Can You Use Telegram Without a Phone Number? How to Hide Your Number (2026)
Telegram asks for a phone number when you sign up — but a lot of people don't want strangers in big groups, buyers or business contacts to see their personal number. The good news: Telegram gives you more control over your number than almost any other messaging app, and you can even sign up without a SIM card at all.
Quick answer: you can't create an account with no number at all, but you can use an anonymous +888 number bought on Fragment instead of a SIM. And with a normal number, go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Phone Number and set it to Nobody — then people can only reach you by your username.
Option 1: Sign Up With an Anonymous +888 Number
Since late 2022, Telegram has supported anonymous numbers that start with +888. They aren't connected to any SIM card or mobile carrier; they are sold on Fragment, Telegram's official marketplace on the TON blockchain.
- Install a TON wallet such as Tonkeeper and add some Toncoin.
- Go to fragment.com, open the Anonymous Numbers section, and buy a number.
- In Telegram, sign up with that +888 number.
- Get the login code on Fragment (it's delivered there, not by SMS) and enter it in Telegram.
Good to know: anonymous numbers work only for Telegram — they can't receive normal SMS or calls. Prices depend on demand and the TON price, and Fragment may not be available in every country.
Option 2: Hide Your Real Number From Everyone
If you already use Telegram with your normal number, these settings keep it private:
- Open Settings → Privacy and Security → Phone Number.
- Set Who can see my phone number to Nobody.
- Set Who can find me by my number to My Contacts.
- Go back to Settings and create a username (for example @yourname) so people can still contact you.
The steps are the same on iPhone, Android and Telegram Desktop. People who already have your number saved in their own contacts can still see it — that's their saved information — but everyone else, including members of big groups, can't.
More Privacy Settings Worth Changing
| Setting | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Last Seen & Online | My Contacts | Strangers can't track when you're online |
| Profile Photos | My Contacts | Keeps your face private in large groups |
| Calls | My Contacts | Stops spam and scam calls |
| Groups & Channels | My Contacts | Stops strangers adding you to scam groups |
| Forwarded Messages | My Contacts or Nobody | Hides your name when others forward your messages |
| Two-Step Verification | On | Protects your account if someone gets your code |
Using a Username Instead of a Number
A username lets people message you, add you to groups and find you in search without ever seeing your number. You can share it as a link — t.me/yourname — on your website, social profiles or business card. Businesses do this to give customers a contact without exposing a personal number.
Want customers to contact your business on Telegram without using your personal number? We build Telegram bots that handle orders, bookings and support for you.
Avoid "Telegram Without Phone Number" APKs
⚠️ Modified Telegram apps and "no phone number" APKs from random websites can steal your account or install malware. Use only the official app from the App Store, Google Play or telegram.org, and use official options like anonymous numbers and privacy settings instead.
The Bottom Line
You can keep your phone number completely private on Telegram: set phone number visibility to Nobody, limit who can find you by number, and use a username. If you don't want a SIM-linked account at all, an anonymous +888 number from Fragment is the official way. For more security settings, read is Telegram safe?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign up for Telegram without a phone number?
You need a number to create an account, but it doesn't have to be a SIM card. Telegram supports anonymous numbers starting with +888, which you can buy on Fragment with Toncoin and use only to sign up for Telegram.
How do I hide my phone number on Telegram from everyone?
Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Phone Number, set 'Who can see my phone number' to Nobody, and set 'Who can find me by my number' to My Contacts. Add a username so people can still reach you.
Can people find me on Telegram if my number is hidden?
If 'Who can find me by my number' is set to My Contacts, only people who already have your number saved can find you with it. Others can only reach you through your username, a link, or a shared group.
Do my contacts see my number on Telegram?
People who already have your number saved in their phone contacts can still see it, because it's their own saved information. Hiding your number stops everyone else from seeing it.
Are +888 anonymous numbers expensive?
Prices vary with demand and the TON price. Ordinary random numbers have sold for relatively small amounts of TON, while short or memorable numbers can cost far more. Check fragment.com for current prices.