Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Contacts.
Toggle "Sync Contacts" OFF. This prevents Telegram from uploading your device's address book to its servers.
Tap "Delete Synced Contacts". This removes any contact information that Telegram might have previously uploaded from your device. This is crucial for severing links to your real-world contacts.
Review Your Profile Information:
Display Name: Use a pseudonym or a generic name. Avoid your real full name.
Profile Photo: Do not use a photo that can identify telegram number database you (e.g., your face, unique tattoos, distinctive backgrounds). Use a generic image, avatar, or leave it blank.
"Last Seen & Online": Set to "Nobody" (Settings > Privacy and Security > Last Seen & Online) to prevent others from tracking your online activity patterns.
"Profile Photos": Set to "Nobody" or "My Contacts" (Settings > Privacy and Security > Profile Photos) to control who sees your picture.
"About" / Bio: Keep this blank or generic. Avoid personal details.
Disable "People Nearby" Feature:
Ensure "Stop Showing Me" is selected. This feature reveals your approximate location to other users nearby, which directly compromises anonymity.
Control Forwarded Messages:
Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Forwarded Messages.
Set "Who can link to my account when forwarding my messages?" to "Nobody". This prevents your username (and indirectly, your identity) from being linked when someone forwards your messages, especially important in public groups or channels.
Phase 3: General Security and Anonymity Best Practices
These steps enhance overall security and further protect your anonymity, regardless of your phone number setup.