• Copy Link
Sign up for Telegram without a phone number
s0ph0s ✊🏿🇵🇸🌻🏳️‍🌈, Dec 30, 2020 at 08:46, edited
OpenSuggestionGeneral

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 spam issues could be mitigated by:

  • Only allowing addresses from major email providers at first and slowly expanding reach if it's manageable.
  • Automatically limiting such accounts from contacting strangers until their perform some additional actions.
  • Allowing group admins to prevent such accounts from posting by default.

Use Cases

Avoiding an identifier tied to your identity, hiding identity from governments or people who know your number.

Workaround

Use a virtual phone number.


Warning: Do NOT use temporary numbers to connect to your account, as you may lose access to your account when you lose access to the number.

597152Copy link
Comments113
Show 63 more comments
Nao 🖳 Jul 6, 2021
This is number 1 feature needed for Telegram to be called "secure" and "respecting privacy of the users".
Reasons:
1) There was already dumps with "phone number - username - userID" triplets. I don't know how they was obtained but I found myself in this dump despite the fact that option to hide the phone number was always "never" for me.
So I will just assume this info is public.

2) In some countries you can't legally buy a sim-card without your passport. Mobile operator knows your personal data and so do police, government, etc.
And not only them, the databases of mobile operators is constantly leaked to darknet or even becomes public.
Ironically, you can buy such info on telegram itself :) There are TG contacts who sells private data. You pay with cryptocurrency, write phone number and get passport and other personal data.
So phone number sometimes = passport.

3) Sim-card can be legally or illegally cloned. The person who did this will have access to your contacts chat history (except secret chats) and some other critical info.
AFAIK, two-factor verification password will protect you in this case, but not all people use password because it's optional.
So for most TG users (who doesn't use 2FA and use non-secret-chats) sim card = access to TG account data (chat history, contact list).
...
Nao 🖳 Jul 6, 2021
<...continuation...>
4) Your mobile operator (and other affiliated parties) will know you are using Telegram. In some countries this fact alone is dangerous.

5) If you want to make another tg account (for various reasons, e.g. to erase your past identity, to separate "work" and "personal" identity and many other use cases) you need to buy a new sim card.

6) You depend on your sim-card. If you loose access to it - you will loose your account if you not act quickly and move it to new number as fast as possible.

7) You can't register Telegram account if you don't have phone number at all. E.g. you only need Telegram on your PC, but you forced to buy a sim card and a phone.

Summarizing the statements above: Any time you send a message on TG - there will be your real name, address, phone number and other personal data written above the message. And with little effort - your chat history and contact list is also available.
This is not very secure and privacy-friendly.
B
Baptiste Jul 10, 2021
Upvoted. Please add this to the use cases, which is my main concern:
avoid login problems if the phone number changes or if the phone is lost / stolen.
Even if we have a backup, people should be able to log in without a phone number, for example with a password or email address (more secure than SMS code that can be intercepted). Unless we configured two-step verification with a password and recovery email address, logging in using only an SMS code gives access to all encrypted messages, which is a very weak security!
In addition, you should allow logging in using a desktop app, like it was possible previously using an SMS code. Logging in using the web version without desktop or mobile app should be possible also. People that don't use Android or iOS cannot log in to the desktop app anymore unless they use a third-party client like Kotatogram (https://bugs.telegram.org/c/4239).
Users should have the choice to log in without another device even if less secure.
Because of these issues, I cannot recommend people to use Telegram.
D
Deleted Account Jul 10, 2021
Baptiste
Upvoted. Please add this to the use cases, which is my main concern: avoid login problems if the phone number changes or if the phone is lost / stolen. Even if we have a backup, people should be able to log in without a phone number, for example with a password or email address (more secure than SMS code that can be intercepted). Unless we configured two-step verification with a password and recovery email address, logging in using only an SMS code gives access to all encrypted messages, which is a very weak security! In addition, you should allow logging in using a desktop app, like it was possible previously using an SMS code. Logging in using the web version without desktop or mobile app should be possible also. People that don't use Android or iOS cannot log in to the desktop app anymore unless they use a third-party client like Kotatogram (https://bugs.telegram.org/c/4239). Users should have the choice to log in without another device even if less secure. Because of these issues, I cannot recommend people to use Telegram.
Now all of us know you upvote and show your interest in the suggestion. You don't need to re-send & re-delete your comments many times so that it'll continue disturbing all users who focus on the requested feature with almost the same content but think about what you really want to say seriously, which can make your comment clearer, more precise and more meaningful.
B
Baptiste Jul 10, 2021
Deleted Account
Now all of us know you upvote and show your interest in the suggestion. You don't need to re-send & re-delete your comments many times so that it'll continue disturbing all users who focus on the requested feature with almost the same content but think about what you really want to say seriously, which can make your comment clearer, more precise and more meaningful.
Sorry, there was not edit button and I missed several things or did mistakes so I had to delete and resend it. I think my comment is ok now :D
🫡
🫡 Aug 15, 2021
Besides email address, what are the current alternatives for phone numbers based sign ups right now?

Any other tech or concept we could use?
V
Viktor Aug 15, 2021
🫡
Besides email address, what are the current alternatives for phone numbers based sign ups right now? Any other tech or concept we could use?
bank card?
Deleted Account Aug 15, 2021
Viktor
bank card?
wow that's even worse
🫡
🫡 Aug 15, 2021
Viktor
bank card?
Bank card is even more sensitive that those personal infos.

We need something that is open source or decentralized
... Aug 15, 2021
🫡
Bank card is even more sensitive that those personal infos. We need something that is open source or decentralized
Mastodon SSO login? (Fediverse)
М
Мерхольг Ан-Сорвейт Aug 15, 2021
🫡
Besides email address, what are the current alternatives for phone numbers based sign ups right now? Any other tech or concept we could use?
digitally signed passphrase
Show next 39 comments
Login
  1. Bugs and Suggestions
AllIssuesSuggestions
by rating by time

33263 Cards

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
185683
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
82331
Fixed
Missing parts of message history
Your help needed: The team needs help with app's logs. Messages are missing on mobile but visible on Telegram Web and Desktop. Notifications of new messages are received, but messages don't appear in…
Feb 15, 2022Issue, Android
67296
Added
An option to disable the Stories feature
An option in the app settings to completely disable the Stories feature to reduce visual clutter. Official Response: Stories take up no extra space in the Telegram UI – but if you'd prefer not to see…
Jul 21, 2023Suggestion, General
14986764
Added
Shadowsocks proxy support
Add Built-in VMess, Shadowsocks, SSR, Trojan-GFW proxies support The ( vmess / vmess1 / ss / ssr / trojan ) proxy link in the message can be clicked
Apr 11, 2021Suggestion, General
1016244
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
1943576
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
1463050
Added
The sticker text is covered of the time of the message
The time of the message is displayed on the sticker. It is not comfortable to read sticker. It often happens that time covers part of the text on the sticker. And if the sticker is sent from the channel…
Mar 20, 2022Android, Suggestion
102228
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 27, 2021Suggestion
641758
Added
Group Video Calls
Group Video Calls has been implemented in June 2021. Related suggestions: Group Video Calls with Contacts, Screen Sharing in private chats.
Dec 11, 2019FixedSuggestion, Calls
1011751
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
1321706
Added
Chat permissions: Can Talk
Please add chat permission: Can Talk. How it works If it's enabled, user can talk in a voice chat. Otherwise user is muted. For users In apps it would be useful for chat owners - they will be able to…
Aug 3, 2021Suggestion, General
171639
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
1291569
Added
Choose a different default folder instead of "All Chats"
This feature is available as part of Telegram Premium. 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…
Nov 16, 2020FixedSuggestion
751411
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
761364
0:27
Fixed
Removing the restriction of adding members to Telegram groups
1: We enter the group 2: In the add member section 3: Selection of contacts or members 4: Add to the group But no member is added to our group Steps to reproduce 1: We enter the group 2: In the add member…
Jan 31, 2024Issue
551334
Fixed
Live streams have low speed audio resulting in almost no sound
Since the latest stable update, audio from Live Streams is missing. The audio track is actually slightly audible if you max out the volume of your device, but it will be barely noticeable, and feels extremely…
Jan 4FixedIssue, iOS
81317
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 23, 2021FixedSuggestion, General
761290
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
811190
Added
Allow adding Bots (Web Apps) to the Attachment Menu to all bots
Now only selected bots can be added to the Attachment Menu. But as a developer of inline bots, I see this as a barrier to make telegram a better messenger Let users decide, what they want to see in their…
Apr 17, 2022Suggestion, General
461163
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, 2020FixedSuggestion
571087
Added
Armenian language official translation in telegram
Dear Telegram administration. We ask you to make the translation of the Armenian language official in telegram. Not a few people speak Armenian, and a full-fledged Armenian segment has already formed…
Jan 8, 2023Suggestion, General
2021039
Added
Add "Ban Users" permission for admins of channels
In channels, admins can always ban users regardless of their permissions, it would be useful to remove the permission to ban users to some admins. Possible Solution - It could be added as sub-permission…
Aug 1, 2021Suggestion, General
211014
Fixed
Telegram's Message Limit: Old Messages Gone Forever
When the message count reaches a million, old messages disappear. Steps to reproduce 1. Be an active Telegram user 2. Wait until the coveted number of incoming/outgoing messages is reached. 3. Eh, it's…
Jul 19, 2022Issue, General
891007
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 23, 2021Suggestion, General
62992
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, 2020FixedSuggestion, Telegram Desktop
64989
Added
Better global search
Make global search a place to find all communities in channels and public chats.
Feb 9, 2021Suggestion, Android
42937
Added
No one open the video in the groups conversations without the admins permission
During the meeting conversations in telegram, some members want to speak so when we open the Microphone for them to speak, they open video with sexual content. This leads to annoy the members and they…
Jan 30, 2023Android, Suggestion
20924
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, 2020FixedSuggestion, General
135899
Fixed
Status displaying issue for iranian numbers
Title: Unreasonable Restrictions on Iranian Accounts Description: Viewing Premium Statuses: Non-premium Iranian accounts cannot see the statuses of premium users. However, purchasing a premium subscription…
Oct 26, 2024Issue, Android
60882
Added
Video Notes Inline
Proper support for Video Notes (aka round videos) in inline mode for bots
Nov 9, 2022Suggestion, General
39861
Added
Add an option to disable auto-ordering of sticker packs on mobile
Add an option to disable auto-ordering of sticker packs. If you have a lot of packs, it make sense to order them in a way that makes it easy for you to find the right sticker. This has been the behaviour…
Sep 19, 2022FixedSuggestion, Android, iOS
224851
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
19825
0:14
Added
Pedophilic Content on Telegram: A Growing Concern
The dissemination of pedophilic content is one of the gravest online crimes that severely infringes on children’s rights. Such content not only promotes and reinforces sexual abuse of children but also…
Jul 25, 2024Suggestion, General
170818
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
180793
Added
Call transfer between devices
An option to seamlessly transfer ongoing voice and video calls between different devices with one account: e.g., from a mobile phone to a desktop PC and vice versa.
Dec 23, 2020Suggestion, General, Calls
24791
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
31772
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
48760
Added
An option for a channel/group owner to better interact with subscribers without the risk of being reported as spammer by trolls.
An option for the owner of a channel or a group to set a visible flag informing all new members that they might be privately contacted one single time by the owner/admins of the channel/group they are…
Feb 26, 2022Suggestion, General
20751
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, 2019FixedSuggestion
967700
Added
Allow opening media directly from the preview.
When someone posts a link, Telegram generates a link preview with title, media and some of the text from the page linked. Ever since the October 2023 update, clicking or tapping anywhere inside the preview…
Oct 29, 2023Suggestion, General
65679
Added
Different background images for each chat
A feature to set a individual wallpaper for specific chats. (f.e. One wallpaper for a specific group, another for a chat with a friend...) Use cases This would make navigation between chats easier, especially…
Nov 5, 2019Suggestion, General
42666
Added
Tmail - Telegram Email Service
Telegram is a great messenger, but it can also be a great Email service. So without further introductions, let's start. It may seem like Email service is for the previous generation, but many people,…
Jan 24, 2021Suggestion, General
76650
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, 2020FixedSuggestion, General
47611
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
31575
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, 2020FixedSuggestion, General
155569
Added
[Privacy] [Private] New privacy option to not allow private messages from non-contacts.
Like many have asked before (for different reasons) for years (even before we had this suggestions platform) and as you can see with other suggestions in this platform too: https://bugs.telegram.org/c/1748…
Oct 24, 2021Suggestion, General
102564
Fixed
Incorrect Search Ban for Quality channels
Incorrect Search Ban on one of The Largest Telegram Channel Steps to reproduce My Channel @Funny is one of the largest English Entertainment channel with Over 250K Subscribers & great Engagement. But…
Dec 15, 2024Issue, Android
31559
Fixed
Telegram downloads images instead of using bitmap data from clipboard
When I paste an image copied from Firefox, Telegram downloads it again instead of using the bitmap data from the clipboard. This happens because the clipboard also stores the image URL. If I paste the…
Jun 27, 2021FixedIssue, Telegram Desktop
13517
Added
Please Add a Clear Response button/ Retract response button in the Poll (Quiz mode) too for admins of the channel and subscribers of the channel
Hello Sir/Ma'am. I would like to draw the attention of the Telegram app to an important suggestion/request. I run telegram channels which consists of more than 50k+ Highly active students who solve quiz…
Feb 5, 2022Suggestion, Android
72501

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