Hide your presence on Telegram
Telegram Telegram is a messaging app known for its emphasis on security and speed, available on multiple platforms. However, one of the challenges many users face is how to keep their Telegram presence private from their contacts. This article details the steps necessary to ensure others can't easily find you on this messaging platform.
Privacy Settings in Telegram
Through a series of privacy settings, you can limit the visibility of your account. These options are found in the Privacy section. Settings of the application.
- Access Settings:
– Open Telegram and go to “Settings” by tapping the three horizontal lines in the top left corner.
– Select “Privacy & Security.”
- Phone number:
– In the “Phone Number” section, select “Nobody” to prevent your number from being visible to other users.
– You can also choose “My Contacts” if you want only people on your contact list to be able to see it.
- Search by Phone Number:
– Disable the “Allow me to be found by my number” option so that others can’t locate you using your phone number.
Control of Personal Information
In addition to hiding your phone number, it's crucial to manage the amount of personal information available in your Telegram profile.
- User Name:
– You can create a unique username from the “Settings” section. This username allows other users to find you without having access to your phone number.
– To edit or add a username, go to “Settings” and then tap your name at the top. There you can view and edit your username.
- Profile picture:
– You can configure who can see your profile picture. Under “Privacy & Security,” select “Profile Picture.”
– You can choose between “Everyone,” “My Contacts,” or “Nobody.” Selecting “Nobody” provides a higher level of anonymity.
Messages and Last Seen
Regulating access to your messages and last seen status can also significantly contribute to your privacy on Telegram.
- Online Status and Last Seen:
– In the “Privacy and Security” section, go to “Last Seen.” Here you can select “Nobody” so that no one can see your last seen.
– Please note that if you hide your online status, you will not be able to see the online status of other users.
- Messages and Calls:
– You can control who can send you messages or call you through Telegram. Under “Privacy & Security,” select “Calls” and adjust the permissions according to your needs.
– For messages, be sure not to accept chat requests from unknown numbers.
Contact Blocking
If unwanted people continue to find and contact you, blocking contacts is the last line of defense.
- Block a Contact:
– Go to the profile of the user you want to block.
– Tap the three dots in the top right corner and select “Block user.”
- Block Management:
– From “Settings,” select “Privacy & Security” and then “Blocked Users” to manage your list of blocked users.
Using Telegram without a Phone Number
It's possible to use Telegram without having a personal phone number associated with it, which can increase your privacy.
- Use a Virtual Phone Number:
– There are services that provide virtual phone numbers to verify apps like Telegram. Well-known examples include Google Voice y Burner.
– Use one of these services to register your Telegram account instead of your personal number.
- Change your number on Telegram:
– If you already have a Telegram account, you can change your associated phone number by following these steps:
– Go to “Settings”.
– Tap “Phone Number” and select “Change Number.”
Additional Precautions
Beyond the settings and adjustments within Telegram, there are additional practices that can help you stay more anonymous:
- Avoid Sharing Your Phone Number on Other Sites:
– Make sure you don't share your phone number on websites or public forums where it can be indexed and used to search for you on Telegram.
- Two-Step Verification:
– Enable two-step verification to add an extra layer of security to your account. This option is located under "Privacy & Security."
Telegram offers a variety of options to protect your privacy and avoid being easily found by other users. Proper settings and conscious use of the platform can help you maintain your privacy in an increasingly connected digital environment.