If you are sure you want to leave Telegram, use Telegram's official deactivation page. This is a permanent account termination, not a logout or a temporary break.
Short version: open the deactivation page in a browser, enter your phone number in international format, receive the confirmation code inside Telegram (not by SMS), sign in, and confirm deletion. Read the warning below before pressing the final button.
Before you delete the account
Deletion is irreversible. Telegram says permanent termination removes your messages and contacts, as well as groups and channels associated with your account from its system. Groups and channels you created are left without a creator; existing admins retain their rights.
Before continuing:
- Save anything you may need later. A new account cannot restore the old history, contacts, or groups.
- Make sure you can receive the login code in Telegram on a device where your account is already logged in.
- If you only want a break, do not delete the account. Logging out or uninstalling Telegram is different and does not permanently terminate the account.
- If you only want to reduce exposure, first review the Telegram privacy settings guide.
How to delete a Telegram account permanently
- Open Telegram's official deactivation page.
- Enter your phone number in international format, including the country code.
- Select Next. Telegram sends the confirmation code to Telegram, not to your SMS inbox.
- Enter the code on the website. If your account has an additional password, complete the sign-in step shown by Telegram.
- On the account management page, choose the option to delete your account.
- Read the final warning and confirm only if you accept permanent deletion.
Telegram recommends using a non-mobile browser for this process. The page may still be reachable from a phone browser, but a desktop browser is the officially recommended option.
What is deleted — and what may remain elsewhere
According to Telegram's official FAQ, deleting the account removes the account data stored in Telegram's system, including messages and contacts associated with it. Groups and channels you created remain available without their creator, while admins keep their rights.
Deletion does not erase copies that other people already have. Telegram specifically notes that contacts may still have their own copy of messages you sent them. The action also does not turn a new sign-up into a continuation of the old account.
Deleting the account automatically after inactivity
Telegram also has an inactivity self-destruction setting. Its FAQ currently states that an inactive account is deleted after 18 months by default, and that the period can be changed in Telegram's settings. This is not an immediate deletion method: use the official deactivation page when you want to delete the account now.
Official sources
FAQ
Is deleting Telegram the same as uninstalling the app?
No. Uninstalling the app removes it from your device; it does not confirm permanent account deletion. Use the official deactivation page if you want to terminate the account.
Why did I not receive an SMS code?
The official page says the confirmation code is sent via Telegram, not SMS. Check Telegram on a device where you are still logged in. If you cannot access Telegram or the phone number, the normal deactivation flow may not be available to you.
Can I create a Telegram account with the same number later?
Telegram says you can sign up again, but you will appear as a new user. Your previous history, contacts, and groups will not return.
Is there a temporary deactivation option?
No temporary deactivation is described in Telegram's official account-deletion instructions. For a break, log out or remove the app instead of confirming permanent deletion.