Telegram on a virtual number: sign-up step by step
Telegram needs a number, not necessarily a SIM card. Here's how to get the code on a virtual number — and keep the account yours after the number is gone.
What you need
- A RelySMS account — sign in with Telegram, email or an access key, no phone needed.
- Balance for one number: Telegram starts from $0.13.
- Telegram on the phone or computer where you'll sign in to the new account.
Step by step
- Open the Telegram page and pick a country with a high chance.
- Buy a number — it shows up on the order screen right away.
- Enter that number in Telegram. If the country is picked in a separate field, enter the number without the country code.
- If Telegram offers to send the code in the app or by call, choose SMS.
- The code appears on the order screen and in our bot — enter it in Telegram.
Right after you sign in
A one-off number is yours for 20 minutes; after that it may go to someone else. So that signing in doesn't depend on the number, do three things:
- Turn on a cloud password (two-step verification) in privacy settings: without it nobody can sign in with just an SMS code.
- Add a recovery email for that password.
- Don't end all sessions: while the account is open on at least one device, you don't need the number to sign in.
If the code doesn't arrive
Most often Telegram sent the code to the app instead of by SMS. The other reasons are in “The code isn't arriving: 7 reasons”. No code after 2 minutes — swap the number for free; no code within 20 minutes — the money goes back to your balance.
Need a number for a code?
Prices are visible without signing up. No code, the money goes back to your balance.
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