Telegram is a popular messaging app for Android that focuses on privacy and encryption. The app is packed with features like secret chats, chatbots, message translation, and chat tools. It's available on all Android devices, from budget-friendly phones to the latest flagships, and it's also accessible on iOS, PCs, and Macs.

You may have reasons to delete your Telegram account. Perhaps you can't convince your friends to use the app or are unhappy with how it handles auto-deleting messages. Maybe you don't like that some features are restricted to Telegram Premium subscribers. We show you how to delete your Telegram account for good.

How to delete your Telegram account immediately

If you want to delete your account, you may want the process completed as soon as possible without a waiting period. Telegram offers such a feature in the Telegram web app.

You can't access Telegram's instant account deletion tool from the app, as it's only available on the web.

Launch your favorite browser and take the following steps to deactivate your account:

  1. Open your web browser.
  2. Go to the Telegram Delete Account or Manage Apps page.
  3. Enter the phone number you used to create your Telegram account. A code is sent to your devices that are logged in to the Telegram app.
    screenshot of telegram deactivation screen showing a phone number box.
  4. Enter the confirmation code in the provided space on the login page.
  5. Click the Sign In button. The Delete Your Account page explains the implications of your action and alternative measures.
    Telegram deactivation screen with confirmation code box and a phone number box.
  6. Explain why you're deactivating your Telegram account in the Why are you leaving box.
  7. Click Delete My Account. A dialog box appears asking you to confirm the deletion.
    Telegram deactivation screen with "Why are you leaving?" box
  8. Select Yes, Delete My Account.

After completing these steps, your Telegram account is successfully deactivated.

When you delete your account, all your messages are deleted. It also takes a few days before you can open another account using the same phone number.

How to automatically delete your Telegram account after a period of inactivity

Since Telegram is a privacy-focused app, it knows users want to make sure nobody accesses their information. This includes users who can't access their Telegram account to delete it or want to make sure all unwanted information is scrubbed from their profile. To keep abandoned accounts private, Telegram can delete your account if you don't log in for a certain period.

This capability is turned on by default, and you can set how long it takes before your Telegram account is deleted. To set this period, take the following steps:

  1. Open the Telegram app.
  2. Select the menu button in the upper-right corner.
  3. Find and select Settings in the menu.
  4. Select Privacy and Security.
  5. Select If away for under the Delete my account tab.
  6. Choose the period that's right for you, from one month to one year.

After selecting the period you desire, Telegram automatically deletes your account if you're away for longer than the specified amount of time.

Give other messaging apps a chance

Messaging apps are a great way to stay connected with friends, and many of them come with features like group chats, voice calls, and conference calls. There's a variety of communication apps available online. You'll find apps that fit every lifestyle and business need. If you're considering moving on from Telegram, our comprehensive guide features a list of communication apps for Android to help you find a suitable alternative.