With a Telegram Passcode Lock, you can prevent unauthorized access to your chat messages. Once set, Telegram will request the passcode before granting access to your account. A Telegram Passcode Lock helps to keep prying eyes out. We explain below how to get started and set up Passcode Lock in Telegram.
What Is Passcode Lock in Telegram?
A Passcode Lock lets you lock your Telegram messages with Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint, PIN, or pattern screen lock. If your device gets lost or stolen, you can rest assured that no one can access and use your account if they don’t have the code.
How to Set Up Passcode Lock in Telegram (Android)
To enable Telegram Passcode Lock on Android, open the Telegram app and tap the hamburger menu button in the top-left corner. From the menu options, tap “Settings,” then tap “Privacy and Security.”
This will open the Privacy and Security settings screen. In the Security section further down the page, tap “Passcode Lock.”
Tap the Passcode Lock toggle button to turn it on. You’ll be prompted to enter a passcode. Enter a four-digit code in the space provided.
Your Passcode Lock is now enabled. You can also turn on an option to unlock your Android with a fingerprint, if your device is so enabled, and set it to auto-lock in five minutes, one hour, or five hours. You can change your passcode from this screen as well.
A padlock icon will appear on the chats list. Simply tap the lock icon to lock your Telegram chats.
“Show App Content in Task Switcher” is disabled by default. This means you’ll be unable to take screenshots in the app. Tap the toggle button to enable it.
How to Set Up Passcode Lock in Telegram (iPhone)
To enable a Passcode Lock on an iPhone, open the Telegram app and tap the “Settings” menu button in the bottom-right corner. From the menu options, tap “Privacy and Security.”
This will open the Privacy and Security settings screen. Tap “Passcode & Face ID (or Touch ID).”
Tap “Turn Passcode On.” This will prompt you to enter a six-digit passcode. After entering it, you will have to re-enter it to confirm.
Your Passcode Lock is now enabled. You can also turn on an option to unlock your iPhone with Face ID (or Touch ID) if your device is so enabled and set it to auto-lock in one minute, five minutes, one hour, five hours, or disable it. You can change your passcode from this screen as well.
Your Passcode Lock is now enabled. A passcode overlay will appear on the chats list. Simply enter your passcode to unlock your Telegram chats or unlock with Face ID (or Touch ID).
How to Set Up Telegram Passcode Lock (Desktop)
To enable Passcode Lock on the Telegram desktop client, launch Telegram and click on the menu button, then click “Settings.”
From the menu options on the panel, click “Privacy and Security.”
Scroll down the Privacy and Security menu and click on “Turn on local passcode” under Local passcode.
Enter a four-digit code in the space provided. Re-enter the passcode in the next field and click “SAVE” when done.
Your local passcode is now enabled. A lock icon will appear above your chat list. Click on it to lock your chats.
How to Manage Your Passcode Lock on Desktop
Launch Telegram Desktop, click “Menu -> Settings -> Privacy and Security.” You can make changes to your local passcode settings from here.
How to Change Your Passcode
To change your passcode, click “Change passcode.” Enter your current passcode in the space provided, then enter your new passcode, re-enter the new passcode, and click “SAVE.”
How to Disable Passcode Lock
To disable Passcode Lock, click “Disable passcode.” Enter your current passcode to confirm, then click “REMOVE.”
How to Auto-Lock Your Chats
If you want Telegram to auto-lock after a period of inactivity, click “Auto-Lock if away for … ” Select your auto-lock duration and click “OK.”
Your Telegram will now automatically lock when you’re inactive for that period.
What to Do If You Forget Your Passcode?
If you forget your mobile Telegram passcode, you’ll need to delete and reinstall the Telegram app to regain access to your chats. However, all your secret chats will be lost.
On the other hand, if you forget your Telegram Desktop passcode, you’ll only need to log out of the Telegram desktop client and log in again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How is Passcode Lock different from two-step verification?
Passcode Lock is a unique four-digit code that primarily protects your chats from unauthorized access. Two-step verification, on the other hand, protects your Telegram account by requiring an additional password or code to verify your identity after you log in to your account.
2. Can I use Passcode Lock and two-step verification simultaneously?
Yes. You can combine Passcode Lock with two-step verification to make your Telegram account even more secure. You can also turn either one on or off.
Wrapping Up
With Passcode Lock enabled, you can enjoy additional protection against unauthorized access to your Telegram account. You’ll want to jot down your passcode and keep it somewhere safe, such as a good password manager.
Check out other ways to protect your accounts with two-factor authentication and two-step verification.
Joy derives joy from learning, exploring, and teaching the latest tech tips and trends. When not writing, you can find her knitting, crocheting, or creating other amazing handcrafts.
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