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Telegram Two-Step Verification: Setup, Passkeys and a Forgotten Password

Telegram’s two-step verification adds a password on top of the login code, so someone who gets your code still can’t get in. You can add a recovery email in case you forget the password, and a passkey to log in without an SMS code.

Edited by Michael Michael Reviewed 4 min read 2 fixes Login & access

Quick answer

Turn it on: Settings > Privacy and Security > 2-Step Verification, set a password and add a recovery email. Passkey: Settings > Privacy and Security > Passkeys. Forgot the password? Use the recovery email to reset it. Still logged in on another device? Request a password reset there; Telegram resets it after 7 days and you keep your account. Not logged in anywhere and no recovery email? Only then is deleting the account the way back.

What do you need?

Does this match what you see?

  • Telegram asks for a password after you enter the login code.
  • You’ve forgotten your two-step verification password.
  • You received a login or verification code you didn’t ask for.

iPhone & iPadAndroidComputer (browser)

Based on Telegram’s FAQ, its passkeys announcement (December 2025) and its account-deletion developer documentation, read on November 9, 2026. Menu names can differ slightly between apps.

Why this happens: the possible causes

How Telegram login works with two-step verification on.

What you need to log in
StepWhat it is
Login codeSent by SMS, or to the Telegram service chat on a device you’re already logged in to
PasswordYour two-step verification password
Passkey (optional)Your device PIN, fingerprint or face, instead of an SMS code
  • Two-step verification is onCheck this first

    Telegram says logging in then needs both the code and your password.

Try these 60-second checks first

  • Check if you’re still logged in on another device: that device can help you recover.

How to fix it, step by step

Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.

Fix 1: Turn on two-step verification

Safe & reversible3 miniPhone & iPadAndroidComputer (browser)

Telegram says it protects you even if someone gets your login code.

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > 2-Step Verification.
  2. Create a password. Telegram suggests one that’s strong but easy for you to remember.
  3. Add a recovery email and confirm it.

Telegram advises protecting that email account with a strong password and its own two-step verification too. Telegram also says getting login codes by phone call can require two-step verification on some carriers.

Did it work? Telegram asks for your password the next time you log in on a new device.

Fix 2: Add a passkey

Safe & reversible2 miniPhone & iPadAndroidComputer (browser)

Telegram says passkeys let you log in with your PIN, fingerprint or face, without an SMS code, even when SMS isn’t working.

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Passkeys.
  2. Follow the prompts to create one with your device’s PIN or biometrics.

Telegram says passkeys are stored encrypted on your device and can sync with password managers such as iCloud or Google. It still recommends keeping your account linked to an active phone number you control, since you can still request an SMS code. The Passkeys screen shows when each passkey was created and last used. See Telegram’s passkey FAQ (external site, opens in a new tab).

Did it work? The passkey shows in Passkeys.

Forgot your two-step verification password?

  • You added a recovery email: Telegram says it helps you regain access. Use the forgot-password option on the password screen and follow the steps sent to that email.
  • No recovery email, but logged in on another device: Telegram’s documentation says you can request a password reset from a logged-in session. It runs on a 7-day timer, can be cancelled from the Telegram service chat, and resets the password without deleting the account.
  • No recovery email and not logged in anywhere: the only option left is to reset (delete) the account and start again with the same number. Telegram says deleting an account removes all its messages and contacts.
  • The 7-day delay: Telegram’s documentation says if your password was set more than 7 days ago and the account was used in the last 7 days, the deletion is delayed for 7 days. The logged-in owner gets a message and can cancel it by confirming their phone number. Otherwise the reset happens straight away.

Our note: this delay protects you. If you get a deletion notice you didn’t start, cancel it and change your password, because someone else may have your login code.

A code you didn’t request

  • In the “Verification Codes” chat: Telegram says it’s usually because you logged in to an outside website or app; it’s also possible someone typed your number by mistake. Your account is safe: if you didn’t request it, tap the code and choose Report.
  • A Telegram login code you didn’t request: don’t share it with anyone. Our tip: turn on two-step verification so a code alone isn’t enough.

How to know it worked

  • Your account asks for your password (or passkey) on new devices.

Still not working? Your next steps

  1. Want to protect all your accounts in one go? Use our Security Checkup for a checklist across every app you use.
  2. Account limited for spam instead? See Telegram account limited.

Official help routes

SocialAppFix can’t see or change your account. For account decisions, recovery and appeals, only the platform’s own tools can help. These links go to the official sites.

Frequently asked questions

How do I turn on Telegram two-step verification?

Settings > Privacy and Security > 2-Step Verification. Set a password and add a recovery email.

What if I forget my Telegram password and have no recovery email?

If you’re still logged in on another device, request a password reset there: Telegram resets it after 7 days and you keep your account. If you’re not logged in anywhere, the only option is deleting (resetting) the account, which Telegram may delay by 7 days.

Can I log in to Telegram without an SMS code?

Yes, with a passkey. Set one up in Settings > Privacy and Security > Passkeys.

Why did I get a Telegram verification code I didn’t ask for?

Telegram says codes in the Verification Codes chat usually come from you logging in to an outside service; someone may also have typed your number by mistake. Your account is safe; tap the code and report it.

Sources and how we checked this guide

We base steps on the platforms’ own help pages and the phone makers’ official guides. Menu names change often and can differ by device, app version and region. Where a platform page could not be independently read, we link it so you can check the current wording yourself.

  1. Telegram FAQ (external site, opens in a new tab)Telegram · checked 9 November 2026
  2. Passkeys, Gift Purchase Offers and More (external site, opens in a new tab)Telegram · checked 9 November 2026
  3. Account deletion (API documentation) (external site, opens in a new tab)Telegram · checked 9 November 2026
  4. Two-factor authentication (API documentation) (external site, opens in a new tab)Telegram · checked 9 November 2026

Last reviewed 9 November 2026 by the SocialAppFix editorial team against the sources above. Next scheduled review: 9 May 2027. Editor: Michael Michael. How we write and review guides.

What changed
  • 12 November 2026: Linked the new Security Checkup.
  • 9 November 2026: First published.

SocialAppFix is an independent guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Telegram. We never ask for passwords, login codes or payment to fix an account.