How to Block Spam in Telegram

Today, spam messages are prevalent across all communication apps, including Telegram. Given this reality, it’s essential to restrict spam messages to ensure both your personal safety and the security of your device. However, navigating the blocking process can sometimes be challenging, particularly for new users of the app. While the majority of applications provide similar options, each one has a unique layout, making it hard to locate the correct settings.

This article outlines the necessary steps to block spam on Telegram across various devices.

Limiting Invitations to Telegram Groups

One tactic used by spammers to inundate your inbox with unwanted messages is adding you to large groups. Since Telegram groups can accommodate up to 200,000 members, this method allows scammers to quickly connect with a vast audience. If your username is publicly visible, they can invite you to a group even without your phone number by randomly entering a username that resembles yours in the Global Search.

The good news is that you can prevent scammers from adding you to harmful groups with just a few straightforward steps.

For Android Users

If you are on an Android device, you can conceal your phone number and prevent unwanted group additions by following these simple steps:

1. Launch the Telegram app on your Android device.
   
2. Select the hamburger menu located at the top left corner.
   
3. After the side menu appears, select “Settings.”
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4. Click on “Privacy and Security” after locating it.
   
   
5. In the “Privacy” section, tap “Phone Number.”
   
   
6. Change the default setting from “Everybody” to either “My Contacts” or “Nobody.”
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7. In the top right corner, tap the checkmark.
   
8. Return to the “Privacy” section and look for “Groups & Channels.”
   
9. Change the default setting from “Everybody” to “My Contacts” under the question “Who can add me to group chats?”
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10. To confirm your selections, click the checkmark located in the top right corner.
    
    
    

On iPhone

On iPhone devices, the process for limiting who can add you to groups and for hiding your phone number on Telegram is quite similar. Here’s how to do it:

1. Launch the Telegram application on your iPhone.
   
   
2. Navigate to “Settings” located at the bottom right corner.
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3. Select “Privacy and Security.”
   
   
4. Tap on “Phone Number” in the “Privacy” section.
   
   
5. Change the setting from “Everybody” to either “My Contacts” or “Nobody.”

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6. To confirm your selections, click on the back button located in the top left corner.
   
7. Locate “Groups & Channels” in the “Privacy” section.
   
8. Change the default setting from “Everybody” to “My Contacts.”
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9. To confirm your selections, click on the back option located in the top left corner.
   
   

On Desktop Telegram App

On the Desktop, managing who can add you to channels and controlling the visibility of your number is quite similar to the process on Android. Follow these steps:

1. Launch the Telegram application on your Desktop.
   
   
2. Select the hamburger menu located in the top left corner.
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3. After the pop-up menu appears, select “Settings.”
   
4. Locate “Privacy and Security” and proceed to click on it.
   
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5. Tap on “Phone Number” in the “Privacy” section.
   
   
6. Change the default option from “Everybody” to either “My Contacts” or “Nobody.”
   
   
7. Choose “Save.”
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8. Return to the “Privacy” section and look for “Groups & Channels.”
   
   
9. Change the default setting from “Everybody” to “My Contacts” under the query “Who can add me to group chats?”
   
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10. To confirm your choices, click on “Save.”
    

Identifying a Spam Group

It’s crucial to recognize when you’ve been added to a harmful spam group to protect yourself. Identifying a spam group on Telegram is simpler than you may think.

• Initially, differentiate between groups you are already in and those that are new to you.
• In case you’ve been added to a random group, check the previous messages. If they appear identical and don’t resemble typical conversations, exit the group by hitting the “Report Spam and Leave” button.
• If a member of the group presents an offer for participation in giveaways or any project for a fee, it’s probably a spam group attempting to scam you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a user in the same group as me see my messages if I block them?

If you block a user in a group chat, they will continue to see your messages in that chat, but they won’t be able to message you directly.

What’s the process for reporting someone for spam?

You can report someone for spam by selecting the three dots on their profile and tapping “Report.” Then select “Spam” and send it to the Telegram team.

What should I do if I am reported for spam?

If a spam report against you was made by mistake, your account could just face a temporary limit for a few days. However, multiple spam reports may lead to the permanent loss of your account.

Ensure Your Safety

While Telegram was once considered one of the safer messaging applications, it has now become just as susceptible to spammers as other platforms. To regain control in case of issues, make adjustments to your privacy settings with these tips right after creating your account.

Exercise caution with unwanted messages, particularly those that direct you to dubious links or claim to offer giveaways.

Have you experienced spam on Telegram already? Did you apply any of these strategies to tackle the issue? Share your thoughts in the comments below.