The Telegram app does not ever need to be friends with your contacts list, social media accounts, or location information to work correctly. If Telegram requests to connect to your phone’s contacts list, I recommend you tell it “no,” and keep telling it “no,” every single time it asks. Using only a first name is just fine too.
You are not required to use your legal name, and I suggest using something nondescript that you don’t also use elsewhere. Once your number (or VOIP number) is confirmed, you will be asked for a first and last name. It might sound like a lot of steps, but you’ll only need to do this once. Find out how by going to Use your Google Voice number to set up your Telegram account. If you are in America, Google offers free VOIP service to all users of Gmail. BONUS (not required): Consider setting up an alternative number with which to register Telegram: For an added layer of privacy, I suggest you not use your real phone number with Telegram.
Enter this code to complete your account setup. Telegram will ask you for a phone number to send a quick confirmation code. Open the newly downloaded Telegram app on your device and follow the on-screen instructions to create your account. If you’re viewing this on your phone already, here are the links to the Apple and Android/Google Play app stores: Apple App Store Google Play Store
Because it is an intensely popular app, searching will easily deliver the right result. Only download Telegram directly from the App Store, and not from anywhere else on the Internet.
How to download and install Telegram messenger on your device I recommend keeping this guide open on your computer, however while you work on your phone. Secret Chats are tied to the device where they begin, and your phone is likely the more private place to begin one than your desktop or laptop computer. I strongly suggest starting with Telegram on your personal phone if we are going to communicate.
Telegram is available to use on desktop, within a compatible browser, or as an iOS and Android app.
You can even use a disposable or VOIP phone number (like Google Voice) to register for Telegram, keeping your personal phone number protected. You can control whether Telegram connects to your existing contacts and whether your phone number is visible to others. Everything in Secret Chat moves directly from device to device and is not stored on intermediary servers the way texting is. Its Secret Chat function offers true end-to-end encryption as well as the ability to fully delete messages or images from either end (you can delete mine, and I can delete yours. Telegram is free and easy to use chat, video, and voice app. Subscribe to my Private Telegram Channel.Can anyone see what channels I subscribe to?.Frequently asked questions about Telegram.How to set up Telegram on iOS and Android.We’ll also talk about why Telegram is better than WhatsApp, and why Telegram is MUCH better than texting. Since it is my preferred method of communication (for work and pleasure), it’s useful to explain exactly how you can start using Telegram. What with global political upheaval, government regulation, and (very good and legitimate) suspicion of the corporations who hold our data, it’s likely you’ve at least heard about Telegram.