In the world of instant messaging, mobile apps have revolutionized the way people communicate, allowing for immediate connection regardless of distance or location. Among the most popular alternatives are whatsapp, facebook messenger and, of course, TelegramThe latter has been gaining a large presence and users thanks to its versatility, safety and advanced features that we don't always find in other options.
In Telegram, as in other messaging applications, the account is associated with a phone numberThis raises a common concern among users: Is it possible to change your number on Telegram without losing your chat history, groups, files, or contacts? Knowing how to do this process correctly can save you a lot of worry and prevent the loss of crucial information, especially if you've decided to change your number for personal or work reasons, or simply after switching phone companies.
If you need to make this number change, here we guide you in the following way: complete, exhaustive and clear So you can do it from any device, without losing any important conversations or your contacts. Plus, you'll discover additional tips to get even more out of Telegram, such as exporting your conversations, managing your privacy, and even using multiple accounts on the same device.
Why is it important to know how to change your number on Telegram without losing data?
Changing the phone number associated with Telegram is a common process for both personal and professional users. For example, you may need to change your carrier and get a new number, if you want to separate your personal and professional phone numbers, after an international move, for privacy reasons, or simply to start a new life while maintaining your history. Telegram, unlike other apps, allows you to: make the change without losing data, but it is essential to follow the proper procedure.
On other messaging services, changing your number can be problematic: you risk losing conversations, files, and groups. But Telegram stores most of your data in the cloud, which makes migration easier. Additionally, this app is cross-platform and can be used simultaneously on multiple devices (mobile phones, tablets, and PCs), making the experience of changing numbers and devices much more seamless and secure.
Complete guide: How to change your phone number on Telegram without losing your chat history
The process of changing your number on Telegram is simple, but requires attention to avoid mistakes. Below, we've detailed step-by-step instructions on what to do on any device:
- Open the Telegram app on your device (Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, macOS or Web).
- Access the section Settings (usually by tapping the three horizontal lines in the top left corner, or accessing it from the bottom menu on iOS).
- At the top, you will find your profile picture and below, your current phone number. Click on your number.
- A new screen will open where Telegram briefly explains the process. Click on «Change number».
- Telegram will warn you that all your contacts who had your old number will see it updated in their Telegram address book (if you haven't blocked them).
- Enter the new telephone number following the international format (+country code). Make sure you have access to this new number, as you'll receive a verification code.
- Enter the Confirmation code that you will receive via SMS (or call, if you have activated two-step verification).
- Once verified, your account will be migrated automatically to the new number. All the Chats, files, images, audios, stickers, groups, channels and personal data will remain intact.Your contacts will see your new number, and you won't lose your contact history.
This process is secure and automatic. Telegram associates all your cloud data with the new number. If you're logged in on multiple devices, the update will sync across all of them. You'll also keep your active secret chats on each device.
What happens after changing your number on Telegram?
When changing your number on Telegram:
- You keep all your conversations, including individual chats, group chats, channels, and saved messages.
- You won't lose files, photos, stickers or multimedia, since everything remains associated with your Telegram cloud account.
- Contacts will see your new number automatically, as long as you don't have them blocked and privacy allows it.
- Groups and channels where you were a member or administrator will remain the same, and your privileges will not be modified.
- El old number is no longer associated with your account; you can use it to create a new Telegram account if you wish.
- The Privacy settings, notifications, themes, and customization are kept, as is the username (if you have one set).
One of the Telegram's strengths It is its multi-platform and cloud-based operation. So, if in addition to a number change you have a new mobile phone, tablet or PC, you'll just need to install the app and log in with your new phone number. Enter the verification code you received (via SMS or call, depending on your settings), and your account will be restored with all your data as if nothing had happened. Your chats, photos, and files will be available immediately thanks to cloud backup, without the need to manually export data.
In case you want to make sure that all important images and media files are backed up, you can configure additional services such as Google Photos, so that images from the Telegram folder are automatically uploaded to the Google cloud (this is especially useful if you change your mobile phone frequently).
What happens if I lose access to my old number?
Sometimes you may have lost access to your old number (for example, if it was stolen, you lost your phone, or you canceled your line). Although Telegram requires access to the old number to ensure security.If you don't have one, here are some important recommendations:
- Make sure you have two-step verification turned on. This way, they won't be able to access your account using just their phone.
- Contact your operator to recover your SIM or request a portability to your new number.
- If you create a new account with another number, The history and data from the previous account will not be transferred automatically. You will have to make a manual export from the chats (we explain how to do this later).
How to export your Telegram chat history for added security?
Telegram maintains all your chats in the cloud, which ensures that you can access them from any device. However, if you want to make a local backup of your conversations (for example, in the event of an irreversible number change or to save it long-term), the app has a chat export function available in its desktop version (Windows, macOS, and Linux).
Here's how to export your chats:
- Download and install the Telegram desktop app since Official site.
- Sign in with your Telegram account.
- Open the conversation (individual, group, or channel) you want to export.
- Click on the three vertical points in the top right corner of the chat and select Export chat history.
- A configuration window will open where you can choose:
- Items to export: text messages, sent files, photos, videos, audios, GIFs, voice files, stickers, etc.
- Download size limit: You can adjust this by dragging the slider to include larger files if needed.
- Export format: you can choose between files HTML (navigable from any browser) or JSON (useful for advanced analysis).
- Date range and download location.
This way, you'll have a safe local copy. It's advisable to perform this procedure periodically if you have important information that you absolutely don't want to lose, even if you never plan on changing your phone number.
Can I export all Telegram chats at once?
Yes, Telegram allows you to do a full export of your entire account:
- From the desktop app menu, go to "Settings" > "Advanced" > "Export Telegram data".
- Select the types of data you want to back up: messages, photos, videos, files, contacts, stickers, channel and group lists, etc.
- Adjust the export format and location.
- Press on "To export" and wait for it to finish.
This procedure also allows you to have a local copy of all your contacts, groups, channels and media files, making it even easier to protect your information against any eventuality.
Advanced privacy management when changing numbers
A fundamental aspect of Telegram is its focus on user privacy. When changing numbers:
- Users who already had your old number in their address book and aren't blocked will automatically see the change.
- In your privacy settings You can limit who can see your phone number, last seen, photo, profile information, or whether they can find you by your old number or public username.
- You can also hide your number from unwanted callers, block contacts, and manage appearance permissions in groups and channels.
- Telegram doesn't share your new number with users who didn't have your old number and you haven't authorized it.
These advanced options are ideal for those seeking maximum privacy when migrating between numbers and devices.
Essential tips for managing your Telegram account after changing your number
- Check the session on all your devicesAfter switching, make sure your account is properly synced on each device (mobile, tablet, PC, web). If you detect unauthorized access, you can close remote sessions from Settings > Devices.
- Activate XNUMX-Step Verification: Add an extra layer of security to your account to prevent unauthorized access even if you lose control of your phone number.
- Set the username: This way, others will be able to find you on Telegram even if you change your number.
- Check your groups and channels: If you manage important groups or channels, make sure you have retained admin or founder privileges.
- Manage your secret chatsThese aren't stored in the cloud and are linked to each device. If you log out, you'll lose them, so chat in the cloud to make sure you keep your messages.
What about secret chats and number migration?
The secret chats on Telegram are a special functionality that uses end-to-end encryption and does not store history in the cloud. This means that if you log out or change devices, you will lose access to these messages. By changing your number without logging out, Secret chats remain operational on that device, but if you reset the account from scratch (for example, on a new phone), previous Secret Chats won't transfer. So, if you have sensitive information in those chats, be sure to back it up before switching both your number and device.
Advanced features and additional tricks for Telegram
In addition to number migration, Telegram is an app packed with advanced features for managing your messages, groups, and privacy. Here are some of the most useful and lesser-known features:
Saved Messages: Your Personal Cloud on Telegram
In Telegram you can use the conversation "Saved messages" to store any file, photo, text, link, or document. There is no total storage limit, just a individual file limit of up to 2 GBIt's perfect for saving important files and having them available from any device.
Did you accidentally delete "Saved Messages"? Here's how to recover them.
- Tap the magnifying glass (search) icon in the Telegram app.
- Type “Saved Messages” in the search field.
- Select the conversation and start saving content again.
Pin important messages to the top of your chats
You can pin any important message to the top of a chat (whether individual, group, or your own saved messages). This is very useful when you need to keep files or relevant information close at hand.
- Find the relevant message in the chat.
- Tap the three dots to the right of the message and select "Pin up".
- The message will always appear at the top of the chat for quick access.
Use cross-platform drafts
Telegram saves the draft messages in the cloud, which means if you start writing a message on your phone, you can finish it on your PC or tablet without losing it. This makes it easier to write long or important messages.
Receive updates and news before anyone else
In addition to downloading Telegram from Google Play or the App Store, you can Download the updated official APK directly from the official Telegram website to access news before users of official stores.
Join the Beta program to test new features
Telegram has a beta so users can test new features before they reach the stable version. The Beta is available from the App Center and is ideal for those who want first access to the latest tools. Remember that beta versions must be updated manually.
Use multiple Telegram accounts on a single device
Unlike other apps like WhatsApp, Telegram allows you to have up to three different accounts in the same appThis way, you can easily switch between your personal and work accounts, or multiple lines, without the need for multiple devices.
- Open the side menu by pressing the three horizontal lines.
- Click on the arrow under your avatar and nickname.
- Choose "Add Account" and log in with the other number.
Tips and solutions for common problems when changing your number on Telegram
- Make sure you have access to both numbers (both the old and the new) during the process, as you may need the old one to authenticate the transaction in some cases.
- Set up additional security en Settings > Privacy & Security > Two-Step Verification to prevent account theft.
- If you have problems with verification codesMake sure you enter the number in international format and that your SIM card has a signal and can receive text messages or calls. In case of an issue, you can request the code via phone call if available.
- If you forgot your two-step password, request recovery via the linked email.
- To avoid losing access to your groups and channels, verify that you are still an administrator and manage permissions once the change is made.
What are the differences between changing your phone number and creating a new Telegram account?
- change number On Telegram: Your history, groups, files, contacts, and all your personalized settings are retained. This is the preferred method if your number change is permanent.
- Create a new account: You're starting from scratch, without the chats or contacts from your previous account. Only recommended if you want to start completely from scratch (for privacy or personal reasons) or if you've lost full access to your old account.
Frequently asked questions about changing your number on Telegram
- Can I link the old number to another account again? Yes, once you unlink the number from the original account, you can use it to create a new Telegram account.
- Will my messages be notified to my contacts? Your contacts will see your new number in their address books. They won't receive an automatic message, but the change will be visible (unless you've blocked them or set extra privacy settings).
- Can chats or files be lost? No, all chats, groups, and files are retained by being associated in the Telegram cloud.
- What happens if you log out before changing your number? In that case, you'll need to log in with your old number, change it, and then log out. If you log out before then, you may lose access if you don't have your old number valid to receive the code.
Exclusive advantages of Telegram over other messaging apps
- Unlimited cloud storage (limit per individual file only).
- True cross-platform: You can use the account on any number of devices at once without losing sync.
- possibility of export your entire chat history, contacts and files easily.
- Advanced privacy and security management.
- Multiple numbers or accounts linked simultaneously in a single application.
What should you do if you lose your phone or have your SIM stolen when changing your number?
In case of loss or theft, Telegrams best security practices:
- Contact your mobile operator to block your SIM and request a new one.
- Turn on two-step verification if you're accessing it from another device.
- Sign out of active Telegram sessions from any other device you control by going to Settings > Devices.
- If you can't regain access, you can remotely delete your account from the official Telegram website. This process will delete all your data, groups, and messages.
For added security in the future, always set up two-step verification and keep your recovery email updated.
How to maintain maximum privacy after changing your number
Telegram lets you customize who can see your phone number, online status, photo, and other personal information, even after you change your number. To do this, go to Settings > Privacy and Security and explore the available options:
- Who can see my phone number? You can choose between "Everyone", "My contacts" or "Nobody".
- Who can find you by your number? You can decide whether users who have your old number can find you after the change.
- Block unwanted users, mute notifications from problematic chats, or limit interaction with new users.
Alternatives and advanced uses of Telegram after changing your number
- You can separate your personal and professional lives by creating multiple accounts in the same app and switching between them without logging out.
- Usa Telegram Web from any browser if you need to temporarily access your conversations on a foreign device.
- Automate backups and periodic chat exports if you manage sensitive information.
- Take advantage of Telegram bots for file management, reminders, and automation after a number change.
Demystifying common mistakes and doubts when migrating numbers on Telegram
- The change of number does not delete your messages or files, since they are stored in the cloud and are associated with your account, not the specific number.
- If you had secret chats open, these do not migrate between devices, but they do remain on the device where you made the change if you don't log out.
- Changing your number is almost instantaneous, and your contacts will see you as the same person in their Telegram address books.
- There is no need to manually export chats. to change your number, as Telegram will automatically save them (exporting is only recommended as a security extra).
Migrating your Telegram account to a new phone number is a simple procedure. very simple, safe and reversible which, if done correctly, It does not imply the loss of your history, files, chats, contacts or groupsTelegram's cloud sync system facilitates a smooth and fast transition between both numbers and devices, as long as you follow the steps indicated and maintain active account security. Additionally, features such as chat export, advanced privacy management, and the ability to use multiple accounts make Telegram one of the most comprehensive and reliable messaging apps currently available for users looking for flexibility and protection of their personal information.