Does Telegram use end-to-end encryption? You can I

If you’re concerned about security on Telegram, you might be wondering if the messaging app uses end-to-end encryption. However, that question does not have a simple answer.

In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about Telegram and end-to-end encryption. If you value privacy as much as anyone else, you should also know how to encrypt your conversations.

Does Telegram use end-to-end encryption? The truth

The answer to the question is yes and no. Although Telegram uses end-to-end encryption, it is not the default option. Many users don’t know it; They automatically assume that your conversations are 100% secure.

On the other hand, the app does nothing to inform them about the “Secret Chat” option. Once a user starts a new chat, Telegram remains silent about options other than the default ones.

Fortunately, there is a way to activate the “Secret Chat” option. Better yet, you don’t have to be a tech expert to do it.

How to start a secret chat on Telegram

Many users cannot find this option on their own. The “Secret Chat” button is somewhat hidden. Even if you clicked on your chat partner’s name and opened her profile, you wouldn’t find it there.

This is how you start the secret chat option on Telegram:

1. Open the app.
   
2. Click on the conversation thread of your choice.
   
3. Next to your contact’s name in the bar at the top of the screen, you’ll see the three dots. Touch them.
   
   
4. Select the “Start Secret Chat” option to begin.
   

How end-to-end encryption works on Telegram

Also called E2EE, end-to-end encryption is a secure form of communication. It will ensure that your data is protected against various attacks and unauthorized access. In other words, your data will travel securely from one device to another.

Here’s how it works: The E2EE method will encrypt the data on the sender’s device. Only the intended recipient will be able to decrypt it. During transmission, no one, including ISPs, hackers, and the like, can read or alter the message you have sent.

What does end-to-end encryption protect you against?

You may be wondering what kind of threats lurk in the world of online chat. E2EE protects you against some of them.

• prying eyes – No one can read the message besides the sender and intended recipient. The message may be visible to the so-called intermediary server, but it will not be understandable.
• Manipulation – There is no way your message can be modified once encrypted using the E2EE method. Any attempt to modify it would be too obvious.

Although it may seem like a superior method (and in some ways it is), there are threats that E2EE cannot protect you against:

• Metadata –E2EE will keep the “inside” of your message intact. However, it will not hide information related to the message. An example of such information could be the date and time the message was sent. This is called metadata and can give hackers and other malicious parties valuable clues about where potential security breaches could be found.
• Exposed intermediaries – Some service providers may falsely claim that their encryption is E2EE. In truth, they offer something closer to encryption in transit. In such cases, unauthorized persons can access the information while it is stored on an intermediary server.
• Compromised endpoints – Finally, if one of the communication endpoints ends up compromised, there is always the risk that an attacker will gain access to the message before it is encrypted. Please note that this can also happen after it has been decrypted.

How to stay safe when using Telegram

Here are some tips on how to increase your security levels when using Telegram.

Activate two-step verification

To effectively protect their accounts, users must enable two-step verification. Telegram offers something more compared to other apps and platforms that allow this option. You will need to enter a different password when you log into Telegram on a device you have never used. In addition, the application will send you a security code by SMS to enter along with the password.

Here’s how to enable two-step verification on Telegram:

1. Open the app.
   
2. Click the menu button (top left).
   
3. Enter the “Settings” p.
   
4. Tap the “Privacy and Security” button.
   
5. Activate the “Two-Step Verification” option.
   
6. Create a password.
   

One last thing: you won’t be able to access your data from a different device if you forget your password. You must designate a recovery email. That way, you won’t end up excluded from your profile.

Lock the app

Unfortunately, someone could steal your phone while it’s unlocked. If thieves somehow manage to keep it unlocked, they will be able to easily access your Telegram messages and media. You can use the “block” function to prevent such a scenario from happening.

Here’s how to lock Telegram with a password:

1. Open the app.
   
2. Click the menu button (top left).
   
3. Enter the “Settings” p.
   
4. Tap the “Privacy and Security” button.
   
5. Tap the “Password Lock” button.
   
6. Click the blue “Enable Password” button.
   
7. Enter your password and confirm.
   

Automate deletion of your account (in case of loss of access)

The app may delete your account permanently after a certain time has passed. This is great if you somehow completely lose access to your Telegram account.

This is how you will set the timer for automatic deletion of your Telegram account:

1. Open the app.
   
2. Click the menu button (top left).
   
3. Enter the “Settings” p.
   
4. Tap the “Privacy and Security” button.
   
5. Click the “If I’m away” p under “Delete my account.”
   
6. Set the stopwatch.
   

Note: Be aware of how much you use Telegram. If you do not use it daily, do not set the timer for a short period.

Disable active sessions on other devices

If you change devices constantly, it is very likely that you have Telegram sessions open simultaneously. Please note that cross-device conversations are not encrypted with E2EE. Therefore, you must terminate unused sessions. Telegram allows its users to view and deactivate active sessions from a single device.

Here’s how to end active sessions on multiple devices:

1. Open the app.
   
2. Click the menu button (top left).
   
3. Enter the “Settings” p.
   
4. Tap the “Privacy and Security” button.
   
5. Click the “Active Sessions” button.
   
6. Click the “End all other sessions” button.
   

Frequent questions

Is Telegram more secure than WhatsApp?

While both apps are encrypted, Telegram allows its users to choose the aforementioned “secret chat” option. However, please note that this option is not supported for group chats. Speaking of group chats, here’s an interesting fact: they have a huge capacity for 200,000 members.

Can messages on Telegram self-destruct?

They can. As a Telegram user, you can set your messages, photos, videos, and other files to self-destruct after a certain time has passed. They will disappear forever from the devices of both the sender and the recipient.

Who can see your phone number on Telegram?

Telegram allows you to send messages in private chats and groups without anyone seeing your phone number. In default setup mode, only contacts in your phone’s address book will be able to see your number. You can modify this option in Settings (Privacy and Security/Phone Number).

What are Telegram usernames (and how do you get one)?

Each Telegram user can set their public username. Once you set up your username, other users will be able to find you in the searchable database. They will be able to send you messages (even if they don’t have your phone number). If you don’t agree to this, simply don’t set up a username. You’ll find the option in settings.

How to stop a bot from sending you messages?

You simply block it, as if it were a human user. Additionally, certain Telegram clients have a “Stop Bot” button in the bot profile.

How do you change your phone number?

You can change your phone number and still keep all your contacts, media, messages and secret chats across all devices. The process is simple.

1. Go to “Settings”.

2.Tap your phone number (it’s above your username).

3. Next, select “Change number”.

And there you have it!

How to delete your Telegram account?

To delete your Telegram account and delete all your messages and contacts, you can access the deactivation page. Once the account is deleted, any groups or channels you created will be left without a creator, while administrators will retain their rights.

A telegram from end to end

Although most people assume that Telegram uses E2EE by default, it is actually optional. By default, your chats are not end-to-end encrypted. However, you don’t have to be a tech genius to make your chats more secure. Find the “Secret Chat” option once you click on the three dots to the right of your contact’s name and enjoy some much-needed privacy.