How to Use Telegram Without Sharing Personal Data
Posted: Thu May 29, 2025 3:34 am
Telegram is a popular messaging app known for its speed, security, and wide range of features. However, like many communication platforms, it asks for certain personal information — most notably your phone number — when you sign up. If privacy is your concern, you may be wondering how to use Telegram without sharing personal data. Fortunately, there are several methods and settings that can help you maintain your anonymity and protect your personal information.
1. Use a Virtual Number
Telegram requires a phone number to create an account, but telegram data it doesn’t have to be your real number. You can use a virtual phone number from services like Google Voice, TextNow, or paid services such as Hushed or Burner. These services give you a separate number that can receive SMS or calls, which is enough to register your Telegram account. Using a virtual number helps keep your real phone number private while still allowing you to access all Telegram features.
2. Hide Your Phone Number
Once your account is set up, you can configure Telegram to hide your phone number from others. To do this:
Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Phone Number.
Set Who can see my phone number? to Nobody.
Also, adjust Who can find me by my number? to My Contacts or Nobody, depending on your needs.
This way, even if someone has your username, they won't see your phone number unless you’ve permitted it.
3. Create a Username
Telegram allows users to create unique usernames, which makes it possible for others to contact you without needing your phone number. You can set a username by going to Settings > Username. Once it’s set, people can find and message you using @YourUsername instead of your number. This is particularly useful if you want to join groups or channels without revealing personal information.
4. Control Who Can Contact You
Telegram also offers granular control over who can see and interact with you. Under Settings > Privacy and Security, you can:
Choose who can see your Last Seen & Online status.
Limit who can call you or add you to groups.
Block specific users.
These settings allow you to stay in control of your Telegram presence without exposing personal data.
5. Use Secret Chats
For maximum privacy, use Telegram’s Secret Chat feature. These chats are end-to-end encrypted and are not stored on Telegram’s servers. Messages in secret chats can also be set to self-destruct after a certain time. While regular chats are secure, secret chats offer an extra layer of privacy if you’re discussing sensitive topics.
6. Avoid Syncing Contacts
During setup, Telegram may prompt you to sync your phone contacts. Decline this option to avoid linking your Telegram account with your personal address book. This reduces the chance of people finding your profile through mutual contacts.
Final Thoughts
While Telegram requires a phone number to sign up, you don’t have to compromise your privacy. By using a virtual number, adjusting privacy settings, and being cautious about how you interact on the platform, you can use Telegram effectively without exposing your personal data.
1. Use a Virtual Number
Telegram requires a phone number to create an account, but telegram data it doesn’t have to be your real number. You can use a virtual phone number from services like Google Voice, TextNow, or paid services such as Hushed or Burner. These services give you a separate number that can receive SMS or calls, which is enough to register your Telegram account. Using a virtual number helps keep your real phone number private while still allowing you to access all Telegram features.
2. Hide Your Phone Number
Once your account is set up, you can configure Telegram to hide your phone number from others. To do this:
Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Phone Number.
Set Who can see my phone number? to Nobody.
Also, adjust Who can find me by my number? to My Contacts or Nobody, depending on your needs.
This way, even if someone has your username, they won't see your phone number unless you’ve permitted it.
3. Create a Username
Telegram allows users to create unique usernames, which makes it possible for others to contact you without needing your phone number. You can set a username by going to Settings > Username. Once it’s set, people can find and message you using @YourUsername instead of your number. This is particularly useful if you want to join groups or channels without revealing personal information.
4. Control Who Can Contact You
Telegram also offers granular control over who can see and interact with you. Under Settings > Privacy and Security, you can:
Choose who can see your Last Seen & Online status.
Limit who can call you or add you to groups.
Block specific users.
These settings allow you to stay in control of your Telegram presence without exposing personal data.
5. Use Secret Chats
For maximum privacy, use Telegram’s Secret Chat feature. These chats are end-to-end encrypted and are not stored on Telegram’s servers. Messages in secret chats can also be set to self-destruct after a certain time. While regular chats are secure, secret chats offer an extra layer of privacy if you’re discussing sensitive topics.
6. Avoid Syncing Contacts
During setup, Telegram may prompt you to sync your phone contacts. Decline this option to avoid linking your Telegram account with your personal address book. This reduces the chance of people finding your profile through mutual contacts.
Final Thoughts
While Telegram requires a phone number to sign up, you don’t have to compromise your privacy. By using a virtual number, adjusting privacy settings, and being cautious about how you interact on the platform, you can use Telegram effectively without exposing your personal data.