In Telegram, you have the ability to hide your phone number from other users. This useful feature gives you more control over your privacy and information. You can hide your number in Telegram to provide privacy and protection from spam. It also controls who can see your contact and access your personal information.
However, remember that hiding your number may affect some features. For example, other users won’t be able to find you on Telegram through your phone number-based contact list if you hide your number. You’ll need to choose the privacy setting that best suits your preferences. You can use this feature if you follow the instructions for the mobile app or the app on your computer.
How do you hide your phone number in Telegram using the mobile app?
To hide your phone number in Telegram using the mobile app, you can follow these steps:
- Open the Telegram app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the “Settings” icon, typically in the screen’s bottom right corner.
- In the Settings menu, select “Privacy and Security.”
- Under the Privacy and Security settings, tap on “Phone Number.”
- You will see the option to select who can see your phone number. By default, it is set to “Everyone.”
- Choose one of the following options:
- My Contacts: Only users who are in your phone contacts will be able to see your phone number.
- Nobody: Your phone number will be hidden from all Telegram users.
- After selecting your preferred option, exit the settings, and your phone number visibility settings will be updated.
After these steps, you can control who can see your phone number on Telegram. Keep in mind that hiding your phone number may affect some features like finding friends on Telegram based on your phone contacts, as those users will not be able to see your number if you choose the “Nobody” option.
What to do to hide your phone number in Telegram using the desktop?
To hide your phone number in Telegram using the desktop app, you can follow these steps:
- Open the Telegram desktop app on your PC.
- Click on “Settings” in the lower right corner.
- In the Settings menu, choose “Privacy and Security” from the left-hand side panel.
- Under the Privacy and Security settings, locate the “Phone Number” section.
- You will see the option to select who can see your phone number. By default, it is set to “Everyone.”
- Choose one of the following options:
- My Contacts: Only users who are in your phone contacts will be able to see your phone number.
- Nobody: Your phone number will be hidden from all Telegram users.
- After selecting your preferred option, close the settings window, and your phone number visibility settings will be updated.
This gives you the ability to control the visibility of your phone number in Telegram when using the desktop application. It’s important to know that hiding your phone number may affect some features, such as finding friends in Telegram via phone contacts. This is because people who have selected the Nobody setting will not be able to see your phone number.
If you hide your phone number, can people use your Telegram username to look for you?
Yes, if you hide your phone number on Telegram, you can still be searched and found by your username. Telegram allows users to create unique usernames, which act as a public identifier for your account. Other users can search for your username in the Telegram app and find your profile, even if your phone number is hidden.
Your username is an alternative way for people to discover and connect with you on Telegram without relying on your phone number. It provides additional privacy and control over how you are identified and contacted on the platform.
Why does Telegram need your phone number?
Telegram requires your phone number for several reasons:
- Verification
When you create a Telegram account, you need to verify your phone number to confirm your identity. This verification process ensures that each user is associated with a unique phone number and helps prevent the creation of multiple fake or duplicate accounts.
- Contact Discovery
Telegram uses your phone number to help you connect with your existing contacts who also use Telegram. After accessing your phone contacts, Telegram can suggest friends and acquaintances already on the platform, making it easier for you to find and connect with them.
- Security
Your phone number serves as a security measure for your Telegram account. It helps in two-factor authentication (2FA), where Telegram sends a verification code to your phone number as an added layer of security during the login process.
- Account Recovery
If you lose access to your Telegram account or forget your password, your phone number can be used for account recovery. Telegram can send a password reset link or other account recovery options to your registered phone number to help you regain access to your account.
It is worth noting that Telegram values user privacy and allows you to control the visibility of your phone number using privacy settings. You can choose who can see your phone number: from everyone to just your phone contacts or no one at all.
If I hide phone number, can I be searched with my username in Telegram?