How to Delete Your Telegram Account in 2026
At a glance
Platform Telegram
Company Telegram Messenger Inc.
Grace period None — deletion is immediate and irreversible; no cooling-off period
Official page my.telegram.org
What you need to know first
No deactivation. Deletion is immediate and irreversible. You can also set an auto-self-destruct timer for inactivity (1/3/6/12 months).
Step-by-step: delete your data from Telegram
- Step 1: Open my.telegram.org/auth?to=delete in a browser
- Step 2: Enter your phone number in full international format
- Step 3: Enter the confirmation code sent INSIDE the Telegram app (not via SMS)
- Step 4: Optionally provide a reason
- Step 5: Click Delete My Account and confirm 'Yes, Delete My Account'
On mobile
- iOS in-app: Settings > Privacy and Security > scroll to account deletion > Delete Account Now
- Android/desktop apps have no in-app delete — use the my.telegram.org web page
Separate data request
Self-destruct timer (Settings > Privacy and Security > 'Delete my account if away for') to auto-delete after inactivity
Key gotchas
- Confirmation code arrives in-app, not via SMS — you need access to the logged-in app
- No temporary deactivation
- Re-registering the same number starts fresh; may be briefly blocked
- Default self-destruct inactivity period is variable — confirm in-app
What this doesn't cover
Anything you posted in public channels/groups may have been copied, indexed, or scraped and is unaffected by deletion.
Public Telegram activity and your phone number can end up in broker datasets; deletion doesn't remove those.
See what personal data is exposed about you beyond Telegram.
Run a free scan →Frequently asked questions
Does Telegram delete my data immediately?
None — deletion is immediate and irreversible; no cooling-off period
Can I opt out of Telegram using my data for training?
Check Telegram's data controls settings for a training opt-out option.
Does deleting my Telegram account remove my data from the internet?
Anything you posted in public channels/groups may have been copied, indexed, or scraped and is unaffected by deletion.
What are common mistakes when deleting Telegram data?
Confirmation code arrives in-app, not via SMS — you need access to the logged-in app. No temporary deactivation.
Sources
Steps and URLs reflect the platform documentation as of the date above. Platforms may change their settings layout at any time. This guide is informational and not affiliated with Telegram Messenger Inc.