Telegram is a popular chat app. It lets you send messages, photos, and videos. Many people use it to talk with friends or join group chats. But sometimes, you might want to stop using Telegram.

Maybe you have too many chat apps. Maybe you worry about privacy. Or maybe you just need a break. In this guide, we explain how to deactivate your Telegram account.

We will show the steps to delete your account using the Telegram deactivation page. And we will talk about if you can deactivate Telegram for a short time. Let’s get started!

Can You Deactivate Telegram?

The simple answer is not in the usual way. Telegram does not have a one-click "deactivate" button like some other apps. You cannot pause your Telegram account and come back to it later with everything the same.

There is no true temporary deactivate option on Telegram right now. So while ****you can’t deactivate Telegram just like that, you can only delete it or just leave it inactive.

How to Deactivate Your Telegram Account

If you are sure you want to delete or deactivate your Telegram account, follow these steps. This will remove your account and all your messages.

Remember, this is permanent. You cannot get your chats back after this. Here is how to deactivate Telegram account in a few easy steps:

  1. Go to the Telegram deactivation page: Open your web browser (on phone or computer). Type in the address for Telegram’s account deletion page. The official Telegram deactivation page is at my.telegram.org under "Delete Account". This page is where you start the process. (You cannot delete your account directly from the Telegram mobile app in most cases, so using a browser is easiest.)
  2. Enter your phone number: On the deactivation page, Telegram will ask for your phone number. Enter the number you use for Telegram. Make sure to include your country code (for example, +1 for USA, +44 for UK). Then press Next.
  3. Get the confirmation code: Telegram will send you a special code to confirm. Check your Telegram app for a new message from Telegram. It will contain a login code. (Note: Telegram sends this code in the app, not by SMS text message.) Copy or remember this code.
  4. Sign in and choose “Delete Account”: Go back to the browser page. Enter the code you received to sign in. Once signed in, you will see options for your account. Click on “Delete Account” (sometimes it might say “Delete My Account”). Telegram might ask why you are leaving – you can type a reason or leave it blank. This step tells Telegram that you want to deactivate (delete) your account.
  5. Confirm and delete your account: Telegram will show a warning message. It will say that if you delete your account, all your messages and contacts will be gone. If you are sure, confirm the action. Click the red “Yes, delete my account” button. (On some screens, you click Delete My Account first, then confirm on a pop-up.) Once you click yes, your Telegram account will be deleted.

That’s it! You have now deactivated your Telegram account. Your account is removed from Telegram. People will no longer see your profile or messages. Remember, this is permanent. If you want to use Telegram again, you will have to create a new account and start fresh.

How to Deactivate Your Telegram Account Temporarily

What if you want to leave Telegram just for a while and come back later? Many users wonder how to deactivate Telegram account temporarily. Unfortunately, Telegram does not allow a true temporary deactivation.

There is no official way to pause your account and reactivate it later with all chats intact. If you delete your account, it’s gone forever. But there are some tips if you need a break without fully deleting everything:

  • Log out of Telegram: You can simply log out of your Telegram app on all devices. This means you will not get messages until you log in again. It is like going invisible. Your account stays on Telegram’s servers, but you won’t be active. To log out, open Telegram Settings, then tap Log Out. When you’re ready to return, just log in again, and all your chats will still be there.
  • Disable notifications: If you don’t want to be disturbed by Telegram, turn off notifications. You can mute Telegram chats or turn off app notifications in your phone settings. This way, you stop alerts without deleting your account. You can check messages later when you want, without constant pings.

Warning: Telegram has a setting that can delete your account if you don’t use it for a while. It’s found in Settings > Privacy and Security, under “Delete My Account If Away For.” If you leave the app and don’t open it during that time, Telegram will automatically delete your account. The default is 6 months, but you can change it to 1 month, 3 months, or 1 year. If you are planning to log out or take a break, make sure this timer is set the way you want—so you don’t lose your account by accident.

Think Before You Leave

Before you decide to deactivate or delete your Telegram account, take a moment to think. Telegram offers many things that you might miss once you leave:

  • Staying in touch: Do you have friends or family who only use Telegram to chat? If you leave, they won’t reach you there. Make sure you have other ways to talk to them if needed.
  • Groups and channels: Are you part of any interesting Telegram groups or channels? Maybe you follow news, hobbies, or communities on Telegram. If you deactivate your account, you lose access to those groups and channels. You might miss important updates or fun chats.
  • Making money on Telegram: Did you know some people use Telegram to earn money? Telegram allows creating paid channels or subscriber-only groups. For example, a service called InviteMember helps people set up paid Telegram channels or groups. Creators can charge members for exclusive content or community access.
  • Privacy and data: If your reason to deactivate is privacy, consider adjusting your settings first. Telegram lets you hide your phone number, use secret chats, or delete messages. You might not need to leave entirely if one of these fixes the problem.

It's okay to leave Telegram if it’s not right for you. Just make sure you won’t regret losing contacts, groups, or other benefits. Sometimes taking a short break (logging out or muting the app) can help if you’re feeling overwhelmed, without fully deleting your account.

In the end, do what feels right for you. If you value your privacy or need a break, it’s okay to delete or step away from Telegram. If you decide to stay, that is fine too. You can always come back to Telegram by creating a new account if you change your mind later.