Telegram is a widely-used messaging platform known for its focus on privacy and security. Whether you’re switching to another messaging app, or simply want to take a break from Telegram, knowing how to delete your account is essential. In 2025, deleting your Telegram account is possible, but there are certain things you need to be aware of before you go through with it. This guide explains the steps to delete your Telegram account, what you can and can’t do, and important details to consider.
Can You Delete Your Telegram Account?
Yes, you can delete your Telegram account. Deleting your account removes all your messages, contacts, and groups from Telegram’s servers, making it permanent. However, you cannot delete individual messages or groups unless you leave them or delete them manually.
What You Can Do:
- Delete your Telegram account: You can permanently delete your Telegram account, removing all data associated with it.
- Delete your account using a web browser: You can delete your Telegram account from any device using the official Telegram deactivation page.
- Reactivate your account: If you decide to return to Telegram, you can reactivate your account within 30 days of deletion, as long as you don’t cancel your account permanently.
What You Can’t Do:
- Recover deleted data: Once your Telegram account is deleted, all your messages, contacts, and groups are permanently removed and cannot be recovered.
- Delete individual messages or chats: You cannot delete messages from other people’s devices unless you have the necessary admin rights or delete them manually.
- Delete your account via the app: You can’t delete your Telegram account directly through the app. You need to use the Telegram website.
How to Delete Your Telegram Account
Follow these steps to delete your Telegram account permanently:
Open the Telegram Deactivation Page
- Open your browser and go to the official Telegram deactivation page: https://my.telegram.org/auth.
- Enter your phone number associated with your Telegram account, including your country code (e.g., +1 for the USA, +44 for the UK).
- You’ll receive a confirmation code via Telegram (not SMS). Enter this code on the website to verify your identity.
Choose the Deletion Option
- After verification, you’ll be logged into your Telegram account settings.
- Scroll down and select Delete Account at the bottom of the page.
- You will be prompted to confirm that you really want to delete your account. Telegram will provide information on what will happen after deletion (e.g., loss of messages, groups, contacts).
- If you’re sure, click Delete My Account.
Once you confirm, your account will be permanently deleted. It may take a few minutes for the process to complete.
Wait for Confirmation
After deletion, you will receive an email from Telegram confirming that your account has been deleted. All your data will be erased, and your account will be removed from Telegram’s servers.
How to Temporarily Deactivate Your Telegram Account
If you’re unsure about permanently deleting your account, Telegram allows you to set your account for automatic deletion after a period of inactivity. This is a good option if you want to take a break from Telegram without fully deleting your account:
- Open the Telegram app.
- Go to Settings > Privacy and Security.
- Scroll down to If Away For under Delete My Account.
- Choose the duration of inactivity before your account is deleted (1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year).
If you remain inactive for the chosen period, Telegram will automatically delete your account. This is a more gradual approach than manual deletion.
How to Delete Your Telegram Account from Mobile Devices
You can’t delete your Telegram account directly from the mobile app, but you can log in to the deactivation page from your mobile browser and follow the same steps outlined above.
To do so:
- Open your mobile browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.).
- Navigate to the Telegram deactivation page: https://my.telegram.org/auth.
- Enter your phone number and follow the steps to delete your account.
Can You Recover Your Telegram Account After Deletion?
Once your Telegram account is deleted, it cannot be recovered unless you attempt to reactivate it within 30 days. During this period, if you log in to Telegram again using the same phone number, you can restore your account and all your messages.
However, if you wait longer than 30 days, your account is permanently gone, and there is no way to recover any of your data.
Can You Delete Your Telegram Account from Third-Party Apps?
If you’ve used Telegram through third-party apps or bots, you may not be able to delete your account directly from those apps. You’ll need to go to the official Telegram website to deactivate your account, as the Telegram app and website are the only authorized places to delete your account.
How to Protect Your Privacy Before Deleting Your Telegram Account
Before deleting your Telegram account, you may want to safeguard your privacy and data. Here are some steps to take:
- Export your data: Telegram allows you to export your data, including messages, contacts, and groups. To do this, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Export Telegram Data.
- Clear your messages: Before deleting your account, manually clear sensitive conversations or messages from your device.
- Remove your contacts: You may want to delete contacts from your list to ensure your phone number is not associated with them after deletion.
Will Telegram Ever Let You Delete Accounts More Easily?
As of 2025, the process of deleting a Telegram account is straightforward but still requires you to visit the deactivation page and verify your identity. Telegram currently does not offer a way to delete your account directly through the app or within settings. However, given Telegram’s commitment to privacy, it is unlikely that this process will change significantly in the near future.
FAQs About Deleting a Telegram Account
Can I delete my Telegram account directly from the app?
No, you cannot delete your Telegram account from the app. You need to visit the Telegram deactivation page on a web browser to delete your account.
Will my messages be deleted when I delete my Telegram account?
Yes, all your messages, contacts, and groups will be permanently deleted from Telegram’s servers when your account is deleted.
Can I recover my account after deletion?
You can reactivate your account within 30 days of deletion by logging in again. After 30 days, your account and all data will be permanently gone.
Can I delete individual messages on Telegram?
Yes, you can delete individual messages from your own device, but it will not delete them from the recipient’s device unless you are the sender and you have permission.
How can I temporarily deactivate my Telegram account?
Telegram allows you to set your account for automatic deletion after a period of inactivity. You can choose 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year under Privacy and Security in the app settings.