Telegram: what is a secret chat?
The messaging app Telegram offer the so-called "Secret Chat" in addition to the normal one. In our practical tip, we explain what the purpose of a "secret chat" is, how it works and how it differs from commonly sent messages.
Telegrams Secret Chat provides more security
Telegram's "Secret Chat" uses end-to-end encryption and is therefore even more secure than sending messages via the messenger app.
- End-to-end encryption means that only you and your chat partner can read the message. Telegram promises that no outsider can decrypt the messages. This should also apply to the developers at Telegram.
- You cannot forward messages from "Secret Chats".
- In addition, messages from "Secret Chat" destroy themselves after a specified time. You can set the time period after which the message should be deleted.
- Furthermore, messages from a "secret chat", in contrast to a normal chat, are not stored in the cloud and can therefore only be read on their original device.
- However, normal messages are also encrypted: However, unlike secret chat messages, they end up on the Telegram server.
To start a secret chat, long press in the message overview on the menu button on the left and then on "New Secret Chat" (see picture). Or click on the profile picture in the top right corner of an existing chat. You can now start Secret Chat in the contact information.
In addition to an Android and iOS version, there is also an unofficial desktop version of Telegram. Other messenger alternatives to Telegram can be found on our topic page.