Telegram has gained a reputation for its focus on security, but there's one feature in particular that can get you into trouble if you don't know how to control it: “People nearby”Although its purpose is to facilitate contact with users or groups around you, various researchers have shown that it can be used to infer your location with considerable accuracy if you keep it active.
In this article we tell you, step by step, how to deactivate it, what other measures privacy It's a good idea to apply it on your phone and in the app, and why there's been a stir over an external tool that exploits this feature. You'll see the key is simple: If you don't use it, better turn it off, and check permissions and settings so that no one bothers you or tracks you.
What is “People Nearby” and how does it work?
“People Nearby” is an optional feature that allows you to explore local users and groups that are within a short distance of your location. If you activate it, you'll appear on a list visible to others who also have it activated, with an approximate indication of the distance in meters between you. It is disabled by default., so you only appear if you turn it on voluntarily.
Telegram ensures that the data shown to other users is approximate and your phone number is not revealed, only your username. In addition, the platform has indicated that, in order to protect privacyThe distances are not exact; since 2022, they have spoken of a rounding of approximately 700 meters, and in other communications, of margins closer to 800 meters. In short: it doesn't show your precise location, but it does show an approximate proximity..
This feature is not the same as “Share Location” in a chat. “People Nearby” operates in the background to discover local profiles and groups, while location in a chat means you manually choose who you share it with and when. If you're not looking to meet people nearby or join neighborhood groups, you should have it turned off.
Why can it be a risk to your privacy?
Several tests have shown that, with enough patience or specific tools, that approximate distance can be used to triangulate your position. This possibility has already been warned about in the past using measurements from different points. The debate was revived with the emergence of “Close-Circuit Telegram Vision” (CCTV), a project on GitHub that uses the Telegram API to collect user location data that activate “People Nearby”.
According to its developer, CCTV can estimate the position of a target with an accuracy of between 50 and 100 metersTelegram, for its part, denies this precision and maintains that the data on its servers offers a much more flexible estimate (around 700-800 meters). The project's author even published a demo on YouTube, and although the video was removed for violating the platform's rules, the noise had already been made. The practical conclusion: If you don't need this feature, it's better to disable it.
Important: This kind of tools can only work if the option is enabled. activated in your accountIf you never turned it on, you won't appear in the list, and there's no distance data available for third parties to use. Still, it's a good idea to check its status in case you left it on at some point and don't remember.
How to check and disable “People Nearby”?
The process is very quick, and depending on your phone, you'll see the option in different places. Make sure what you see at the top of the list is "Make me visible”: if that button appears, it means that you are NOW hidden; if “Hide myself”, then you are visible and you must click on it to stop appearing.
On Android: Open Telegram, tap the menu button (the three lines at the top left) and go to people nearbyIf you see users and groups with their distance, you are visible; tap Hide myself to exit the list. If "Make me visible" is indicated at the top, everything is correct: you don't appear.
On iPhone: Go to Telegram, go to the tab Contacts and tap “Find people nearby.” If you’re already visible, profiles and groups will appear with the distance; tap Hide myself to stop showing up. If you see “Make me visible,” it means that you are not sharing your presence.
Keep in mind one detail: if your profile picture is not public, you may not be able to enable visibility in “People Nearby.” As an additional measure, many users prefer limit the visibility of your images to “Only my contacts” for reduce unnecessary exposures.
Disable location access from your mobile phone
To go a step further, you can remove Telegram's right to consult your locationThis prevents accidental use and limits the surface area you're exposed to if you ever touch something you shouldn't.
On Android: Open your phone's Settings > Apps > Telegram > Permissions > Location and select “Do not allow” or “Allow only while using the app,” depending on your comfort level. If you prefer a radical measure, you can disable the system location from Settings > Location, although this will affect all apps.
On iOS: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. There you can disable global location services or go app by app. On Telegram, set the permission to Never, “Ask me next time,” “While using the app,” or “Always.” For maximum privacy, "Never" It is the most restrictive option.
Key privacy settings within Telegram
Telegram includes several levers so that only those you want can contact you. Review this section carefully and adjust everything to your liking. shield your profile.
- Phone number: Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Telephone. Learn how to keep your phone number private.. Choose who can see your number (“Nobody” is the safest) and who can find you by your number (“Nobody” is the safest)Contacts
- Groups and channels: in Settings > Privacy and security > Groups and channels, defines who can add you. More about Telegram groups and channelsLimiting it to “My Contacts” reduces the risk of being placed in unwanted groups.
- Profile photos and videos: in Settings > Privacy & security > Profile photos and videos, decide if you want only your contacts to see them. This also prevents strangers from using your image.
- Last seen and online: In Settings > Privacy & security > last time and onlineYou can select "Nobody" to hide your status. This way, you won't be able to tell when you're online.
- Quick Block: If someone has written to you without your consent, go to their chat, tap their name and press Block (how to block a contact). You can manage them in Settings > Privacy & Security > Blocked Users.
A controversial point is the Username (@user): Even if you hide your number, anyone can still write to you if they know your nickname or find you through your public activity (groups, channels, links). If you don't need a nickname, consider delete it or use a complicated one to reduce the reach of strangers. (you can consider use Telegram without a number).
Username: How to minimize unwanted messages
A username is handy for avoiding sharing your phone number, but it opens the door to cold messages from people who find you through searches, groups, or channels. If you're receiving spam or unwanted contacts, consider using it. these measures:
- Delete your handle entirely if you don't need it: without an @username, only people with your number or people in a group with you can write to you. Greatly reduces exposure.
- If you want to keep it, use a less obvious alias and avoid posting it on social media, forums, or in signatures. The less it circulates, less noise you will receive.
- Review your participation in public groups and consider leaving those where it's not worthwhile to be visible. Being in mass channels increase your footprint.
Protection against bots and SPAM
Some bots crawl users or scrape public lists to send bulk messages. Avoid clicking suspicious links And if an unsolicited bot writes to you, close the conversation with the “Stop Bot” option. Do not share personal information or authorize access that you do not understand. If you are concerned, use a secret chat for sensitive conversations.
Remember: receiving a single message doesn't mean they've seen your number. They've probably found your @user in a group or through a search. When in doubt, block and report.
Telegram Premium: Limit who can write to you
With the paid version, Telegram adds a very powerful control: deciding who can send you direct messages. This feature is, as of today, the only way to block completely messages from strangers to your main inbox (in the free inbox, they usually go to Requests).
Path: Settings > Privacy and security > Messages > Who can message me? Options available for Premium accounts:
- only my contacts: Eliminate contacts from people outside your address book.
- My contacts and Premium users: somewhat more flexible, it allows entry to profiles that also pay the subscription.
If harassment or SPAM is a recurring problem for you, this Premium setting can make all the difference and save you a lot of trouble.
Turn off “A contact joined Telegram” notifications
This warning can be annoying and encourages you to interact with new users. If it doesn't help, go to Settings > Notifications and sounds and uncheck “A contact joined Telegram”. Less noise, more quiet.
The misuse of “People Nearby” and what Telegram is doing
The controversy centers on the possibility that third parties can use approximate distance to infer locations. Telegram maintains that it applies roundings and margins to avoid fine-tuning. In any case, the balance between local discovery and privacy is delicate, and it is best to keep control in the hands of the user, while maintaining the functionality. disabled by default.
In parallel, the platform promotes legitimate uses of the local (e.g., neighborhood groups or nearby businesses) that don't require everyone to be visible all the time. If you're interested in local things, turn visibility on only at specific times and turn it off as soon as you're done, so reduce your exposure.
FAQs
Can you write to me without having my number?
Yes. If they know your @user, they can start a chat even if your number is hidden. That's why we recommend removing the alias if you don't need it or making it less predictable.
Why am I receiving messages from strangers?
You may have activated “people nearby”, you participate in public groups, or you have an easily guessed nickname. There are also bots that send spam to visible users in channels or lists.
How do I turn off “People Nearby”?
Android: Side menu > People nearby > Hide myself. iPhone: Contacts > Find People Nearby > Hide Me. If “Make Me Visible” appears, you’re already hidden.
What happens if I delete my alias?
No one will be able to locate you by @userPeople with your number or those in your group can still write to you, but you'll significantly reduce the number of strangers entering.
Prevent yourself from being found through your contacts
If you want to take drastic measures to not appear linked to your address book, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Contacts and press “Delete synchronized contacts”. This way Telegram doesn't use the copy of your address book and makes it difficult for you to be discovered people who have saved you.
Complement the above with Settings > Privacy and security > Telephone: Set “Nobody” to “Who can see my number” and “My contacts” to “Who can find me by my number.” This will further narrow down the exposure possibilities.
Practical tips for safer use
- Turn on “People Nearby” only when you really need it and turn it off right after. Occasional use, not permanent.
- Limit your profile picture visibility to “Only my contacts” and avoid overly identifiable images if you are concerned about the privacy.
- Be wary of links or files from strangers; if something smells strange, blocks and reports.
- Review your phone's permissions and the app's Privacy sections from time to time. Security isn't a "set it and forget it" situation..
With all of the above, it's easy to keep the exposure generated by "People Nearby" at bay and, in the process, strengthen your overall privacy on Telegram. The bottom line is that visibility is optional and turned off by default: If it doesn't add value to you, disable it., review location permissions, adjust who can interact with you, and if you need full control over incoming messages, consider Telegram Premium.
With a few minutes of adjustments, you'll reduce the risk of tracking and avoid the hassle of unwanted contacts. Share this guide and more users will know the importance of disabling the People Nearby option in Telegram..