How to Delete Your Telegram Account Permanently
Telegram is a popular messaging platform known for its strong encryption and privacy features. However, if you have decided to leave Telegram, you need to be aware that there is no temporary deactivation option. Deleting your account is permanent, and once done, all messages, contacts, and data will be lost. If you still wish to proceed, follow our detailed step-by-step guide to permanently delete your Telegram account.
Methods to Delete Your Telegram Account
There are two primary methods to delete your Telegram account:
- Self-Destruct Option (Takes Up to 1 Month) – Modify your settings so your account automatically deletes itself after a chosen inactivity period.
- Immediate Deletion via Web Portal – Access Telegram’s official deactivation page to delete your account instantly.
We will cover both methods in detail below.
Method 1: Deleting Telegram Account via Self-Destruct (Mobile)
Telegram accounts automatically self-destruct after six months of inactivity. However, you can shorten this period to as little as one month by modifying the settings.
Steps to Set Self-Destruct Timer:
Open the Telegram App on your mobile.
Tap on the Three Horizontal Lines at the top-left corner and select settings.
1. Navigate to Privacy and Security.
2. Scroll down to the Delete My Account section.
3. Tap on the Account self-destructs option (default: 6 months) and choose 1 Month from the list.
4. Exit settings and ensure you do not log in for one month.
5. After the selected inactivity period, Telegram will automatically delete your account along with all your data.
Method 2: Instantly Deleting Telegram Account via Web Portal
If you want to delete your Telegram account immediately, you must use a web browser.
Steps to Delete Telegram Account Instantly:
1. Open a web browser and visit Telegram Deactivation Page.
2. Enter your phone number associated with Telegram and Click on Next.
3. Telegram will send a confirmation code to your account and Enter the received code on the website and click Sign In.
4. Select Delete Account.
5. Enter a reason for leaving and Click Delete My Account.
6. Confirm by clicking Yes, Delete My Account.
7. Once confirmed, your Telegram account will be permanently deleted. You won’t be able to sign up again using the same number for several days.
Exporting Your Telegram Data Before Deletion
If you wish to keep a backup of your Telegram chats, media, and data before deleting your account, follow these steps:
1. Open the Telegram desktop application and Click on the Three Horizontal Lines in the top-left corner.
2. Select Settings.
3. Click on Advanced and Choose Export Telegram Data.
4. Select the data you want to save and click Export.
5. Wait for the process to complete and store your exported files securely.
What Happens After Deleting Telegram?
- All messages, contacts, and media will be erased permanently.
- You cannot retrieve deleted data.
- You won’t be able to sign up with the same phone number for several days.
- Your groups and channels will continue to exist, but they will no longer be associated with your account.
FAQs
Does uninstalling Telegram delete my account?
No, uninstalling the Telegram app does not delete your account. Your profile and data remain intact. To fully delete your account, you must follow the steps above.
Can I recover my Telegram account after deletion?
No, once your Telegram account is deleted, it cannot be restored. If you wish to use Telegram again, you must create a new account from scratch.
Do Telegram messages delete themselves automatically?
Yes, Telegram has an Auto-Delete Messages feature. You can enable it in a chat by tapping on the contact’s profile, selecting More, and enabling Auto-Delete Messages.
Conclusion
Deleting your Telegram account is a straightforward process, but keep in mind that it is irreversible. If you are sure about your decision, you can choose between the self-destruct method (taking up to a month) or the instant deletion method via the Telegram web portal. Always back up important data before proceeding.
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