Telegram is a popular messaging app known for its emphasis on user privacy and security. One of the most common concerns among users is whether Telegram shows their phone number to others. In this article, we will delve into the details of Telegram’s privacy features and explore how the app handles user phone numbers.
How Telegram Handles Phone Numbers
When you create a Telegram account, you are required to provide a valid phone number. This phone number is used to verify your account and ensure that you are a real person. However, Telegram does not display your phone number to other users by default.
Who Can See Your Phone Number on Telegram?
By default, only people you have added to your contacts list can see your phone number on Telegram. This means that if you have not added someone to your contacts, they will not be able to see your phone number, even if you are chatting with them.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you have made your phone number visible to “Everybody” in your Telegram settings, then anyone who knows your username or has your phone number can see it. We will discuss how to change this setting later in the article.
What Happens When You Add Someone to Your Contacts?
When you add someone to your contacts on Telegram, they will be able to see your phone number. However, this does not mean that they will be able to call or text you outside of the Telegram app. Your phone number is only visible within the Telegram app, and users can only contact you through the app.
How to Control Who Sees Your Phone Number on Telegram
Telegram provides users with several options to control who can see their phone number. Here are the steps to change your phone number visibility settings:
Changing Your Phone Number Visibility Settings
To change your phone number visibility settings on Telegram, follow these steps:
- Open the Telegram app and go to the “Settings” menu.
- Tap on “Privacy and Security.”
- Scroll down to the “Phone Number” section.
- Tap on “Who can see my phone number.”
- Choose from the following options:
- Everybody: Anyone who knows your username or has your phone number can see it.
- My Contacts: Only people you have added to your contacts list can see your phone number.
- Nobody: Nobody can see your phone number, except for people you have explicitly shared it with.
What Happens When You Share Your Phone Number with Someone?
If you choose to share your phone number with someone on Telegram, they will be able to see it even if you have set your phone number visibility to “Nobody.” However, this does not mean that they will be able to call or text you outside of the Telegram app.
Other Ways to Protect Your Phone Number on Telegram
In addition to controlling who can see your phone number, there are several other ways to protect your phone number on Telegram.
Using a Username Instead of a Phone Number
One way to protect your phone number on Telegram is to use a username instead of a phone number. When you create a username, you can share it with others instead of your phone number. This way, you can keep your phone number private while still allowing others to contact you on Telegram.
How to Create a Username on Telegram
To create a username on Telegram, follow these steps:
- Open the Telegram app and go to the “Settings” menu.
- Tap on “Username.”
- Enter a unique username and tap on “Save.”
Using End-to-End Encryption
Another way to protect your phone number on Telegram is to use end-to-end encryption. End-to-end encryption ensures that only you and the person you are chatting with can read your messages. This means that even Telegram itself cannot access your messages or phone number.
How to Enable End-to-End Encryption on Telegram
To enable end-to-end encryption on Telegram, follow these steps:
- Open the Telegram app and start a new conversation with someone.
- Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap on “Start Secret Chat.”
- Confirm that you want to start a secret chat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Telegram does not show your phone number to others by default. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and users can control who can see their phone number by changing their phone number visibility settings. Additionally, users can protect their phone number by using a username instead of a phone number and enabling end-to-end encryption.
By following the tips outlined in this article, you can keep your phone number private and secure on Telegram.
Does Telegram Show Your Number to Strangers?
By default, Telegram does not show your phone number to strangers. When you create a Telegram account, you are assigned a unique username that can be used to identify you instead of your phone number. This means that people you don’t know won’t be able to see your phone number unless you explicitly share it with them or add them to your contacts list.
However, it’s worth noting that if you have mutual contacts with someone, they may be able to see your phone number if it’s saved in their contacts list. Additionally, if you participate in group chats or channels, your phone number may be visible to other members of those groups. To maintain your privacy, you can adjust your Telegram settings to control who can see your phone number.
Can I Hide My Number on Telegram?
Yes, you can hide your number on Telegram. The app provides a feature called “Who Can See My Phone Number” that allows you to control who can view your phone number. You can choose to make your phone number visible to “Everybody,” “My Contacts,” or “Nobody.” If you choose “Nobody,” your phone number will be hidden from everyone, including people you chat with.
To hide your number on Telegram, go to the app’s settings, then tap on “Privacy and Security.” From there, select “Phone Number” and choose who can see your phone number. You can also add exceptions for specific contacts or groups. Keep in mind that hiding your number may limit some of Telegram’s features, such as the ability to find you by phone number.
Does Telegram Share My Number with Third Parties?
No, Telegram does not share your phone number with third parties. The app’s privacy policy states that it does not sell or share user data, including phone numbers, with third-party companies. Telegram also uses end-to-end encryption to protect your messages and calls, which means that only you and the person you’re communicating with can access the content of your conversations.
However, Telegram may share your phone number with its parent company, Telegram FZ-LLC, and its subsidiaries. The app may also share your phone number with law enforcement agencies if it receives a valid court order or subpoena. In general, though, Telegram is committed to protecting user privacy and does not share phone numbers with third parties without a valid reason.
Can I Use Telegram Without Sharing My Number?
Yes, you can use Telegram without sharing your number. When you create a Telegram account, you can use a username instead of your phone number to identify yourself. This means that you can chat with people and participate in groups without revealing your phone number.
However, keep in mind that you will still need to provide a phone number to create a Telegram account. This is because Telegram uses phone numbers to verify user identities and prevent spam. Once you’ve created your account, though, you can use your username to communicate with others without sharing your phone number.
How Do I Control Who Can See My Number on Telegram?
To control who can see your number on Telegram, go to the app’s settings, then tap on “Privacy and Security.” From there, select “Phone Number” and choose who can see your phone number. You can choose to make your phone number visible to “Everybody,” “My Contacts,” or “Nobody.”
You can also add exceptions for specific contacts or groups. For example, you can choose to make your phone number visible to a specific contact or group, even if you’ve set your default setting to “Nobody.” This allows you to control who can see your phone number on a case-by-case basis.
Is My Number Visible in Telegram Group Chats?
By default, your phone number is not visible in Telegram group chats. When you participate in a group chat, other members will see your username instead of your phone number. This helps to protect your privacy and prevent strangers from seeing your phone number.
However, if you’ve added someone to your contacts list, they may be able to see your phone number even in group chats. Additionally, if you’ve set your Telegram settings to make your phone number visible to “Everybody,” then other members of the group chat may be able to see your phone number.
Can I Delete My Number from Telegram?
No, you cannot delete your number from Telegram. When you create a Telegram account, you must provide a phone number to verify your identity. This phone number is then linked to your account and cannot be deleted.
However, you can delete your Telegram account entirely, which will remove your phone number from the app’s database. To delete your account, go to the app’s settings, then tap on “Delete Account.” Keep in mind that deleting your account will also delete all of your messages, contacts, and other data associated with your account.