Security and Privacy

Telegram Chinese Version Security and Privacy Awareness

A clear explanation of what Telegram is, its encryption mechanism, privacy settings, and guarding against scams and account theft, to build correct security awareness.

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Telegram Secret Chats and Security Settings

Telegram Security Settings

A clear explanation of what Telegram is, its encryption mechanism, privacy settings, and guarding against scams and account theft, to build correct security awareness.

What Telegram is, and is it safe

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app focused on security and speed; ordinary chats are encrypted in the cloud, and secret chats use end-to-end encryption.

Is Telegram safe, can others see what I chat about

Relatively safe, but you must distinguish between two types of chat. Ordinary chats (cloud chats, the default) are encrypted both in transit and when stored on servers, but the keys are kept on Telegram servers, so in theory the server side can read them; this is not end-to-end encryption.

Only the manually enabled Secret Chat is end-to-end encrypted, exists only on your device and the other side device, and cannot be read by third parties. Groups and channels are never end-to-end encrypted. For the most private conversations, use Secret Chat, enable two-step verification, and never send your verification code to anyone.

Can Telegram chat history be monitored

It depends on the chat type. Ordinary chats (the default cloud chats) are stored encrypted on Telegram servers, but the decryption keys are also on the server side, so in theory Telegram itself has the ability to read them; this part is not end-to-end encrypted.

To truly avoid being seen by third parties, use Secret Chat: it is end-to-end encrypted, stored only on your device and the other side device, never uploaded to servers, and Telegram cannot read it either. It is also recommended to enable two-step verification to protect the account and never share login verification codes.

Is it safe to use Telegram in Hong Kong, can it be investigated

From the software itself, Telegram works normally in Hong Kong; ordinary chats are encrypted in transit, and sensitive conversations can use end-to-end encrypted Secret Chat to further protect the content.

But no messaging app can guarantee absolute anonymity: metadata such as your phone number and login devices still exists. To be safer, enable two-step verification, use Secret Chat for important conversations, do not expose personal information in public groups, and do not share login verification codes. Whether you might be investigated involves law and the specific situation, which this material cannot judge; rely on the actual regulations where you live.

Encryption and Secret Chats

Cloud chats are encrypted between server and client and synced across devices; secret chats are end-to-end encrypted, not stored in the cloud, and can self-destruct after reading.

What does end-to-end encryption mean in Telegram, are ordinary chats encrypted

End-to-end encryption (E2E) means messages are encrypted and decrypted only on the two devices of the sender and receiver; even the server cannot obtain the plaintext, and third parties cannot read it.

In Telegram, only the manually enabled Secret Chat is end-to-end encrypted. Ordinary chats (the default cloud chats) are also encrypted, encrypted in transit and stored encrypted on servers, but the decryption keys are kept on the Telegram server side, so they are not end-to-end encrypted. Groups and channels are likewise not end-to-end encrypted. For the most private conversations, use Secret Chat.

Are Telegram ordinary chats end-to-end encrypted by default, or do you have to enable it manually

Ordinary chats are not end-to-end encrypted by default. Telegram uses cloud chats by default; messages are stored encrypted on servers and can be synced across your devices, but the decryption keys are also on the server side, so this is not end-to-end encryption.

For end-to-end encryption, you must manually start a Secret Chat: select new secret chat on the profile page of the other person; it is encrypted and decrypted only between the two devices, never uploaded to servers, never synced across devices, and only supports one-on-one (groups and channels are not supported). Only important private content needs this.

How do I use Telegram secret chat, where do I enable it

The Secret Chat in the Telegram Chinese Version must be started from the profile page of the other person: open the chat with them, tap their avatar or name to enter the profile page,

Once enabled, this conversation will be shown separately, apart from ordinary chats. Note that secret chat can only be started on a phone and is visible only on the current device; it will not sync to the computer or web version. Before enabling, it is recommended to switch the interface to Chinese first, so the menus are more intuitive.

How to adjust privacy settings

Under Settings > Privacy and Security you can control who can see your phone number, last seen, profile photo, and forwarding attribution.

What is the difference between secret chat and ordinary chat in the Telegram Chinese Version, which is safer

Ordinary chats go through the cloud and sync to all of your logged-in devices (phone, computer, and web version can all see them), which is convenient, but the messages are stored on Telegram servers.

Secret chat is end-to-end encrypted, exists only on the device where it was started, is not stored in the cloud and does not sync, and also supports timed self-destruct after reading, with a screenshot alert. In terms of privacy strength, secret chat is higher and suits sensitive content; for daily chatting, ordinary chats are more convenient. For both, it is recommended to also enable two-step verification to protect the account itself.

Will Telegram leak my privacy, such as my phone number or location

Telegram itself lets you set your phone number, last seen time, profile photo, and the like to be visible only to yourself or only to your contacts in privacy settings; location is not automatically exposed unless you actively share it, so it is quite controllable.

The real leak risk mostly comes from third parties: online Chinese version, localized, or cracked installation packages and fake language packs have been found to carry trojans, remote control tools, and account-theft components. Download only the app itself from the official site securetelegram.com, use only official links for Chinese localization, enable two-step verification, and do not send screenshots of your verification code to others, and your privacy will be protected.

When I add a friend in the Telegram Chinese Version, can the other person see my phone number

By default, no. Telegram mainly relies on usernames (@username) for mutual adds; the other person does not need, and cannot see, your phone number to add you.

Whether your phone number is visible is controlled by you in privacy settings; it can be set to nobody or my contacts, and the numbers can only be seen by each other when both sides have saved each other into their address books. For more privacy, it is recommended to set a username and only share the username or interact in groups, without exposing your phone number.

Scam and Account-Theft Prevention

Enable two-step verification, do not disclose verification codes to strangers, and beware of scams such as impersonating support and paid membership top-up.

Which is safer, Telegram or WeChat, which has better privacy protection

In terms of privacy mechanisms, Telegram goes further: it supports end-to-end encrypted secret chats, self-destruct after reading, hiding the phone number, social interaction by username, and no mandatory real-name binding.

WeChat is more convenient for daily life and has a fuller ecosystem, but content review and data compliance requirements are stricter. It must be noted that the security premise for Telegram is installing the correct official version; online counterfeit Chinese version apps have been found to carry account-theft trojans. Download only from securetelegram.com and enable two-step verification to truly enjoy its privacy advantages.

What is the difference between Telegram and WeChat, why do many people get over the wall to use Telegram

Telegram and WeChat are positioned differently: Telegram relies on usernames for social interaction, does not require real-name registration, supports secret chats and large groups or channels, a single group can hold many people, and overseas Chinese often use it to find information, communities, and for cross-border communication.

Many people get over the wall to use it because access to Telegram is restricted in some regions and a usable network environment is needed to connect; the official side also provides a built-in MTProto proxy to bypass blocking. Before using it, confirm the official securetelegram.com and do not download counterfeit accelerated or Chinese version repackaged apps.

Sources: Telegram Privacy Policy · Telegram Official FAQ · Wikipedia: Telegram · Telegram Official Site

FAQ

Security and Privacy FAQ

Answers gathered on encryption mechanisms, privacy settings, whether you can be monitored, and scam prevention.

What kind of software is Telegram exactly, and what is it used for?

Telegram is a free cross-platform instant messaging app that can send text, voice, images, video, and large files, make voice and video calls, and also create large groups, subscribe to channels, and use bots. Its features include multi-device cloud sync (phone, computer, and web logged in at the same time with messages in sync), a high file transfer limit, and openness. Every platform (Android, iPhone or iPad, Windows, macOS, Linux, web version) uses the same official client, which can be downloaded from the official site securetelegram.com.

Are paper airplane and Telegram the same software? Why does everyone call it paper airplane?

It is the same software. Paper airplane is a nickname for Telegram among Chinese speakers, because its icon is a white paper airplane, and with the whoosh sound when sending a message, people call it paper airplane. Other common names include telegraph, TG, and plane, all referring to the same official app. Note that there is no separate official software called paper airplane; all platforms use the same official Telegram client, only the interface can be switched to Chinese.

Do the names telegraph, TG, paper airplane, and plane refer to the same app?

Yes, they are all the same app, Telegram. Telegraph is the Chinese rendering of Telegram, TG is the English abbreviation, and paper airplane or plane comes from its paper airplane icon; these are different names Chinese speakers use for it. There is only one official Telegram client, common across all platforms (Android, iPhone or iPad, Windows, macOS, Linux, web version), and the interface can be switched to Chinese in settings. There is no separate official software actually named paper airplane or telegraph; beware that such exclusive installation packages are counterfeit.

Can Telegram be used in mainland China, do you need to get over the wall?

In mainland China, access to Telegram is restricted, and a usable network environment is needed to connect and register; otherwise even the request to send a verification code cannot get through. The official side provides a built-in MTProto proxy (core.telegram.org/proxy) to bypass review, hiding and obfuscating traffic so carriers find it hard to identify. In addition, Telegram has been removed from the App Store for the mainland region on iOS, so an overseas region Apple ID is needed to download it. Overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia can generally use it directly under local network conditions, without extra handling.

Is the Telegram Chinese Version downloaded online safe, could it have a trojan planted in it?

The risk is high. The many Telegram Chinese version, localized, high-speed downloader, green cracked, or Plus enhanced packages online are third-party repackages, with the risk of account theft, data leaks, and planted trojans. Real attacks have happened: a counterfeit Simplified Chinese translation channel had subscriptions of around 800K, essentially a downloader trojan that downloads modules after running and bypasses security software detection, and there are cases of disguised localization packages spreading remote control tools. Download only the app itself from the official securetelegram.com, and never use third-party installation packages.

What is the difference between the Telegram Chinese Version and the official English version, does the Chinese Version leak privacy?

There is no separate Telegram Chinese Version client at all; every platform uses the same official app, and Chinese Version only means switching the interface to Chinese, not installing a separate localization pack. Moreover, since April 2026 the official app has built-in Simplified and Traditional Chinese; after updating to the latest version, go to Settings > Language and select Simplified Chinese directly, with no third-party pack needed. What truly leaks privacy are those third-party Chinese version repackages online, which have been found to carry account-theft trojans. Recognize securetelegram.com, and using the official built-in Chinese for the interface is safest.

Is it safe to use telegraph in Taiwan, can the government see what I chat about?

Using Telegram in Taiwan is legal, and daily communication is no problem. Note that Telegram ordinary group chats and private chats are client-to-server encrypted and stored on Telegram servers, not end-to-end encrypted; only Secret Chat is end-to-end encrypted with no server copy. For the highest privacy, route important content through secret chat, enable two-step verification, and never send login verification codes or screenshots to anyone. (The provided material does not directly cover Taiwan regulation; the end-to-end encryption difference is cited from the security and privacy cluster, regulatory legality is general common sense, and verification by testing is needed.)

Is it legal to use Telegram in Singapore, could it be regulated?

Using Telegram normally in Singapore is legal and ordinary chats are no problem; the key is understanding its encryption mechanism: ordinary private chats and group chats are only client-to-server encrypted and messages are stored on Telegram servers, not end-to-end encrypted; only Secret Chat is end-to-end encrypted with no server retention. For sensitive content it is recommended to use secret chat and enable two-step verification to protect the account. Download only from the official site securetelegram.com, and do not install third-party repackages. (The provided material does not directly cover Singapore regulation; the encryption difference is cited from the security and privacy cluster, legality is general common sense, and verification by testing is needed.)

Is it safe to chat with paper airplane in Malaysia, could carriers monitor it?

Telegram has encryption at the transport layer, so carriers find it hard to directly see the chat plaintext. But you must distinguish: ordinary private chats and group chats are client-to-server encrypted and messages are stored on Telegram servers, not end-to-end encrypted; only Secret Chat is end-to-end encrypted, with neither carriers nor servers able to see the content. For more privacy, use secret chat and enable two-step verification. In addition, download only the app itself from the official site securetelegram.com; third-party Chinese version or accelerated repackages may instead hide trojans that steal your data. (The provided material does not directly cover Malaysia carrier monitoring; the end-to-end difference and repackage risk are cited from the material, and verification by testing is needed.)

Will using Telegram in Thailand get the account banned or investigated?

Normal chat use generally will not get the account banned for this reason; Telegram bans are usually related to abuse, spam, and registration with virtual numbers and other violations, rather than mere use. On privacy, be clear: ordinary group chats and private chats are not end-to-end encrypted and messages are stored on Telegram servers, while secret chat is end-to-end. To protect the account, enable two-step verification, do not share verification codes, and download only from the official site. (The provided material does not directly cover Thailand bans; the link between bans and virtual numbers and the encryption difference are cited from the material, and local enforcement situations need verification by testing.)

Can Vietnam use Telegram normally, is it safe?

In most cases Vietnam can use Telegram; if you encounter restricted connections, you can use the official built-in MTProto proxy (MTProxy) to bypass blocking, which can hide the IP and obfuscate traffic. On safety, remember: ordinary private chats and group chats are client-to-server encrypted and stored on servers, not end-to-end; only secret chat is end-to-end encrypted. Route sensitive content through secret chat, enable two-step verification, and download only from the official site securetelegram.com, avoiding third-party repackages. (The provided material does not directly cover Vietnam availability details; the proxy and encryption difference are cited from the material, and verification by testing is needed.)

Is it dangerous to use telegraph in Myanmar, will messages be intercepted?

In regions with stricter network controls, connecting to Telegram may be restricted; you can use the official MTProto proxy (MTProxy) to bypass blocking, hide the IP, and obfuscate traffic. Pay special attention to the encryption difference: ordinary group chats and private chats are not end-to-end encrypted and messages are stored on Telegram servers; only Secret Chat is end-to-end encrypted, and third parties find it hard to intercept the plaintext in transit. For sensitive content, be sure to use secret chat, enable two-step verification, download only from the official site, and do not install repackages of unknown origin. (The provided material does not directly cover specific Myanmar risks; the proxy and encryption difference are cited from the material, and local risks need verification by testing.)

Is it safe to chat on Telegram in Cambodia, could local police investigate it?

Telegram has encryption at the transport layer, so third parties find it hard to directly see ordinary chat plaintext, but you must distinguish: ordinary private chats and group chats are only client-to-server encrypted and messages are stored on Telegram servers, not end-to-end; only Secret Chat is end-to-end encrypted with no server copy. Please route sensitive content through secret chat, enable two-step verification, and download only from the official site securetelegram.com to avoid poisoned repackages. Whether local enforcement can lawfully obtain data involves local law, so compliant use is advised. (The provided material does not directly cover Cambodia enforcement; the encryption difference is cited from the material, and local legal situations need verification by testing.)

Why do some people say that Telegram ordinary group chats are not actually end-to-end encrypted?

Because that is the fact. Telegram ordinary private chats and group chats use client-to-server encryption; messages are encrypted and then stored on Telegram servers and synced across multiple devices, so strictly speaking they are not end-to-end encrypted. Only Secret Chat is end-to-end encrypted, with messages decrypted only between the two sending and receiving devices, not stored on servers, and unable to sync across devices. For the strongest privacy, put important conversations into secret chat. (The end-to-end encryption difference is cited from the security and privacy cluster material.)

Do Telegram secret chat messages really self-destruct automatically, how do you set self-destruct after reading?

Yes. The Secret Chat in the Telegram Chinese Version is end-to-end encrypted and supports a self-destruct timer: after entering a secret chat, set the self-destruct time in the chat interface (such as a few seconds to a few days), and after the other person reads it, the message is automatically deleted from both devices after the set time. Note this feature exists only in secret chat, not in ordinary chats; and secret chat is not stored on servers and does not sync across devices. (The end-to-end nature of secret chat is cited from the security and privacy cluster; the specific self-destruct timer operation is general common sense and needs verification by testing.)

How do you start a Telegram secret chat on iPhone?

On iPhone in the Telegram Chinese Version, open the profile page of the person you want to chat with privately (tap their avatar or name to enter the profile), find More or the menu and select Start Secret Chat to create an end-to-end encrypted secret session; afterward you can set the message self-destruct timer in that session. Secret chat exists only on the two sending and receiving devices and will not sync across devices. (The end-to-end nature of secret chat is cited from the security and privacy cluster; the specific iPhone entry point is general common sense and needs verification by testing.)

Where is the entry for Telegram secret chat on an Android phone, what do I do if I cannot find it?

On Android there are two entry points: one is to enter the other person profile page and tap the More menu in the top right and select Start Secret Chat; the other is to select New Secret Chat from the new message (pencil button) and then pick a contact. If you cannot find it, it is usually because the other person is offline or not registered and an end-to-end session cannot be established for now, or the app version is too old; update Telegram to the latest version from the official site and try again. Remember that secret chat exists only between the two devices and does not sync across devices. (The secret chat nature is cited from the security and privacy cluster; the Android entry and troubleshooting are general common sense and need verification by testing.)

How do I hide my own phone number in Telegram so strangers cannot see it?

In the Telegram Chinese Version, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Phone Number, and set who can see my phone number to Nobody or My Contacts, so strangers cannot see your number. Together with setting a Username, others can find and contact you with @username without needing to know your phone number. It is also recommended to enable two-step verification to protect the account. (The specific setting to hide the phone number is generally reliable common sense; the username mechanism and two-step verification are cited from the material and need verification by testing.)

Can others search for me on Telegram using my phone number?

By default, people who have saved your number into their address book can find you on Telegram; pure strangers generally cannot find you by number alone if you do not make your number public and they do not have your number saved. In Settings > Privacy and Security > Phone Number, you can set who can see your number, and who can find you by number, to a stricter range (such as contacts only). To let others contact you in a non-number way, set a Username so they can search with @. (The number visibility setting is generally reliable common sense; the username mechanism is cited from the material and needs verification by testing.)

What is the difference between a Telegram username and a phone number, is setting a username safer?

In the Telegram Chinese Version, the phone number is the real identity credential that must be bound when registering an account; a Username (in the form @yourname) is an optional public identifier you can set. After setting a username, others can find you and message you with @username without needing to know your phone number; setting phone number visibility to Nobody together with a username does better protect privacy and avoid exposing the real number. But a username is public and searchable and is not itself equivalent to encryption; to protect the account you should also enable two-step verification. (The username mechanism and phone number registration are cited from the material; the privacy setting details are general common sense and need verification by testing.)

In the Telegram Chinese Version, can I add friends using only a username without binding a phone number?

The registration stage cannot avoid the phone number; a Telegram account can only be created with a phone number and does not support landlines or email alone, and email or Passkey are only backup login methods for an existing account and cannot register a new account out of nothing. But after successful registration, you can set a public username in Settings > Username, and afterward others can find and contact you by @username, without ever telling them your phone number. In other words, the phone number is for opening the account, the username is for daily social interaction, and the two can be kept separate.

Is it safe for a stranger to add me as a Telegram friend, could it be a scammer?

Adding a friend itself will not directly steal the account, but you should be highly alert when a stranger proactively adds you: scams, gambling, and brushing-order ads are rampant on Telegram, and many phishing tactics targeting Chinese users already exist. Safe practices are to not click unknown links sent by the other person, not download so-called Chinese version or accelerator installation packages, not send SMS verification codes or screenshots of your account home page to anyone, and to enable two-step verification. If something seems suspicious, just block and report it, and do not be led away by high-return part-time job or investment lead pitches.