Telegram is known for its privacy features, but one major concern is that a user needs to provide their phone number to use the service. Telegram uses this phone number to verify the user, by sending a user verification code during sign-up. Hence, if you don’t have a phone number or a SIM card inside your phone, you won’t be able to sign up for a Telegram account.
But for a privacy-focused nerd, who wants to sign up on Telegram without a phone number, this could be a deal breaker. If you are one, this article will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to sign up for a Telegram account without giving out any personal information such as your phone number or SIM card.
How to sign up on Telegram without a Phone number or SIM card?
Full disclosure here, you’ll still need a phone number to sign up for a Telegram account. But in a recent update, you can sign up for a Telegram account without a SIM card. This just eliminates the need to use your actual phone number to sign up. Instead, you can get a virtual number or an anonymous number over the blockchain for creating your Telegram account.
With that out of the way, let’s see how to sign up on Telegram without a Phone number or SIM card.
1. Get a virtual private number.
The first step is to get a virtual or anonymous number that you will be using to sign up for your new Telegram account. There are various online services, both free and paid that can get you a phone number where you can receive the verification code during sign up.
Here are some of the free and paid services that you can use get a virtual phone number and sign up on Telegram without using your real Phone number.
A. Google Voice (Free, but only for people living in US)
If you are from US and just want to hide your personal number. You can get yourself a free US number by signing up for Google Voice using your Google Account.
Download and install the Google Voice app on your smartphone/website and sign up for personal use using your Google Account. Then select your area code, choose your number, and verify it. (For verification you are required to have a US-based personal number) After successful verification, you will get your Google Voice number, which you can use like a normal phone number to make or receive calls and SMS to US-based numbers.
But on the downside, your Google Voice phone number will be associated with your Google account, which may not be a viable option for those looking for absolute privacy.
B. TextNow (Free, works everywhere)
If you want something more private and widely available, you can download TextNow. It is a free app that offers a free US-based phone number, which you can use to make calls or messages for free over a Wi-Fi network.
Simply download their app (Android/iOS) and sign up using your email. After signing up, enter any US-based zip code, and choose your phone number from the available options. Once you get your free US number, you can use it to make or receive calls and texts for free or get a verification code while signing up for a Telegram account.
Tip: Use a temporary email address during signup, if you want more privacy.
C. Fragment (Paid & Blockchain-based, but fully anonymous)
Lastly, we have Fragment for those who want complete anonymity. Fragment is a blockchain-based service by Telegram’s founder, where you can purchase usernames and anonymous phone numbers to create a Telegram account without a SIM card.
Since this service is blockchain-based, you’ll need a crypto-currency called “Toncoin (TON)” to buy an anonymous phone number on Fragment.
Most of the anonymous numbers are up for auctions if you want something specific. Otherwise, you can grab a random one for as low as 9 tons (around $14).
Go to the Random Telegram Number page on the Fragment website and press the “Unlock this number for ∆ 9*” button. A QR code will pop up, scan it with the Tonkeeper app, and authenticate your transaction.
Once the network approves your transaction, you will receive your random Telegram number. Use this number to sign up for a Telegram account anonymously.
Also read: How to Delete Telegram Account?
2. Download and Install the Telegram app.
Once you have your virtual or anonymous phone number, the second step is to download the Telegram app from the App Store or Google Play Store depending on your device.
3. Enter your Virtual or Anonymous number and verify it.
After installing the Telegram app, open it and enter your virtual or anonymous phone number that you bought from Fragment. Select your country and press “Continue.” (All the anonymous numbers will start with +888 country code)
Now Telegram will send a verification code on that number. Enter it in the code box and tap “Continue.”
4. Add your name and profile picture.
On the next screen, enter your full name. This name will be visible to everyone who you choose to connect with on Telegram. You can also add your profile picture in this step, which is optional.
Once you have entered your info, press the “Arrow” button to finish signing up.
And you are done! You have successfully created a Telegram account without providing any personal information such as your real phone number or SIM card.
5. Choose your desired username.
Now let’s choose a unique username for your account, which you will use to identify yourself on Telegram. Instead of giving your number, you can share your username with people you want to talk to on Telegram.
On the app homepage, tap on the 3-dot menu and select “Settings.” Inside the settings page, select the “Username” option, enter your desired username, and save it.
Congratulations! You are now ready to enjoy the privacy and security of Telegram without worrying about using your personal phone number or SIM card.
Can you use Telegram without a phone number?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Telegram without a phone number. Telegram uses your phone number to verify your identity to reduce the illegal risk associated with it.
However, as we mentioned in this article, you can use a virtual number or an anonymous number to sign up for a Telegram account. For this, you can use any virtual phone number service/app, which allows you to receive verification code via SMS or Call.
Conclusion: Use Telegram without a Phone number
If you are looking for a privacy-focused messaging app, Telegram is one of the best options out there. The recent update which allows you to sign up for an account without using your real phone number or SIM card has made it even better for privacy-focused users. As you can see, it’s a bit of a hassle to get a virtual or anonymous number, but it’s definitely worth it if you want to enjoy the privacy and security of Telegram without compromising your personal information.
So, what are you waiting for? If you want to sign up on Telegram without a Phone Number, get yourself a virtual or anonymous number and enjoy the security and privacy of Telegram anonymously.
