My Telegram passcode isn’t working. I need to reset it, but I’m not sure how. Does anyone know how to change the passcode or the two-step verification password?
This is a common issue for many Telegram users. If you also experience slow loading or message delays, check our guide on fixing Telegram loading issues. Sometimes you forget your passcode, or you just want a new one, here’s how to do it.
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Change Your Telegram Passcode (If You Know It)
- 1.Open the Telegram app.
- 2.Enter your current passcode.
- 3.
Go to Settings (usually bottom-right or via the side menu).
Click to expandScreenshot by Technobezz - 4.
Tap Privacy and Security (look for the lock icon).
Click to expandScreenshot by Technobezz - 5.
Tap Passcode & Face ID.
Click to expandScreenshot by Technobezz - 6.Enter your current passcode if prompted.
- 7.
Tap Change Passcode.
Click to expandScreenshot by Technobezz - 8.Type your new passcode, tap Next, then confirm it.
Note: If you forget this passcode later, you will need to log out or reinstall Telegram, you will lose all secret chats. Regular (cloud) chats remain accessible when you log back in. The official Telegram translations note: “If you forget your passcode, you'll need to log out or reinstall the app. All secret chats will be lost.” Telegram translation info
Reset Telegram Passcode (If You Forgot It)
If you can’t remember your UI/app passcode, the only reliable method is to uninstall and reinstall Telegram. Before doing that, ensure you still have access to your phone number linked to your Telegram account.
- 1.Uninstall the Telegram app.
- 2.Reinstall Telegram and log in using your phone number.
- 3.Set a new passcode if you wish.
This method only resets the local app passcode. It does not reset your two-step verification password. Secret chats are deleted; other chats are stored in the cloud.
Change Telegram Two-Step Verification Password
Two-step verification (also known as 2FA or cloud password) adds a security layer: each time you log in on a new device, you must provide this password along with the SMS/OTP code.
- 1.Open the Telegram app.
- 2.Go to Settings.
- 3.Tap Privacy and Security.
- 4.Tap Two-Step Verification.
- 5.
Tap Change Password.
Click to expandScreenshot by Technobezz - 6.Enter your current two-step verification password, then set a new one and confirm it.
You can also update (or set) a recovery email in the same menu so that in future you can reset if you forget. Setting a working recovery email is critical to enable recovery.
Recover Lost Two-Step Verification Password (If Forgotten)
If you forget your two-step verification password, here are options based on your settings and situation:
- Use recovery email : if you had set and still have access to the recovery email, Telegram lets you request a reset link via email when logging in.
- Wait out Telegram’s reset period : if no recovery email is set, Telegram may allow bypassing the password after a waiting period (commonly around 7 days). Some users report: “request password reset and wait for 7 days, then you will be able to either disable 2-step verification or change its password.” Reddit discussion
- Reset the Telegram account (delete and re-create) : this option is extreme because it deletes all your cloud data including chats, media, and settings. Use only if no other route works.
- Contact Telegram support : you may file a request through in-app “Ask a Question” > Settings or via Telegram’s web support. But note: recovery without the correct credentials is rarely allowed for security reasons. Some support channels suggest that after 7 days without successful login attempts, Telegram “should let you try again without needing the 2FA password” if no recovery email was set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does reinstalling Telegram delete all my chats?
No. It deletes secret chats. Regular chats are stored in Telegram’s cloud and will return when you log back in.
Can I use the same code for the app passcode and two-step verification?
It’s technically possible, but not recommended. Keeping them separate is more secure.
Is Face ID required on iOS?
No. Face ID is optional and can be enabled or disabled in “Passcode & Face ID” settings.
How do I set or change a recovery email for two-step verification?
In the Two-Step Verification menu, you’ll see an option to add or update a recovery email. Telegram sends a verification code to that email to confirm. This email is crucial for future recovery.
What if Telegram asks me for a two-step verification password I never set?
This may indicate your account was hijacked and someone enabled 2FA. In such cases:
- Do not repeatedly guess passwords.
- Try logging in with your phone number daily, after a waiting period (around 7 days), Telegram may allow you to bypass the unknown password if no recovery email was set.
- Contact Telegram support via “Ask a Question” in the app or through Telegram’s online support portal.