Telegram has rapidly grown in popularity as a messaging app since it was first introduced in 2013. This Russian platform is renowned for its commitment to not sharing user chats and data with the country's security services, highlighting its user-focused approach. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the messenger has become a vital source of news and communication for Ukrainians. This brief guide provides all the essential tips to ensure your Telegram usage is completely secure.
1. Use Secret Chats
It's important to note that regular Telegram chats are not encrypted, leaving your messages potentially vulnerable to interception and reading. To address this, utilize encrypted secret chats. Here's how:
Open the app and tap the blue pencil icon;
Tap “New Secret Chat” at the top;
Select the contact to chat with.
Important: Secret chats are not synced between connected devices.
2. Enable 2SV
By enabling 2-step verification (2SV), you will be required to enter a one-time security code each time you log in from a new device. Here's how to activate it:
Open the app and tap the 3-line icon in the top-left of the screen;
Tap “Settings” > “Privacy and Security” and tap “Two-Step Verification” to enable it.
3. Disable Active Sessions
This feature allows you to remotely log out of devices you no longer own or need. Follow these steps:
Tap the 3-line icon in the top-left again;
Go to “Settings” > “Privacy and Security” > “Active Sessions”;
Tap “Terminate all other sessions.”
4. Send Self-Deleting Media
This feature works in both regular and secret chats, allowing you to send media that disappears automatically.
Select any chat;
Tap the paperclip icon at the bottom;
Take a photo or video;
Tap the stopwatch icon at the bottom of the screen and set up the expiration timer;
Send your message and it will disappear soon.
5. Delete Senders’ Messages
Unlike many other messengers, Telegram allows you to delete both your own and senders’ messages in one-on-one chats. It's a simple process:
Open any chat;
Tap and hold a message you want to delete;
Once selected, tap the delete icon;
Tap “Also delete for {name}” and confirm.
6. Lock Chats
If your phone does not support app locking, you can lock Telegram from within:
Tap the 3-line icon and go to “Settings” > “Privacy and Security” > “Passcode Lock”;
Tap “Enable passcode,” enter the preferred passcode, and confirm.
7. Use Proxies
While a VPN is essential nowadays, enabling it every time you want to use Telegram can be inconvenient. Fortunately, the app allows you to enable individual proxies to conceal your actual Telegram IP:
Tap the 3-line icon and go to “Settings” > “Data and Storage”;
Select “Proxy Settings” at the bottom of the list;
Add a proxy and enable it.
8. Check Group Permissions
It can be unsettling and unsafe when unknown users add you to various chats. You can specify who can do this:
Tap the 3-line icon and go to “Settings” > “Privacy and Security” > “Groups”;
Select “My Contacts” instead of “Everybody.”
9. Delete Payment & Shipping Data
Telegram is not a recommended platform for sharing payment and shipping information, so it's advisable to delete it promptly if needed for a purchase via the messenger:
Tap the 3-line icon and go to “Settings” > “Privacy and Security”;
Tap "Clear Payment and Shipping Info."
Select Shipping info" and "payment info" and tap “Clear.”
10. Set Account Delete Timer
To safeguard your Telegram data in the event of device loss or theft, it's prudent to enable an account delete timer. Here's how:
Tap the 3-line icon and go to “Settings” > “Privacy and Security”;
Select “ Delete my Account,” and select the period next to “If away for.“
Your account will be deleted automatically if you don’t use the app long enough.
Bulletproof!
Now your Telegram app is truly secure and will prevent anyone, including hackers and security services, from accessing your sensitive chat data. Share these tips with friends so they can also benefit, and feel free to share your own tips in the comments!
