Read on if you’re one of the millions of users of the private messaging software Telegram to discover more about its security vulnerabilities and, if you choose, how to completely remove your account.
Soon after the 2013 launch of the private messaging service Telegram, privacy concerns were raised. The app’s default configuration doesn’t encrypt your and the recipient’s communications. Your discussions will be stored on Telegram’s servers, which are spread out across the world, if you choose not to use the Secret Chat option.
According to Telegram, the conversation data that is saved on their servers is encrypted, and they keep the data in case you want to retrieve older discussions. This begs the question of why end-to-end encryption is not the default setting or why data storage is not done on an opt-in basis. Why do non-profit organisations save data when it costs money to do so?
Additionally, there have already been a lot of problems with Telegram’s security. In 2017, hackers installed malware and bitcoin miners on susceptible Windows machines by taking advantage of a Unicode flaw in the Telegram app.
Many encryption specialists are still puzzled as to why Telegram employs the homegrown cryptography system known as MTProto, raising security concerns about the messaging app. Telegram claims that its encryption software is secure, so why do they need their own when there are freely available methods that have been proven successful by other experts?
As a matter of fact, Telegram’s rather dubious reputation has been aided by this proprietary protocol with advanced encryption. It has a notorious history of being used by terrorists to organise attacks and disseminate propaganda, among other sinister activities.
Due to the sharing of inappropriate content, it has been outlawed in certain nations, carefully monitored in others, and even momentarily withdrawn from the app store in early 2018.
This post will explain how to completely delete Telegram if you’re concerned about the unique encryption techniques and restrictions as well as the chat app’s negative reputation.
BE AWARE: App developers, internet service providers, and telecom firms can track, store, and sell every click, share, and download. Only a VPN, such as ExpressVPN, can shield you and stop these other parties from obtaining and selling your private information.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Delete Your Telegram Account
Your Telegram account can be deleted in a few different ways. Prior to deleting your account, you should be aware that it cannot be reversed. Even if you subsequently download Telegram again, all of your conversations, contacts, groups, etc., will be permanently erased.
Deleting by Adjusting Self-Destruction Settings
One of Telegram’s security measures, self-destruction, deletes the account after a specific amount of inactivity. You can adjust the default self-destruct timeout of six months to a shorter timeframe by doing the following:
1 . Select “Settings” after logging into your Telegram account on your smartphone.
2 . On your device, sign in to your Telegram account and select “Settings,” then “Privacy and Security.”
3 . Change the setting for “Delete My Account if I’m Away For” to 1 month as you scroll down.
4 . After one month, if you don’t use Telegram, your account will be erased along with all of your contacts and discussions.
You have the choice to alter your mind during the idle period by changing the self-destruct settings. To restart the self-destruct period, just open the chat app. Continue reading if you want to immediately deactivate your Telegram account and don’t want to wait.
Manually Deleting Telegram
The Telegram app does not provide a “remove account” option; instead, you must use a web browser on a computer or mobile device. Take these easy actions:
1 . Your account phone number should be entered on the Telegram Deactivation Page using the proper international format.
2 . A confirmation code that has been issued to your cellphone number must be entered when prompted.
3. Before clicking “Done,” you have the option of entering a reason for leaving on the following page.
4. Are you sure? asks a pop-up. To delete your account, click “Yes.”
5. You can now delete your Telegram account and uninstall the app from your device.
It can take a few days before you can open a new Telegram account if you decide against it.
Exporting Telegram Data
Exporting your data, including chats, pictures, and other media, may be a good idea before deactivating Telegram. For your data to be downloaded in HTML or JSON forms, you must have the most recent version of Telegram Desktop. To export your data:
1 . Go to “Settings” in Telegram Desktop after opening it.
2 . Click on “Export Telegram Data.”
3 . Then choose “Export Chat History,” and then decide what kind of data you want to export.
4 . Your Telegram data can now be viewed offline.
Other Ways to Keep Your Data Private
Although it has been the subject of controversy before, Telegram is not the first messaging service whose security has come under scrutiny. It has never been more crucial to keep your data secret online because hackers are more skilled than ever.
Among the many things you can take to increase your online security is to use a reliable VPN whenever you are sending or receiving data online or streaming content. VPNs are simple to use and offer complete internet security, stopping breaches in their tracks. Your connection is anonymous, secure, and private thanks to the use of many levels of security and encryption.
Best VPN for Telegram 2023

1. ExpressVPN: The best VPN on the market
Number of servers: 3,000+ | Speed: Up to 630Mbps | VPN locations: 160 in 94 countries | Maximum devices supported: 5 | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes
- Rock-solid privacy features
- Apps for just about everything
- Superb for torrenting
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- Slightly more expensive, but well worth it

2. NordVPN: Streaming VPN that is hot on security
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux | Server locations: 80+ in 59 countries | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu | Maximum devices supported: 6
- Unparalleled security smarts
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- User experience could still be improved

3. SurfShark: Excellent, great value VPN
Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 30 days | Number of servers: 3,200 | Server locations: 100+ | Countries: 65 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Eye-catching prices
- Covers unlimited devices
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- Apps can look a little complicated
- Below-par OpenVPN speeds