Telegram is a solid messaging app that is rich with features. But if you're switching to a new messaging app, it's best to delete your Telegram account before you go.

Telegram doesn't offer a direct switch you can flick in the app's settings across all platforms. So, here are step-by-step guides showing you how to deactivate or delete your Telegram account.

How to Export Your Data Before Leaving Telegram

export telegram data

Telegram doesn't let you temporarily shut your Telegram account. Once deleted, you can't undo the action and revive your account or read your old texts by just logging back in.

Thankfully, Telegram offers an export option on its desktop clients in case there are any conversations you'd like to save for future reference.

To use it, install the Telegram app on your PC and sign in. Then follow these steps:

  1. Click the three bars in the top-right corner to reveal the navigation menu and select Settings.
    Telegram Settings Menu options
  2. Now, click on Advanced and scroll all the way down until you find the Export Telegram Data option. Choose the type of data you'd like to export by clicking the appropriate checkboxes. You can also adjust the size limit for files that go into the exported data and select the download format; this could be JSON or HTML.
    Telegram Advanced Settings Menu options
  3. Click Export. Depending on the size of your data, Telegram will complete the extraction in a few minutes. Tap Show My Data to view the file.
    Telegram Export Data dialog box

How to Delete Your Telegram Account on the iOS App

The option to delete your Telegram account permanently is only available on the iOS app and the web version.

To delete your Telegram account permanently via the iOS app on your iPhone:

  1. On the app, tap the Settings icon at the bottom-right.
  2. Next, go to Privacy and Security.
  3. Scroll this menu until you reach the Automatically Delete My Account section.
  4. Here, select the If Away For entry.
  5. Tap Delete Account Now.
  6. Scroll down on the following menu and tap Delete My Account.

    If you want to time the deletion instead, tap Cancel at the top-left and define the new inactivity duration after which your account should self-destruct. You'll see the available options, starting from 1 month to 1 year. You'll have to remain inactive for the specified period for the auto-removal to take effect.

  7. Finally, tap Continue. Then Continue.
  8. Enter your phone number in the provided field and tap Continue.
  9. Finally, tap Delete My Account to delete your Telegram account permanently.

Once done, this action deletes your Telegram account across all linked devices.

How to Delete Your Telegram Account Across Platforms

Whether using the Android, desktop, or iOS app, using the Telegram website deletes your account regardless of the platform you use to access Telegram.

To deactivate your Telegram account via this option:

  1. Head over to the My Telegram website.
  2. Enter your Telegram phone number using the international number format, then click Next.
  3. A confirmation code will be sent to you via Telegram and not by SMS. Ensure that you can access your Telegram account to retrieve the code.
    Telegram Confirmation code sent
  4. Enter the code in the "Confirmation code" box and click Sign In.
    Telegram enter Confirmation Code
  5. On the screen that follows, click the Delete Account link. In the available text box, write your reason for leaving. Hit the Delete My Account button when you're ready.
    Delete Telegram account
  6. Select the red Yes, Delete My Account option in the prompt, and that's it. Telegram will delete your account and data permanently.

Can You Deactivate Your Telegram Account Temporarily?

You can't deactivate your Telegram account temporarily. The only choice you have is to leave your Telegram profile inactive. If it helps, you can uninstall the Telegram apps from your computer and phone.

However, keep in mind that leaving Telegram for a long time will eventually result in the permanent auto-deletion of your account. To avoid this, try logging in to the app periodically before the auto-deletion period (six months by default) elapses. If you don't want people to see that you're online, you can hide your last seen on Telegram.

What Happens When You Delete Your Telegram Account

Before deleting your Telegram profile forever, it's best to understand the consequences of doing so.

When you delete your account, Telegram says it gets rid of all of your chats and data. Your account is terminated permanently and your messages, as well as contacts, are deleted beyond retrieval.

As for the channels and groups you built, they will continue to function normally even when you delete Telegram, and the existing admins will retain their privileges. In case you're the sole admin, Telegram will randomly assign an active member as the new admin.

On top of that, Telegram won't let you set up a new account with the same phone number again for at least a couple of days. Additionally, deleting an account that has been limited due to spam-related activity will not remove the ban.

Why You May Want to Delete Your Telegram Account

Even though Telegram boasts some useful features, there are still several reasons why you may want to deactivate your Telegram account. Here are just a few reasons why you may want to delete Telegram...

1. Telegram Is No Longer the Best App for You

With so many instant messaging apps available, there's a chance Telegram is not the best messaging app for your needs anymore. Maybe there's a new app in town, and you want to shift your conversations there, or you're worried about Telegram features that may be exposing your location.

2. Your Friends Are Leaving Telegram

Perhaps, some of your friends or family members are no longer on Telegram. Hence, you're following them away from Telegram to new pastures in order to stay connected.

3. Telegram's Policies Worry You

Popular messaging apps often know a lot about you. It's also possible you are not comfortable with Telegram's open policies and its broad range of communities. Multiple reports claim Telegram is a hotbed for illegal activity and hosts channels where users can easily download new movies or music tracks for free.

4. You Don't Trust Telegram

Telegram doesn't encrypt chats by default and its security model has been criticized by some. In comparison, its competitor Signal is generally viewed with more trust around security and privacy.

Is It Time to Delete Telegram?

Telegram is a competent messaging platform that's available across a host of platforms. However, if you've decided to quit Telegram, these methods will help you delete your Telegram account and preserve your chat data locally on your computer.

If you're still looking for a new home for your digital conversations, there are a number of Telegram alternatives you can try.