Have you ever wondered how safe your Telegram account really is?
With millions of people using it daily, privacy has become a major concern. Hackers, scammers, and even curious strangers can sometimes find ways to invade your digital space if you don’t secure it properly.
In 2026, Telegram is still one of the most trusted messaging apps, but relying only on its default settings is not enough. Many users don’t realize that a few wrong choices in privacy settings can expose their personal data, chats, or even their phone number to the wrong people.
The good news is that you can take full control of your account security. By adjusting a few simple settings and following smart privacy habits, you can enjoy Telegram safely without worrying about risks. In this guide, we’ll share the top 15 Telegram privacy tips you need to know to protect your account in 2026.
Why Telegram Privacy Matters in 2026
In today’s digital world, your personal information is more valuable than ever. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to steal data, hack accounts, and misuse private details. Telegram, while known for its strong security features, is not immune to these threats.
In 2026, privacy on Telegram matters because the app is widely used not only for personal chats but also for business, communities, and even financial discussions. If your account isn’t protected, you risk losing sensitive data, exposing your identity, or becoming a target of scams and spam.
By taking privacy seriously, you can enjoy Telegram with confidence. Setting up the right security features ensures your conversations stay private, your data stays safe, and your account remains in your control—not in the hands of hackers or strangers.
Tip 1: Enable Two-Step Verification on Telegram
What Is Two-Step Verification?
Two-step verification (also called two-factor authentication) adds an extra layer of security to your Telegram account. Instead of relying only on the SMS code you receive when logging in, Telegram will also ask for a password you set up. This makes it much harder for hackers to break into your account.
Why It’s Important in 2026
Cyberattacks and account takeovers are more common than ever. Without two-step verification, anyone who gets access to your SIM card or SMS messages could log into your Telegram. By enabling this feature, you make sure your account stays protected even if your phone number is exposed.
How to Enable Two-Step Verification on Telegram
- Open Telegram Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security.
- Tap Two-Step Verification.
- Set up a strong password and add a recovery email.
- Save the changes and keep your password safe.
Final Verdict
Enabling two-step verification is one of the simplest but most effective steps you can take to secure your Telegram account. It ensures that even if someone gets your login code, they can’t access your chats without your extra password.
Tip 2: Set a Strong and Unique Password
What Is a Strong Password?
A strong password is one that is long, unique, and difficult to guess. It usually contains a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Unlike simple passwords like 123456 or password, a strong password keeps your account safe from brute-force attacks.
Why It’s Important in 2026
Hackers in 2026 use advanced tools to crack weak passwords in seconds. If you reuse the same password across multiple apps, one data leak could put all your accounts, including Telegram, at risk. A unique and strong password ensures your Telegram account is not easily compromised, even if other platforms are breached.
How to Create a Strong Password on Telegram
- Open Telegram Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security → Two-Step Verification.
- Choose a new password that is at least 12 characters long.
- Mix letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Avoid using personal details like your name, birthday, or phone number.
Final Verdict
Using a strong and unique password is your first line of defense against hackers. By choosing one that’s complex and only used for Telegram, you greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your private chats and data.
Tip 3: Hide Your Phone Number from Strangers
What Does Hiding Your Phone Number Mean?
On Telegram, your account is linked to your phone number, but you don’t have to share it with everyone. By adjusting your privacy settings, you can hide your number from strangers and allow only your contacts—or no one at all—to see it.
Why It’s Important in 2026
Your phone number is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information. In 2026, scammers often use leaked numbers for phishing attacks, spam calls, or even SIM-swapping hacks. By hiding your number, you protect your identity and reduce the risk of being targeted.
How to Hide Your Phone Number on Telegram
- Open Telegram Settings.
- Tap Privacy and Security → Phone Number.
- Choose Nobody (best for maximum privacy) or My Contacts.
- Under Who Can Find Me By My Number, restrict it to My Contacts.
- Save the changes to keep your number hidden.
Final Verdict
Hiding your phone number is a small but powerful privacy step. It prevents strangers from misusing your personal information while still allowing trusted contacts to connect with you safely.
Tip 4: Control Who Can See Your Last Seen & Online Status
What Does This Setting Do?
Telegram allows you to decide who can view your Last Seen time and whether you’re currently online. You can set it so everyone, only your contacts, or nobody can see your activity. You can even create exceptions for specific people.
Why It’s Important in 2026
Your online status might seem harmless, but it reveals when you’re active—and that can be misused. In 2025, stalkers, spammers, or even cybercriminals can track your habits through your Last Seen and Online Status. Controlling this visibility helps protect your privacy and prevents unwanted attention.
How to Manage Last Seen & Online Status on Telegram
- Open Telegram Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security → Last Seen & Online.
- Select who can see your status: Everybody, My Contacts, or Nobody.
- Use Add Exceptions to block specific people or allow trusted ones.
- Save your preferences for better control over your visibility.
Final Verdict
Controlling your Last Seen and Online Status is a smart way to protect your activity patterns. It keeps strangers from knowing when you’re active and helps you stay private while still being available to trusted contacts.
Tip 5: Restrict Who Can Add You to Groups and Channels
What Does This Setting Do?
Telegram lets you control who can add you to groups and channels. By default, anyone may try to add you, but with privacy settings, you can limit this to only your contacts or block it completely for strangers.
Why It’s Important in 2026
Random group invites are not just annoying—they can also be risky. In 2026, scammers often use groups and channels to spread spam, fake investment schemes, or harmful links. Restricting who can add you reduces unwanted exposure and keeps your account safe from shady communities.
How to Restrict Group and Channel Invites on Telegram
- Open Telegram Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security → Groups & Channels.
- Choose My Contacts or Nobody to limit invites.
- Use Add Exceptions if you want to allow specific people to add you.
- Confirm the changes to apply restrictions.
Final Verdict
Restricting group and channel invites saves you from spam and scam attempts while giving you full control over who can connect with you. It’s a quick step that strengthens your Telegram privacy and improves your overall experience.
Tip 6: Limit Who Can Call or Video Call You
What Does This Setting Do?
Telegram gives you the option to control who can reach you through voice calls and video calls. You can allow calls from everyone, only your contacts, or block them completely. Exceptions can also be added for trusted people.
Why It’s Important in 2026
Unwanted calls are not only disruptive but can also pose privacy risks. In 2026, scammers and spammers often use random calls to trick users or spread malicious links. Limiting who can call you ensures that only trusted people can reach you, keeping you safe from harassment or fraud attempts.
How to Manage Call Permissions on Telegram
- Open Telegram Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security → Calls.
- Choose who can call you: Everybody, My Contacts, or Nobody.
- Adjust Peer-to-Peer Calls settings for extra privacy.
- Add exceptions for specific contacts if needed.
Final Verdict
Limiting call and video call access protects you from spam, scams, and unwanted interruptions. It helps you stay in control of your communication while keeping your Telegram experience private and secure.
Tip 7: Use Secret Chats for Sensitive Conversations
What Are Secret Chats?
Secret Chats on Telegram are end-to-end encrypted conversations designed for maximum privacy. Unlike regular chats, they don’t get stored on Telegram’s servers and can’t be accessed from multiple devices. You can also enable self-destruct timers to automatically delete messages after a set period.
Why It’s Important in 2026
With data breaches and surveillance risks increasing in 2026, sensitive conversations need extra protection. Regular chats, while secure, are still stored in the cloud. Secret Chats give you complete control, ensuring that your private discussions remain between you and the other person only.
How to Start a Secret Chat on Telegram
- Open the contact you want to chat with.
- Tap their profile picture and select Start Secret Chat.
- Set a self-destruct timer if you want messages to auto-delete.
- Begin chatting with end-to-end encryption enabled.
- Remember that Secret Chats are device-specific and won’t sync across devices.
Final Verdict
Using Secret Chats is the best way to keep sensitive conversations truly private. If you’re sharing personal, financial, or confidential details, switching to Secret Chat ensures no one—not even Telegram—can read your messages.
Tip 8: Turn On Auto-Delete Messages for Extra Security
What Is Auto-Delete?
Auto-delete is a feature in Telegram that automatically removes messages after a set time. You can choose intervals like 24 hours, 7 days, or custom durations. Once enabled, both you and the recipient will see messages disappear without having to delete them manually.
Why It’s Important in 2026
In 2026, where data leaks and account breaches are common, keeping old chats stored forever can be risky. Sensitive information like passwords, financial details, or private conversations may be exposed if your device or account is compromised. Auto-delete ensures your messages don’t stay longer than necessary.
How to Enable Auto-Delete on Telegram
- Open the chat where you want auto-delete enabled.
- Tap the three dots menu (⋮) or the chat’s profile.
- Select Auto-Delete Timer.
- Choose a time limit (e.g., 24 hours or 7 days).
- Save the setting, and messages will now disappear automatically.
Final Verdict
Turning on auto-delete is a smart way to keep your chats clean and secure. It reduces the chances of sensitive messages being exposed later while giving you peace of mind that your private conversations won’t live on forever.
Tip 9: Manage Active Sessions and Log Out of Unknown Devices
What Are Active Sessions?
Active sessions on Telegram show all the devices currently logged into your account. This includes your phone, desktop app, or web sessions. You can view details like device type, IP address, and login time to track any unusual activity.
Why It’s Important in 2026
With more people using Telegram across multiple devices in 2026, it’s easy to forget where you’re logged in. Hackers or unauthorized users could also access your account from another device without your knowledge. Regularly checking active sessions helps you spot suspicious logins and keep control of your account.
How to Manage Active Sessions on Telegram
- Open Telegram Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security → Active Sessions.
- Review the list of logged-in devices.
- If you see any unfamiliar session, tap Terminate Session.
- Use Terminate All Other Sessions for a complete security reset.
Final Verdict
Managing active sessions is essential for keeping your Telegram account secure. By logging out of unknown devices, you block unauthorized access and ensure that only your trusted devices stay connected.
Tip 10: Disable Link Previews for Safer Browsing
What Are Link Previews?
When you share or receive a link on Telegram, the app automatically generates a preview showing the website title, image, or description. While convenient, these previews sometimes connect to external servers to fetch the data.
Why It’s Important in 2026
In 2026, cybercriminals often use malicious links disguised as normal websites. Link previews can accidentally reveal your IP address or expose you to unsafe content. Disabling previews adds an extra layer of privacy and reduces the risk of clicking harmful links.
How to Disable Link Previews on Telegram
- Open Telegram Settings.
- Go to Chat Settings or Privacy and Security (depending on your app version).
- Find the Link Previews option.
- Toggle off previews for all chats, or disable them only for specific conversations.
- Save the changes for safer browsing.
Final Verdict
Disabling link previews helps you avoid unnecessary risks while using Telegram. It gives you more control over what loads in your chats and keeps your online activity private.
Tip 11: Control Profile Photo Visibility
What Does This Setting Do?
Telegram allows you to decide who can see your profile photo. You can make it visible to everyone, only your contacts, or nobody. You can also set custom exceptions for specific users or groups.
Why It’s Important in 2026
Your profile photo may seem harmless, but in 2026, scammers often misuse images for identity theft, fake accounts, or phishing attempts. Limiting who can view your photo helps protect your identity and keeps strangers from misusing your personal information.
How to Control Profile Photo Visibility on Telegram
- Open Telegram Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security → Profile Photos.
- Choose Everybody, My Contacts, or Nobody.
- Use Add Exceptions to allow or block specific people.
- Save your preferences to apply the changes.
Final Verdict
Controlling your profile photo visibility is a simple but effective step to improve privacy. It prevents strangers from misusing your image while still letting trusted contacts recognize your account easily.
Tip 12: Lock Telegram with a Passcode or Biometric Security
What Does This Feature Do?
Telegram allows you to lock the app with an extra layer of security, such as a passcode, fingerprint, or face ID (depending on your device). This ensures that even if someone gains access to your phone, they can’t open Telegram without your permission.
Why It’s Important in 2026
Phones are often shared with friends, family, or colleagues, and losing your device can put your private chats at risk. In 2026, where digital theft and unauthorized snooping are more common, locking Telegram with biometrics or a passcode ensures your conversations stay private, even if your phone is unlocked.
How to Lock Telegram with a Passcode or Biometric Security
- Open Telegram Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security → Passcode Lock.
- Set up a 4-digit passcode or enable Fingerprint/Face ID.
- Adjust the Auto-Lock Timer to lock the app after inactivity.
- Save the settings to activate the lock.
Final Verdict
Locking Telegram with a passcode or biometric security gives you peace of mind by keeping your private chats safe from prying eyes. It’s a quick step that adds strong protection to your account and personal data.
Tip 13: Avoid Using Third-Party Telegram Apps
What Are Third-Party Telegram Apps?
Third-party Telegram apps are unofficial versions of Telegram developed by outsiders. They may look similar to the original app and sometimes even offer extra features, but they don’t have the same security standards as the official Telegram app.
Why It’s Important in 2026
In 2026, many unofficial apps are used by hackers to steal personal data, inject malware, or track user activity. Since these apps don’t use Telegram’s official servers, your messages and account details may be exposed. Sticking to the official Telegram app ensures your chats remain secure and encrypted.
How to Stay Safe from Third-Party Apps
- Download Telegram only from the official website, Google Play Store, or Apple App Store.
- Avoid APKs or modified versions promoted on unknown websites.
- Regularly check that you’re using the official Telegram app.
- Enable automatic updates to keep the app secure.
Final Verdict
Avoiding third-party Telegram apps is a crucial step to protect your privacy. While unofficial apps may seem attractive with extra features, they often compromise your security. Always use the official Telegram app to keep your account safe.
Tip 14: Regularly Update Telegram to the Latest Version
What Does Updating Telegram Do?
Updating Telegram ensures you always have the latest features, performance improvements, and most importantly, the newest security patches. Developers frequently release updates to fix vulnerabilities and strengthen privacy protections.
Why It’s Important in 2026
In 2026, cyber threats evolve quickly, and outdated apps are common targets for hackers. Using an old version of Telegram could expose you to bugs, loopholes, or security flaws that have already been fixed in newer releases. Staying updated is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your account.
How to Keep Telegram Updated
- Enable automatic updates from your device’s app store.
- Regularly check the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for new versions.
- For desktop users, download updates directly from the official Telegram website.
- Install updates as soon as they’re available to stay secure.
Final Verdict
Keeping Telegram updated ensures you always benefit from the latest security fixes and privacy improvements. It’s an effortless but powerful step to stay protected against new threats.
Tip 15: Be Cautious with Bots and Unknown Links
What Are Bots and Unknown Links on Telegram?
Bots on Telegram are automated accounts that can perform tasks like sending updates, running polls, or providing services. Unknown links, often shared in groups or private chats, can redirect you to external websites. While many are safe, some are designed to steal your data or install malware.
Why It’s Important in 2026
In 2026, cybercriminals frequently use malicious bots and phishing links to trick users into sharing sensitive information. Clicking on unsafe links or interacting with unverified bots can expose your account details, personal data, or even infect your device.
How to Stay Safe from Bots and Unknown Links
- Interact only with official or verified bots (look for the blue checkmark).
- Avoid clicking links from strangers or unknown groups.
- Double-check URLs for misspellings or suspicious domains.
- Use Telegram’s Report feature to flag harmful bots or spam links.
Final Verdict
Being cautious with bots and links is one of the most practical ways to protect yourself on Telegram. If something looks suspicious, avoid it. Staying alert helps you keep your account and personal data safe.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, protecting your Telegram account goes beyond basic settings — it’s about staying proactive with every privacy feature the app offers. Cyber threats are evolving, so keeping your account safe requires consistent attention to security updates, strong authentication, and mindful usage.
From enabling two-step verification to controlling who can reach or add you, every small adjustment strengthens your defense. Features like secret chats, auto-delete timers, and biometric locks provide extra peace of mind for sensitive conversations.
At the end of the day, your privacy is in your hands. By applying these tips and reviewing your settings regularly, you’ll ensure Telegram remains a secure platform for your personal and professional communication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Telegram safe to use in 2026?
Yes, Telegram is considered safe when you use its built-in privacy features like two-step verification, secret chats, and passcode locks. However, your security also depends on using strong passwords and avoiding unofficial apps.
How do I hide my phone number on Telegram?
Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Phone Number, then choose “Nobody” or “My Contacts” to control who can see your number.
Can Telegram messages be hacked?
While Telegram uses strong encryption, your account can still be at risk if someone gains access through weak passwords, phishing links, or unsecured devices. Using two-step verification greatly reduces this risk.
What are secret chats on Telegram?
Secret chats are private, end-to-end encrypted conversations that can’t be forwarded and allow you to set auto-delete timers for extra security.
Should I use third-party Telegram apps?
No. Third-party apps can compromise your privacy and expose your data. Always use the official Telegram app from trusted sources like the App Store, Google Play, or Telegram’s official website.
