How to Use Telegram Without a Phone Number: 5 Methods

Alright, let’s talk about the real deal. Why would anyone want to use Telegram without a phone number? Well, maybe you’re tired of giving out your digits to every app under the sun, or you’re just trying to keep your personal life private. Totally valid! Using Telegram without a phone number can be a power move if privacy and anonymity are top priorities for you.

Telegram insists that you should have a valid number to create an account. Having said that, there are ways which prevents you from exposing your private number to register with Telegram. There are methods that lets you use VoIP services to manage the registration. But it’s not without risks. If you fall prey to false methods, your privacy can be at risk. To save you from the rabbit hole, we have spent 130+ hours researching. We tested options and found legit, trustworthy solutions. The result? A guide you can actually rely on to keep your privacy intact. Let’s go! Read more…

Methods for How to Create a Telegram Account without a Phone Number

Without further ado, let’s dig deeper into the methods that I found fruitful in protecting my private number while using Telegram:

Method 1: Create a Telegram Account Using Third-Party Apps

Below, I have listed the following apps that have helped me use Telegram without revealing my actual phone number:

1) Nextiva

Nextiva is a solid choice for anyone who wants a reliable, professional-grade virtual number for Telegram. It’s especially good if you want to keep your business and personal communications separate, or if you need advanced privacy and security features.

Nextiva provides cloud-based VoIP phone numbers that can be used for Telegram registration, keeping your personal number private and separate from your messaging identity. It supports both SMS and MMS, making it seamless to receive Telegram’s verification codes and manage two-factor authentication.

Step-by-step guidance:

To use Nextiva for signing up on Telegram without your real phone number, follow these steps:

Step 1) Sign up for a Nextiva account and choose a virtual phone number.

Step 2) Open the Telegram app and start the sign-up process. When prompted, enter your Nextiva number.

Step 3) Check your Nextiva dashboard or app for the incoming SMS with the Telegram verification code.

Step 4) Enter the code in Telegram to complete your account setup. You’re now using Telegram without exposing your real number!

Visit Nextiva >>

30-Days Money-back Guarantee

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2) TextNow

TextNow provides a free virtual phone number that can be used for apps like Telegram. It allows you to register and verify your account without exposing your real contact information. When I tested it, the setup process was seamless—within minutes, I had a working virtual number ready for use. A friend of mine, a senior web developer at a top MNC, needed to create a Telegram account for international clients. He wanted to avoid sharing personal details.

On my referral, he downloaded TextNow, registered for a free virtual number, and used it to receive Telegram’s verification code. The Telegram account was activated in minutes without his phone number being linked. He later confirmed that the TextNow number worked. He received consistent Telegram messages to it.

Step-by-step Guidance:

To use TextNow for signing up on Telegram without a phone number, follow these engaging steps:

Step 1) Download the TextNow app from your device’s app store to begin your journey. After the app gets installed, open it and then tap “SIGN UP” to create your account.

Step 2) After signing up, you will be prompted to select a free virtual phone number. Carefully browse through the available options and pick the right one that suits you.

Step 3) With your new TextNow number in hand, open the Telegram app. When prompted, enter your chosen TextNow number to start the registration process.

Step 4) Telegram will send a verification code to your TextNow number. Check the TextNow app for the SMS, enter the code in Telegram, and voilà! You are now ready to explore Telegram while keeping your personal number private.

Note: The service provides numbers only from U.S. and Canada. So you cannot get a number domiciled in Europe or Asia. But since your goal is to maintain your privacy, the location of the TextNow number should not be an issue for your cause. Though you maybe be required to use a VPN pointed to USA, Canada servers to use the numbers with Telegram.

Visit TextNow >>

Free Download

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3) Google Voice

Google Voice allows you to generate a free virtual phone number to verify accounts like Telegram. When I tried it, I found the process straightforward—signing up was quick, and within moments, I had a virtual number ready for use.

I could recall one recent case where a college student wanted to prank their friend by creating a new Telegram account under a humorous alias. Using Google Voice, he quickly generated a virtual number, registered on Telegram, and verified the account. The prank worked perfectly. It didn’t reveal his real number. This shows Google Voice can be a fun, secure tool for such pranks.

Step-by-step Guidance:

To use Google Voice for signing up on Telegram without a phone number, follow these simple steps:

Step 1) Download the Google Voice app and install it. Once installed, open the app and log in using your Google account. Then, select from the two options: personal use or business.

Step 2) After logging in, you will be prompted to choose a virtual phone number. Browse through the available options and select one that suits your needs.

Step 3) Enter your current phone number to verify your identity. This step is necessary to activate your Google Voice number, but it will not be shared with Telegram.

Step 4) Open the Telegram app and enter your new Google Voice number during the registration process. Wait for a verification code in the Google Voice app. Enter it into Telegram. You’re now set to message without revealing your phone number!

Issues I faced: I haven’t encountered any issues. However, Telegram has increasingly restricted the use of VoIP numbers for account creation. As a result, users may find that their Google Voice numbers are no longer accepted for registration.

Link: https://voice.google.com/u/0/about

Method 2: Use Telegram with a Second Account on a Dual-SIM Device

I found a simple yet effective way to use Telegram without exposing my primary number—a dual-SIM device. I registered a second Telegram account using my secondary SIM, keeping my main number completely private. To prevent security risks, I enabled two-step verification. I also used cloud-based login instead of SIM authentication.

I found a simple yet effective way to use Telegram without exposing my primary number—a dual-SIM device. I registered a second Telegram account using my secondary SIM, keeping my main number completely private. To prevent security risks, I enabled two-step verification. I also used cloud-based login instead of SIM authentication.

Method 3: Use an Online SMS Receiver Service App

Creating a Telegram account typically requires a phone number, which can be a barrier for those concerned about privacy. So, I used some online SMS receiver services. They gave me virtual phone numbers where I could receive SMS messages when I registered for a Telegram account.

1) Receive-SMSS

I tried this tool and found the process straightforward and effective. With a simple, easy interface, I could set up a spoof number to register my Telegram account. It would not compromise my privacy.

However, the tool sometimes fails to deliver SMS notifications. This may be due to geo-restrictions. In such scenarios, I suggest trying other related tools or methods.

Step-by-Step Guidance:

Here are the steps to receive SMS from this tool:

Step 1) Go to the Receive-SMSS website, select the desired country number from the list, and click on “Open.”

Step 2) Copy the number and input this number when prompted during the Telegram sign-up process.

Step 3) Wait for the SMS verification code to appear on the screen, which typically takes about a minute.

Link: https://receive-smss.com/

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2) Quackr

If you’re concerned about privacy but still want to enjoy Telegram’s features, you might have run into the issue of needing a phone number. Fortunately, Quackr solves this. It offers disposable phone numbers. You can use them to sign up for Telegram without revealing your number.

By using Quackr, you can easily create an anonymous Telegram account without the hassle of linking your phone number. However, this is a paid option, and I was unable to use it for free.

Link: https://quackr.io/

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3) OnlineSim

Another tool I tried for using Telegram without a phone number was OnlineSim. It offered virtual numbers for verification, and I found the process straightforward and secure. OnlineSim offers both free and paid virtual phone numbers, but availability depends on the service and region.

Free numbers are limited and may have restrictions, such as slower SMS delivery or fewer supported platforms. For reliable access, especially to popular services like Telegram, their paid options are better. You should check their website for the latest pricing and availability details.

Visit OnlineSim >>

3-Days Money-Back Guarantee

Method 4: Using a Landline Number

A friend told me to try using my landline number to register with Telegram. Keeping my number private was a priority, so I turned to this method for Telegram. I entered my landline number during sign-up, and when SMS verification failed, I requested a voice call verification.

Telegram’s automated system called me with a one-time code, allowing me to activate my account without a mobile number. This secure and effective method provided complete access while maintaining my privacy. However, some landlines didn’t support call verification. So, I tried a traditional (non-VoIP) line, which worked instantly. If the call was delayed, retrying during off-peak hours improved success rates.

Method 5: Using a Friend’s Number

I needed Telegram access without using my own number, so I borrowed a friend’s number to register. During sign-up, I entered their number, received the verification code on their device, and used it to activate my Telegram account. To maintain privacy, I enabled two-step verification, ensuring my friend couldn’t access my chats.

Once set up, I logged in across devices using cloud-based authentication. This method worked flawlessly, and Telegram’s official security guidelines confirmed its safety. Coordinating with my friend was tricky, especially with her busy schedule. But after some hiatus, with her limited availability, I asked for the code in advance and quickly secured my account post-setup.

Checklist for Securing Your Telegram Account Without a Phone Number

I have created a checklist to help you secure your Telegram account without linking it to your primary phone number.

• Choose a Reliable Virtual Number Provider: To avoid recycled numbers, opt for trusted services like Nextiva or Google Voice.
• Enable Two-Step Verification: You may add that extra layer of security by setting a strong password.
• Regularly Update Your App: Ensure you’re using the latest version of Telegram for enhanced security features.
• Avoid Public SMS Services: Shared numbers risk exposing your account details.
• Backup Recovery Codes: Store these safely in case you lose access to your account.
• Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check for unauthorized logins and revoke suspicious sessions.
• Use Trusted Devices Only: Avoid signing in on shared or public devices to minimize risks.
• Understand Privacy Policies: Read your virtual number provider’s terms to ensure data protection.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While trying to use Telegram without your phone number, you may face certain issues. Below, I have provided a list of common issues, and the troubleshoots:

Common Issues	Troubleshooting Steps
Users may not receive the SMS verification code needed to complete the Telegram setup.	– Check if the virtual phone number is active. – Use a different virtual number provider. – Wait and try again later.
The registration process may fail due to various reasons, such as incorrect number format or server issues.	– Ensure the number format is correct. – Try registering again after a few minutes. – Restart the app.
The Telegram app might crash or become unresponsive during setup or usage.	– Restart your device. – Ensure you have the latest version of the app. – Clear the app cache in settings.
Some users might find certain features unavailable after setting up without a phone number.	– Verify that you are logged into the correct account. – Check for app updates that may restore functionality. – Reinstall the app if issues persist.
Users may worry about the privacy and security of using virtual numbers for registration.	– Choose reputable virtual number providers. – Read privacy policies carefully. – Consider using a burner phone for added security.

FAQs

Conclusion

You can set up Telegram without sharing your personal phone number. Use a burner phone app like Nextiva, a VoIP service like Google Voice, or a borrowed landline. Remember to implement two-step verification for greater protection. By picking the correct method for your needs and staying vigilant about security, you can enjoy Telegram’s features with added peace of mind.