Can you sign up for Telegram without a phone number?
The plain answer: Telegram sign-up normally needs a number to receive a verification code. Here is what you can really do: hide your number behind a username, use a second number you own, and why a data-only eSIM cannot receive the code.
Quick answer
- Normally you cannot sign up for Telegram without a phone number, because the app sends a verification code to it. What you can do is set a username and hide your number so other people never see it, or register with a second number that you legitimately own. Rules can change, so check the app.
- Our travel eSIM is data-only, with no phone number and no SMS, so it cannot receive the Telegram sign-up code. It is good for keeping an existing Telegram account working on data abroad.
- Do not try to evade bans or break Telegram's terms, and avoid free or disposable OTP number sites, which put the account at risk.
Why does Telegram ask for a phone number at sign-up?
Telegram ties each account to a phone number. At sign-up the app sends a verification code by SMS or phone call, or into the Telegram app itself on another device where you are already logged in. The number acts as the account identifier and is used for future logins.
How do I stop other people seeing my number on Telegram?
Set a username, then change your number's visibility to nobody. Other people can find and message you by username without seeing your number. Telegram itself still holds the number you registered with, because it is the account identifier.
- 1Set a usernameOpen Telegram and go to Settings > Username, then pick a name that is not taken.
- 2Hide your phone numberGo to Settings > Privacy and Security > Phone Number and set who can see your phone number to Nobody.
- 3Control who can find you by numberOn the same screen, choose who can find you by your number. Menu names and options may differ slightly between app versions.
If you are also thinking about hiding your number on ordinary phone calls, see /guides/how-to-hide-or-block-your-phone-number, which is a separate matter from hiding it in Telegram.
Is there a legitimate way to sign up with a different number?
Yes, if it is a number you own and that can really receive texts or calls. Examples are a SIM or eSIM from a local operator that includes a phone number, or a number from a reputable provider. Check the provider's terms to confirm it receives SMS and that the number will stay yours long term.
This matters because Telegram ties the account to the number. If a number expires and is reissued to someone else, you may be unable to log in again, and the other person could receive codes meant for you.
What are Fragment and Telegram's anonymous numbers?
Telegram has offered anonymous numbers through its Fragment marketplace, a platform built on the TON network. Availability and cost change, so check the app for what is offered now and how it works. Never buy through links sent by strangers.
Are free or disposable OTP number sites a good idea?
We do not recommend them. The numbers are shared by many people, incoming messages can be seen by anyone, and numbers can be recycled or shut down at any time. If the number disappears you can be locked out, or someone else can request a code and take over your account.
- Shared: other people can see your verification codes.
- Recycled: the same number may end up with someone else.
- Unreliable: codes may not arrive or may arrive late, and numbers may be blocked.
- Account loss: if the account is tied to a number you do not control, you cannot prove it is yours.
Can a travel eSIM receive the Telegram sign-up code?
No. Our travel eSIM is data-only, with no phone number and no call or SMS service, so it has no way to receive a code by text or call. If you need a number, use a SIM or plan from an operator that includes one, or a number service that you own.
What a data eSIM is good at is keeping an already registered Telegram account working abroad, for messages, photos and in-app calls, without depending on public Wi-Fi or costly roaming. Install it before you travel using /guides/how-to-install-esim.
What should I do before I travel?
- Register Telegram before you leave, while you can still receive SMS on your main number.
- Turn on Two-Step Verification (Settings > Privacy and Security > Two-Step Verification) so there is a password on top of the SMS code.
- Set a username and hide your number using the steps above.
- Install a data eSIM in advance, and check that your home SIM can still receive SMS in case you must log in again mid-trip.
For more on codes, see /guides/sms-otp-while-abroad and /help/thai-otp-abroad. To compare other messengers, see /guides/secure-messaging-apps-abroad, which notes that Telegram is end-to-end encrypted only in secret chats. For virtual SIMs, see /guides/virtual-sim-card-explained.
FAQ
Can I sign up for Telegram without a phone number?+
Normally not, because Telegram sends the verification code to a phone number. What you can do is register with a number you own and then hide it behind a username. Rules can change, so check the app.
If I join Telegram, can other people see my number?+
It depends on your settings. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Phone Number and set it to Nobody, and set a username so people can reach you without knowing the number.
Is it safe to use a free OTP number for Telegram?+
We advise against it. Free numbers are shared, anyone can see the codes, they get recycled and they are unreliable. You can lose the account when the number vanishes or goes to someone else.
What is Telegram's Fragment marketplace?+
Fragment is a marketplace built on the TON network through which Telegram has offered anonymous numbers. Availability and cost change, so check the app to see whether it is offered now.
Can a data-only eSIM receive my Telegram code?+
No. A data-only eSIM has no phone number and no SMS, so it cannot receive the code. It does let an already registered Telegram account work normally on data abroad.
Is Telegram private enough once my number is hidden?+
Hiding your number helps privacy from other users, but it does not change the fact that normal chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default; only secret chats are. See the comparison in our secure messaging guide.
Instagram and TikTok have no web share button, so we open your phone's share sheet or copy the link instead.