Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app with channels, groups, secret chats, file sharing and a focus on privacy. But sometimes you want to delete your Telegram account for many reasons, e.g., privacy concerns, switching to another app, getting away from spam groups, security after a hack or just because you no longer use it.
I know, the delete option is not in the app. Look, this is Telegram trying to make you reconsider. Bear with me though, the actual delete page is on Telegram’s website and the whole thing takes 2 minutes.
This easy guide will help you delete your Telegram account by walking you through the web-only deletion page, explaining the auto-deletion feature for inactive accounts and helping you understand what disappears versus what stays.
What Happens When You Delete Telegram
Here is the deal. Once you delete:
- Your account, profile and username are removed.
- All your chat messages are deleted from your side and the other person’s side.
- Channels you owned with no other admins get deleted.
- Channels you owned with other admins are transferred to them.
- Your phone number is freed up for someone else after 90 days.
So, in short, deleting Telegram is more aggressive than other apps. Other people lose your messages too.
Method 1: Delete Telegram Account from Browser
This is the only official method. Open a browser, not the app.
- Go to my.telegram.org.
- Enter your phone number in the format +country code then number.
- Telegram sends a confirmation code to your account in the app.
- Open Telegram on your phone and find the code.
- Enter the code on the website.
- Click Deactivate account.
- Enter the reason (optional).
- Click Yes, delete my account.
Done. Your account is gone immediately. No grace period.
Method 2: Use Telegram’s Auto-Deletion
If you do not want to delete now but want it gone if you stop using the app:
- Open Telegram on your phone.
- Tap Settings > Privacy and Security.
- Scroll to If Away For.
- Set it to 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or 1 year.
Telegram auto-deletes your account if you do not open the app for that period. Nice option for set-and-forget privacy.
Before You Delete: Export Your Data
Trust me on this. Once you hit delete, it is permanent. Export first if you might want anything later.
- Open Telegram Desktop app on a computer (not phone, this only works on desktop).
- Click the three lines and choose Settings.
- Click Advanced.
- Click Export Telegram data.
- Pick what to include (chats, files, photos, etc.).
- Click Export.
You get an HTML file with all your chats. Save it somewhere safe.
Can You Reopen a Deleted Telegram
Yeah but with caveats. Telegram deletion is permanent for your messages and chats. But if you sign up again with the same phone number:
- You get a new account, not your old one.
- None of your old chats come back.
- You will not appear as a contact to people who had you saved.
- You start fresh.
So it is not really reopening. It is making a new account that happens to share your phone.
My Honest Opinion
Telegram delete is more aggressive than WhatsApp or Signal. Messages disappear from both sides which feels weird if you needed proof of a conversation. Screenshot anything important before deleting.
If you just want a break, use the auto-deletion setting set to 6 months. You get the option to come back during that window.
Final Thoughts
Deleting Telegram account requires the my.telegram.org website. Cannot do it from the app. Export your data first if you want any record of past chats. Account deletion is permanent and immediate.
Also, if you follow our steps and still face difficulties deleting your Telegram account, seek help from Telegram support or leave a comment in the comment section of our blog.