Can people on Telegram see your name?

Yes, people on Telegram can see your name unless you set a username or adjust privacy settings to limit visibility.

Default Name Settings on Telegram

What Is the Default Name on Telegram?

Phone Number: By default, Telegram displays your phone number as your name until you set a custom display name.

How to Set Your Display Name on Telegram

Edit Name: Go to “Settings,” tap on your profile, and update the “First Name” and “Last Name” fields to set a custom display name.
Privacy Option: Use a generic name or username for more privacy if you prefer not to display your real name.

Privacy Settings for Your Name

Can You Hide Your Name on Telegram?

Partial Hiding: You cannot fully hide your name, but you can limit who sees it by adjusting your privacy settings.
Profile Visibility: You can hide your name from people who aren’t in your contacts by modifying who can view your profile in the “Privacy and Security” settings.

Managing Who Sees Your Display Name

Who Can See Your Name: Telegram allows you to control who can view your display name, including limiting visibility to contacts or specific users.
Customizing Privacy: In “Privacy and Security” settings, you can restrict your name visibility to only your contacts or block certain users from seeing it.

Using Telegram Anonymously

How to Use Telegram Without Revealing Your Full Name

Set a Generic Name: You can use a nickname or initials instead of your full name in the “First Name” and “Last Name” fields.
Use a Username: Instead of displaying your real name, create and use a unique Telegram username that others can search for and contact you without seeing your real name.

Benefits of Using a Username Instead of a Real Name

Enhanced Privacy: A username keeps your real identity hidden while still allowing others to contact and message you.
Anonymity in Groups: Using a username instead of your real name helps maintain privacy, especially in public groups or channels.
No Phone Number Exposure: A username allows you to connect with others without revealing your phone number or real name.

Changing Your Telegram Display Name

How to Change Your Name on Telegram

Go to Settings: Open the app, tap on “Settings,” and select your profile.
Edit Name: In the “Name” section, update your first and last name to change your display name.

The Impact of Changing Your Display Name

Visible to Others: Your new display name will be visible to anyone who has access to your profile or is in your chats and groups.
No Impact on Chats: Changing your name doesn’t affect your existing chats or contacts, but it updates the way you appear to others.
Anonymity Considerations: If you use a nickname or alias, it enhances your privacy and anonymity within Telegram.

Does Telegram Share Your Real Name?

Is Your Real Name Visible to Others by Default?

Default Visibility: By default, your real name is visible to your contacts and anyone who can view your Telegram profile.
Profile Information: Telegram displays your full name, but it depends on your privacy settings as to who can see it.

How to Prevent Others from Seeing Your Real Name

Use Privacy Settings: You can limit who sees your real name by adjusting your privacy settings to restrict visibility to only your contacts.
Set a Generic Name: Replace your real name with a generic name or nickname in your profile settings for enhanced privacy.
Use a Username: Instead of a real name, you can use a Telegram username, which will be visible to others instead of your actual name.

How Telegram Protects Your Identity

How Telegram Handles Personal Information

Minimal Data Collection: Telegram only collects basic data, such as your phone number, and does not store sensitive information like messages or media on its servers (except for cloud chats).
Encryption: Messages and calls are encrypted, with end-to-end encryption available for Secret Chats, ensuring that only you and the recipient can read them.

Why Telegram Prioritizes Privacy and Security

User-Centered Approach: Telegram is designed to protect user privacy by minimizing data collection and providing features like self-destructing messages and anonymous communication through usernames.
Security Features: Telegram offers advanced security options, including two-factor authentication (2FA), encryption, and self-destructing messages to safeguard user information and prevent unauthorized access.

Name Visibility in Groups and Channels

Does Everyone in a Group See Your Name?

Yes, by Default: In most groups, your display name is visible to all members, as Telegram displays it along with your profile picture.
Visibility in Public Groups: In public groups, anyone can see your display name unless you use a username instead of a real name.

How to Control Name Visibility in Telegram Groups

Use a Username: Set a username to keep your real name hidden while participating in groups and channels.
Privacy Settings: Adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your phone number and profile picture, limiting exposure in specific groups.
Restrict Profile Visibility: You can limit visibility to only your contacts, which means your name will not be shown to others outside your contact list.

Can I hide my real name on Telegram?

Yes, you can hide your real name by using a username or setting privacy restrictions in Telegram’s settings.

How do I change my name on Telegram?

To change your name, go to “Settings,” tap on your profile, and update the “First Name” and “Last Name” fields.

Does Telegram display my name to everyone in a group?

Yes, your name is visible to other members in a group, unless you use a username instead of your real name.