This can be done through the Telegram app's Settings menu. The messaging app does allow users to hide their phone numbers in private chats or groups.

This method can be useful for those who don't want their phone contacts messaging them on Telegram, or for those wanting to use the messaging app to be a part of a group or channel and not for keeping in touch with family and friends. There are multiple services that provide temporary or virtual numbers that are not tied to a physical SIM card or an eSIM, and these numbers can be used to set up a Telegram account. This also allows users to change their phone number without losing all of the information tied to the old one, including messages, contacts, and media.ĭespite the need for a phone number, users don't actually have to set up an account using their personal phone number if they don't want to.

While Telegram does allow someone to create multiple accounts, each account must be tied to a separate number. Although Telegram has added the option to find contacts by username, this only works for those who have set the feature up. Besides authentication, a phone number makes it possible for contacts who have the number stored on their device to message a user on the platform. This requirement applies to both mobile and desktop apps, and Telegram sends a code to the number to complete registration. When setting up a Telegram account for the first time, the user's country and phone number is required so there is no option to create an account without a phone number. RELATED: How To Change WhatsApp Phone Number Without Losing Chat History Telegram has offered a 1.5GB size limit from the outset. For example, WhatsApp users will soon be able to send files up to 2GB in size, an increase from the previous 100MB limit. WhatsApp is trying to catch up by bringing some Telegram features to its platform. Both messaging apps share a number of similarities such as support for instant messages, and video and voice calls, but some of them work better on Telegram. Compared to WhatsApp, Telegram is packed with more features even though it was released four years later.

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