The short answer
- 1Same account on two phones: log in on the second with the same number.
- 2Two numbers on one phone: Add Account, up to three accounts per app.
- 3Chats sync everywhere; secret chats and notification settings do not.
In this article
Two different goals that sound alike
"Two phones" and "two numbers" lead to different setups. Pick the row that matches what you want:
| You want | You need | How |
|---|---|---|
| The same account on two phones | One number | Log in on the second phone with the same number |
| Two accounts on one phone | Two numbers, for example dual SIM or eSIM | Add Account in the app, no second app needed |
| Both: work and personal accounts on both phones | Two numbers | Log in to both accounts on each phone |
Telegram's FAQ says you can log in from as many devices as you like, all at the same time, and your cloud chats sync instantly. Telegram does not need the SIM card to be in the phone you use: the number is only used for the login code.
The same account on a second phone
- Install the official Telegram app on the second phone.
- Enter the same number. Because your first phone is logged in, the code is sent there as a message from Telegram, not by SMS. See codes in the app on another device.
- Enter your Two-Step Verification password if you set one.
- Your first phone shows a notice: "We detected a new login to your account from … Is it you?" Tap Yes, it's me. If you did not just log in, tap No, it's not me! instead, which ends that login.
The second phone is not a new account; it is another device on the same one. Both appear under Devices in Settings.
What is shared and what is not
| On both phones | |
|---|---|
| Chats, groups, channels, contacts, media | Yes, the same everywhere |
| Drafts and read status | Yes, they sync |
| Secret chats | No, only on the phone where each one was started |
| Muted chats | Yes, a mute is saved to your account |
| Device notification switches, passcode lock, downloaded files | No, each phone has its own |
Because the notification switches belong to each device, both phones will ring for the same message until you change it. Quiet one of them in its own notification settings. Devices ringing twice covers this.
Two numbers on one phone, including eSIM
With dual SIM or eSIM, each number can have its own Telegram account, and one app can hold both:
- Main menu (☰)
- Add Account
- Profile
- Add Account
- Bottom Settings tab
- Add Account
On Android, press and hold the Profile tab at the bottom: a small menu opens with your accounts and Add Account. The same menu is how you switch between them later.
- Add Account - log in to a second number in the same app
- Press and hold the Profile tab to open this menu
Enter the second number and its code, and you can switch between the accounts without logging out. One app holds up to three accounts; Telegram Premium raises the limit. Each account keeps its own chats, contacts and settings.
Giving one of the phones away
Before you sell or hand on a phone, log out of Telegram on it, then check Devices on your other phone to make sure it has gone from the list. If the phone has already left your hands, end its session from there. See checking active sessions.
Next step: logged in on PC but your phone chats are missing.
FAQ
Can I use one Telegram account on two phones?
Yes. Log in on the second phone with the same number; the code arrives in Telegram on the first phone. Both stay logged in.
Do I need the SIM card in the phone to use Telegram?
No. The number is only used for the login code; Telegram runs over the internet.
How many Telegram accounts can I add on one phone?
Up to three in one app; Telegram Premium raises the limit.
Sources
At a glance
- 1Second phone
Same number; the code arrives on the first phone.
- 2Second number
Add Account; switch without logging out.
- 3Per device
Secret chats, notifications, passcode lock.
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