How to Hide Phone Number on Telegram

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging and VOIP service that allows users to send messages, photos, videos, audio files, and other files anonymously. While Telegram is not considered the most secure communications app, many users still use it but want to hide their phone numbers. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to hide your phone number on Telegram and provide additional privacy tips for using the app.

Telegram is a popular messaging app that offers various features for secure communication. However, it’s important to note that Telegram’s security architecture has been critiqued by cryptography experts. Despite this, users still use Telegram and may want to hide their phone numbers to maintain privacy. In the following sections, we will explain how you can hide your phone number on Telegram and provide additional privacy tips for using the app.

Can I Hide My Phone Number on Telegram?

When signing up for Telegram, you are required to provide the app with your phone number. This is necessary for account verification purposes. However, Telegram does not use your phone number to communicate with you, and it does not share your number with other users. Instead, your Telegram username becomes your identifying token within the app. Other Telegram users can only see your phone number if they have your number saved in their contacts and sync their contacts with Telegram.

How to Hide Your Phone Number on Telegram

To hide your phone number on Telegram and maintain privacy, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Telegram app and access the Settings menu by clicking on the hamburger menu icon in the top left corner.

Step 2: In the Settings menu, navigate to the “Privacy and Security” section.

Step 3: Within the Privacy and Security section, locate the “Phone number” option. By default, it is set to “My Contacts,” which means your phone number is visible to those who have your number saved in their contacts.

Step 4: To hide your phone number completely, change the setting to “Nobody.” This will prevent anyone from seeing your phone number on Telegram. Alternatively, you can select “My Contacts” if you only want your contacts to see your phone number.

It’s important to note that even if you hide your phone number, it will still be attached to your Telegram account. However, other users will not be able to see it through the app.

More Telegram Privacy Tips

While hiding your phone number is one way to enhance privacy on Telegram, there are additional privacy settings and features you can utilize. Here are some tips:

Self-destructing Chats

Telegram offers a feature called Secret Chat, which uses end-to-end encryption and can self-destruct at a preset time. This feature is useful for ensuring that your conversations remain private and do not leave any trace. To start a self-destructing chat:

1. Open a chat in Telegram.
2. Tap on the three-dot menu icon.
3. Select “Set self-destruct timer” and choose a time duration.

Once the timer expires, all messages within the chat will be automatically deleted. Additionally, Telegram disables the screenshot functionality while in a Secret Chat, providing an extra layer of security.

Hide Screenshots from your Phone Gallery

If you don’t want your Telegram screenshots to appear in your phone’s media gallery, you can hide them. This prevents accidental exposure of sensitive content while scrolling through your photos. Here’s how to hide Telegram screenshots:

On Android:

1. Open Telegram Settings.
2. Tap on “Chat Settings.”
3. Toggle the “Save to gallery” option to off.

On iOS:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select “Privacy and Photos.”
3. Toggle off Telegram.

By following these steps, Telegram screenshots will not be visible outside of the Telegram app. However, you can still access them within the app.

Set a Passcode

To further protect your privacy on Telegram, you can set a passcode that locks the app. This prevents unauthorized access and ensures that only you can view your Telegram account. Here’s how to set a passcode:

1. Open Telegram and access the Settings menu.
2. Go to “Privacy and Security.”
3. Tap on “Passcode Lock” and enable it.
4. Enter and confirm your desired passcode.

From now on, whenever you open Telegram, you will be prompted to enter your passcode. Make sure to choose a strong and memorable passcode to maintain the security of your account.

Hide Last Seen for Selected Contacts in Telegram

Telegram displays the last time you were active on the app to other users. If you want to avoid being seen or maintain privacy while using Telegram, you can adjust the “Last Seen” settings. Here’s how:

1. Open Telegram Settings.
2. Select “Privacy and Security.”
3. Tap on “Last Seen & Online.”
4. Choose either “Everybody,” “My Contacts,” or “Nobody” to determine who can see your last seen status.

By customizing your last seen settings, you can control who has access to your activity status on Telegram.

How to Create a Telegram Account Without Your Phone Number

If you prefer not to provide your personal phone number when creating a Telegram account, there are alternative methods you can use. Here are three options:

Borrow a Landline

You can sign up for Telegram using a landline number instead of a personal mobile number. This allows you to maintain privacy while using the app. If you have access to a landline phone, follow these steps:

1. Open Telegram and start the sign-up process.
2. When prompted for a phone number, enter the landline number.
3. Telegram will call the landline and provide you with a verification code.
4. Enter the verification code into Telegram to complete the sign-up process.

Using a landline number disconnects your personal mobile number from the Telegram account, providing an additional layer of privacy.

Use Google Voice

Google Voice is a VOIP service provided by Google that allows you to have a local telephone number. By creating a new Google account and connecting it to Google Voice, you can obtain a phone number to use for Telegram. Here’s how:

1. Sign out of all your Google accounts.
2. Create a new Google account.
3. Set up a Google Voice account and choose a phone number.
4. During the Telegram sign-up process, enter your Google Voice number as the contact number.
5. Retrieve the authorization code from your Google Voice account and input it into Telegram.

By utilizing Google Voice, you can create a Telegram account without revealing your personal phone number.

Use a Temporary Number

If you prefer not to use your own phone number or Google Voice, you can use a temporary or disposable phone number service. These services provide you with a temporary number that can be used for verification purposes. Here’s how it works:

1. Sign up for a temporary number service.
2. Obtain a temporary phone number.
3. Enter the temporary number during the Telegram sign-up process.
4. Complete the verification process using the provided number.

Temporary numbers allow you to maintain anonymity and privacy while using Telegram.

Conclusion

Telegram offers various privacy settings and features that allow users to enhance their privacy while using the app. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can hide your phone number on Telegram and take advantage of other privacy options. Whether you choose to hide your phone number, utilize self-destructing chats, or set a passcode, it’s important to prioritize your privacy and security when using messaging apps. Remember to adjust your settings according to your preferences and comfort level. Stay safe and enjoy using Telegram for secure communication.