In today’s digital age, messaging apps are no longer just tools for communication—they are vaults for our personal and professional data. With increasing concerns about privacy, Telegram has gained popularity as a “secure” alternative to more mainstream platforms. But the real question is: How secure is Telegram in 2025? Let’s break it down by exploring its privacy features, encryption methods, and top security settings tips.
???? Telegram’s Core Privacy Features
Telegram continues to evolve, and in 2025, it offers a robust suite of privacy features designed to give users control over their data:
Two-Step Verification: Telegram allows users to set up a secondary password in addition to the SMS login code. This helps prevent unauthorized access even if someone gets hold of your phone number.
Self-Destructing Messages: Secret Chats can be configured to auto-delete messages after a chosen time, making conversations vanish without a trace.
Anonymous Forwarding: Users can prevent others from linking forwarded messages back to their original accounts, a key feature for whistleblowers or privacy-conscious individuals.
Profile Visibility Control: You can now limit who sees your last seen, profile photo, phone number, and more—fine-tuned down to specific contacts or groups.
???? Telegram Encryption Security: End-to-End… or Not?
Here’s where it gets interesting: Telegram’s default chats are not end-to-end encrypted. Instead, they use client-server/server-client encryption and store data on Telegram’s cloud servers (encrypted, but accessible to Telegram).
Only Secret Chats use end-to-end encryption (E2EE), meaning only you and the recipient can read the messages. Even Telegram can’t access them. So, if security is your top priority, always initiate a Secret Chat for sensitive conversations.
Encryption Technologies Used:
MTProto 2.0 Protocol – Telegram’s proprietary encryption protocol that’s been updated to withstand modern security telegram security settings tips threats.
Key Verification – In Secret Chats, users can compare encryption keys with each other to ensure authenticity.
⚙️ Best Telegram Security Settings Tips (2025 Edition)
Want to maximize your Telegram security? Follow these updated settings tips:
Enable Two-Step Verification
Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Two-Step Verification and set a strong password.
Set Auto-Delete Timers
You can now set auto-deletion for all chats—even non-secret ones. Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Auto-Delete Messages.
Control Who Can Add You to Groups
Avoid spam or malicious group invites by limiting who can add you:
Settings → Privacy and Security → Groups & Channels
Use Secret Chats for Confidential Info
Tap a contact → More (⋮) → Start Secret Chat. Messages in this chat can't be forwarded and are device-specific.
Hide Phone Number and Last Seen
Limit exposure by setting these to “Nobody” or “My Contacts”:
Settings → Privacy and Security → Phone Number / Last Seen & Online
Log Out of Unused Devices
Periodically check your Active Sessions under Privacy and Security. Remove any unknown logins.
✅ Final Verdict: Is Telegram Truly Secure in 2025?
Telegram offers excellent privacy controls and optional end-to-end encryption, but it’s not perfect out of the box. Compared to apps like Signal or WhatsApp, which default to end-to-end encryption, Telegram requires users to be proactive about their security.
For average users, Telegram provides strong, customizable privacy. But for activists, journalists, or anyone dealing with sensitive information, using Secret Chats and adjusting your security settings is essential.
Pro Tip: Security is a shared responsibility—no app is completely safe unless you actively manage your digital hygiene.