Telegram contact sync privacy implications.
Telegram privacy settings deep dive.
Telegram has built a reputation for its strong privacy features, and how it handles your phone number visibility is a cornerstone of this. While your phone number is essential for creating and securing your account, Telegram provides extensive controls over who can see it and who can find you using it.
Here's a breakdown of Telegram's privacy telegram number database settings concerning your phone number and its visibility:
1. Why Your Phone Number is Used (and Required)
Unique Identifier: Your phone number serves as your unique ID on the Telegram network. It ensures each user has a distinct account and is used for initial registration and verification.
Account Security: It's critical for logging in from new devices and for account recovery. Verification codes are sent to this number to confirm your identity.
Contact Discovery: It facilitates finding friends already on Telegram if you choose to sync your phone's contacts.
2. Key Privacy Settings for Your Phone Number
Telegram offers two main settings under Settings > Privacy and Security > Phone Number that give you granular control:
a. "Who can see my phone number?"
This setting determines whether your phone number is displayed on your Telegram profile to other users. You have three options:
Everybody: Your phone number will be visible to anyone on Telegram who views your profile.
My Contacts: Only users who you have added to your Telegram contacts (meaning they are in your phone's address book and you've added them on Telegram) will be able to see your phone number on your profile.