Telegram is the latest entry in the mobile messaging applications. It is already making quite a buzz with so many people installing and trying out this new application. Telegram is almost same as Whatsapp in terms of look and feel, however it has much more features. As Telegram is an open source app (developers offer API’s as well), which makes it possible to be available for almost all mobile platforms like Android, iPhone (official apps) and Windows/Linux (Unofficial apps). One of the main thing which distinguishes Telegram from Whatsapp is availability of Secret Chat.

What is Secret Chat

Secret chats are meant for people who really want secure messaging. All messages in secret chats use end-to-end encryption (more secure). This means only you and the recipient can read those messages — nobody can decipher or intercept them, including us here at Telegram. Messages cannot be forwarded from secret chats. You can also order your messages to self-destruct in a set amount of time after they have been read by the recipient. The message will then disappear from both your and your friend’s devices. One last difference between secret and ordinary chats in Telegram is that secret chats are not stored in our cloud. This means you can only access messages in a secret chat on their device of origin.

• You may want to do secret chat with your friends and don’t want others to see those messages, in this case it is the best option.

Starting a Secret Chat

Start a new message (tap the icon in the top-right corner in Messages). Then ‘New secret chat’. Remember that secret chats are device-specific. If you start a secret chat with a friend on one of your devices, this chat will only be available on that device. If you log out, you will also loose all your secret chats. You can create as many different chats with the same contact as you like.

To start a secret chat -: Click New Secret Chat > Select Contact

Another Method – On the contact > Click Start Secret Chat

Works only if other person is online

Settings – Set when to delete the message automatically

Security and Safety – Telegram offers an Encryption key to ensure safe chatting

Self Destructing Messages

The Self-Destruct Timer in available for Secret Сhats. To set the timer, go to Secret Chat Info (tap the small picture in the top-right corner of the chat screen), then Set Self-Destruct Timer to a desired time limit. The timer is applied to a message the moment it is displayed on the recipient’s screen (two green ticks). As soon as the time runs out, the message disappears from both devices and leaves no trace.

Telegram Secret Group Chat

• Secret chat is possible with only one contact at a time
• Secret Group Chat is not possible – not an option as of now.. May be this can get implemented soon.