Telegram gives you two ways out: deactivation or permanent deletion
Deleting your Telegram account is straightforward, but the method depends on how much time you have. You can deactivate your account when ready, which hides it from other users and stops notifications, but keeps your data on Telegram's servers for six months. Or you can request permanent deletion, which removes everything — but takes up to one month to complete. Most people choose deactivation if they might return, and permanent deletion if they want a clean break.
The process works the same whether you use Telegram on your phone, desktop, or web. You do not need to contact Telegram support or provide a reason. Once you start either process, you cannot undo it by logging back in — deactivation ends after six months automatically if you do not return, and permanent deletion is final.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your account when ready but keeps your data for six months; permanent deletion takes up to one month and removes everything.
- You can deactivate from Settings on any device, but permanent deletion requires you to request it through the web version or by contacting support.
- After deactivation, your account reactivates automatically if you log in within six months; after that, it converts to permanent deletion.
- Deactivation does not delete your messages from other people's chats — only from your own account.
- If you forget your password, you can still deactivate by requesting a password reset code sent to your phone number or email.
How to deactivate your account right now
Deactivation is the faster option and works from any device. On your phone, open Telegram, tap your profile picture in the top left, then tap Settings. Scroll to the bottom and tap "Delete My Account". Telegram will ask you to confirm your phone number and may send a code to verify it. Enter the code, then choose a reason for leaving (this is optional), and tap "Delete My Account" again.
On desktop, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left, then Settings. Scroll down to "Privacy and Security", then find "Delete My Account" near the bottom. The process is the same: confirm your phone number, enter the code if prompted, and confirm deletion.
Your account disappears from search results and your profile becomes inaccessible to other users within minutes. You will not receive messages or notifications. However, Telegram keeps your data (messages, photos, contacts) on its servers for six months. If you log back in during that window — even by accident — your account reactivates fully.
How to request permanent deletion
Permanent deletion removes your account and all associated data from Telegram's servers, but it takes longer. You cannot request permanent deletion from the mobile app. Instead, go to telegram.org/auth/login on a web browser, log in with your phone number, and enter the code Telegram sends you. Once logged in, click your profile picture, then Settings, then "Privacy and Security".
Scroll down to "Delete My Account" and select it. This time, you will see an option to request permanent deletion instead of just deactivation. Choose that option, confirm your phone number again, and submit. Telegram will send you a confirmation email. The deletion process begins when ready, but can take up to one month to complete as Telegram removes your data from all its servers and backups.
If you do not have access to the web version or cannot log in, you can contact Telegram support directly through the app. Tap Settings, then "Ask a Question", and explain that you want to permanently delete your account. Support will verify your identity and process the request, though this route typically takes longer.
What happens to your messages and contacts after deletion
When you deactivate or delete your account, your own message history disappears from your device. However, messages you sent to other people remain in their chats — deletion only removes your side of the conversation. If you sent sensitive information, deactivation or deletion does not erase it from the other person's phone.
Your contacts list is removed from Telegram's servers during permanent deletion, but anyone who had your number saved in their phone can still see it. Telegram does not notify your contacts that you have left. Group chats you were part of will show your account as "Deleted Account" or straightforward remove your name, depending on when the deletion completes.
If you forgot your password or cannot access your phone number
You can still deactivate your account even if you cannot remember your password. When you try to log in, tap "Forgot Password?" and Telegram will send a reset code to the email address or phone number associated with your account. Use that code to set a new password, then log in and follow the deactivation steps above.
If you no longer have access to your phone number and cannot receive the reset code, contact Telegram support through the app or at telegram.org/support. Explain that you want to delete your account and cannot access your phone number. Support will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing the email address linked to your account — and can process deletion on your behalf.
The difference between deactivation and permanent deletion
| Deactivation | Permanent Deletion |
|---|---|
| Hides your account when ready | Takes up to one month to complete |
| Data kept for six months | All data removed permanently |
| Reactivates if you log in within six months | Cannot be undone |
| Can be done from mobile app | Requires web version or support contact |
| Good if you might return | Good if you want a complete break |
What to do before you delete
Before you deactivate or delete, save any information you want to keep. Telegram does not have a built-in export tool, but you can take screenshots of important conversations or copy text manually. If you use Telegram for two-factor authentication on other accounts, update those accounts to use a different authentication method first — you will lose access to Telegram codes once your account is gone.
If you are part of important groups or channels, consider leaving them first so group admins know you are gone. You can also notify close contacts through another platform that you are leaving Telegram. After deletion, there is no way to recover your account or its data, so make sure you have moved any critical information elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my account after deactivation?
Yes, but only within six months. If you log in during that window, your account reactivates with all your data intact. After six months, deactivation automatically converts to permanent deletion and cannot be reversed.
Will other people know I deleted my account?
No, Telegram does not send a notification. Your profile will show as "Deleted Account" or disappear from their contact list, but they will not receive an alert that you left.
Can I use the same phone number to create a new Telegram account after deletion?
Yes, but you must wait until your permanent deletion is complete (up to one month). After that, you can sign up with the same number. If you deactivated instead, you can create a new account when ready with a different number, but using the same number will reactivate your old account.
What if I delete my account but still want to use Telegram?
Deactivate instead of permanently deleting. You can log back in within six months and your account returns to normal. If you accidentally permanently delete, you cannot recover it — you would have to create a completely new account with a different phone number.
Does deleting my Telegram account delete my messages from group chats?
No. Your messages remain in the group chat visible to other members, but your name will show as "Deleted Account". Only you lose access to your copy of the conversation.