Aside from this worrying development, there are several other potential safety issues with Telegram too.

Thats why its crucial to understand how to safeguard your data when using the platform.

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Screenshot of Telegram’s settings panel

This helps you make an informed decision about whether Telegram’s level of protection aligns with your privacy expectations.

Plus, Telegrams regular chats arent E2E encrypted by default.

As with any platform, it’s important to stay informed and take appropriate measures to protect your data.

Screenshot of Telegram’s 2FA settings

Heres how to use a VPN with Telegram:

2.

Step 2.Click onSettingsand thenPrivacy and Security.

Step 3.Scroll down to find theTwo-Step Verificationoption and punch it.

Screenshot of Telegram’s Secret Chat interface

Step 4.Set up a strong password and recovery email.

see to it your email is secure, as it can be used to reset your password.

Use Secret Chats for Sensitive Conversations

Secret chats provide end-to-end encryption and arent stored on Telegram’s servers.

Screenshot of Telegram’s Phone Number settings

Theres also a self-destruct timer for messages.

Step 2.Instead of clickingNew GrouporNew Contact, click onNew Secret Chat.

Step 3.Then snag the contact with whom you want to start the secret chat.

Screenshot of Telegram’s Password Lock settings

Step 1.kick off the app, go toSettings, and select thePrivacy and Securitytab.

Step 2.UnderPrivacy, punch thePhone Numberoption.

Step 3.Youll see 3 options Everybody, My Contacts, andNobody(highly recommended).

Screenshot of Telegram’s chat interface

Choose the one that suits you best.

This means you would need to enter a 4-digit code or use your fingerprint to access your Telegram account.

It provides an extra layer of security if someone gets hold of your gear.

Screenshot of Telegram’s self-destruct settings

Step 1.Go toSettingsand thePrivacy and Securitytab.

Step 2.Scroll down to findPasscode Lock.

Enable it and set up a passcode.

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This option can be found in the parameters of individual chats.

Step 1.Open a chat you want to clear.

Step 2.Tap on the 3-dot menu at the top-right corner to bring up the options panel.

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Step 3.punch theClear Historybutton to delete any chat history.

Confirm your choice if asked.

It can also be good housekeeping to disable active Telegram sessions on any other devices youre not currently using.

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To do this, go toSettings > Privacy and Security > Devices > Terminate all other sessions.

Step 1.Go toSettingsand choose thePrivacy and Securitytab.

Step 2.Scroll down to findDelete My Account If Away For.

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press it and set your preferred duration.

Telegram was also blocked in Russia in 2018 for the same reason.

Can Telegram users see my phone number?

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So,confirm you manually configure your Telegram configs to limit who can see your phone number.

Is Telegram safer than WhatsApp?

Its important to note that no messaging app is completely impervious to security threats.

Screenshot of Telegram’s settings panel

Is Telegram encrypted?

Yes, Telegram does use encryption.All chats are encrypted, butonly Secret Chats use end-to-end encryption.

I highly recommend using the Secret Chat feature for any conversation that involves sensitive information.

Screenshot of Telegram’s 2FA settings

Can Telegram be traced?

So, normal chats could be traced or allow Telegram to monitor and archive the contents.

Telegram claims that your activity isnt tracked or monitored.

Screenshot of Telegram’s Secret Chat interface

However, this claim hasnt been independently verified.

So, its a relatively safe messaging app.

By doing so, you could keep your messaging private and secure from bad actors on the internet.

Screenshot of Telegram’s Phone Number settings

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

Visit ExpressVPN

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Screenshot of Telegram’s Password Lock settings

Screenshot of Telegram’s chat interface

Screenshot of Telegram’s self-destruct settings