How to hide your phone number on Telegram
Quick answer
Go to Settings, Privacy and Security, Phone number. Set 'Who can see my phone number' to Nobody, and 'Who can find me by my number' to My contacts. Then set a username so people can reach you without your number. People who already have your number in their contacts can still see it is you.
Telegram is more privacy-friendly than most messengers, but your phone number is still your account. Here's how to keep it private.
The two settings
| Setting | Best choice | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Who can see my phone number | Nobody | Hidden from your profile |
| Who can find me by my number | My contacts | Strangers can't look you up |
Use a username
Set a username in Settings so people can find you without your number.
What's still visible
- People who already have your number saved.
- Your number to the people you share it with.
- Your profile name and photo, depending on settings.
Using a separate number
Some people register Telegram with a second number to keep their main one out entirely. A temporary number works for the code; set a cloud password so you can keep the account.
Frequently asked questions
Can Telegram groups see my number?
Not if it's hidden, unless members have it saved.
Can I use Telegram without a number?
Telegram can register with an anonymous number bought on Fragment. See our guide.
Does hiding my number hide my 'last seen'?
No, that's a separate setting.
Is my number shared with bots?
Only if you choose to share it.
Services in this guide
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