How to block unwanted numbers on Telegram: instructions

In the modern world of communications, messengers have become an integral part of our daily lives. Therefore, privacy and security issues are becoming increasingly important.

Telegram is currently one of the most popular apps in Ukraine. That's why OBOZ.UA explains how to protect yourself from unwanted messages and contacts.

Spam messages, intrusive calls, and simply unpleasant interlocutors can significantly affect our mood and take up a lot of precious time.

In most apps, such as WhatsApp and Viber, you can block any messages and calls from unfamiliar numbers. However, in Telegram, this feature is slightly modified. However, this does not mean that it is impossible to protect yourself in this messenger. You just have to change a number of settings to minimize unwanted contacts.

Telegram privacy settings

To begin with, to restrict access directly to your phone number, you should change your privacy settings. This will greatly limit the possibilities of scammers and third-party subscribers who are not in your address book.

• Launch Telegram;
• Go to "Settings" (on iOS, this will be an icon in the lower right corner, and on Android, in the upper left corner);
• Click on "Privacy and security";
• Select "Phone number";
• Now under "Who can see my phone number?" select "No one" and under "Who can find me by phone number?" select "My contacts."

Telegram settings for groups and channels

Everyone is probably familiar with the situation when you are added to many obscure groups with spam and ads. To protect yourself from this, follow these steps:

• Go to Privacy & Security, select Invitations;
• Select "My contacts" or "Add exceptions" to determine who can add you to groups or channels.

Unknown numbers

Unfortunately, Telegram doesn't have a feature that allows you to ban messages to unfamiliar contacts completely. But you can restrict those who do not have a Premium subscription.

• Go to the Privacy & Security settings and scroll to the Messages section;
• Turn on the "Premium contacts and users" option.

Blocking

Finally, you can manually block numbers from which you receive unwanted messages.

• Open a chat with an unwanted contact;
• Click on the profile icon on top;
• Click on the three dots and select "Block".

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