2025 Security Checklist: Make Telegram as Safe as Possible

Is Telegram really safe to use? Many people ask this question because Telegram’s popularity as the best messaging app just keeps growing. Millions of people worldwide love Telegram because it lets you chat, stream, and join big groups and channels on a fast, reliable app that works on all your devices. It uses the cloud, so your messages are always there when you need them.

But how safe is Telegram when it comes to privacy and security? The good news is Telegram can be a super safe app if you use it wisely. This article will show you how to make Telegram as secure as possible with simple steps. Just follow this Telegram security checklist and keep your messages and account protected!

1. Enable Two-Step Verification (Two-Factor Authentication)

The first step to secure your Telegram account is to enable Two-Step Verification. This adds an extra password to your account, on top of the SMS code Telegram sends.

1. Open Telegram.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Tap Privacy and Security.
4. Choose Two-Step Verification.
5. Set up a strong password.
6. Save your changes.

Now your Telegram account has an extra layer of protection, keeping it safe from hackers.

This way, even if someone learns your login code, they cannot access your Telegram without this password. Two-step verification makes Telegram much safer from hackers and intruders.

2. Set a Strong Passcode Lock for the App

Next, use Telegram’s Passcode Lock feature. This is like adding a PIN or lock pattern to your Telegram app. It protects your chats if someone else uses your phone or computer.

1. Open Telegram.
2. Tap on Settings.
3. Select Privacy and Security.
4. Tap Passcode Lock/Local Passcode.
5. Create a strong and hard-to-guess passcode or PIN.
6. Confirm and save the passcode.

Now, every time you open Telegram, you'll enter your passcode. This keeps your chats private, even if someone else picks up your unlocked phone or computer.

3. Use Secret Chats for Private Conversations

Telegram has two types of chats: regular chats and Secret Chats. Secret Chats use end-to-end encryption, which means only you and the other person can read the messages. Not even Telegram staff can see them. For sensitive or private conversations, always use a Secret Chat.

In a secret chat, you can also set messages to self-destruct (disappear) after a time. This makes the conversation extra safe. Regular Telegram chats are encrypted too, but they are stored on Telegram’s servers (cloud). That means regular chats can be accessed by Telegram if needed and can be traced or requested by authorities. In contrast, secret chats leave no trace on any server. If you wonder if Telegram is secure?, the answer is yes – but it’s most secure when you use Secret Chats for your important messages.

This feature is only available in the Telegram app on mobile (Android and iOS).

To start one:

1. Open Telegram.
2. Select the contact you want to chat with privately.
3. Tap their name.
4. Choose Start Secret Chat.

Only you and the other person can see these messages. Secret chats leave no trace on Telegram’s servers.

4. Turn On Self-Destructing Messages (Auto-Delete Timer)

For added privacy, use Telegram’s self-destructing messages feature. This lets you auto-delete messages after a set time. Telegram also allows you to send disappearing photos and videos in any chat.

This feature is only available in the Telegram app on mobile (Android and iOS).

1. In a Secret Chat, tap the clock icon (🕒).
2. Set how long you want messages to last (for example, 10 seconds or 1 day).
3. Messages will disappear after that time.

You can also send disappearing photos or videos by tapping the timer icon before sending. Messages vanish automatically, leaving no record behind.

If someone asks if Telegram is safe to send photos? – the answer is it can be, especially if you send them with a self-destruct time. By using auto-delete, you keep your chats clean and private.

5. Check Active Sessions and Log Out Unused Devices

Telegram allows you to be logged in on multiple devices (phone, tablet, PC). It’s important to check your active sessions regularly.

Make sure your Telegram account isn't logged in somewhere you don’t know.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Devices (or Privacy and Security on Desktop versions)
3. Select Active sessions
4. Check the list of devices logged into your account.
5. Log out of any device you don’t recognize or no longer use.

This helps protect your Telegram account from unwanted access. If you see a device you don’t recognize or no longer use, log it out. Simply select the session and choose to terminate it. This ensures no one else is secretly reading your chats from another device.

Even if you enabled two-step verification, always review active sessions as a habit. If you left your account logged in on a public computer or a lost phone, log it out from here.

Our guide on how to log out of Telegram provides more details on managing your sessions. By keeping your sessions in check, you make sure your Telegram stays safe to use on all your devices.

6. Adjust Your Privacy and Security Settings

Telegram gives you control over who can see your information. Take a moment to review and tighten these privacy settings.

• Phone Number Visibility: In Settings, set Who Can See My Phone Number to "My Contacts" or "Nobody". This way, strangers can’t see your phone number just by finding you on Telegram.
• Profile Photo Visibility: Limit who can see your profile picture. You can set your profile photo to be visible only to contacts. This keeps random people or strangers in groups from viewing your personal photo.
• Groups & Channels: Change who can add you to group chats or channels. Under Privacy settings, find Groups and choose "My Contacts". This prevents unknown people from adding you to random groups without permission.
• Forwarded Messages: Telegram has a setting to prevent people from linking your account when your messages are forwarded. Enable this so if someone forwards your message, other users can’t tap it to see your profile. This helps keep your identity private in large groups.

By adjusting these settings, you control what others can see about you. This reduces the chance of unwanted contact or your info leaking out. Good privacy settings make Telegram safer for chatting, especially in large public groups.

If you’re in a big group chat, remember that groups are not end-to-end encrypted, so don’t share secrets there. Stay mindful of your privacy options to keep your Telegram experience secure.

7. Be Cautious with Unknown Messages, Links, and Bots

Always be careful with messages or links from people you don’t know. Telegram is as safe as its users, which means you might encounter spammers or scammers. If you get a random message from a stranger offering something too good to be true, ignore or delete it.

Telegram has many bots that can be fun or useful (like news bots, game bots, etc.), but are Telegram bots safe? It depends on the bot. Malicious bots might try to steal personal data or trick you. Stick to bots from official or trusted sources.

You can usually trust popular bots (for example, the ones Telegram itself promotes, like BotFather), but always be careful what information you give to any bot. Remember, stay alert and use common sense – this goes a long way in keeping your Telegram safe from scams and threats.

8. Use Only Trusted Telegram Apps and Bots

Download Telegram only from official app stores or the Telegram website. Avoid unofficial apps.

If you use bots, choose safe and trusted ones. Reliable Telegram-based platforms like InviteMemberBot or SUCH bot builder help you create useful bots while protecting your data and privacy.

Now Stay Safe and Enjoy Telegram!

Telegram can be a safe and secure app if you take simple precautions like enabling two-factor protection, setting a strong passcode, using secret chats, and carefully adjusting your privacy settings. Always stay alert for scams, avoid messages from strangers, and stick to trusted apps and bots.

Remember:

• ✅ Enable Two-Step Verification
• 🔑 Use a strong passcode lock
• 🔒 Start Secret Chats for private messages
• ⏳ Turn on self-destructing messages
• 📱 Regularly check active sessions
• ⚙️ Set strong privacy controls
• 🚩 Don’t trust messages or bots from strangers
• 🤖 Only use trusted sources and services

Security on Telegram is an ongoing task. Keep the app updated, regularly check your security settings, and stay aware of possible risks. With these good habits, you can enjoy chatting safely and confidently on Telegram!

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