and phone numbers. After deletion, your old phone number can be reused for a new account, but your @username may stay unavailable for a short time before becoming free again.

If your goal is to remove every possible trace, delete your messages and media manually from major groups before confirming the account deletion. This ensures Telegram’s servers and chat histories don’t retain copies linked to you.

Unable To Delete Telegram? Troubleshooting Tips

Even if you follow every step correctly, Telegram’s deletion process can fail for a few common reasons. Here’s how to fix the most frustrating ones I’ve personally run into or seen my friends struggle with.

1. Lost Phone or SIM With No Access to the In-App Code

Telegram sends the confirmation code directly within the app, not via SMS. If you deleted the app or lost access to your number, you won’t receive the code. The only workaround is to log in from another device where your Telegram account is still active.

Once you’re back in, open the message with the code and continue deletion through the web. If you’ve lost all access, you’ll need to wait for the auto-delete timer (set in the “Delete my account if away for” setting) to remove your data after a fixed time period (by default, 18 months).

2. Number Banned, Rate-Limited, or Stuck on “Too Many Attempts”

If you see an error like “Too many attempts, try again later,” it means Telegram temporarily blocked verification for your number due to multiple failed logins or deletions. Wait a few hours before trying again, and avoid using VPNs that trigger suspicious logins.

If your number appears to be banned or you can’t log in at all, contact recover@telegram.org and provide your entire international phone number (including your country code) for a manual review.

3. Didn’t Receive a Code? Check Active Sessions and Muted Chats

Sometimes the code arrives, but you just don’t see it. Telegram often delivers it through your Saved Messages chat or another active session on a different device.

Make sure you check all your devices for active sessions under the Devices tab in the app settings. Also, check any muted or archived chats. Many people miss the code because it’s delivered silently.

4. Account Already Deleted by Inactivity

If you can’t log in and Telegram says “Account not found,” your account may have been deleted due to inactivity. Try signing up again with your number, and if Telegram allows you to create a new account, that means your old one was deleted automatically.

What To Do After Deleting Telegram

Once your Telegram account is deleted, there are still a few cleanup steps to ensure that no leftover data or traces remain on your devices or linked accounts.

  1. Remove any residual app data and cache. Before uninstalling Telegram, ensure that you clean any small amounts of cached data or media files that may remain on your phone or computer.
    • On Android, go to Settings and search for Telegram. Click on it, then tap the Storage option. Now, clear cache and data, and then uninstall the app.
    • On iPhone or iPad, simply deleting the app removes most local data.
    • If you use Telegram Desktop, ensure that you manually delete the Telegram Desktop folder from your system files.
  2. Revoke Telegram logins on third-party sites. If you’ve ever used your Telegram account to sign in to other websites or bots, visit those services and disconnect Telegram manually. Look for Login with Telegram connections under your browser settings or the third-party app’s account page.
  3. Notify close contacts you’ve moved. If you’re switching to another platform like Signal, WhatsApp, or Discord, let your primary contacts know before deleting Telegram so they can reach you elsewhere. You can simply send a quick message and let them know you’ve moved.

Doing these steps ensures you’ve thoroughly cleaned up your old Telegram footprint and prevents confusion or lingering data after deletion.

Alternative To Deleting Telegram: Wipe Your Data

If you’re not ready to delete your Telegram account, you can still clean it up and regain control over your privacy. These steps help you limit exposure, reduce spam, and make Telegram feel like a fresh start without losing access to your existing chats.

  1. Leave or mute groups and channels. Exit inactive or spam-heavy groups and channels, or at least mute them to reduce noise. You can also delete entire chat histories to remove old messages and media from Telegram’s servers.
  2. Tighten your privacy settings. Go to Settings, click on Privacy and Security, and review who can see your phone number, last seen, forwards, and calls. Limiting these to “My Contacts” or “Nobody” keeps your information private and stops strangers from adding you through group interactions.
  3. Turn off “Find by Phone Number” and control who can add you. Go to Telegram’s Privacy settings, look for Phone Number, and switch off “Find by phone number” so your account won’t appear to people who have your number saved. You can also limit who can add you to groups or channels using the Groups & Channels settings.
  4. Use a new number on a fresh account. If your old number or account has been compromised or spammed, consider creating a new Telegram account with a different phone number. But before doing so, back up any important chats or media and inform trusted contacts about your new account to avoid confusion.

These steps don’t delete your account, but they make Telegram far more private and manageable. This is perfect if you just want to reset your experience instead of leaving entirely.

How To Stay Safe on Telegram

Even if you decide to keep your Telegram account, a few privacy tweaks can make a big difference. Telegram gives you control over what others see, but most regular chats are still stored on its servers. Here’s how to make your account safer and your conversations harder to track.

  • Use Secret Chats for sensitive conversations. Secret Chats use end-to-end encryption and are stored only on your devices. To start one, open a chat, tap the person’s name, and select Start Secret Chat. These messages can’t be forwarded, and you can set them to self-destruct after a specified time.
  • Limit who can see you. Go to Settings, look for Privacy and Security, and review who can see your last seen phone number, calls, and group invites. Change each of them to “My Contacts” or “Nobody” to stay under the radar and reduce unwanted messages.
  • Turn off cloud backups for sensitive media. Telegram’s cloud system is convenient, but it means your media and documents stay on its servers. Avoid sending sensitive files in regular chats or public groups to keep them from being stored online.
  • Use a VPN to protect your privacy. If you’re serious about privacy, using a virtual private network (VPN) adds another layer of protection. It hides your IP address, encrypts your internet connection, and prevents ISPs or local authorities from tracking your Telegram activity. Will using a VPN protect your privacy on Telegram? Absolutely, a VPN also helps you access Telegram in countries where it’s restricted or monitored.

Best VPNs for Telegram in 2025

  1. ExpressVPN — Great for using Telegram where the app is blocked or restricted, since automatic obfuscation technology (concealing VPN traffic) is automatically enabled on all servers. Additionally, the Lightway protocol offers impressively fast speeds for Telegram calls, eliminating delays.
  2. NordVPN — Strong security features and specialty servers, like double VPN and obfuscation, to securely use Telegram from anywhere without getting flagged.
  3. Surfshark — User-friendly VPN with native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and more, making it easy to protect your data on Telegram.

Pre-Delete Checklist

Before deleting your Telegram account, it’s worth taking a few quick steps to avoid losing important data or leaving behind unintended traces.

  • Export your data first. Can you export your data before deleting? Telegram allows you to download your messages, photos, and documents before they are deleted. On desktop, go to Settings, look for Advanced, and select Export Telegram Data to save everything locally.
  • Notify your important contacts. Let friends, family, or coworkers know you’re deleting Telegram so they can reach you elsewhere.
  • Clear private chats and files. Delete sensitive conversations or media from large groups before you remove your account to prevent “Deleted Account” placeholders from showing up in old chats.
  • End active sessions. Open Settings, look for Devices, and sign out of all active sessions so your account is fully logged out everywhere.
  • Check your username. Will your @username be available to others after you delete it? Eventually, yes. Telegram may release it after a short holding period, so someone else could claim it later if you ever decide to rejoin.

FAQs on Deleting Your Telegram Account

How can I temporarily deactivate my Telegram account?

Telegram doesn’t offer a temporary deactivation option. You can only delete your account permanently or set it to self-destruct after a period of inactivity. The self-destruct feature lets you choose between 1, 3, 6, or 12 months of inactivity before Telegram automatically deletes your data.

If you just need a break, log out of all devices and tighten your privacy settings instead of deleting your account. This hides your online status and prevents people from adding you to new groups.

Can I delete my Telegram account without a confirmation code?

No, Telegram requires a confirmation code to verify that you’re the account owner before deletion. The code is sent inside the Telegram app, not by SMS or email. If you’ve lost access to your phone or can’t receive the code, contact recover@telegram.org with your registered number and proof of ownership.

Can I delete my Telegram account from another phone?

Yes, you can delete your Telegram account from any phone or desktop browser as long as you can access the Telegram app on at least one device to get the confirmation code. Go to my.telegram.org/auth, enter your phone number, retrieve the code from the app, and complete the process on the web page.

What happens if I delete my Telegram account too often?

If you repeatedly delete and recreate your Telegram account, Telegram may temporarily block your number from creating a new account. Many users report a cooldown period of a few days to a few weeks. This is Telegram’s method for preventing spam and automated account creation.

Does being banned from Telegram delete my data?

No, being banned does not automatically delete your data. Telegram retains your messages and contacts on its servers even if your account is restricted. You lose access, but the data remains stored. To ensure complete deletion, you must manually delete your account using the web deactivation page or request removal directly from Telegram's support.

Can I delete my Telegram account if I've forgotten my password?

Yes, you don’t need your password to delete your account. You only need your phone number and the confirmation code sent to your Telegram app. If you have two-factor authentication enabled and can’t remember your password or recovery email, you’ll need to contact Telegram support or wait for your account to be automatically deleted due to inactivity.

Can hackers track a deleted Telegram account?

Once your Telegram account is permanently deleted, it can’t be tracked directly. However, Telegram may retain limited metadata for up to 12 months, such as IP addresses and device logs, which law enforcement could access through official legal requests. Hackers can’t recover deleted accounts, but they might still access local chat backups if your device wasn’t wiped before deletion.

What's the best (and more secure) Telegram alternative?

If privacy is your top priority, Signal is the best alternative to Telegram. It offers end-to-end encryption by default for all messages and calls, collects almost no user data, and is fully open-source. You can delete your Telegram account and choose other reliable options, including:

  • Threema. Allows anonymous signup and doesn’t require a phone number.
  • Element. An open-source and decentralized app, giving you control over your data.
  • Session. It uses blockchain-based security to minimize metadata collection.
  • WhatsApp. Offers default end-to-end encryption with wide accessibility and ease of use.

Conclusion

Deleting your Telegram account isn’t difficult once you know where to look, but it’s easy to get tripped up by small details, such as the in-app confirmation code or the self-destruct timer. I know I did. Whether you’re leaving for privacy, security, or just to simplify your digital life, the web deletion method is the fastest and most reliable way to wipe everything clean.

Just take a few minutes to back up what matters, clear private chats, and review your privacy settings before you go. If you decide to stay on Telegram, consider using a VPN and Secret Chats to keep your data secure.

References

  1. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/telegram-reaches-1b-users-durov-outpaces-whatsapp-copycats-jha-khssc/
  2. https://www.demandsage.com/telegram-statistics/
Privacy Tip

Your online activity may be visible to the sites you visit

Your IP Address:

216.73.216.42

Your Location:

US, Ohio, Columbus

Your Internet Provider:

Some sites might use these details for advertising, analytics, or tracking your online preferences.

To protect your data from the websites you visit, one of the most effective steps is to hide your IP address, which can reveal your location, identity, and browsing habits. Using a virtual private network (VPN) masks your real IP by routing your internet traffic through a secure server, making it appear as though you're browsing from a different location. A VPN also encrypts your connection, keeping your data safe from surveillance and unauthorized access.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers maintain their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and detailed examination by the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Husain Parvez is a Cybersecurity Researcher and News Writer at vpnMentor, focusing on VPN reviews, detailed how-to guides, and hands-on tutorials. Husain is also a part of the vpnMentor Cybersecurity News bulletin and loves covering the latest events in cyberspace and data privacy.

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Comments (2)
Guftar Hussain
27 Apr 2024
27 Apr 2024

I am Guftar Hussain. I need a telegram account required to be delete. Please help how can I delete the account.

Hello Guftar Hussain! To delete your Telegram account, you need to go to the Telegram Deactivation Page, enter your phone number, and follow the instructions to confirm the deletion. Keep in mind that this action is irreversible, so make sure you really want to proceed before finalizing the deletion.