• Copy Link
Emergency passcode to hide chats
Бекхан Гендаргеноевский, Feb 27 at 23:18, edited
OpenSuggestion

Option to set an alternative passcode ("double bottom") that either opens a limited set of chats, opens a different account, or destroys one of the connected accounts completely when entered.

Use cases

Could be used by political activists in opressive countries when they are required to unlock their chats.

Potential issues

If such an emergency passcode is set, the app won't be able to use your fingerprints or other biometric data to unlock chats. As a result, the absense of biometric unlock could be used a clear indicator that a person has something significant to hide – and it becomes impossible to prove this is not the case.

This might provide a false sense of security and might actually make the situation worse for an activist's or an innocent bystander.


Related suggestion: Separate passcode lock for specific chats or Archive

1:52
73110Copy link
Comments18
Show 11 more comments
A
Artem 💬 Mar 28
Yura Mocherniuk
In my opinion, it would be safer, simpler and faster to delete Telegram from your device in critical situations. Providing that you have 2FA enabled it won't be easy to get access to your cloud chats' data. Of course all secret chats will be lost in such case, but that's the whole point of secret chats: they are exceptionally secure and evanescent. I reckon the second point makes them even more secure than Signal chats.
An innocent bystander may have knowledge of the account holder's phone number and can force person to enter to the Telegram. Removing the application does not solve the problem at all, and only a *double bottom* will help solve it.
R
Rσԋαɳ K Vιɳσԃ Mar 31
https://bugs.telegram.org/c/3679 related
J
Jonas Apr 8
Artem 💬
An innocent bystander may have knowledge of the account holder's phone number and can force person to enter to the Telegram. Removing the application does not solve the problem at all, and only a *double bottom* will help solve it.
How could an innocent bystander force anyone to sign into their Telegram account in any occasion? Also, if there is no app on the phone, how could, say, police know that that person used Telegram for their communications?
A
Artem 💬 Apr 8
Jonas
How could an innocent bystander force anyone to sign into their Telegram account in any occasion? Also, if there is no app on the phone, how could, say, police know that that person used Telegram for their communications?
> How could an innocent bystander force anyone to sign into their Telegram account in any occasion?

By threats of physical harm, which has already been done by bandits and dishonest police officers

> Also, if there is no app on the phone, how could, say, police know that that person used Telegram for their communications?

Via Telegram's access restore procedure or with the logs of a mobile operator.
J
Jonas Apr 8
Artem 💬
> How could an innocent bystander force anyone to sign into their Telegram account in any occasion? By threats of physical harm, which has already been done by bandits and dishonest police officers > Also, if there is no app on the phone, how could, say, police know that that person used Telegram for their communications? Via Telegram's access restore procedure or with the logs of a mobile operator.
So you're saying a bystander is forced to force you to log into your Telegram account? Or how do you mean that?

What would logs of a mobile operator do higher forces any good when you use Telegram? The only SMS I have from them is at the first sign in procedure years ago, I highly doubt that my provider logged SMS since then.
Granted, the provider could look at IP endpoints your phone has contacted, but that can be easily resolved through a VPN connection.

At the same time, however, I wonder if it would help a person being confronted by the police or court whatsoever if they're using illegal tactics anyways, like forcing you to unlock your phone and show them your content, once they know you use Telegram anyways. Like, if they're going to arrest you with illegal methods for being on a demonstration or riot or whatever because the government is unhappy with what you're fighting for and they find out you use Telegram either by asking the provider for data (which is usually already illegal) or by looking for the app on your phone but with only a selection of chats, would those kind of people really evaluate whether or not the chats you have are fine and let you go or just arrest and convict you regardless of who you're in contact with?
A
Artem 💬 Apr 8
> So you're saying a bystander is forced to force you to log into your Telegram account? Or how do you mean that?

The police beat the protesters and force them to enter the password from Telegram. This is what bandits, "police" and others do.

> The only SMS I have from them is at the first sign in procedure years
ago, I highly doubt that my provider logged SMS since then.

Mobile operators are forced to store and provide information about clients for several years, including content of a SMS. Read more about SORM (in Russia) and PRISM (in USA).

---
We are also talking about mass situations, and not just specific and isolated ones. In the case of individuals, yes, they can find another reason to make a person feel bad. In the case of mass, these people will not be able to understand whether there is a double bottom inside or not. This is better than if a person will be forced to enter to the Telegram and attackers will see chats with protests or something else.
phoshiko Phosiko Apr 9
I think it would be better if it would be possible that all passwords belonged to 1 account. because if someone has multiple phone numbers, via checking SMSs it could be implied that the person has multiple accounts. and sometimes buying new phone numbers is impossible or suspicious.
Login
  1. Bugs and Suggestions
AllIssuesSuggestions
by rating by time

3129 Cards

Added
About this platform
All users are welcome to create new entries, view existing entries and vote on them. What is this for? This platform is a place where users can vote for feature suggestions for Telegram or report issues…
Dec 23, 2020ClosedTip
53122
Fixed
iOS badge counter shows unread messages, even when all chats are read
Badge counters inside the app and on the app's icon may sometimes show unread messages while there are no unread chats in the list. Workaround Tap 10 times on the Settings tab icon > Reindex Unread Counters.…
Nov 12, 2020Issue, iOS
872
Fixed
"You have a new message" notifications in Notification Center
Workaround Restarting the device should fix the issue. Notifications will arrive with proper message previews after reboot. 'You have a new message' notifications arrive instead of regular notifications…
Nov 12, 2020Issue, iOS
1264
Fixed
Distorted voice messages
Voice messages on iOS 14 devices can get broken (audio is slow, distorted). A short 5-second voice message changes in speed and duration. Workaround Disable the 'Sound Recognition' feature in iOS Settings…
Nov 12, 2020iOS, Issue
14
Added
Improve the ability to search chat history for Asian regional languages, such as Chinese and Japanese
Improve the ability to search chat history for Asian regional languages, such as Chinese and Japanese. Telegram's chat history search function is based on words, and is suitable for languages such as…
Dec 23, 2020Suggestion, General
512159
Added
Emoji reactions
An option to react to messages using small emoji (e.g.👍,❤️,👎) instead of replying in the chat with messages or stickers. Use Cases 1. Quick feedback that doesn't take up space in the message history.…
Nov 5, 2019Suggestion
2291594
Added
Group Video Calls
Encrypted video calls with three or more people. Telegram has announced plans to launch group video calls in the coming months. Related suggestions: Group Voice Calls, Screen Sharing in Calls
Dec 11, 2019Suggestion, Calls
401374
Added
Cryptocurrency donations for bots, groups and channels
Show a button for sending quick donations to maintainers of bots, groups or channels using cryptocurrency. This could use either an established cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Etherium, EOS, etc. – or some…
Dec 25, 2020Suggestion, General
721231
Added
Screen sharing in calls
Screen sharing from mobile and desktop apps, in one-on-one calls and voice chats (also in group calls when they become available).
Dec 23, 2020Suggestion
49969
Added
Silent sign up
A feature to join Telegram incognito, making the phone number privacy set to Nobody before creating a new account. Current users who have that number added to their contacts list will not get a new c…
Dec 12, 2019Suggestion
38892
Added
Live video streaming
A feature to share and experience live videos across groups and channels in Telegram. Broadcasting from a channel or your personal account (in group chats) so that others can view, react, and interact.
Dec 12, 2019iOS, Android, macOS, Telegram Desktop, Suggestion
38814
1:52
Added
Emergency passcode to hide chats
Option to set an alternative passcode ("double bottom") that either opens a limited set of chats, opens a different account, or destroys one of the connected accounts completely when entered. Use cases…
Feb 27Suggestion
18721
Added
Choose a different default folder instead of "All Chats"
An option to pin one of your folders as the main folder instead of All Chats. When you open the app, it would show you the folder you chose. Pressing the back button would bring you back there when you're…
Nov 16, 2020Suggestion
31675
Added
Allow site owners to make their own Instant View templates
Instant View templates are currently created and maintained by Telegram, the list of supported websites is expanded gradually. Some site owners would like to get IV support for their websites sooner.…
Jan 23Suggestion, General
13669
Added
In-app translator
Translating specific messages via the context menu like Twitter does for tweets. Use cases Built-in translations save a lot of time – translating messages on the go would remove the need to move away…
Nov 5, 2019Suggestion
50585
Added
Notify all group members
An option to notify all group members or admins using a special mention (e.g. @all and @admins). Use cases Important news and major updates in big communities. Potential issues Some group admins already…
Nov 4, 2019Suggestion
40578
Added
Unlimited favorite stickers
Increase the limit for favorite stickers. The current limit is five stickers. When you add another one, the first sticker is replaced. Use cases Choose a limited set of stickers which you will always…
Dec 11, 2019Suggestion
25517
Added
Alternate profile pictures
When setting a profile picture or video that's only visible to contacts (or certain users, groups etc.), allow choosing an alternate picture or video that will be shown to everyone else. Use cases -…
Nov 17, 2020Suggestion
21488
Added
Custom icons for folders
Add the ability to choose icons for folders on mobile platforms – like in Telegram Desktop and Telegram macOS. Sync them on all devices. Use cases - Find folders you're looking for more easily. - Save…
Nov 17, 2020Suggestion, iOS, Android
11422
Added
Add Instant View to Telegram Desktop
Add Instant View to Telegram Desktop. The feature is there right now for MacOS Telegram App, but missing from regular Telegram Desktop. Preferably, it should open an article in the existing telegram window…
Dec 23, 2020Suggestion, Telegram Desktop
9390
Added
Requests to join group or channel
If enabled, the user attempting to join the group/channel will only be able to view the content and send things after being accepted by an administrator (optional: only admins who have the "accept/decline…
Nov 23, 2020Suggestion, General
27377
Added
Separate passcode lock for specific chats or Archive
Option to lock certain chats with a separate passcode. On a chat-by-chat basis, or for an entire Chat Folder, e.g. the Archive. Use cases Family iPads and other shared devices. Can also be used in environments…
Nov 5, 2019Suggestion
10349
Added
Call Transfers between Devices
An option to transfer ongoing calls from phone to a desktop PC and vice versa.
Dec 23, 2020Suggestion, General, Calls
6337
Added
More Two-Factor Authentication methods
An option to add an authenticator app with temporary, one-time passwords (e.g. Authy, Google Authenticator) as another second factor.
Nov 5, 2019Suggestion
7326
Added
Different backgrounds for chats
A feature to set individual backgrounds for specific chats. Use cases This would make navigation between chats easier, especially for those who have lots of chats or just a visual type of person.
Nov 5, 2019Suggestion
23314
Added
Disable "New Contact Joined" chats
Users receive a notification when one of their contacts becomes available on Telegram. It is currently possible to disable the notification: the new chats will appear in the list without sending a notification.…
Dec 11, 2019Suggestion, General
16294
Added
Better global search
Make global search a place to find all communities in channels and public chats.
Feb 9Suggestion, Android
6270
Added
Starred Messages
An option to bookmark/star a message. Marking a message would add it to the separate Starred Messages section on the profile page, for quick access to messages. While Telegram doesn't have Starred Messages…
Dec 12, 2019Suggestion
62256
Added
Show folders when forwarding a message
An option to see your folders when sharing or forwarding messages. Use case Find the chats you were looking for more quickly. Workarounds - Use the search option to find the chat if it's not at the top.…
Nov 17, 2020Suggestion
4244
Added
Bookmarks in channels
A feature to mark a message in a channel, and to continue reading the channel from this message. Use cases Long stories, broadcasts, and 'I will read it later' situations. Workaround Forwarding a message…
Nov 5, 2019Suggestion
14231
Added
Transfer ownership if creator account was deleted
Option to transfer ownership in groups and channels if the creator was deleted so the first admin with all permissions will become a creator! Thumbs up if you want this to happen 👍 App: all
Dec 24, 2020Suggestion, General
19230
Added
Privacy settings for Bio
The Bio section in Telegram profiles is currently always public. Add an option to configure 'Who can see your bio?' to the Privacy and Security Settings. Use cases Putting more sensitive or private info…
Nov 5, 2019Suggestion
8222
Added
Automatically use the best proxy in the list
An option to automatically check and connect to the best MTProxy if several proxies are available.
Dec 11, 2019Suggestion
5220
Added
Way to mark messages as sensitive
An option to mark a message or photo as sensitive before sending. Sensitive messages can be revealed or re-hidden with a tap and default to hidden when a chat is opened. App: all
Dec 23, 2020Suggestion, General
6207
Added
Detailed 'Read' status: time when read, who read messages in groups
A message info screen with more information about the 'read' status of messages: When the message was read in private chats. Which group members read the message and at what time. Use cases Knowing…
Dec 12, 2019Suggestion
39199
Added
File manager
A feature for viewing, moving, selecting, and deleting all downloaded/cached items (files, media, etc.) in one place, perhaps under Storage Usage in the app's Settings. This can also be enhanced with…
Dec 12, 2019Suggestion
4188
Added
Recording calls
Add ability to record calls in app App: all
Dec 23, 2020Suggestion, General
16179
0:34
Added
In-Call Messaging
Reply to incoming messages from your call partner without leaving another page currently open in the app. Demo – 00:19 on the attached video.
Nov 19, 2020Suggestion, Calls
5178
Added
Change file names in Telegram
Option to change file name on Telegram without needing to re-upload the file. App: all
Dec 24, 2020Suggestion, General
14168
Added
Statistics for Bots
An option to view Bot statistics in Bot Father, for example how many users started a conversation with the Bot! App: all
Dec 23, 2020Suggestion, Bot API
8167
Added
Allow to remove "Your contacts on Telegram" from the home page
The "contacts on Telegram" section is currently shown in the chat list when you have fewer than 10 chats. Workaround Have more than 10 chats in your list.
Jan 29ClosedSuggestion, Android
51165
Added
Stories / Statuses
An option to share moments (media, like photos or short videos, texts, etc.) with your mutual contacts (this can be adapted with granular privacy permissions) to view, interact, and forward. Such statuses…
Dec 12, 2019Suggestion
358162
Added
Syntax highlighting in code blocks
An optional extension to the backtick syntax to specify a language to highlight. Similar examples are the likes of Gitlab and GitHub comments.
Dec 27, 2020Suggestion, General
5160
Added
Group Voice Calls
Voice calls with three or more people. Related suggestion: Group Video Calls Workaround You can use Voice Chats in any of your groups to achieve similar goals.
Nov 6, 2019Suggestion, Calls
15150
Added
Feed or Stream with posts from Subscribed Channels
Show posts from channels you're subsribed to in a single view, one post after another – without the need to open each channel seprately to see what's new. Like Twitter and other feed-based social networks.…
Dec 23, 2020Suggestion, General
39144
Added
Hide messages from blocked users in groups
Sometimes you don't want to see messages from people you blocked, even in the groups you share with them. Such messages could be automatically collapsed and hidden under a spoiler (like 'You blocked Doge.…
Nov 5, 2019Suggestion
23143
Added
Secret Chats on Telegram Desktop
An option to create Secret Chats using the multiplatform Telegram Desktop client.
Jan 5Suggestion, Telegram Desktop
6139
Added
Sign up for Telegram without a phone number
You currently need a phone number to sign up for Telegram. Add an option to sign up using an email address or another method, like some messengers do (e.g., Wire, Matrix, Threema, Session). Potential…
Dec 30, 2020Suggestion, General
60131
Added
Partial reply
Reply only on parts of a message. This would be very useful, if someone wrote a very long message and you only want to refer to one or two sentences - or even only one or a few words.  If you click on…
Jan 23Suggestion, General
9128
Added
Custom profile pictures for contacts without one
Allow choosing a profile picture for users in your contacts who didn't upload one. These images would only be visible to you. Use cases - Improve the visual appeal of your chat list. - Find people more…
Dec 12, 2019Suggestion
9121

Log In

Log in here to report bugs or suggest features. Please enter your phone number in the international format and we will send a confirmation message to your account via Telegram.

Cancel
(Incorrect?)

We've just sent you a message.
Please confirm access via Telegram

CancelBack