Lock down your communications with these actionable Telegram security upgrades

1. Activate End-to-End Encryption via Secret Chats

Why it matters: Standard Telegram chats lack default encryption. Secret Chats provide military-grade security through:

Device-specific encryption keys

Self-destruct timers for messages

Screenshot prevention alerts

How to enable:

Open a contact’s profile

Tap ⋮ > Start Secret Chat

Confirm device pairing

Pro Tip: Secret Chats don’t sync across devices – use them only for ultra-sensitive conversations.

2. Fortify Logins With Two-Step Verification

Critical protection layer:

Requires password + SMS code for new devices

Prevents SIM-swap attacks

Enables email recovery option

Setup guide:

Go to Settings > Privacy > Two-Step Verification

Create 7+ character password

Add backup recovery email

3. Terminate Stale Device Sessions

Security risk: Multiple active sessions weaken encryption.

Cleanup process:

Navigate to Settings > Devices

Review all logged-in devices

Tap Terminate All Other Sessions

Best Practice: Perform monthly session audits.

4. Deploy Self-Destructing Media

Auto-erase sensitive content:

Set expiration from 1 second to 1 week

Works in both regular and secret chats

Implementation:

Attach media > Tap ⏱️ icon

Choose duration > Send

Bonus: Enable Auto-Delete Messages in chat settings for automated cleanup.

5. Purge Messages Retroactively

Nuclear deletion option:

Remove messages from both devices

Erase entire chat histories

Steps:

Long-press messages > Delete

Check Also delete for [contact]

Confirm deletion

6. Enable App Lock Security

Physical device protection:

PIN/password/biometric lock

Immediate activation after screen-off

Configuration:

Settings > Privacy > Passcode Lock

Set 4-digit code

Toggle auto-lock timer

7. Mask IP via Proxy Servers

Privacy enhancement:

Bypass network restrictions

Hide geographic location

Proxy setup:

Settings > Data > Proxy Settings

Input server details:

Address: proxy.example.com

Port: 443

Credentials (if required)

8. Harden Group Privacy

Prevent unwanted additions:

Restrict group invites to contacts

Disable member visibility

Controls:

Settings > Groups > Who Can Add Me

Select My Contacts

Disable Show Members List

9. Wipe Financial Footprints

Payment privacy protocol:

Auto-delete stored credit cards

Erase shipping addresses

Sanitization:

Settings > Privacy > Clear Payment Info

Check both boxes

Tap Clear All

10. Set Account Self-Destruct

Last-resort protection:

Auto-deletes account after inactivity

Ranges from 1 month to 1 year

Configuration:

Settings > Privacy > Delete Account

Choose timeframe (6 months recommended)

Final Security Checklist

☑️ Monthly session termination
☑️ Biometric app locking
☑️ Secret Chats for sensitive talks
☑️ Proxy connection for public Wi-Fi
☑️ Annual privacy setting review

Remember: Telegram Premium ($4.99/mo) offers expanded features but no additional privacy benefits – prioritize these free settings first. For complete protection, pair with a trusted VPN service when accessing sensitive data.