What happens if I delete the Telegram app and how to restore deleted Telegram account?

Updated March 23rd 2026 - How to reinstall the old Telegram account on the new phone? In this article, we are going to discuss how to reinstall the deleted Telegram application and restore deleted telegram account. Losing access to a Telegram account can be a frustrating experience. However, with Telegram's account restoration feature, you can quickly recover your deleted account and regain access to all your valuable data. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you'll be able to restore your account and continue using Telegram seamlessly.

Quick Guide: If the app was deleted, your data stays in the cloud. If the account was deleted, the data is gone forever.

Will My Profile Stay if I Uninstall and Reinstall Telegram?

The short answer is yes. Since Telegram is a cloud-based messenger, your profile, contacts, and settings are tied to your phone number, not the specific app instance on your device.

When you delete the app from your phone, you aren't deleting your account, If you want to do so check out: How to Delete Telegram Account

Once you reinstall and log back in with your phone number, your profile will look exactly as you left it.

What stays exactly as it was?

• Your Profile Details: Your name, bio, profile pictures, and @username remain unchanged.
• Cloud Chats: All your standard one-on-one chats, groups, and channels will automatically sync and reappear.
• Saved Messages: Your personal "Saved Messages" cloud storage is safe and accessible.
• Media & Files: Any photos or documents sent in cloud chats will still be available for download from the Telegram servers.

⚠️ The One Exception: Secret Chats

Unlike regular chats, Secret Chats use end-to-end encryption and are stored locally on your device, not in the Telegram cloud. If you uninstall the app, all existing Secret Chats will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered, even after you reinstall.

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Also Read: Recover Deleted Telegram Messages and Images

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How to Reinstall Deleted Telegram App & Recover Account

To reinstall deleted the Telegram application and access to your account, just enter the phone number of your old Telegram account, which is still active. Telegram will send the activation code to confirm the ownership of the phone number.

Here is how to reinstall Telegram:

•  Download the Telegram application in Google Play Store or App Store.
•  Enter the country code or you can select your country in the search field.
•  Enter your active phone number.
•  Telegram will send you a confirmation code that you must enter to restore your previous account.

Due to the problems that users from some countries have recently faced, in case you cannot receive the confirmation code via SMS read the rest of this article for further solutions.

Reinstall Telegram by receiving the code through phone call

Telegram has added calls for receiving confirmation codes for those users that face issues with getting text messages. Therefore, if you could not receive the code via SMS, you can choose the phone call method. 

Telegram calls you with a special number and reads you the Telegram account verification code to restore your old Telegram. You must remember or write down the code and then enter it in the Telegram application.

Since Telegram calling feature is active for all users in all countries, if you did not receive the call the first time, request again. However, in the following sections, there are other methods discussed.

Install Telegram on another device before deleting the app

If you plan to install Telegram on your new device, it is better not to delete this app from the previous device. To do this, just download the Telegram application and then enter the number with which you previously had an account. In such a situation, a code will be sent to your Telegram account on the old device, and you can access your account on the new one by entering the confirmation code.

You can also restore Telegram in the web version and receive the confirmation code using Telegram web and enter it in the application on the new device.

Restore a Deleted Telegram Account

When you delete your Telegram account, your profile, chats, media files, and contacts are all removed.

Important note: Unlike Facebook or Instagram, once you delete a Telegram account via the deactivation page, the action is immediate and permanent. All messages, media, and contacts are purged from the server instantly. You can sign up again with the same number, but you start with a blank account.

1. Open the Telegram App

Start by opening the Telegram app on your device. Ensure that you have the latest version of the app installed to have access to the account restoration feature.

2. Enter Your Phone Number

On the welcome screen, enter the phone number associated with your deleted Telegram account. Make sure you enter the correct number to proceed with the restoration process.

3. Account Recovery Options

Telegram will prompt you with the account recovery options available. You can choose between recovery via an SMS code or recovery via an email sent to your registered email address. Select the option that suits you best.

4. Verifying Your Identity

Once you choose your preferred recovery option, Telegram will send you a verification code. Enter this code in the app to verify your identity and proceed with the account restoration.