How to enable two-step verification on Telegram and enhance your account security on the messaging app

<p><img src="https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/601de3d290dd450018a7b3e7-1904/Telegram app.jpg" border="0" alt="Telegram app" data-mce-source="Carl Court/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="Telegram, an encrypted messaging app up close on a smartphone."></p><p></p><bi-shortcode id="summary-shortcode" data-type="summary-shortcode" class="mceNonEditable" contenteditable="false">Summary List Placement</bi-shortcode><p>Telegram is a messaging app that has grown in popularity in recent months, partly for its privacy and encryption features and its support for large group chats.&nbsp;</p><p>When you first set up Telegram, it only asks for your phone number and then verifies it using a text message. But otherwise, there is no login or security. However, you can enhance Telegram's security with two-step verification.&nbsp;</p><p>If you're used to two-step verification, including getting a text to your phone or using an authenticator app like Google Authenticator, though, be advised that Telegram doesn't do this. The second step is simply a password.&nbsp;</p><p>Even so, that's better than no security at all, so here's how to enable it.</p><h2>How to enable two-step verification on Telegram</h2><p><strong>1.</strong> Open the Telegram app.</p><p><strong>2.</strong> Tap "Settings" in the bottom right corner of the screen.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>3.</strong> Select "Privacy and Security."</p><p><img src="https://static1.businessinsider.com/image/601de4b590dd450018a7b3e9-1242/How to enable two-step verification on Telegram-1.png" border="0" alt="How to enable two step verification on Telegram 1" data-mce-source="Dave Johnson/Business Insider" data-mce-caption="Go to Privacy and Security in Telegram's Settings."></p><p><strong>4.</strong> Near the top of the screen, tap "Two-Step Verification."</p><p><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/601de51290dd450018a7b3ea-1242/How to enable two-step verification on Telegram-2.png" border="0" alt="How to enable two step verification on Telegram 2" data-mce-source="Dave Johnson/Business Insider" data-mce-caption="Follow the instructions in the Two-Step Verification section of Settings."></p><p><strong>5.</strong> Choose "Set Additional Password."</p><p><strong>6.</strong> Enter a password and confirm it by re-entering it.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>7.</strong> Now tap "Create Password."</p><p><img src="https://static4.businessinsider.com/image/601de58290dd450018a7b3eb-1242/How to enable two-step verification on Telegram-3.png" border="0" alt="How to enable two step verification on Telegram 3" data-mce-source="Dave Johnson/Business Insider" data-mce-caption="Enter and confirm the password you want to use."></p><p><strong>8.</strong> On the next page, enter a hint to help you remember the password before selecting "Continue."&nbsp;</p><p><strong>9.</strong> Enter the email address you want to use to recover a forgotten password. Then choose "Continue."</p><aside class="quick-tip headline-regular"><p><strong>Quick tip: </strong>You can skip entering a password hint or a recovery email, but you should enter both to avoid getting locked out of your account.&nbsp;</p></aside><p><strong>10.</strong> If you entered a recovery email, Telegram will send you a code via email. Enter it to proceed.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>11.</strong> Tap "Return to Settings" to finish.</p><h2>Related coverage from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tech-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-analytics-post-depth="100" data-uri="4c86c1c3a45644bf07d168dc4c802e5e">Tech Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-a-telegram-account">How to make a Telegram account and start using the popular group chatting app</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-join-telegram-group">How to find and join groups on the Telegram messaging app, with or without an invite link</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-add-people-on-telegram">How to invite people to Telegram, create group chats, and add new members on desktop and mobile</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-delete-telegram-account">How to delete your account on the Telegram messaging platform, which wipes all your data upon deletion</a></h3></li><li><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/is-telegram-secure">Is Telegram secure' Here's what you need to know about the messaging app that rivals WhatsApp and Signal</a></h3></li></ul><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-cybersecurity-online-courses-programs'tht" >9 online cybersecurity courses to help you jumpstart a career in information security or learn internet safety tips</a></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/enable-two-step-verification-on-telegram#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-myths-debunked-wuhan-china-2020-2">Epidemiologists debunk 13 coronavirus myths</a></p>
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