It’s time for readers to ask again, and this time it’s about Telegram. The full question is: “I heard that messages are stored on Telegram servers and I don’t want that.” How can I delete all my messages on Telegram?
Telegram is a secure messaging application for mobile and desktop devices. It has millions of users and the company prides itself on the service for its easy-to-use, encrypted messaging service. That means those who use it use it a lot, which means housekeeping can be in order. That is why today we will review your deletion options within Telegram. I will also share some Telegram tricks that I learned since using the app.
One of the reasons Telegram is so popular is because of the end-to-end encryption. This service means you can send someone else whatever you want while protecting your content from unwanted readers. Even if you have nothing to hide, privacy is a valued right in today’s digital society. If you live in a region where freedom of expression is restricted or you are concerned about your privacy, you will especially like Telegram.
Is it possible to delete all messages on Telegram?
Fortunately, Telegram has finally allowed users to expand their privacy options over the past two years. You can retrieve any message at any time and for any reason. Before the most recent updates were available, users could only delete messages if they were less than 48 hours old.
To delete all messages on Telegram:
- Select a message you have sent.
- Select the trash icon at the top right of the chat screen.
- You also have the option to delete the message on your contact side. Simply tap “Delete also to [Contact]”before selecting Delete.
Depending on the option you choose, your chat history will also disappear from other users’ chats.
If you want to delete an entire thread with another user, just slowly swipe through the thread (from the messages list) and tap the red “Delete” option on an iPhone. Android users can long press the thread to delete all content.
Group chats
Before responding to group messages, it is important to understand that you may not have the option to delete them. According to Telegram, only group administrators can delete and delete chat history.
If you join a group chat, be careful what you say, as that information may be out of your control once you hit “Send.”
Telegram takes online messaging a little further than simply deleting chats. You can create ‘Secret Chats’ within the app.
Secret chats on Telegram
Secret chats work differently than normal chats on Telegram. Regular chat saves a copy on the server so you can sync between devices and always have a conversation. Secret chat is peer-to-peer, so copies are only kept on the devices you and the person you’re talking to are using.
Secret chats also self-destruct. You can set a destruction timer within Telegram so that messages disappear once both parties have read them. To start a secret chat on Telegram, select ‘New Secret Chat’ from the menu.
Change your phone number on Telegram
If you have a couple of phones or change your number When you change your contract, you can change it in Telegram to keep all your chats.
- Select Settings in Telegram and then Change number.
- Add your new number in the box and select Save.
- All your chats will be transferred and downloaded to your new device (if you have one).
Use multiple Telegram accounts
Some users have multiple Telegram accounts. Fortunately, the messaging platform is happy to accommodate those who want to keep and continue using multiple accounts.
- Tap the Menu icon (three stacked lines) in Telegram.
- Select the down arrow next to your name.
- Select Add Account from the list.
- Add your number and follow the account setup wizard.
Once added, use the same down arrow to switch between accounts. You can do this as many times as you need.
Lock your chats
Security is a big selling point for Telegram. End-to-end encryption is a big plus, but the ability to lock chats is even better. It adds another level of security that keeps your conversations as secret as possible.
- Select Settings in the Telegram app.
- Select Privacy and security.
- Select Password Lock and enable it.
- Add a PIN and you’re done.
Telegram has received a lot of bad press over the last year. Some things were justified and others were not. Either way, it’s still a great chat app that protects your conversations in multiple ways. For that alone, it’s worth using.
Prevent message forwarding
To further protect your privacy, you can change the settings to prevent someone from forwarding your messages. Visit your privacy settings and tap the “Forwarded Messages” option to ensure no one other than the intended recipient has access.
To prevent resending:
- Open the Telegram app and tap “Settings” in the bottom left corner.
- Tap “Privacy & Security.”
- Scroll down and tap “Forwarded Messages.”
- Change from “Everyone” (the default) to “My Contacts” or “Nobody.”
The app even allows you to set up forwarding capabilities for select contacts. Depending on your messaging needs, the app is quite customizable.
Delete your Telegram account
Interestingly, if you delete your Telegram account, all your chat histories will disappear with it. If you no longer feel the need to keep your Telegram account or are having trouble with the deletion process, deleting your account is a drastic but effective solution to maintain anonymity.
To completely delete your account follow these instructions:
- Visit the telegram website and enter your phone number – You will need to use your country code plus the standard 10 digits of your phone number, so for the US, it would be +1 (area code) – (last seven digits of your phone number)
- Follow the verification steps.
- Confirm the deletion of your account.
Your Telegram account will be automatically deleted after a period of no activity.
- You can go to “Settings” in the app and tap “Privacy & Security.”
- Once there, locate the “Delete my account” heading.
- Tap the ‘If you are away during’ option and set your account to be deleted after one month, three months, six months, or one year.
If you have difficulties deleting your account or using other features, you can always contact the Telegram Support Team.
Although the support team is full of volunteers, the FAQ page located in the “Settings” menu of the app is also very helpful.
Frequent questions
Here are the answers to more of your questions about Telegram.
If I delete my Telegram account, will all my messages disappear?
Absolutely! If you want to start over from scratch, you can delete your Telegram account. All your previous messages will disappear when your account no longer exists.
Can I save all my personal Telegram chats?
If you want to save some chats before deleting them all, you can export your Telegram chats using a computer. Download the Telegram app and log in to your account. Tap the three lines in the top left corner, then tap “Settings.”
Click on the “Advanced” option and “Export Telegram Data”. Follow the on-screen prompts and retrieve your messages.
