Following the recent Facebook’s policy on privacy and terms of service update on its messaging app (WhatsApp) which requires users to update their policies or forfeit access to the messaging app by Monday, February 8, 2020.
Telegram is now increasing in numbers owing to this recent development as the Facebook-owned messaging app as received a lot of backlash on its policy. Facebook is reportedly making data sharing with its messaging app mandatory for users.
Another messaging app that appears to have taken dominance in this race is Signal, however, the focus of this article is on Telegram.
Also read, Google shared Private WhatsApp Group Chats Invite Links
You might have been using Telegram before this development or you just recently made the switch. Whichever case it is, we have come up with some tips that you can use to enhance your mobile messaging app experience.
Allow Secret Chat
Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram chats are encrypted user-to-server. Nevertheless, users can choose the option of Telegram’s secret chat to enhance complete end-to-end encryption on chats.
Secrets chats are temporary and they don’t get saved on Telegram servers.
After allowing the Secret Chat option on the messaging app, you can also set a timer to self-destruct the chats.
Meaning you have complete control over it, therefore, giving it a short life span as you prefer.
Telegram has disallowed users on the Secret Chat mode to forward text, screenshots, or record messages.
For now, this feature is only open to one-on-one chats.
To begin a secret chat:
- Select the interested contact
- Then open the chatbox
- Click on the top bar of the contact
- Tap on the top right corner to check on the three-button drop-down menu
- Select Start Secret Chat option
You will then see a pop up to confirm your secret chat, go ahead to click start.
Cease been added to random groups
Telegram messaging app allows users to have control over getting added to Telegram groups.
You cant get added to a group without your permission. You can enable this feature by:
- Opening your settings
- Click on Privacy and Security
- Go to Groups, click on My Contacts
- Then click on Never allow
Also watch, Tech Trends: Tips on Telegram features to try out
Delete messages from Sender
Telegram allows you to delete messages sent by other users.
This may appear very much unusual, however, it can be done. Users who prioritize privacy will certainly value this feature.
Users can follow these steps:
- Select senders chat
- Click on the delete button
This action will also remove the chat from the senders’ device
Lock your chats
Asides from the messaging app being an end-to-end encryption platform, it also allows its users to lock their chats.
To enhance this feature on your Telegram, visit Settings, go to Privacy and Security, then toggle on the Passcode Lock button.
Once you enhance this feature, you can now lock or unlock your chats at your convenience.
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