Sign up for Telegram without a SIM: login by code
Telegram requires a phone number to create an account, but it does not have to be YOUR number. If you want a second account, or simply to keep your personal number private, you can use a temporary virtual number to receive the verification code. Here is exactly how.
Why Telegram asks for a phone number
Telegram uses the phone number as the account identity, so a number is always required to receive the login code. It does not need to be your personal SIM — any number that can receive the SMS works, which is where a virtual number comes in.
Step 1 — Get a virtual number
Pick Telegram on the buy page and pay by card. You get a temporary number that can receive the SMS. Free public numbers usually fail here because they are shared and already registered on Telegram — a private number avoids that.
Step 2 — Enter it in Telegram
Open Telegram, choose "Start Messaging", and type the virtual number instead of your own. Telegram sends the verification code by SMS to that number.
Step 3 — Read the code on screen
The code appears on the order screen in real time (usually under 2 minutes). Type it into Telegram and your account is created — yours, but without exposing your personal number.
Can I keep the number?
No — it is a temporary number for the verification. Telegram lets you later hide your number from other users in Privacy settings, and add a @username so people find you without it.
FAQ
Does Telegram accept virtual numbers?
Yes, as long as the number can receive the SMS code. A fresh, private number works best; shared public numbers are often already registered.
Telegram is not sending the code — what now?
Wait a couple of minutes and request again. Delivery varies between numbers; if it does not arrive, the value returns as balance so you can try another number.