Telegram’s Secret Chats: Are They Really Secure?
Posted: Thu May 29, 2025 7:09 am
In an age where digital privacy is more important than ever, messaging apps compete to offer secure communication features. Telegram is one of the most popular apps in this space, widely known for its cloud-based chats and unique feature: Secret Chats. But are these Secret Chats truly as secure as advertised? Let's explore what makes them different, how they work, and whether you can genuinely rely on them for private conversations.
What Are Telegram Secret Chats?
Telegram offers two types of chats: cloud chats and Secret Chats. While telegram data cloud chats are stored on Telegram’s servers and can be accessed from multiple devices, Secret Chats are designed to be more secure. They are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the sender and recipient can read the messages. Not even Telegram can access the content of these conversations.
Moreover, Secret Chats include features like self-destructing messages, screenshot detection, and device-specific access—you can only view a Secret Chat on the device where it was created. These are all designed to enhance user privacy.
End-to-End Encryption: How Secure Is It?
The major selling point of Secret Chats is their use of end-to-end encryption (E2EE). Unlike WhatsApp and Signal, which use the well-known Signal Protocol, Telegram uses its own custom encryption protocol called MTProto. While MTProto is engineered to be secure, many cryptography experts argue that creating a proprietary protocol introduces unnecessary risks. Established protocols are peer-reviewed and widely tested, while Telegram's MTProto has not undergone the same level of scrutiny.
That said, no major vulnerabilities have been discovered in MTProto's current version. However, security experts generally caution against using non-standard protocols when proven alternatives exist.
Limitations of Telegram’s Secret Chats
Despite their enhanced security, Secret Chats come with limitations:
Not Default: Unlike Signal or WhatsApp, where all chats are encrypted by default, Telegram requires users to manually initiate a Secret Chat. Regular cloud chats are not end-to-end encrypted, meaning Telegram can access those messages.
No Group Secret Chats: Telegram does not support Secret Chats for group conversations. This limits secure communication to one-on-one chats only.
Device Restriction: Since Secret Chats are only available on the device where they were created, switching devices means losing those conversations unless you manually reinitiate them.
Limited Features: Features like bots, GIFs, and stickers are not available in Secret Chats, which may reduce their usability for some users.
Conclusion: Are Secret Chats Secure Enough?
Telegram’s Secret Chats offer a more secure way to communicate compared to regular chats on the platform. With end-to-end encryption and privacy-focused features, they are reasonably secure for most users. However, the use of a proprietary encryption protocol and the lack of default E2EE across the platform are valid concerns. For those seeking maximum privacy—particularly activists, journalists, or whistleblowers—apps like Signal, which offer always-on E2EE and open-source protocols, may be a better choice.
In summary, Telegram's Secret Chats are a step in the right direction, but they're not the ultimate solution for everyone’s privacy needs. Use them wisely—and know their limits.
What Are Telegram Secret Chats?
Telegram offers two types of chats: cloud chats and Secret Chats. While telegram data cloud chats are stored on Telegram’s servers and can be accessed from multiple devices, Secret Chats are designed to be more secure. They are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the sender and recipient can read the messages. Not even Telegram can access the content of these conversations.
Moreover, Secret Chats include features like self-destructing messages, screenshot detection, and device-specific access—you can only view a Secret Chat on the device where it was created. These are all designed to enhance user privacy.
End-to-End Encryption: How Secure Is It?
The major selling point of Secret Chats is their use of end-to-end encryption (E2EE). Unlike WhatsApp and Signal, which use the well-known Signal Protocol, Telegram uses its own custom encryption protocol called MTProto. While MTProto is engineered to be secure, many cryptography experts argue that creating a proprietary protocol introduces unnecessary risks. Established protocols are peer-reviewed and widely tested, while Telegram's MTProto has not undergone the same level of scrutiny.
That said, no major vulnerabilities have been discovered in MTProto's current version. However, security experts generally caution against using non-standard protocols when proven alternatives exist.
Limitations of Telegram’s Secret Chats
Despite their enhanced security, Secret Chats come with limitations:
Not Default: Unlike Signal or WhatsApp, where all chats are encrypted by default, Telegram requires users to manually initiate a Secret Chat. Regular cloud chats are not end-to-end encrypted, meaning Telegram can access those messages.
No Group Secret Chats: Telegram does not support Secret Chats for group conversations. This limits secure communication to one-on-one chats only.
Device Restriction: Since Secret Chats are only available on the device where they were created, switching devices means losing those conversations unless you manually reinitiate them.
Limited Features: Features like bots, GIFs, and stickers are not available in Secret Chats, which may reduce their usability for some users.
Conclusion: Are Secret Chats Secure Enough?
Telegram’s Secret Chats offer a more secure way to communicate compared to regular chats on the platform. With end-to-end encryption and privacy-focused features, they are reasonably secure for most users. However, the use of a proprietary encryption protocol and the lack of default E2EE across the platform are valid concerns. For those seeking maximum privacy—particularly activists, journalists, or whistleblowers—apps like Signal, which offer always-on E2EE and open-source protocols, may be a better choice.
In summary, Telegram's Secret Chats are a step in the right direction, but they're not the ultimate solution for everyone’s privacy needs. Use them wisely—and know their limits.