How to Hide Your Online Status in Telegram

All online apps and sites seem to be tracking people’s activity and status. In some cases, this can be convenient, but most of the time it feels intrusive and an infringement on your privacy. Basically, there is no privacy, not anymore.

If you’re online, you’re clearly visible to almost everyone. The same goes for Telegram; a great new messaging app. But by default, all your connections can see your online status. This can be slightly annoying and unwelcome.

Keep reading to find out how to hide your online status on Telegram across all major platforms (Android, iOS, Mac, etc.).

How Online Status Works in General

Telegram is becoming a very popular messaging app. It’s incredibly fast and secure, which is attractive to many people. Since Facebook had many privacy fiascos, including leaked personal info, etc. many users decided to stop using it.

Some people still use Messenger, but ditching Facebook altogether seems like a smarter move. Instagram has the same problems as Facebook, and the same goes for WhatsApp. Essentially, all of these apps are owned by Facebook, and therefore present the same problems.

Telegram picked up a thing or two from these major players. Their online status works the same way as it does on every other social media platform. Whenever you’re connected to Telegram, your connections can see that you’re online.

This could be easily compared to stalking because modern technology is, in fact, doing just that. We all choose not to pay too much attention to it, but if you give it a little thought, it’s rather unpleasant and unnecessary.

How Online Status Works on Telegram

You can easily avoid this, and change your online status settings on Telegram. If you do, instead of showing your online status to all your connections, Telegram will show them that you were recently active.

Recently active status can mean a number of things, and isn’t as accurate as of the alternative. You should know that this goes both ways, meaning that if you disable your online status, you also won’t be able to see the online status of your contacts.

This only seems fair. If you want people to mind their business, then mind your own business too. If you want to have a conversation in real-time, phone calls seem like a better option. Texting is a good alternative, the person will reply when they have the time. The same goes for messaging on Telegram.

People have really unrealistic expectations and expect an answer right away. If you’re a busy person, or you value your privacy, consider disabling your online status.

How to Hide Online Status on Telegram

You can use Telegram on many operating systems, including Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, etc. Make sure to download the latest app version from Telegram’s official website. When you’re ready, follow the steps to hide your online status on Telegram on iOS and Android devices:

1. Launch Telegram on your smartphone or tablet.
   
2. Tap the hamburger icon the top-left corner of the screen (three horizontal lines).
   
3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
   
4. Then, choose Privacy and Security.
   
5. Select the Last Seen & Online option.
   
6. Choose between Everybody, My Contacts, and Nobody. We suggest selecting Nobody. Confirm the change by selecting the checkmark icon.
   
7. Confirm the prompt with OK.
   

How to Hide Online Status on PC

Follow the steps to change your online status on Telegram if you’re using a Mac or Windows computer:

1. Open the Telegram app.
   
2. Click on the hamburger menu.
   
3. Select Settings from the list of options.
   
4. Then, choose Last seen & online (Privacy and Security tab).
   
5. Select Nobody (or my contacts).
   
6. Click on Save.
   
7. Confirm the prompt with Continue.
   
   

That’s how you disable the online status on Telegram. As mentioned before, this will go both ways. If you chose Nobody, therefore, then you won’t see anyone’s online status on Telegram, but you will also stay hidden yourself.

If you only select My Contacts, then you’ll still be able to keep track of who’s online. Personally, I don’t find that ability to be worth the price of having your online privacy stripped down. Maybe that will suit you, but each to their own.

Stay Under the Radar

Online privacy is a myth. Not to sound paranoid, but you should take care when sharing personal information online. Your online status is a great giveaway as to your current activity. Sure, it’s great to let your friends and family know where you are at all times, but that information shouldn’t be given to strangers.

People can easily track your IP and find your actual physical location if you’re careless. It’s best to disable your online status on all apps and social media. You can go a step further, and use a VPN service to ensure your privacy.

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