How to delete a Telegram account.

Deleting a Telegram account removes its messages, contacts and profile for good. The Telegram FAQ is clear that termination is irreversible: if you sign up again with the same number, you start as a new user.

1. Before you delete

• Export what you want to keep. Telegram Desktop can export chats, media and contacts (Settings, Advanced, Export Telegram data). Our free export viewer opens the result.
• Hand over your channels and groups. Transfer ownership to a trusted account first, or they stay without an owner you control.
• Decide whether you only need a break. Logging out keeps the account. A deleted account, and its creation date, can never be restored.

2. Delete your account now

1. Open Telegram's deactivation page, my.telegram.org/deactivate, in a browser.
2. Enter your phone number in international format.
3. Telegram sends a confirmation code to your Telegram app, not by SMS.
4. Enter the code, optionally say why you are leaving, and confirm the deletion.

3. Let the account delete itself

If you stop using Telegram, the account deletes itself after a period without activity: 18 months by default, according to the Telegram FAQ. You can pick a shorter period in Settings, Privacy and Security, under the option that deletes the account if you are away. More detail is in our guide to inactive account deletion.

4. What happens after deletion

• Your messages, media and contacts stored in Telegram's cloud are deleted.
• In other people's chats, your name is replaced by Deleted Account.
• The same phone number can sign up again, but as a new user without the old history, contacts or groups.

5. Your channels and groups

Channels and groups you created do not disappear with your account, but you can no longer manage them. Transfer ownership first (see how to transfer channel ownership). If you no longer need an old channel or group, it may still be worth something: older chats are valued for their age. See sell your old channel or group.

Frequently asked questions