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Is Telegram safe to use?

Safe with care

Safe to use, but normal chats are not end-to-end encrypted. Use Secret Chats for anything private.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
Telegram FZ-LLC (founded by Pavel and Nikolai Durov)
Based in
Dubai, UAE
Encryption
Cloud chats and all groups are encrypted only between you and Telegram's servers. End-to-end encryption exists only in one-to-one Secret Chats, which you must start manually.
Data it collects
Phone number, contacts (if allowed), IP address, device details and your cloud chat history stored on Telegram's servers.
Minimum age
Varies by country; few parental controls

What keeps you safe

  • Huge groups and channels with strong spam tools.
  • You can hide your phone number and use a username.
  • Two-step password protects your account.
  • Secret Chats are end-to-end encrypted and can self-destruct.

Risks to know about

  • Since September 2024, Telegram says it will give users' IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities in response to valid legal requests.
  • Normal chats and every group are readable by Telegram itself.
  • Public groups are widely used for scams, piracy and illegal sales.
  • Its founder was arrested in France in August 2024 over crimes on the platform.

Scams to watch for on Telegram

  • Crypto "pump" and investment groups promising fixed returns.
  • Fake admins or support staff messaging you privately.
  • Job task scams paying small amounts first, then asking for a deposit.
  • Fake Telegram Premium or prize links that steal your login.

Is Telegram legit?

Telegram is a legitimate app with around a billion users. It is legit, but it is not a private-by-default messenger in the way Signal or WhatsApp are.

Is it safe for kids?

Telegram has almost no parental controls and a lot of unmoderated public content. It is not a good fit for young children.

How to use Telegram safely

  1. Set a two-step verification password.

  2. Set Phone number visibility to Nobody.

  3. Use Secret Chats for private conversations.

  4. Limit who can add you to groups (Privacy → Groups).

  5. Never move money because a group admin told you to.

Where Telegram is restricted

Does a VPN make Telegram safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop Telegram collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs Private Internet Access, Surfshark and CyberGhost

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is Telegram safe to use?

Safe to use, but normal chats are not end-to-end encrypted. Use Secret Chats for anything private.

Is Telegram legit?

Telegram is a legitimate app with around a billion users. It is legit, but it is not a private-by-default messenger in the way Signal or WhatsApp are.

Is Telegram encrypted?

Cloud chats and all groups are encrypted only between you and Telegram's servers. End-to-end encryption exists only in one-to-one Secret Chats, which you must start manually.

What data does Telegram collect?

Phone number, contacts (if allowed), IP address, device details and your cloud chat history stored on Telegram's servers.

Is Telegram safe for kids?

Telegram has almost no parental controls and a lot of unmoderated public content. It is not a good fit for young children.

Does a VPN make Telegram safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on Telegram. It does not stop Telegram itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources