Telegram: 10 simple tips for safe and secure chats
End-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Telegram are great for protecting your digital privacy. But it’s not always obvious how, as most of these settings are optional. Our tips and tricks guide demonstrates everything you can do with Telegram to improve your privacy. We teach you how to operate the messaging app safely and securely, whether setting up multiplebudget Android phonesor double-checking your current phone’s security status.
Protect your conversations from prying eyes
A Telegram Premium subscription does not contain any features related to privacy or security. Upgrading to Telegram Premium is great for power users, but you don’t need it if you’re worried about privacy.
1Use secret chats to encrypt your messages
Regular chats on Telegram arenot end-to-end encrypted by default. This feature needs to be manually enabled and should be the first thing you do after installing Telegram. However, if you use Telegram across multiple Android phones, you can’t move secret chats between them.
To start a secret chat, follow these steps:
2Enable two-step verification to prevent unauthorized access
Two-factor authentication is an essential tool to protect your accounts effectively. Telegram offers a slightly different method requiring you to enter a separate password when logging in to Telegram on a new device. It also sends you a code via SMS to enter alongside the password.
You can’t access your messages from another device if you forget this password. Set up a recovery e-mail when you enable two-step verification to avoid being locked out of your account.
3Disable active sessions on other devices
Multiple Telegram sessions may open simultaneously if you’re constantly switching between devices. Conversations on multiple devices aren’t end-to-end encrypted, so disable unused sessions where possible. It’s easy to forget what devices you’re logged in to, so Telegram lets you view and terminate active sessions from one device.
Yep, you can access Telegram from a web browser as well
4Send self-destructing media
Self-destructing media disappears from a chat after a certain amount of time. If you’re concerned about making individual messages private, this is the easiest and most effective method. You can send self-destructing media within regular and secret conversations.
You can also set auto-delete for your messages by going toSettings>Privacy and Security>Auto-Delete Messages.
5Delete messages for ultimate privacy
Telegram allows you to delete messages in regular and group chats. While not ideal for socializing, this feature is a plus for privacy, particularly if you lost one of your devices and want to ensure no one can read your private messages.
6Lock the Telegram app with a password
Let’s say someone steals your phone while it’s unlocked. Assuming they keep it unlocked, they can access your Telegram messages despite your encryption settings. This feature locks Telegram behind a password, PIN, or biometric authentication.
7Hide your IP address with a proxy server
Manygreat VPNs are available for Android, but you don’t need one if you only want to hide your IP address for your Telegram chats. Unlike most VPNs, this service is free.
Here’s how to set up a Telegram proxy server:
8Double-check your group permissions
Large groups come with security risks. Managing your group permissions can minimize risks by preventing people from adding others to the group.
9How to clear payments and shipping information
Thanks to the ability to make purchases over Telegram, the app may store your payment details. This sensitive information can be cleared immediately after making a purchase.
10Automatically delete your account after losing access
Telegram has a feature that deletes your account permanently after it goes unused for a set amount of time. This is the ultimate solution if you lose access to your Telegram account entirely. Just be mindful of how much you use Telegram. You don’t want to set the timer too short.
Have fun and browse safely
Telegram is a great way to protect your messages. However, it also relied on the users not to take their messaging privileges too far. Thankfully, the platform has taken steps toremove harmful and dangerous contentwith AI efforts. But if you’re looking for other ways to protect your digital privacy, consider using a secureVPNto hide your personal information online.
We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.
Your comment has not been saved
Weird, my post stating the FACT that Telegram is NOT private was deleted. Well, I’ll try again.
Re: #1 this is the ONLY end to end encryption Telescam has, their own site says “end to end is too hard so we don’t do it”
Re: #4/5 this is irrelevant if you’re sending something because outside of the “secret” chats, Telescam gets the messages on their servers unencrypted, it’s the same with Snapchat saving messages even if you delete them
Re: #7 doesn’t matter because proxies are garbage anyways compared to a VPN, but on top of that, since Telescam is creating the connection, it can easily ignore it like when iOS was bypassing VPN settings to send its ping to Apple stuff
Broader branding hints at wider paid-tier ambitions
You can now learn languages too
Pixelsnap on a Pixel 9
An advanced, compact, purpose-built device
Tablets and accessories are also on sale
Generative AI, now poolside
