Can I set up Telegram to automatically delete old messages

Enable Auto-Delete for All Chats

1. Open the Telegram app and go to Settings.
2. Tap on "Privacy and Security".
3. Select "Auto-Delete Messages".
4. Choose a self-destruct timer for all new chats - options include 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month or a custom time period up to 1 year[1][2][5].
5. Tap "Enable Auto-Deletion" to confirm. All new messages in future chats will now be automatically deleted after the specified time[1][2].

Enable Auto-Delete for Individual Chats

1. Open the chat where you want to enable auto-delete.
2. Tap on the recipient's name at the top of the chat.
3. Tap the three-dot menu icon and select "Auto-Delete"[2][4].
4. Set the time period after which messages in this chat will be automatically deleted[2][4].

A few key points about Telegram's auto-delete feature:

- It only applies to messages sent after the timer is set, not existing chat history[6].
- In groups and channels, only admins can enable or modify the auto-delete timer[6].
- All messages show a countdown to their deletion time - tap on Android or press and hold on iOS to view[6].
- You can turn off the self-destruct timer anytime by disabling it in the "Auto-Delete Messages" settings[5].

How to Set Different Auto-Delete Timers

1. Open the Telegram app on your device.
2. Navigate to the specific chat or group where you want to set the auto-delete timer.
3. Tap on the profile picture or name at the top of the chat screen.
4. Select More (or the three-dot menu).
5. Choose Enable Auto-Delete.
6. Set the desired duration for auto-deletion, which can range from one day to one year, or select a custom time based on your preference.
7. Confirm your selection.

Key Features

- Global Auto-Delete Timer: You can also set a global timer that applies to all new chats, but this does not affect existing conversations unless you apply it manually.
- Individual Settings: Each chat can have its own unique timer, allowing you to manage sensitive conversations differently from casual ones.

This feature enhances privacy by allowing users to control how long messages remain accessible in different contexts.

Does the auto-delete feature work in Telegram groups

Yes, the auto-delete feature in Telegram works for groups, but only group administrators can enable it. When activated, any new messages sent in the group will automatically be deleted after the specified time period, which can be set to options like 24 hours, 1 week, or 1 month.

How to Enable Auto-Delete in Groups

1. Open the group chat where you are an administrator.
2. Tap on the group name at the top of the screen.
3. Select the three-dot menu (or "More").
4. Choose Clear History.
5. In the pop-up, find and select Auto-delete messages in this chat.
6. Set your desired time period for auto-deletion.
7. Confirm by tapping Enable Auto-Delete.

Once enabled, all new messages sent after setting this feature will automatically disappear after the designated time, ensuring that group members cannot view them once deleted. However, it's important to note that group members cannot see the countdown timer for message deletion.

How can I see the countdown timer for auto-deleted messages

Yes, Telegram allows you to view the countdown timer for auto-deleted messages. Here's how you can see it:

1. On Android: Tap on the message to view the countdown timer.
2. On iOS: Press and hold the message to display the countdown timer.

The countdown indicates how much time is left before the message is deleted. This feature applies to all messages sent after enabling the auto-delete timer.

Can I disable the auto-delete feature at any time

Yes, you can disable the auto-delete feature in Telegram at any time. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Disable Auto-Delete

1. Open the Telegram app on your device.
2. Navigate to the chat or group where you want to disable the auto-delete feature.
3. Tap on the profile name or picture at the top of the chat screen.
4. Select the three-dot menu (or "More").
5. Tap on Auto-Delete.
6. Choose Disable Auto-Delete or set it to Never.

Once you disable this feature, messages will no longer be automatically deleted after a set period, allowing you to keep all messages in that chat indefinitely. This change applies immediately and affects all future messages sent in that chat or group.

So in summary, Telegram makes it easy to automatically clean up old messages to keep your chats organized and your data private. The auto-delete feature works for both individual chats and all new conversations.