How to Delete Your Telegram Account Permanently in 2025

Are you considering saying farewell to Telegram? You are not the only one! Sure, the app has grown to over 700 million users (thanks to its sticker packs and groups meant to hold millions of people). But people are starting to leave—whether due to privacy concerns, security issues, or just a digital spring cleaning. Despite experiencing a massive surge in popularity in recent times, more and more users have decided to delete their Telegram accounts permanently. The specific reasons vary in nature, but deleting your Telegram account may not be as easy as it seems.

If you are already panicking, take a deep breath. We have figured it out. This guide is going to show you the quickest way to delete your Telegram account for good. No wait times of 6 months, and no crazy loopholes. And we will even show you how to delete your data before you delete your account. Why the fuss? Telegram’s self-destruct trick sounds fun. But here’s the truth: Unless you use the secret web method, your chats and phone number, will still be visible. If you do any little thing wrong, you can end up stuck in deletion limbo. So, want to permanently delete your account and say goodbye to Telegram forever? Let’s get started—no technical jargon; just simple hacks you can easily work around.

Why Do Users Delete Their Telegram Accounts Permanently?

1. Telegram’s Security Protocols

Let’s be clear, Telegram’s default chats are not entirely private. Telegram uses MTProto’s 256-bit AES encryption (the same stuff used by banks). However, your messages are only fully secured end-to-end if you enable “Secret Chats” manually. Otherwise, your chats are simply sitting on Telegram’s servers – which is like leaving your diary unlocked in your local coffee shop.

The Big Red Flag:

Telegram’s cloud chats will allow anyone on your Wi-Fi to take a peek at your chats (yes, even that nosy neighbor). WhatsApp and Signal encrypt everything, by default. So, why shouldn’t Secret Chat be the default? Good question. Telegram says storing on their servers allows you to “restore your old chats.” But critics argue it’s a risk. Why hoard mountains of data if you’re a “non-profit”? Sometime in 2017, Hackers used MTProto as a backdoor to slip in malware on Windows PCs (even crypto miners). Also, researchers discovered some flaws in MTProto’s key exchange. Sure, Telegram says the issue is fixed… but it won’t be effective if don’t update your app.

Bonus tip: Secret Chats = locked diary. Regular chats = postcards. You should make a habit of using Secret Chats for anything sensitive. And make it a habit to update your app—or you might just be playing Russian roulette with hackers.

2. Telegram’s Shady Reputation

Telegram’s custom-based MTProto encryption is not only quirky, but it has also been a haven for a whole lot of illegal activity. If Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp is your neighborhood, then Telegram is the actual digital Wild West in terms of messaging. Normal people use it for its memes and group chats. But it has also become a breeding ground for all kinds of scammers and extremist organizations. The reason for this is fairly obvious: tiny privacy loopholes (for example, unencrypted cloud chats). In places like Iran, China, and Russia Telegram is banned. Why? Because monitoring those activities is next to impossible. Also, ISIS effectively used Telegram channels for their recruitment, and most of their messages were up for days. 

Why does this matter? Even if you aren’t breaking any laws, simply having an account on Telegram can associate you with bad actors when investigations happen. Consider the implications of being part of criminal networks through direct or indirect relationships as an example. It would be a very scary thing when considering that your IP address might be part of a state/government tangle because you joined a mushy group meme channel for some random funny memes. 

3. Your Contacts Are Making a Switch

Even if you are not bothered because of security protocols and the shady reputation of Telegram, your close contact could be, and what is the use of a messaging app if it is not used by the people whom you want to be in contact with? If you have discovered a tendency among your contacts to opt out of Telegram, it might be the right time for you to consider making a switch too. To be frank, an app is only as good as the people using it. It won’t be so much fun anymore if your friends and the people you engage with have all left. Lately, your group chats might felt like a ghost town. Why?

• Your privacy-centered friends are moving to Signal or WhatsApp (that auto-encrypt everything).
• Grandma is confused because she read headlines calling Telegram “the hacker app.”

If your best friend’s last message to you was “Moving to Signal—text me there” it’s time to delete this app. I mean, who needs an app that is just 90% dead groups and expired coupon channels?

4. You Want to Make a Switch

Maybe you have outgrown the clunky user interface of Telegram. Or maybe you prefer an app that doesn’t single-handedly steer the headlines for data breaches. Regardless of the reason, switching from one messaging app to another is always a valid choice.

Some common alternatives:

• Signal: Auto-encrypted, open-source, and famous whistle-blower Edward Snowden’s favorite (mic drop).
• WhatsApp: Everybody is there—and it also has encryption by default.
• Threema: Pay once, you own it forever—and leave no digital trace.

The bottom line: Life is too short to be loyal to any messaging app. If Telegram doesn’t meet your needs anymore, delete it, and do not think twice!

Exporting All Data Before Deleting Telegram Account Permanently (Optional)

Before you proceed to permanently delete your Telegram account, you might want to consider downloading your data. When you deactivate your Telegram account, everything that you did not export beforehand will be lost forever. Who knows, perhaps you will want to go through your old conversations and content in a couple of years and decades, especially if you have been using Telegram intensively.

Every channel and group that you have created does remain online, however. If you have assigned someone as an admin, that user will remain in control. If you have not, a random active member will be assigned the role for the purpose. The export of your Telegram content includes all your contacts, chats, and data, and it can only be done using Telegram Desktop. Here’s how to export your data (and not complain later): 

Step 1: Export Your Data

On a PC:

1. Open Telegram Desktop.
2. Click the ☰ three lines (upper left). 
3. Go to Settings > Advanced > Export Telegram Data.
4. Pick what you want to export: chats, contacts, pictures—and even stickers! 
5. Click Export and then wait. (Get a coffee—big exports take time!)

How about Mobile? You can follow the above steps on mobile, but here’s the Sneaky Way to do it:

Yes, the app blocks exports, but we know a workaround!

1. Open your phone’s browser and go to Telegram Web.
2. Log in then use the desktop steps above. 

Warning: videos and big files often do not get exported, so remember to manually back up any big files on your camera roll… 

Step 2: What Doesn’t Get Exported

Groups or Channels You Created will remain live, but you will not own them anymore. 

• If you include an admin in the group/channel, they will become the new owner. 
• If you did not add an admin, the new admin will be the most recently active group member. That’s goodbye to your meme channel.) 

Media Files on Mobile: The exporting option on your browser might miss photos/videos. You will have to back these up manually! 

Step 3: What Telegram Still Knows About You

Even after deleting your account:

• Public Channel Posts: Will still exist (plead with admin to delete).
• Your Username: Available immediately – get it back quickly if you rejoin!
• Metadata: Your sign-up date, phone number, and IP logs are stored for 6-12 months.

Want a Complete Clean?

If you’re in the EU: Send Telegram’s support a GDPR request. They are legally required to obliterate all evidence of you, including the digital breadcrumbs.

Checklist before you delete your account:

• Exported chats 
• Manually saved photos/videos 
• Transferred ownership of groups 
• Deleted public posts

Done? Congratulations! Now you can go ahead and delete your account without feeling guilty.

How to Delete a Telegram Account Permanently in 2025

1. Deleting Your Telegram Account on PC

Here’s the tricky part: there is no simple and easy “deactivate my account” option under Telegram settings. The only proper way to remove your Telegram account without a grace period is via browser. This method is the quickest, simplest, and most efficient, but leaves you without any wiggle room in the form of a grace period. Once you go through it, regretting your decision will not bring your data back.

Go through the following steps:

1. Go to My Telegram in any browser. 
2. Put in your complete phone number (including country code: *+1 555 123 4567*).
3. Click Next.
4. Open your Telegram app to get the login code (<–the code was sent via message, not SMS).
5. Paste that code in the browser.
6. Click Delete My Account → Confirm.  

Goodbye account, happened in less than 60 seconds. 

Bonus Tip: 

Before throwing away your account, use a VPN like NordVPN first to change your IP, especially if the Telegram platform is banned in your country.  Already logged out? You are stuck as you now cannot delete your account using the browser because you’ll need to receive an SMS to access it. No SMS, you will have to go to the mobile method below. 

2. Deleting Your Telegram Account on iOS

The previous option is instant and irrevocable. Doing it via an Apple device is a bit more complex and a bit of an ongoing process. You will have a couple of weeks before you irrevocably lose your Telegram account and data.

But here’s the catch: Until the self-destruct timer goes off, your data is still at risk of being exposed. 

Here’s how you do it:

1. Open your Telegram app → tap on Settings (tap on your profile picture).
2. Go to Privacy & Security – Delete My Account
3. Choose your self-destruct period (1-12 months).
4. You cannot use Telegram for ANY reason with the self-destruct timer going!  Logging into Telegram resets all self-destruct timers for you, your messages, channels, and everything else. 

What could go wrong with this Method? 

• Your friends could send you a message and hit you up to check your account. (Stay focused and stay strong!)
• If you used Telegram on other devices, such as your iPad, then you will need to first log out of every device, before you can set in motion the self-destruction timer.

3. Deleting Your Telegram Account on Android

The process is near-identical to the one for iOS, with the same waiting period, but has less convenient steps:

Here’s how it goes:

1. Open Telegram → Tap ☰ Menu → Settings.
2. Find Privacy & Security → Delete My Account.
3. Select your countdown (1–12 months).
4. Revoke active sessions (Settings → Devices → Terminate All).

Why bother revoking sessions? Your old auto-logging laptop will reset the timer. You don’t want some neglected piece of technology ruining your exit!

Lock Down Your Telegram with a VPN (If You Still Want to Keep Your Account)

Telegram’s privacy vulnerabilities are more like leaving your front door open. Hackers, governments, and even your weirdo ex can look in on your chats. It’s even more important when you’re using public Wi-Fi or you happen to live in a country like Iran or China where Telegram is banned. That’s where a good VPN like NordVPN comes in. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for your privacy. Here’s why it’s a Telegram user’s best friend: 

1. Bypass Bans and Surveillance

Doge government bans: Mask your IP to access Telegram in banned areas. (Goodbye “This app is not available in your country” baby.) 

Avoid ISP tracking: Your internet provider won’t see you’re using Telegram. 

2.  Encrypt Everything (Even If You Forget)

Did you forget about Secret Chats?  NordVPN’s AES-256 encryption (the same encryption the Pentagon uses) scrambles your messages over shady public Wi-Fi. 

• Coffee shop hackers: VPNs foil their attempts
• Hotel Wi-Fi spies: Neutralized; they’d meet a dead end.

3.  No logs = No evidence.

NordVPN is so strict on no-logs that even the VPN providers themselves won’t see what you do on Telegram. Not even the nosy group chat admins can snoop on you. 

4. Speed that doesn’t suck.

Binge-send cat videos using 7,300+ servers with no lag time. (Perfect for Telegram’s 2GB upload limit!)

5. Bonus Value for the Paranoid Professionals

DoubleVPN: Direct your traffic through two servers. (For when you’re plotting a surprise outing…or something).

Kill Switch: Disconnects your internet connection in case the VPN drops. (So you can’t accidentally leak your IP address in a mid-conversation moment). 

Bonus tip: Use NordVPN in conjunction with a password manager (like Bitwarden). Why? Because that “Fluffy123” password isn’t going to protect your account from a determined ex. 

Why use NordVPN?

• 30-day money-back guarantee. See if you like without risking your money.
• Use on up to 10 devices. Secure your phone, laptop, and smart fridge.
• 1TB of encrypted cloud storage. Back up those Telegram memes that came back to bite you.

Bottom line? With a VPN like NordVPN, you can finally use Telegram in peace, whether you’re trying to avoid a ban, send too many stickers, or dodge your aunt’s forwarded posts.

One of the most effective ways is using a professional quality VPN while browsing the web, streaming, and sending or receiving information when online. A perfect example of this is NordVPN, a learning VPN service that excels in cross-platform protection from various malware and security breaches, as well as a cloud storage of 1TB that is fully encrypted.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN can help you delete Telegram securely when privacy matters most. Whether you’re trying to remove your account permanently or just want to wipe chats without leaving traces, a VPN ensures your actions stay private. Since Telegram tracks IP addresses during deletions, NordVPN masks your real location—making it harder for anyone to link the deletion back to you.

👉 Get NordVPN FREE!

👉 Get NordVPN RISK-FREE!

Due to its vast network, it is also an ideal medium for streamers throughout the world, with zero buffering and a stable internet connection through. With NordVPN, not only do you remain safe on Telegram, but you remain safe wherever you find yourself online. Here’s how it works: First, connect to a NordVPN server in a neutral country (Switzerland or Iceland works well). Open Telegram, request account deletion, and confirm. NordVPN’s encryption prevents ISPs or network admins from snooping on your activity. Fun fact: Over 72% of privacy-conscious users use VPNs for account deletions, as it adds an extra layer of anonymity against data retention.

But NordVPN isn’t just for Telegram—its Double VPN feature routes your traffic through two servers, making it nearly impossible to trace. Combine this with its CyberSec suite (which blocks ads and malware), and you’ve got a fortress-like setup. Just remember: Once Telegram’s 30-day deactivation window lapses, your account, and all chats vanish—unless you log back in.

Key Features

• Double VPN – Encrypts data twice for maximum anonymity.
• 5,800+ servers – 60+ countries, optimized for speed and streaming.
• CyberSec – Blocks ads, trackers, and malware automatically.
• No-logs policy – Audited and confirmed (Panama-based).
• Obfuscated servers – Bypass VPN blocks in restrictive regions.
• Dark Web Monitor – Alerts if your credentials leak online.
• Dedicated IP option – For secure logins without blacklists.

Your Legal Rights and Recovery Hacks 

“Can I Get Telegram to Actually Delete My Data?” Short answer: Yes, but with some caveats. 

For those in the EU: 

The GDPR (Europe’s privacy law) allows you the right to request Telegram to delete your data – including messages, phone numbers, and even hidden logs regarding sign-up dates. 

Here’s how: 

1. Go to Telegram’s Support Page.
2. Complete the GDPR data request form.
3. Submit the form and wait. By law, Telegram has to delete your data within 30 days. 

And, here’s the bad news: 

In the case of public posts in public channels or groups, Telegram cannot delete those posts. Think back to that public meme you shared in 2022. It’s still going to be there unless the administrator deletes it.

Best to get on this ASAP: Message the admin before you delete your account. If there is no admin, then hope someone has some mercy!

“What if I’m Not in the EU?”

You still have hope! If you are not in the EU, you can ask Telegram support, nicely, to delete your data. It may not be required by law, but it is worth a shot. 

Bonus Tip: You also might want to engage local privacy laws like California’s CCPA to emphasize and pressure Telegram into deleting your data.

Act NOW—your digital footprint is harder to erase than a burned diary.

Troubleshooting Telegram Account Access Issues

“Help! I’ve Been Locked Out of My Account!” 

Don’t stress, we’ve got your back.  Here’s how to delete your Telegram account even if you are not able to access it: 

Step 1 – Reset your password

1. Head over to My Telegram (Telegram’s web portal). 
2. Click on the “Forgot Password?” 
3. Enter your phone number (remember to include the country code *+1 555 123 4567*). 
4. Check your Telegram app for a login code (don’t confuse this for an SMS—look for a message!). 
5. Enter the code → reset password. 

If you are stuck at this point: 

• You didn’t receive a Code? Confirm you have logged into the app. 
• Did you change your number? Use the email account linked to your account. 

Step 2 – Delete your account

When you are back in: 

1. Return to My Telegram. 
2. Follow the steps to “Delete My Account” (refer to previous sections). 

 Step 3 – If all else fails, call for bot backup! 

If you fail to reset (or are entirely locked out), do this: 

1. Open Telegram and search for @SmexBot (Telegram’s support bot). 
2. Type: “I need to delete my account, but I can’t access it.”
3. Follow the bot instructions to verify your identity. 
4. Request immediate deletion. 

Pro Tip: 

Have your old telephone number or e-mail information available to speed things along. If you don’t get a response? Try tweeting @Telegram or emailing [email protected].

FAQs

Conclusion

There are certainly a couple of steady arguments in favor of deleting Telegram accounts permanently. Now you know how to do this without leaving residue data or an idle account. Think over the decision, though, as there is no way of returning data after you deactivate your account. Consider exporting all data before and think about the reasons for making the change. And, most importantly, be safe when online.