"My Contacts" (Use with Caution): Only users who you have both saved in your device's address book and are in your Telegram contacts will see your number. While better than "Everybody," it still reveals your number to a broad group if your device contacts are extensive.
"Who can find me by my number?":
Set to "Nobody" (Highly Recommended): This is crucial for discoverability. No one, not even your contacts, will be able to find your Telegram profile by searching for your phone number in the app's search bar. You will only be discoverable via your username.
"My Contacts" (Use with Caution): Only people who have your phone number saved in their device's address book (and use Telegram) will be able to find your profile by searching for your number. This offers some privacy but means anyone with your number can find your account if they're on Telegram.
Avoid "Everybody": This setting allows anyone who telegram number database has your phone number to find your Telegram profile.
This is your absolute strongest defense against unauthorized access, even if your phone number is compromised (e.g., via a SIM swap attack).
Enable 2FA: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Two-Step Verification.
Set a Strong Password: Create a unique, complex password (alphanumeric, symbols, mixed case) that you do not use for any other service.
Set a Recovery Email: This is critical! Provide a secure email address (ideally one with its own 2FA enabled) that Telegram can use to send you a recovery code if you forget your 2FA password. Do not skip this step.
Benefits: If an attacker gains access to your phone number and manages to receive the initial Telegram login code, they will still be unable to access your account without this additional 2FA password.
III. Leverage Telegram Usernames for Public Interaction
Usernames are designed to allow communication without exposing your number.
Set a Username: Go to Settings > Username and create a unique public handle (e.g., @YourUniqueHandle).