How to Delete Your Telegram Account Permanently in 2025

Deleting your Telegram account isn't as simple as uninstalling the app. Even after deletion, Telegram stores your metadata for up to 12 months, and other users can still see the messages you’ve sent them. The platform also deliberately makes it difficult to find the deactivation page, and many users struggle with verification code issues.

How do I delete Telegram permanently? You’ll need to find the Telegram deactivation page to start the process — even if you’re one of the average users that opens the app 21 times per day¹, you might struggle to find this. You can also set up your account to self-destruct after a period of inactivity using the Telegram app.

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How to Delete Your Telegram Account in 2025

Deleting your Telegram account permanently requires accessing a hidden deactivation page and verifying your identity. While uninstalling the app doesn't remove your data, following these steps will completely erase your account and all associated information from Telegram's servers.

1. Find the Official Telegram Deactivation Page

Visit Telegram's official account deletion page. This page isn't accessible through the app, which is why many users struggle to find it. However, it is linked through Telegram’s FAQ page on its website.

It's also labeled as an authentication page, which is confusing

2. Enter Your Phone Number

Type your Telegram-registered phone number in international format (including country code). This is crucial since entering the wrong format will prevent you from receiving the verification code. If you've lost access to your phone number, you'll need to contact Telegram support before proceeding.

My confirmation code arrived instantly

3. Verify Your Account With the Code

Check your Telegram app for the confirmation code — it won't arrive via SMS. If you don't get it, click Resend Code in the browser after the timer expires. I found that clearing the app cache can help if you're having trouble receiving codes.

The code should be 11 characters long

4. Click Delete account

This will permanently erase most of your Telegram data, including messages, groups, channels, contacts, and cloud storage. The deletion is immediate and irreversible, and you won't be able to create a new account with the same phone number for several days. However, Telegram will retain some metadata, which is held for up to 12 months.

Similarly, any messages that you’ve sent to others will still be visible on their devices, but you can wipe your Telegram data before you delete, which will delete messages for both parties.

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

Set Up Self-Destruct on Telegram to Delete After Inactivity

Telegram offers an automatic self-destruct feature that deletes your account after a period of inactivity, providing a hands-off approach to account deletion. This feature helps protect your privacy if you can't access your account or forget to manually delete it. Here's how to configure self-destruct:

1. Open the settings. Tap the cog icon for Settings, then Privacy and Security.
2. Find self-destruct options. Scroll to Delete my account if away for….
3. Choose your timeframe. Select between 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, or 24 months.
4. Verify your selection. Telegram will confirm your choice. Once set, your account and all associated data will be permanently deleted if you don't log in within the specified period.

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Alternative to Deleting Telegram: Wipe Your Data

If you want to clear your Telegram data, you don’t have to go through the hassle of deleting your account and setting up a new one. The platform provides easy ways to wipe all your existing data from its servers while keeping your existing account and contacts. Just bear in mind that, while this process may reduce some of the metadata held about your account, it won’t clear it entirely.

1. Clear personal chats. Simple swipe left on the chat you want to erase, and click Delete.
2. Delete shared content in public channels. Go through each channel you’ve used and delete all your messages and media files. This will remove this content for everyone in the channel.
3. Leave channels. Tap and hold (or right click) on the channel you want to leave, and click Leave channel. You can remove yourself as an admin from channels you help manage. If you have a business account, you should also revoke admin access for team members.
4. Delete any channels you own. Open the channel you want to delete. Tap the three dots menu > Channel Info > Delete Channel. Confirm deletion by entering your password if required. All content will be permanently removed for all subscribers.
5. Remove any bots you control. You’ll have to check each individual bot’s documentation to see how to do this, as bots aren’t managed by Telegram.
6. Wipe contacts and personal information. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Delete Synced Contacts. Then, remove your profile photo, clear your profile details, and change your username to a random string of letters and numbers.
7. Revoke active Telegram sessions. Open Settings > Privacy and Security again and select Active Sessions. Click Terminate All Other Sessions.
8. Remove app permissions. Go into your device’s app settings and find Telegram’s permissions. Revoke Telegram’s access to your camera, microphone, and storage. Disable notification permissions, remove contact sync permissions, and turn off location access. This prevents Telegram from collecting any more of your metadata if you choose to use it again.
9. Check for backups. Telegram data could be hiding in your device’s backup process. Check your device's backup settings and remove Telegram from cloud backups. Clear any local backup files. Delete cached media in your gallery and remove saved documents.
10. Uninstall the app. Follow the normal process for uninstalling apps. Then, clear any remaining cache files and data folders before restarting your device.

How to Stay Safe on Telegram

If Telegram is compelled by legal authorities, it may retain and share relevant user data, such as IP addresses and account registration data (phone number, etc.). Plus, when using Telegram, you’re vulnerable to threats such as device malware, poor security practices, and potential data breaches. Here's what you can do to protect your privacy when using Telegram:

• Enable two-step verification. Set up a password in addition to the SMS code to add an extra layer of security to your account.
• Use secret chats. For sensitive conversations, use Telegram's Secret Chats feature, which provides end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages. But, even end-to-end encryption (E2EE) doesn't automatically guarantee privacy on a messaging platform.
• Adjust privacy settings. Customize your privacy settings to control things like who can see your phone number, the last time you were online, the channels you belong to, and your profile photo. Consider setting these to My Contacts or Nobody.
• Be wary of suspicious links and messages. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources to protect against phishing attacks and other harmful URLs.
• Limit sharing of personal information. Be cautious about sharing personal information in chats or groups, especially with users you do not know personally. Our cybersecurity research team has discovered that there’s a vast network of hackers sharing data leaks on Telegram.
• Disable contact syncing. By default, Telegram syncs your phone’s contact list to its servers. You can disable this by going to Settings > Privacy and Security > Data Settings > Delete Synced Contacts and turning off Contact Sync. This prevents Telegram from uploading and storing your contact list.
• Manage active sessions. Review and terminate any suspicious sessions by going to Settings > Devices. This helps to prevent unauthorized access to your account.
• Delete old messages. Regularly clear out old chats and messages, especially in non-Secret Chats. You can also use Telegram’s feature to delete messages for both parties in a conversation, removing them from Telegram’s servers.
• Disable bots and third-party integrations. Bots and third-party apps may collect user data. Avoid using unnecessary bots, and if you do use them, review the data they collect. You can manage bot permissions in individual chats.
• Regularly update the app. Ensure you have the latest version of Telegram to benefit from updated security features and bug fixes.
• Use a VPN. A VPN masks your real IP address, making it harder for Telegram and third parties to track your location or identity. We regularly test VPNs to find the best ones that can access Telegram securely, even in countries like Russia.

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Understanding Telegram's Data Retention Policies

Telegram retains a range of user information, both during account usage and even after account deletion. The types of data that Telegram may retain include:

• Account information. This includes the phone numbers used for account registration and login, your username, profile photo, display name, and bio.
• Message data. Telegram's servers store messages, media, and files shared in non-Secret Chats. Messages sent in groups are stored unless manually deleted, and any posts in public channels remain stored and accessible to others.
• Contact information. If you enable contact syncing, Telegram stores a copy of the user's address book (names and phone numbers of contacts). Any contacts shared in chats or groups may be retained.
• Metadata. Telegram stores IP addresses used to log in, your login times, and details about the devices used to access Telegram (e.g., model, operating system, etc.). It even keeps records of active and terminated sessions on different devices.
• Location data. If you share your location within chats or groups, that data is stored on Telegram’s servers.
• Media and files (photos, videos, documents). Files sent in non-Secret Chats are stored on Telegram’s cloud servers. Any media or files shared in group chats or public channels are retained.
• Payments and financial Information. If Telegram’s payment services (e.g., for bots or Telegram Premium) are used, transaction data and billing information may be stored. If third-party services like bots handle payments, that data may be stored by Telegram or third-party providers.
• Usage statistics. How frequently you interact with specific contacts, groups, or channels are also collected and stored. Even details about interactions with Telegram bots, including any services or data shared with those bots.
• Settings and preferences. Preferences related to notifications, privacy, security, and other settings are stored, as well as any accounts you’ve blocked.
• Deleted accounts. Even after account deletion, some metadata like IP addresses, login times, and device information might be retained for legal or operational reasons.

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FAQs on Deleting Your Telegram Account

How can I deactivate my Telegram account temporarily?

Telegram doesn't offer a temporary deactivation option. Your only options are permanent deletion or using the self-destruct feature. According to Backlinko, the average Telegram user spends around 4 hours and 25 minutes monthly on the app on Android³, so it’s understandable if you want to reclaim some of that time.

The self-destruct feature lets you set your account to delete automatically after a period of inactivity ranging from 1 to 24 months. This gives you time to decide if you want to return to the platform while protecting your privacy if you don't. Your account will also be deleted automatically if it’s inactive for 18 months unless you opt for another timeframe in these settings.

However, you can effectively "pause" your account by logging out of all devices and adjusting your privacy settings to maximum before taking a break. This prevents others from seeing your last seen status or adding you to groups.

Can I delete my Telegram account without a confirmation code?

No, deleting your Telegram account requires verification through a confirmation code sent to your Telegram app. This security measure prevents unauthorized account deletions. If you can't receive the code because you've lost access to your device or app, you'll need to contact Telegram support with proof of ownership, like the phone number and email associated with your account.

Can I delete my Telegram account from another phone?

Yes, you can delete your Telegram account from any device as long as you have access to the device with your registered phone number. Go to the Telegram deactivation page, enter your phone number, and you'll receive the confirmation code in your Telegram app, regardless of which device it's installed on.

The deletion process works the same way whether you're using the original device or a new one, since verification happens through your account, not the specific device.

What happens if I delete my Telegram account too often?

Telegram restricts new account creation with the same phone number after multiple deletions. If you're regularly deleting your account for privacy reasons, I recommend using a VPN to secure your data during each deletion process and considering alternative privacy-focused messaging apps for your needs.

While there's no official limit, users who repeatedly create accounts report cooling periods of up to several weeks before being able to register again. This policy prevents abuse and helps maintain platform stability.

Does being banned from Telegram delete my data?

No, being banned from Telegram doesn't automatically delete your account data. When Telegram bans or restricts an account for violating the terms of service, any messages, contacts, and profile information remain stored on their servers. You simply lose access to them. Telegram isn’t clear on the duration of bans.

To ensure complete data removal, you must explicitly delete your account through the official deactivation page before or after being banned. If you've already been banned and can't access your account, contact Telegram support to request account deletion.

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

Yes, you can delete your Telegram account without knowing your password. The deletion process requires only your phone number and the confirmation code sent to your Telegram app. Passwords are only needed for two-factor authentication.

If you've set up two-factor authentication and forgotten both your password and recovery email, you'll need to wait for the account's automatic deletion through the self-destruct feature or contact Telegram support with proof of ownership. This is also the procedure if your Telegram account has been hacked.

Can police or hackers track a deleted Telegram account?

Once your Telegram account is permanently deleted, it can't be directly tracked by hackers. However, Telegram may retain some metadata for up to 12 months after deletion, which could potentially be accessible through legal channels.

Law enforcement with proper legal authority might obtain limited historical data from Telegram if requested within this retention period. This data includes your IP address, usage timestamps, and information about the devices you used with the platform.

What’s the best Telegram alternative?

Signal is widely considered the best Telegram alternative for privacy-conscious users. Unlike Telegram, Signal provides end-to-end encryption by default for all messages and calls. It collects minimal user data and has an open-source codebase that security experts regularly audit.

Other solid alternatives include:

• WhatsApp. This app has been widely adopted and has default end-to-end encryption.
• Element (formerly Riot). A decentralized, open-source messaging platform that anyone can audit for privacy and security issues in the code.
• Threema. Allows for anonymous use without requiring a phone number.
• Session. Minimizes metadata collection and uses blockchain-based security.

Will using a VPN protect my privacy on Telegram?

Yes, a VPN significantly enhances your privacy on Telegram by encrypting your traffic and masking your IP address. This prevents your ISP, network administrators, and potentially Telegram itself from monitoring your connection details or tracking your location.

However, a VPN can't encrypt messages within Telegram itself — only Telegram's Secret Chats provide end-to-end encryption. For maximum privacy, use both a VPN and Telegram's Secret Chats feature when communicating sensitive information.

Conclusion

Telegram doesn’t make the account deletion process easy — the deactivation page is pretty well hidden, and you have to go through a few steps before you can hit the Delete account button. Plus, deleting your account doesn’t remove all of the data that the platform holds about you.

Remember that simply uninstalling the Telegram app doesn't remove your account or stored data from their servers. For the most thorough account removal, consider systematically clearing your message history, media files, and contact list. This approach helps ensure that your private conversations and personal data are properly removed from Telegram's systems.

References

1. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/telegram-reaches-1b-users-durov-outpaces-whatsapp-copycats-jha-khssc/
2. https://analyzify.com/statsup/telegram/
3. https://backlinko.com/telegram-users/