Before you decide to delete your Telegram account, it’s crucial to ensure that your data is backed up securely. Deleting your account is irreversible, and once completed, all your messages, contacts, and media will be permanently lost. Fortunately, Telegram offers an option to export your data before you proceed with account deletion. This step-by-step guide will help you export your Telegram data on Windows, ensuring you have a backup of everything important.
How to Export Your Data Before Deleting Telegram Permanently
You might want to securely back up their chats, contacts, and media before permanently deleting your Telegram account, following these steps. We recommend doing this on Windows or macOS:
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Open Telegram and Access the Menu
Launch the Telegram app on your Windows device. Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner of the screen to open the main menu.
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Navigate to Settings
From the menu, select “Settings” to access the configuration options for your Telegram account.
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Select Advanced Settings
Scroll down in the settings menu and click on “Advanced” to access more detailed configuration options.
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Choose Export Telegram Data
In the advanced settings, find and select the “Export Telegram Data” option. This will open a new window where you can choose what data to include in your export.
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Confirm Data Export
Review the data you want to export and click “Export” to begin the process. Telegram will compile your data into a file that you can download and store securely.
How to Delete Your Telegram Account on Windows, Android and iOS
Deleting your Telegram account is a serious decision as it permanently removes all your data from Telegram’s servers. Whether you’re looking to delete your Telegram account on Windows, Android, or iOS, the steps are similar with slight variations depending on the platform. Her we use Telegram for Windows as an example, but we’ll also highlight any differences for Android and iOS.
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Open Telegram and Access the Menu
Launch the Telegram app on your Windows device. Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner of the screen to open the main menu.
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Go to Settings
Select “Settings” from the menu to proceed to the account configuration options.
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Access the Telegram FAQ
In the settings menu, scroll down and select “Telegram FAQ“. This section provides answers to common questions, including account deletion.
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Navigate to the Account Deletion Page
Within the FAQ section, find and click on the link “Delete your Telegram account“.
- Open the Telegram deactivation page
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Enter Your Phone Number
On the deactivation page, enter the phone number associated with your Telegram account. Click “Next” to continue.
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Verify Your Account with a Code
Telegram will send a verification code to your phone. Enter the code on the deactivation page and sign in.
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Confirm Account Deletion
After signing in, you will see a confirmation screen. Click “Delete My Account” to permanently remove your account and all associated data.
- Confirm with “Yes, delete my account”
How to Delete Your Telegram Account via a Web Browser
If you prefer not to use the Telegram app, you can also delete your account through a web browser. This method is convenient if you’re not near your device but still want to proceed with the deletion.
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Open the Telegram Deactivation Page
In your web browser, go to the official Telegram account deactivation page. Enter the phone number linked to your Telegram account and click “Next“.
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Verify Your Account with a Code
Telegram will send a verification code to your phone. Enter the code on the deactivation page and sign in.
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Confirm Account Deletion
After signing in, you will see a confirmation screen. Click “Delete My Account” to permanently remove your account and all associated data.
- Confirm with “Yes, delete my account”
How to Deactivate Your Telegram Account
Unfortunately, Telegram does not offer a straightforward way to temporarily deactivate your account, as other social media platforms might. Telegram accounts can only be permanently deleted. However, if you’re looking to take a break from Telegram without permanently losing your data, here are some alternative approaches you can consider:
1. Log Out of Your Telegram Account
Instead of deleting your account, you can simply log out of Telegram on all your devices. This action will effectively disable notifications and prevent anyone from contacting you via Telegram, while preserving your data.
- Open Telegram Settings: Go to the Telegram app on your device, open the menu, and select “Settings“.
- Select Privacy and Security: Navigate to “Privacy and Security” in the settings menu.
- Choose Log Out: Scroll down and select “Log Out” to disconnect your account from the device.
2. Disable Notifications
If you want to remain logged in but want to reduce distractions, you can disable Telegram notifications. This way, you can continue using the app at your convenience without being interrupted by constant alerts.
- Access Notification Settings: Go to “Settings” > “Notifications and Sounds“.
- Turn Off Notifications: Toggle off the notifications for messages, groups, and channels.
3. Set a Self-Destruct Timer for Your Account
Telegram offers a self-destruct feature that automatically deletes your account after a period of inactivity. This is not an immediate deactivation but can be useful if you want to ensure your account is deleted if you stop using Telegram.
- Set Self-Destruct Timer: Go to “Settings” > “Privacy and Security” > “Delete My Account If Away For“. Choose the desired duration (1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months).
4. Clear Your Chat History and Media
If privacy is your concern, you can clear your chat history and media while keeping your account active. This action will remove personal information without affecting your ability to return to Telegram later.
- Clear Chat History: In each chat, tap on the three dots in the top-right corner and select “Clear History.”
- Delete Media: You can manually delete downloaded media files from your device to free up space and protect your privacy.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Telegram Account Management
What happens to my data after deleting my Telegram account?
Once you delete your Telegram account, all stored data including messages, groups, contacts, and media files are permanently erased from Telegram servers. This process is irreversible, and there is no way to retrieve any data once the account deletion is confirmed.
Can I recover my Telegram account after deletion?
No, once your Telegram account is deleted, it cannot be recovered. You will need to create a new account if you decide to use Telegram again, but you will start as a new user without any of your previous data.
Does deleting my account remove my messages from other people’s devices?
Messages you have sent to individuals or groups remain on their devices even after you delete your account. This includes any media or files you have sent. Deleting your account does not affect the data others have received from you.
Can I export individual chat histories in Telegram?
Yes, during the data export process, you have the option to select individual chats for export. This allows you to selectively back up personal chats, group conversations, or any specific interactions you wish to preserve.
Is it possible to delete Telegram account from the mobile app?
Yes, you can delete your Telegram account directly from the mobile app. The steps are similar across platforms: access your settings, navigate to the privacy and security section, and follow the prompt to delete your account. You will need to verify your phone number to initiate the deletion process.
What file format is Telegram data exported in?
Telegram exports data primarily in JSON format, which is versatile and widely used for data interchange. JSON files can be easily viewed and analyzed with many software tools that support this format, providing a readable and structured way of looking at your exported data.
Can I temporarily deactivate my Telegram account instead of deleting it?
Telegram does not support temporary deactivation. The only options are to either continue using the account or permanently delete it. If you might need your Telegram account in the future, consider simply logging out and removing the app from your device instead of deleting your account.
What should I do if I don’t receive the verification code for account deletion?
If you don’t receive the verification code for account deletion, check that you have entered the correct phone number associated with your Telegram account. Ensure your device has signal and can receive messages. If issues persist, try restarting your device or attempting the process at a later time. Contacting Telegram support is also recommended if you continue to experience difficulties.
Will deleting my Telegram account affect related apps like Telegram X?
Deleting your main Telegram account will also affect any related apps like Telegram X or any other client that uses Telegram’s infrastructure. This action will log you out and erase your data from all instances where your Telegram account was used.
Is it safe to use third-party services to export Telegram data?
Using third-party services to export Telegram data involves potential risks including data theft or loss. To ensure data privacy and security, it is advisable to utilize the official Telegram features for data export, which are designed to safeguard your information effectively.
How can I ensure my exported Telegram data remains secure?
To secure your exported Telegram data, store it in a location that is both secure and private, such as an encrypted storage solution or a device with restricted access. Consider using strong passwords and avoid storing sensitive information on cloud services without end-to-end encryption.
How do I contact Telegram support for help with account issues?
To reach Telegram support, navigate to the ‘Help’ section within the Telegram settings on the app, or access the support website via Telegram’s official website. Telegram also maintains a series of FAQs which can address common issues directly through the app or their support page.
Can I delete specific items from my Telegram data before exporting?
While you cannot delete individual items within the export tool, you can choose which types of data (like chats, media, or files) to include or exclude in your export. This selective process allows you to control the scope of data being exported but does not permit fine-grained deletion from the export content itself.
How can I verify that my Telegram account has been completely deleted?
After you delete your Telegram account, attempting to log in using the same phone number should lead to a prompt to create a new account, signifying that the previous one no longer exists. If you are prompted to re-enter a verification code to access your account, then your account has not been fully deleted.
What precautions should I take before deleting my Telegram account?
Before deleting your Telegram account, ensure all desired data is backed up via the export function. Inform your contacts if necessary, especially if you collaborate or communicate significantly over Telegram. Also, review linked services, automated tasks, or bots that operate through your Telegram account and adjust them as needed to avoid disruption.
Related: How to Deactivate or Delete an Instagram Account
You might consider to delete your Instagram account for various reasons but at the same time be unsure about it. In our other guide we tell you everything you might want to consider and show you, how to deactivate Instagram, how to delete an Instagram account permanently, and how to download your Instagram data.
Related: How to Delete or Deactivate Your Facebook Account
Deactivating your Facebook account is a temporary measure that allows you to step away from the platform without permanently losing your profile, photos, and other data. In our other guide, we show you how to delete or deactivate your Facebook account to protect your privacy and control your online presence.
Related: How to Delete a Gmail Account and Use Account Recovery to Get It Back
Google’s services are great, but they’re also incredibly privacy invasive. If you’re looking to be more anonymous online, learning how to delete a Gmail account or Google account should be your first point of call. In our other guide, we walk you through how to delete your Gmail account or deactivate your Google account while explaining how to recover them if you need to.
Related: How to Delete Your Snapchat Account Permanently
If you no longer wish to use your Snapchat, it therefore is a good idea to completely delete your Snapchat account. Otherwise, your data might be used without explicit consent or hackers might gain access. Once a Snapchat account has been deleted, you can use the exact same registration details to create a new account if you decide to start from scratch.
