How to use Telegram without phone number (5 methods)

    How to use Telegram without phone number

    Telegram is a great messaging platform, but as soon as you open it, you’ll be required to sign in using your mobile number to go to the next screen. There are no other login options, such as login via email.

    For privacy-conscious users, this requirement can be a dealbreaker. Maybe you don’t want to link your personal number to an app, or you simply want to keep your messaging activities separate. Fortunately, there are ways to use Telegram without using your personal phone number.

    In this guide, I’m going to reveal five ways to use Telegram anonymously. Pick the one that fits your needs best!

    5 methods to use Telegram without using your phone number

    Let’s explore the ways to use Telegram while still maintaining anonymity.

    1. View Telegram groups/channels using third-party platforms

    If you want to use Telegram just to access public channels or groups, then there’s a quick workaround that doesn’t even require opening Telegram at all. Several third-party websites allow you to access Telegram channels directly from your browser.

    Some of the websites that I’ve tested are: tgstat.com, tlgrm.eu, and telemetro. Open any of these websites, search for your favorite Telegram channels/groups or browse through a long list of catalogs and access their content.

    Important: You’ll be able to view posts and updates, but you cannot join groups, comment, or send private messages without a real Telegram account.

    2. Use a virtual phone number

    If you don’t want to use your personal phone number to sign up on Telegram, you can get a virtual phone number in a few clicks. You don’t have to give your identity proof or anything to get a virtual number.

    Many websites offer virtual numbers for free, but you’ll have a very hard time finding an unused number. Some of those free providers are: receive-smss.com (website), quackr.io (website), TextPlus (app), 2ndLine (app).

    If you want to explore paid options, try hushed.com, onlinesim.io, or callhippo.com.

    Once you have a virtual number, use it to sign up for Telegram just like you would with a personal number.

    Tip: Free numbers are often heavily used. If Telegram detects too much activity from a particular number, it might block it. Paid virtual numbers typically offer better success rates.

    3. Get an anonymous number via Fragment

    Telegram offers anonymous phone numbers through Fragment platform, a blockchain-based platform that sells anonymous phone numbers. It requires users to pay using TON tokens. So, you’ll need to set up a TON wallet to get a phone number.

    Numbers bought through Fragment are one-time purchases and can only be used within Telegram — they won’t work with other apps. In contrast, virtual numbers (especially paid ones) often work across multiple platforms. But Fragment requires a one-time payment while virtual numbers (paid) cost a fixed monthly fee.

    4. Use a burner phone (or SIM)

    Another simple way of using Telegram anonymously is to sign up for a prepaid “burner” phone or a SIM card. These are usually cheap (sometimes free) and often don’t require a contract or proof of identity.

    You do not need to send any messages using this phone number, so you won’t spend any money. You can only use it to receive a Telegram verification code. 

    5. Use VoIP service like Google Voice

    You can use a VoIP service like Google Voice to get a free U.S. phone number, which can be used to sign up on Telegram. You must be residing within the United States to grab a free VoIP number.

    Once you’ve got your phone number, sign up on Telegram and use the platform without any privacy concern.

    Final thoughts

    If you just want to peek into channels or groups, browsing via third-party websites works fine (method #1). However, to access the full functionality and keep the account active for long-term, getting an anonymous number through Fragment or a virtual number (paid) is a good spend.

    Those in the US can also use Google Voice to get a free VoIP number that works perfectly fine with Telegram.

    You can use any of the methods and enjoy Telegram without worrying about sharing your personal phone number with Telegram.  

    Also read:
    1. How to Get Old Telegram Account Without Phone Number
    2. How to Hide Online Status and Last Seen on Telegram

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