how to delete telegram account
Deleting your Telegram account is not as simple as uninstalling the app. If you truly want to remove your profile, messages, and data from Telegram’s servers, you must go through a specific process. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to delete Telegram account, what happens afterward, whether recovery is possible, and the differences between iPhone and Android.
Before proceeding, it’s important to understand one key point: deleting your Telegram account is permanent. Once completed, your chats, groups, contacts, and saved messages will be erased and cannot be restored.
How to Delete Telegram Account
Unlike many apps, Telegram does not allow full account deletion directly inside the mobile application. Instead, you must use Telegram’s official deactivation page.
Here’s how the process works:
Open a web browser (Safari, Chrome, or any browser).
Visit Telegram’s official deactivation page.
Enter your phone number in international format (for example, +49 for Germany, +1 for the US, etc.).
Telegram will send a confirmation code inside your Telegram app (not via SMS).
Enter that code on the website.
Confirm that you want to permanently delete your account.
Once confirmed, your account will be deleted almost immediately.
Important: If you simply delete the app from your phone, your account remains active. You must complete the online deactivation process to fully remove it.
How to Delete Telegram Account on iPhone
If you’re using an iPhone, the steps are technically the same because Telegram requires browser-based deletion.
Here’s exactly how to delete Telegram account on iPhone:
Open Safari (or any browser on your iPhone).
Go to Telegram’s account deactivation page.
Enter your phone number with country code.
Open your Telegram app to receive the login code.
Enter the code in the browser.
Confirm deletion.
There is no “Delete Account” button inside the iOS app itself. Even though iPhone users often expect account management to be inside app settings, Telegram handles permanent deletion through its website only.
If your concern is privacy before deletion, you may also want to:
Leave sensitive groups
Delete important chats manually
Export data if needed
But remember, once deletion is confirmed, everything tied to your number will be erased.
How to Delete Telegram Account Permanently on Android
For Android users, the process is exactly the same as on iPhone. There is no direct delete option inside the Telegram Android app either.
To complete how to delete Telegram account permanently on Android:
Open Chrome or another browser.
Go to Telegram’s official deactivation page.
Enter your phone number with the correct country code.
Check the Telegram app for the confirmation code.
Enter the code on the website.
Confirm permanent deletion.
After confirmation, your account, messages, secret chats, contacts, and groups will be removed from Telegram’s servers.
One thing Android users should double-check is that they are entering the correct phone number linked to their account. If you have multiple SIM cards or recently changed numbers, make sure you're using the active Telegram number.
What Happens After You Delete Telegram Account Permanently?
Many users search for “delete telegram account permanently” without fully understanding what follows. Here’s what actually happens:
Your profile disappears for everyone.
Your messages in groups appear as sent by “Deleted Account.”
Your contact list is removed.
You are removed from all groups and channels.
Your cloud chats are erased.
Your saved messages are gone.
Your Telegram ID/username becomes available for others eventually.
Telegram does not keep a backup that you can restore later. Deletion is immediate and irreversible.
Also, if you delete your account and try to create a new one immediately, Telegram may temporarily restrict sign-ups from the same number to prevent abuse.
I Deleted My Telegram Account Can I Recover It?
This is one of the most common questions: “I deleted my Telegram account, can I recover it?”
The short and honest answer is: No.
Once you complete the deletion process, Telegram does not offer account recovery. There is no “undo” option, no grace period, and no restore function.
If you deleted your account:
All chat history is permanently erased.
All contacts linked to Telegram are removed.
Secret chats cannot be restored under any circumstances.
Telegram cannot retrieve your data, even if you contact support.
The only thing you can do is create a brand-new account using the same phone number (if Telegram allows immediate re-registration). However, this will be a completely new account with zero data.
If you’re unsure about deletion, consider temporarily logging out instead of deleting. That way, your data remains intact.
Should You Delete or Just Deactivate Temporarily?
If your goal is to:
Take a break from Telegram
Reduce screen time
Avoid distractions
Improve privacy temporarily
You might not need permanent deletion. Alternatives include:
Logging out of the app
Muting notifications
Archiving chats
Changing privacy settings
Permanent deletion should only be done if you are certain you no longer want your Telegram presence at all.
Important Things to Know Before Deleting Telegram
Before completing deletion, make sure you understand:
Your messages in private chats disappear for you but may still remain in the other person’s chat history unless they also delete them.
If you manage channels or groups, assign another admin before deletion. Otherwise, management control could be affected.
Two-step verification passwords will also be removed once the account is deleted.
If you use Telegram for business, bots, or important contacts, export your data first. Telegram provides a desktop export feature that allows you to save chats and media locally before deleting.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to delete Telegram account is simple technically, but the consequences are permanent. Whether you’re using iPhone or Android, the deletion process must be completed through Telegram’s official web page.
If you’re asking “delete telegram account permanently,” make sure you’re fully prepared for irreversible data loss. And if you’re wondering, “I deleted my Telegram account, can I recover it?” unfortunately, recovery is not possible.