Telegram is one of the most popular instant messaging apps out there. Especially now, when updating WhatsApp policies, Telegram is a great WhatsApp alternative to use. But the WhatsApp policy change has made people more conscious about online privacy and many users are switching to safer chat apps like Signal. Also, if you don’t want to continue using Telegram and you want your information removed from their servers, you can do so easily. Here’s how to permanently delete your Telegram account.
Note: Don’t know which chat app to use? Check out our article on WhatsApp vs Telegram vs Signal and make the right decision.
How to Permanently Delete Telegram Account (2021)
There are several ways to delete your Telegram account. You can use the messaging app on your iPhone or Android device or use your web browser. Here we will discuss both methods. And if you’re wondering what happened to your data, we’ll discuss that here as well.
As usual, you can skip to any section of interest using the table of contents below.
1. Schedule to Delete Telegram Account
The first method is actually the one enabled by default on every Telegram account. Basically, if you do not use your Telegram account for six months, your Telegram account will be terminated.
However, you can change this period according to your preferences from the Telegram application. Here’s how to do it.
- Tap “Settings” in the Telegram app and then go to “Privacy & Security”.
- Here, tap on ‘If away’ and choose the time you want to schedule to delete your Telegram account.
You can choose between 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. Then you can delete your Telegram app and after the selected period Telegram will delete your account from its servers.
2. Delete Telegram Account Instantly
The previous method to delete Telegram accounts is nice and all, but what if you want to delete your account right away? Fortunately, you can also delete your Telegram account immediately. Although you will need to use a web browser for this. Here’s how.
- Go to Telegram in your browser account management page and login with your phone number.
- Click on ‘Delete account’.
- Enter your reason for leaving Telegram and click Delete My Account.
- You will see a confirmation dialog pop up, just click on ‘Yes, delete my account’ and you are done.
3. What Happens to Your Data After You Delete Your Account?
Now that you’ve deleted your account, you might be wondering what happened to all your data on Telegram. Well, here is the result of deleting an account.
- All messages, groups and contacts associated with your account will be deleted from Telegram servers.
- However, the groups you create will still exist for the people who are part of it. Your contacts will be able to continue chatting in these groups.
- Your contacts will also continue to have copies of the messages you sent them.
- Telegram account deletion is permanent, so once you delete your account, you cannot restore it.
- However, if you want to return to Telegram, you can always open a new account with the same phone number. However, you may have to wait a few days before signing up.
If you don’t want your messages to reach your contacts, unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do about it. However, you can use Telegram’s self-destructing messages feature to have messages automatically deleted after a certain period of time.
4. FAQ
Q. Can I get my Telegram account back after I deleted it?
No, after deleting your account it will be gone permanently. However, you can create a new account with the same phone number.
Q. Does deleting Telegram account remove my messages from my contacts’ chats?
No, deleting your account will not delete the messages you sent to your contacts.
Q. Can I use Telegram again with the same phone number after deleting the account?
After deleting your account, you can register with the same phone number. However, your groups, folders, etc. You will not get any of them back.
Q. Was my Telegram account automatically deleted?
If you are inactive for 6 months, Telegram will automatically delete your account. You can change this setting in Telegram app.
Easily Remove Your Data From Telegram Servers
Telegram is pretty good when it comes to privacy. However, if you want to delete your account, I hope this article helped you understand how to do that and what happens after you delete your account.
In the meantime, since you deleted Telegram, you can check out some Telegram alternatives to keep messaging your friends and family members. If you have any questions or doubts, let us know in the comments; We will try our best to answer them.
