Can Your Telegram Be Hacked? [2025]

Can Your Telegram Be Hacked?

Yes, a Telegram account can be hacked, though typically not by breaking its end-to-end encryption. Most breaches happen because of phishing scams, SIM swapping, weak passwords, or malware. The risk of unauthorized access can be minimized by enabling two-step verification, not clicking suspicious links, and avoiding infected devices.

How Safe Is Telegram App?

Telegram is a secure messaging app. But it also has some risks. Telegram uses its own encryption protocol called MTProto. It only gives end-to-end encryption in Secret Chats. All other chats are encrypted between the user and the server. And they are stored in the Telegram Cloud.

Some of the more serious issues Telegram has encountered include the following:

• 2016 (Iran) – Hackers exploited SMS login codes and stole data from 15 million user accounts.
• 2019 – A bug in the “People Nearby” function exposed the exact locations of users.
• 2020 – The RampantKitten spyware evolved to capture Telegram session files from compromised devices.
• 2024 – Researchers discovered a flaw in Telegram’s approach to handling shared media files. That flaw could allow Telegram to push harmful content.

Common Threats to Your Telegram Account

Most of the time, the weak point is not the Telegram itself, but rather the users and their devices. Being able to point out the primary threats and risks towards an account helps users better secure and protect their devices. Below are some of the most common threats associated with Telegram, and the practical solutions to tackle them.

1. Phishing or Fake Login Links

Phishing attacks are one of the oldest types of cybercrime, and they are still very effective today. A cybercriminal will send you a text, email, or a social message disguised as Telegram. The impersonation site is designed to look as real as possible so that you fall for it and provide your login or verification code. Once you provide that, your account can easily be taken over.

Solution

Always log in using the official Telegram app or verified Telegram website only. Never give out your verification code to any person, whether they are or seem like a ‘Telegram Support’ agent. Telegram never asks for a code in any scenario.

2. SIM Swapping

SIM swapping is when a hacker tricks your mobile provider into moving your phone number to their SIM card. Then they can get your SMS codes. This method was used before on journalists, activists, and people who own cryptocurrency.

Solution

Adding a PIN to a SIM card or account is one way to secure your account. While that is helpful, it is more helpful to enable Two-Step Verification in Telegram, which also adds more protective layers by requiring a phone number and password.

3. Malware or Spyware

Sometimes the attack doesn't come through Telegram but through the device itself. Malicious apps disguised as fake downloads of “Telegram Premium,” and even spyware can capture stored information, keystrokes, and even Telegram session files. Campaigns like RampantKitten (2020). For example, showed how spyware can covertly take over Telegram access without ever needing to break its encryption.

Solution

Download apps and software only from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, and refrain from using third-party sites. Ensure that your operating system is updated consistently and that you perform antivirus or other security scans routinely to capture potential hidden threats.

4. Public Wi-Fi or Telegram Web Risks

Accessing Telegram Web on a public computer or using open Wi-Fi internet has its own complications. Inadequately secured networks could let someone intercept your data, while a public computer could keep your Telegram Web account open.

Solution

When using Public Wi-Fi, set up VPNs. After completing your work on Telegram Web, log out, and if you are using a public computer or your work computer, do so as a priority. Set up Telegram’s passcode lock to prevent casual access.

5. Social Liars

Not every threat is technical; sometimes it’s psychological. Hackers can impersonate friends, colleagues, or Telegram employees to obtain passwords or other sensitive information. These types of attacks are based on the user's trust, rather than sophisticated hacking techniques.

Solution

Treat all unusual and urgent requests with caution. Verify the identity of anyone you are giving sensitive information to. Also, remember that Telegram stuff will never contact a user and ask for their passwords or codes.

How to Know If Your Telegram Has Been Hacked

It can be really difficult to determine when your Telegram account is compromised, but there are some warning signs to look for:

• Unknown Active Sessions: Check to see “Active Sessions” under settings. If there are devices or locations that do not look familiar to you, someone else could be logged in.
• Unusual Messages or Contacts: If you notice there are messages that you did not write that your account is sending, or there is a joining of groups without you doing anything, that is a clear sign.
• Random Logouts: Randomly being logged out can indicate that someone else has logged into your account.
• Unexpected Login Codes: Receiving verification codes that you did not request is a strong indication that someone is attempting to access your account.

What to Do If Your Telegram Is Hacked

If you have any confirmations or are just suspicious about your account being hacked, you should follow these steps:

Check Active Sessions

Head to Settings → Privacy and Security → Active Sessions. If there are some unusual devices, hit Terminate All Other Sessions. This will log out the hackers syncing your account. As a protection, you can also choose the duration from 1 week to 6 months to inactivate your old session.

Change Your Password & Recovery Email

Ensure your recovery email is both secured and updated. Passwords should be strong, unique, and never include your name, birthday, or any easily guessable phrases.

Scan Your Device for Malware

Make sure to run a complete security check on your phone and computer, and delete any dubious applications immediately. It is common for spies to plant malware on your devices to gain access later.

Enable Two-Step Verification

You should enable two-step verification on your account if you haven’t done this already. This creates an extra layer of security with a password needed alongside SMS codes.

Contact Telegram Support

If you were unable to recover access to your account, go to the support section of the website. Provide your number and describe the problems. They might be able to help you recover your access.

Monitor Your Account

Check on Active Sessions regularly and look for any suspicious activity. Take action immediately if strange conversations or group activity appear.

Extra tip

Similar to yours, your child's Telegram account could also be exposed to phishing attacks and spyware. With the aid of AirDroid Parental Control, you can monitor the use of the app, identify strange logins, and restrict inappropriate downloads on your child’s devices.

Keeping your child’s device as secure as possible decreases the likelihood of your child’s Telegram being hacked. You are also able to manage possible risks without the need to access their private conversations.

How to Protect Your Telegram Account

You are able to prevent falling victim to hack attempts by building strong protective habits. Here is how you can stop Telegram hack attempts:

• Avoid clicking suspicious links: Fake Telegram sites can capture your login information. Log in with the official website or app only.
• Set a passcode lock: Add an in-app code so even if someone can access your phone, the chats will remain locked.
• Avoid using Telegram Web on shared computers for long periods: Public computers can be a breach of privacy for your account. Make sure to log out after every use.
• Hide phone number and limit group adds: Limit access to the mobile number and control who can add you to groups to minimize the chances of spam and targeted scams.
• Use VPN on public Wi-Fi: Publicly accessible Wi-Fi networks pose a significant security threat and can lead to spying on your internet sessions. So, make sure to use a VPN on public networks.

Your account will be safer if you implement these steps. If you ever ask yourself what should i do if my telegram is hacked, these are the steps to take.

Conclusion

So, canI get hacked on Telegram? This is a question that many people frequently wonder about on Google and other search engines, and the answer is yes, though it is more complicated. Phishing, SIM swapping, and malware are the true weak links, while Telegram employs strong encryption. With two-step verification enabled, password strength, and habits on the device used, the account is relatively defendable. If any signs do pop up, it is best to act quickly.

Ultimately, Telegram is as safe as you want it to be. The primary defense is good online habits.

FAQs

Q1. Does deleting my Telegram account remove all risks?

Elsa

Your data is removed from Telegram’s servers after you delete your account. However, malware and spyware on your device will remain. Always clean your device, too.

Q2. Can secret chats be hacked?

Elsa

While the secret chats are more difficult to intercept because they are end-to-end encrypted, if your device is infected, someone can still read your screen and, therefore, can hack the device.

Q3. Are Telegram bots dangerous?

Elsa

Certain bots are safe, but others might collect information and automate scamming. Always install bots from official and well-reviewed sources.

Q4. Is Telegram safer than email for private talks?

Elsa

In a lot of ways, yes. Messages are protected while being sent, whereas many emails are not. However, device security is paramount.

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