Vie Hachés: Telegram Aliases — share a username, not your number (and keep your privacy intact)

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If you want to trade contact info in our blog comments without giving away your phone or email, Telegram is a handy option. You make a public username (like @AixBaguette), then share its link t.me/AixBaguette. People can DM you without seeing your number—as long as you set privacy correctly. (Telegram)

Quick start (the 60-second version)

  1. Create a username: Telegram → Settings → Username → pick something non-identifying. Your link is t.me/yourname. (Telegram)

  2. Hide your number: Settings → Privacy & Security → Phone Number → Who can see my number: Nobody; Who can find me by my number: My Contacts (or tighter). (Telegram)

  3. Share it in comments: Paste t.me/yourname (example blurbs below). That’s it.

Step-by-step with the right privacy switches

1) Set your Telegram username

  • iOS/Android/Desktop: Settings → tap your name → Username. Choose something you can change later (you can). Your public link is t.me/USERNAME. People can message you via that link without seeing your number. (Telegram)

2) Lock down your phone number (crucial)

  • Settings → Privacy & Security → Phone Number

    • Who can see my phone number: Nobody

    • Who can find me by my number: My Contacts (or Nobody, if offered on your device)
      These controls exist so you can chat without exposing your number in private chats or groups. (Telegram)

3) Reduce “breadcrumbs” (recommended)

  • Forwarded Messages: set to Nobody or My Contacts to stop forwards from linking back to your profile (“anonymous forwarding”). (Telegram)

  • Sync Contacts: off, then Delete Synced Contacts to de-link your address book from Telegram’s servers. (Telegram)

  • Two-Step Verification: on (adds a password at login on new devices). Settings → Privacy & Security → Two-Step Verification. (Telegram)

  • Profile Photo / Last Seen / Calls: limit to My Contacts (or Nobody if you’re cautious).

  • People Nearby: if you see it, leave it off; Telegram has even pulled location-based features at times due to misuse. (The Verge)

4) Share your alias safely in comments

Copy-paste one of these (edit the name first):

  • EN: “Ping me on Telegram: t.me/AixBaguette — no phone or email needed.”

  • FR (friendly): Écris-moi sur Telegram : t.me/AixBaguette — pas besoin de numéro ni d’email !

5) Extra-private chatting (optional)

  • For sensitive 1-to-1 topics, start a Secret Chat (end-to-end encrypted). Open the chat → More → Start Secret Chat. Regular “cloud” chats are not E2EE by default. (Telegram Support Initiative)

6) Advanced (optional): no-SIM sign-up

Telegram supports anonymous numbers via Fragment so you can register without your real SIM. It’s niche and paid, but exists. (Telegram)

What others will (and won’t) see

  • They see your display name and username (and whatever profile photo you allow).

  • They don’t see your phone number if you’ve set Phone Number → Nobody as above. (Telegram)

Reality check: Privacy ≠ impunity. Telegram can disclose IP/phone data to authorities with valid orders in criminal cases, per updated policy/news coverage. Keep it clean, folks. (The Verge)

Copy-me checklist (post-setup)

  • Username set (non-identifying) — t.me/_______

  • Phone number: Nobody

  • Find me by number: My Contacts (or Nobody)

  • Forwarded Messages: Nobody/My Contacts

  • Two-Step Verification: On

  • Contact Sync: Off → Delete Synced Contacts

  • Profile photo / Last seen / Calls: My Contacts (or Nobody)

Sources & deeper reading

  • Telegram FAQ (usernames, phone number privacy). (Telegram)

  • Anonymous Forwarding (Telegram blog). (Telegram)

  • Two-Step Verification (Telegram blog). (Telegram)

  • No-SIM numbers / Fragment (Telegram blog). (Telegram)

  • Policy/news on data disclosure & feature changes. (The Verge)

French-learner tips (A1 → Advanced)

  • A1: Learn this line: “Tu peux m’écrire sur Telegram ? Mon lien : t.me/___.” (You can write me on Telegram? My link is …)

  • A2: Practice the polite version in shops/classes: “Si vous voulez, on peut échanger sur Telegram : t.me/___.”

  • B1: Add a boundary: “Je préfère ne pas partager mon numéro, mais voici mon identifiant Telegram.”

  • B2: Clarify privacy: “Par souci de confidentialité, je garde mon numéro privé, mais vous pouvez me joindre via mon alias Telegram.”

  • Advanced: Small-talk upgrade: “Par curiosité, vous utilisez plutôt des discussions secrètes ou des discussions cloud sur Telegram ?” (and then explain why!).

Your turn 👇

Got a neat alias? Drop your t.me/ link (or a tip in FR/EN) in the comments. If you spot a privacy toggle I missed—or a French phrasing that sounds more Aixois—share it and help the next newcomer!