The short answer
- 1Telegram chats are in the cloud; log in on the new phone with the same number.
- 2Keep the old phone on: the code may arrive there.
- 3Secret chats and files saved only on the old phone do not move.
In this article
There is nothing to back up
Telegram keeps your chats in its cloud, so moving to a new phone is simply logging in on it with the same number. There is no backup file to make and no restore step. Chats, groups, channels, contacts and media appear on the new phone as soon as you log in.
The order that avoids trouble
- Keep the old phone on and logged in until the new one is set up. Telegram's FAQ notes that the login code may be sent to the Telegram app on your other device rather than by SMS. See codes in the app on another device.
- Install Telegram on the new phone from its app store, and log in with the same number.
- Enter your Two-Step Verification password if you set one.
- Check your chats and Saved Messages are there.
- Move what does not transfer (see below) while you still have the old phone.
- Log out of the old phone before selling or giving it away, then check Devices on the new phone to confirm it is gone. See checking active sessions.
What does not move
| Item | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Secret chats | They exist only on the two devices that started them | Copy out anything you need by hand before leaving the old phone |
| Files saved to the old phone's gallery or folders | They are on the device, not in Telegram's cloud | Move them with the phone's own transfer tool; media inside chats downloads again on its own |
| Device settings: notification sounds, passcode lock, downloads | Set per device | Set them again on the new phone |
Muted chats, folders and your privacy settings belong to the account and come with you.
Changing number at the same time?
Change the number on your Telegram account first, on the old phone, while you can still receive codes on the old number. Then log in on the new phone with the new number. Doing it the other way round can leave you unable to receive a code for either. See changing your number without losing chats.
Next step: if your Telegram account was hacked.
FAQ
How do I transfer Telegram to a new phone?
Install Telegram on the new phone and log in with the same number. Your cloud chats appear automatically.
Do secret chats move to a new phone?
No. Secret chats exist only on the devices that started them.
Do I need to back up Telegram before changing phones?
No. Only save secret chat content or files kept outside Telegram.
Sources
At a glance
- 1Steps
Old phone on, log in on the new one, check, then log out the old.
- 2Does not move
Secret chats, files outside Telegram, device settings.
- 3New number
Change it on the old phone first.
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