How to Delete Telegram Account on Mobile & PC
Reviewed by Huzaifa Haroon- Telegram offers unique features, but consider its focus on less restricted content and potential privacy limitations before signing up.
- Saying goodbye to Telegram is final. You can delete your Telegram account from both the app and the browser. The process is simple and can be done in a few clicks.
- A break is an option! Leave your profile inactive and uninstall the app, but remember – inactivity for over 6 months triggers auto-deletion.
While Telegram boasts impressive features like large group chats, location-based discovery, and scheduled messaging, it might not always be the perfect fit.
Perhaps you’re looking for a more widely used platform among your contacts, or maybe you’ve discovered a new app that better suits your needs. Whatever the reason, deleting your Telegram account is a straightforward process – but unlike some apps, it doesn’t offer a simple one-click solution.
This guide will walk you through permanently deleting your Telegram account, ensuring you understand the consequences before hitting that confirmation button.
Whether switching to a new platform, simplifying your digital life, or having security concerns, deleting your Telegram account is straightforward. Deleting your account is permanent, so ensure you’re ready to lose all associated chats, media, and contacts before proceeding.
IMPORTANT: Exporting data before leaving Telegram
While Telegram doesn’t offer temporary account deactivation, you can export your chat history before permanently deleting your account. This allows you to hold onto those conversations for sentimental value or future reference.
Here’s how to export your Telegram data using the desktop app:
- Open the Telegram app and sign in using your regular Telegram credentials.
Open Telegram App - Click the three horizontal lines in the top left corner to open the menu.
Click on 3 Dots - Navigate to “Settings.”
Open Settings - Scroll down within Settings and click on “Export Telegram Data.”
Click on Export Telegram Data
1. How to Delete a Telegram Account on a Browser?
Unlike some apps that offer a quick “delete account” option within their settings, Telegram requires a dedicated account deactivation page. This means you’ll need to use a web browser on your desktop or laptop to remove your account permanently.
- Open your preferred web browser and go to https://my.telegram.org/.
Go to deactivation link - On the deactivation page, you’ll see a field labeled “Your Phone Number.” Carefully enter the phone number associated with your Telegram account, including the country code.
Enter your phone number - Once you enter your phone number, Telegram will send a confirmation code via SMS to that number. Enter the code in the box on the deactivation page.
Enter the Code - Click on the “Delete Account” button. A pop-up window will appear, asking you to confirm your decision. You’ll have the option to enter a reason for deletion (optional) before proceeding.
Click Delete Account
2. How to Delete a Telegram Account on App?
While the desktop version offers a dedicated account deletion page, Telegram hides the option within the app for all platforms (Android, iOS, and Windows). Here’s how to find it:
- Open the Telegram app and tap on three horizontal lines in the top left corner.
Tap on 3 lines menu - Select “Settings.”
Open Settings - In Settings, locate and tap “Privacy and Security.”
Open Privacy and Security - Scroll down to the “Delete My Account” and tap “If away for”
Tap If away for - Choose a timeframe (1 month to 1 year) for inactivity before your account self-destructs.
Choose the time
Can you Deactivate your Telegram Account Temporarily?
Telegram doesn’t offer temporary account deactivation. But you can take a break in a few ways. Simply leaving your profile inactive and uninstalling the app works, but inactivity for over six months triggers Telegram’s auto-deletion, wiping your account clean.
To prevent this, log in occasionally before that timeframe ends. If you want to avoid others seeing your online status while staying logged in, you can hide your “Last Seen” on Telegram.
What happens when you delete your Telegram account?
Hitting delete on your Telegram account isn’t reversible. Here’s what you need to know:
- Data wipeout: All your chats, messages, contacts, and media – are gone forever. Telegram says they permanently erase everything.
- Group and channel impact: The groups and channels you created will keep functioning, and admins will retain their roles. Telegram picks a new leader from active members if you’re the sole admin.
- Phone number freeze: You won’t be able to create a new account with the same phone number for a few days after deletion.
- Spam bans remain: If your account was limited to spam, deleting it won’t lift the ban.
Think carefully before taking the plunge, as there’s no coming back from a deleted Telegram account.
Reviewed by Huzaifa Haroon
