Telegram Durov is a Russian instant messaging and VOIP app created by brothers Nikolai and Pavel Durov. With it, you can send messages, photos, videos, and all kinds of files, create groups of up to 200.000 people, and channels with unlimited viewers, making it one of the most versatile messaging apps on the market. However, after trying it out, you may decide you're not convinced or simply want to stop using it. If so, you're probably wondering: How to completely delete your Telegram account without leaving a trace? Here you'll find a complete guide with all the alternatives, implications, and tips you should know before making your decision.
Options to delete a Telegram account
When it comes to deleting your Telegram account, there are two main methods: one manual and immediate deletion via the website, and another via the self-destruct function after a period of inactivity. Each has its own particularities, advantages, and disadvantages, which it is essential to understand before taking action.
How to delete your Telegram account manually (immediate deletion)
If you want your account disappear immediately and without waiting, you must use the official Telegram account deletion pageIt's an irrevocable process, so we recommend you make sure you're completely sure before continuing. The process is explained in detail below:
- Access the Telegram deactivation page from any browser, preferably from a computer or tablet to facilitate data entry.
- Introduce your phone number associated with the Telegram account, including the international code (for example, +34 for Spain).
- Receive a confirmation code in your own Telegram app (not via SMS). You must have access to the app to extract that code.
- Enter the code on the website and click to continue.
- You can optionally add the reason for your decision to delete your account (this step is not mandatory, but it can be useful for leaving feedback).
- Click on “Delete My Account” and confirm again so that the deletion is final and irreversible.
Important tip: If you think you might regret it, it's best to opt for the self-destruct option after a period of inactivity, as manual deletion is permanent and resets your Telegram history.
How to delete your Telegram account automatically (self-destruct feature)
Telegram allows you to configure the automatic self-destruction of your account after a prolonged period of inactivity or login. This option is ideal if you're not in a hurry, but want to make sure your information disappears if you actually stop using the app. Here's how to do it:
- Open the Telegram app on your mobile (Android or iOS), computer or Telegram Web.
- Accede to Settings / Configuration (on Android, three-line menu; on iOS, bottom right corner).
- Sign in Privacy & Security.
- Look for the option Delete my account if I am out or “Automatically delete my account.”
- Choose the period of inactivity after which you want your account to be deleted. The usual options are 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or 12 months.
If you do not open the app or log in during the selected period, Telegram will automatically delete your account and all associated content.If you log back in before the end of the period, the counter will reset and you'll have to wait for the new full period.
What happens after deleting your Telegram account?
Many people ask What happens to your data, chats, files, groups and channels? When you decide to delete your Telegram account, either manually or automatically. These are the consequences of permanent deletion:
- All the information associated with your account (messages, chats, shared files, stickers, contacts, etc.) is removed from Telegram servers and you won't be able to get it back in the future.
- Groups and channels you have created They will remain active if they have more members and there is at least one other administrator. If you are the only administrator, consider transferring management before deleting your account.
- Members of groups and channels They will continue to see their own messages and history, even if your profile disappears and your username becomes available.
- If you decide to return to Telegram in the future, you can reuse the same phone number after a restriction period (Telegram may temporarily block new account registrations with a newly deleted number to prevent abuse).
- There is no recovery option or standard temporary disablementDeletion is irreversible and requires creating a new account if you return.
What you should know before deleting your Telegram account
Deleting your Telegram account is an important decision and has irreversible consequences. Therefore, it's essential to keep these key tips in mind before taking the plunge:
- Back up your chats and important files. You can export your data from the desktop version of Telegram (Telegram Desktop) at Settings > Export Telegram data. Choose exactly what type of data you want to save: chats, files, photos, videos, etc.
- If you are the sole administrator of a major group or channel, transfer administration. to another user so the group/channel doesn't become orphaned. If you don't, you could lose control over valuable communities.
- Simply uninstalling Telegram does NOT delete your account or data. The app just disappears from your device, but your account remains active in the cloud, available for reuse.
- The elimination is not reversible. Once you delete your account, you won't be able to recover it or access any of your old conversations, files, or contacts. If you register a new account, you'll start from scratch.
- Telegram does not offer the option to "temporarily suspend" your account. If you want to log out of the app without losing data, you can mute notifications or log out, but your data will remain in the cloud.
- There is a waiting period to create a new account with your number if you delete it. Telegram may temporarily block the reuse of that number as an anti-spam security measure.
How to delete individual messages and chats in Telegram
If your goal is to clear your history without deleting your entire account, Telegram allows you to delete individual messages and chats, both in private conversations and in groups:
- You can delete any message sent or received for the last 48 hours. If you delete it, it will disappear for both parties without a trace.
- In chats between two people, you can clear the entire history for both.
- In group chats or channels, you can only delete messages that you have sent.
- For greater privacy, you can use the secret chats and enable the message self-destruct timerSimply tap the clock icon (iOS) or the top bar (Android), select the time, and once viewed, the message will disappear from both parties' chats.
Frequently asked questions about deleting Telegram accounts
- Can Telegram be temporarily deleted? There's no official "temporary suspension" option. The closest thing is scheduled self-destruction due to inactivity.
- Do I lose my channels, stickers, and bots? Yes. Everything associated with your account will be permanently deleted.
- Do I need the password or phone number to delete the account? Yes, you'll need access to your Telegram app to receive the confirmation code linked to your number.
- What happens if I delete and recreate an account with the same number? You'll start from scratch, your previous data won't be restored, and your contacts will see you as a "new user."
- Is the removal process safe? Yes. Telegram requires code confirmation and does not allow deletion via other means to prevent identity theft or accidental deletion.
Extra privacy and security features in Telegram
Telegram stands out for its focus on privacy and security. In addition to account and message deletion, the app offers additional tools:
- Secret chats with end-to-end encryption: Only you and the recipient can read messages, and they can self-destruct automatically.
- Possibility of self-destructing accounts and messages to maintain the confidentiality of your conversations.
- Open source and auditsTelegram allows you to review the app's code and its MTProto protocol. Any expert can analyze its security and potential vulnerabilities.
- Rewards for detecting security flawsTelegram may offer up to $300.000 to anyone who reports a serious vulnerability on its platform.
Alternatives to deletion: Is it worth deleting Telegram?
Before making your final decision, you should consider whether you really need to completely delete your account or whether less drastic measures are sufficient, such as:
- Mute chats or groups to reduce discomfort.
- Sign out of devices if you just want to stop using the app for a while.
- Delete chat history or archive old conversations.
- Configure the visibility of your number, photo, and last connection from the privacy settings.
- Review storage and cache settings to free up space and keep the app optimized.
If you still decide to delete your account, follow the steps explained to ensure you leave no trace and know exactly what you'll lose and how it will affect your data and contacts. Telegram is a very powerful, secure, and option-rich app, but like any other digital tool, sometimes you need to close the loop. Now you have all the resources and detailed information to make the best decision.