You can set your account to automatically self-destruct if you're inactive for a certain period (e.g., 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year). Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Delete my account if away for.
News/Context: This is a drastic but available option. News articles and guides (like IONOS, April 2025) emphasize that deletion is permanent and irreversible. They also highlight that if you try to create a new account with the same number immediately, it might be temporarily blocked (for a few hours to a few days) before you can re-register. Groups you created will continue to exist even after your account is deleted.
While you can't delete your number and usa whatsapp number data continue using your existing account, there's a related concept: using Telegram with a number that isn't your primary personal one. This is often discussed on Reddit for privacy-conscious users.
Virtual Numbers (VoIP): Services like Google Voice (where available), Hushed, TextNow, or other VoIP providers offer virtual phone numbers that can receive SMS verification codes. You can use these numbers to register a new Telegram account, effectively separating your Telegram identity from your personal mobile number.
News/Context: Tech blogs (e.g., Calilio, January 2025; Guru99, March 2025; eSIM Plus, March 2025) frequently cover methods for using virtual numbers for Telegram registration, highlighting this as a way to enhance anonymity.
Temporary/Disposable Numbers: Some online services provide disposable numbers for one-time SMS verification. These are less reliable for long-term account access or recovery.
You cannot simply "delete" your phone number from your active Telegram account while keeping the account intact. Your phone number is fundamental to Telegram's operation, security, and user identification.
However, Telegram provides powerful tools to manage your privacy: you can hide your phone number from all other users, or you can change the number associated with your account. If you absolutely want your number removed from Telegram's system, the only way is to delete your entire account, which is a permanent and irreversible action. For those seeking anonymity, registering with a virtual phone number is a popular workaround discussed in the tech community.