How to Delete Your Telegram Account

Delete Telegram at my.telegram.org with a code sent to your Telegram app, or set your account to self-destruct after a period of inactivity.

Two ways to delete

Delete now

1. Open my.telegram.org in a browser.
2. Enter your phone number with the country code.
3. Telegram sends a code to the Telegram app (not by SMS). Enter it.
4. Choose Delete account, give a reason if you like, and confirm.

Make sure you type the code from the Telegram app into the official site only. Fake sites copy this page to steal accounts.

What deletion removes

• Your messages, contacts and account.
• Groups and channels you created stay alive if they have other admins.
• Messages you sent in groups and chats may remain for others.

Deletion cannot be undone. If you sign up again with the same number, it is a new, empty account.

Before you delete

• Export chats and media with Telegram Desktop: Settings › Advanced › Export Telegram data.
• Hand ownership of channels and groups to someone else.
• Remove bots or payments linked to the account.

Can't receive the code?

The code goes to Telegram on a device where you are signed in. If you are signed out everywhere, you may need to sign in first, or let the self-destruct timer delete the account. See Telegram code problems.

Deleting vs leaving groups

If you only want fewer messages, leaving busy groups, muting chats or archiving them may be enough. You can also hide your number and limit who can add you to groups in privacy settings. Deleting the account is final, so it is worth trying these first if privacy is the main worry.

Self-destruct timer

Under Settings › Privacy and Security, the "If away for" option deletes the account automatically after a chosen period without use. It is a good safety net if you lose access to all devices, because the account will not sit around forever.

FAQ

How do I delete my Telegram account?

At my.telegram.org with a code sent to your Telegram app, or through the self-destruct setting.

Can I recover a deleted Telegram account?

No. Deletion is permanent.

Does Telegram delete inactive accounts?

Yes, after the period set in "If away for", which defaults to several months.

Related: Telegram code invalid · Telegram limits · delete Facebook.