Top 10 tips for using Telegram safely and securely (2024)

Using end-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Telegram is one of the best ways to protect your digital privacy, but you'll need to know how to use them to avoid privacy breaches.

We show you how to use Telegram safely and securely, whether setting up multiple budget Android phones or double-checking your current phone's security status. By following all these tips, you'll ensure your Telegram account is as secure as possible.

Does a Telegram Premium subscription protect your privacy?

No, Telegram Premium does not contain any features related to privacy or security. Upgrading to Telegram Premium is great for power users, but you don't need it if you're worried about privacy.

Use secret chats to encrypt your messages

Regular chats on Telegram are not end-to-end encrypted by default. This feature needs to be manually enabled and should be the first thing you do after installing Telegram. However, if you use Telegram across multiple Android phones, you can't move secret chats between them.

To start a secret chat, follow these steps:

1. Open Telegram.
2. Tap the pencil icon in the lower-right corner.
3. Tap New Secret Chat.
4. Select a contact to start a secret chat.

   

   

Enable two-step verification to prevent unauthorized access

Two-factor authentication is an essential tool to protect your accounts effectively. Telegram offers a slightly different method requiring you to enter a separate password when logging in to Telegram on a new device. It also sends you a code via SMS to enter alongside the password.

1. Open Telegram.
2. Tap the menu button in the upper-left corner of your screen.
3. Tap Settings.

   

   

4. Tap Privacy and Security.
5. Tap Two-Step Verification.

   

6. Enter a password.

Disable active sessions on other devices

Multiple Telegram sessions may open simultaneously if you're constantly switching between devices. Conversations on multiple devices aren't end-to-end encrypted, so disable unused sessions where possible. It's easy to forget what devices you're logged in to, so Telegram lets you view and terminate active sessions from one device.

1. Open Telegram.
2. Tap the menu button in the upper-left corner of your screen.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Privacy and Security.

   

   

5. Tap Active Sessions.
6. Tap Terminate all other sessions.

   

   

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Self-destructing media disappears from a chat after a certain amount of time. If you're concerned about making individual messages private, this is the easiest and most effective method. You can send self-destructing media within regular and secret conversations.

1. Open Telegram.
2. Select a chat.
3. Tap the Attach icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.
4. Choose an existing image or take a new one.

   

   

5. Tap the stopwatch button next to the Send button.

   

6. Select how long you wish your media to last.
7. Tap the Send button.

Delete messages for ultimate privacy

Telegram allows you to delete messages in regular and group chats. While not ideal for socializing, this feature is a plus for privacy, particularly if you lost one of your devices and want to ensure no one can read your private messages.

1. Open Telegram.
2. Open a chat.
3. Long press any chat message.
4. Tap the Delete button in the upper-right corner of your screen.

   

   

5. Select the Also delete for checkbox to delete it for the other person.
6. Tap Delete.

   

   

Lock the Telegram app with a password

Let's say someone steals your phone while it's unlocked. Assuming they keep it unlocked, they can access your Telegram messages despite your encryption settings. This feature locks Telegram behind a password, PIN, or biometric authentication.

1. Open Telegram.
2. Tap the menu button in the upper-left corner of your screen.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Privacy and Security.

   

   

5. Tap Passcode Lock.
6. Tap Enable passcode.
7. Choose a passcode, and then tap Confirm.

   

   

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Hide your IP address with a proxy server

Many great VPNs are available for Android, but you don't need one if you only want to hide your IP address for your Telegram chats. Unlike most VPNs, this service is free.

Here's how to set up a Telegram proxy server:

1. Open Telegram.
2. Tap the menu button in the upper-left corner of your screen.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Data and Storage.

   

   

5. Scroll down and tap Proxy settings.
6. Tap Add Proxy.

   

   

Double-check your group permissions

Large groups come with security risks. Managing your group permissions can minimize risks by preventing people from adding others to the group.

1. Open Telegram.
2. Tap the menu button in the upper-left corner of your screen.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Privacy and Security.

   

   

5. Tap Groups.
6. Change Everybody to My Contacts.

   

   

How to clear payments and shipping information

Thanks to the ability to make purchases over Telegram, the app may store your payment details. This sensitive information can be cleared immediately after making a purchase.

1. Open Telegram.
2. Tap the menu button in the upper-left corner of the app.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Privacy and Security.

   

   

5. Tap Clear Payment and Shipping Info.
6. Select the Shipping info and Payment info checkboxes.
7. Confirm your changes by tapping Clear.

   

   

Automatically delete your account after losing access

Telegram has a feature that deletes your account permanently after it goes unused for a set amount of time. This is the ultimate solution if you lose access to your Telegram account entirely. Just be mindful of how much you use Telegram. You don't want to set the timer too short.

1. Open Telegram.
2. Tap the menu button in the upper-left corner of your screen.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Privacy and Security.

   

   

5. Tap If away for under the Delete my Account heading.
6. Choose a period of time.

   

   

Have fun and be safe

Telegram is a great way to protect your messages, but there are steps you can take outside the app to improve your privacy and security. The most important step is using a 2FA app like Google or Authy. Using one of these apps alongside the correct use of Telegram's in-built features makes it virtually impossible for someone to access your account without your permission.