Telegram app
1. Download the app.
2. Open the Telegram app and enter your phone number. You will receive a verification code via SMS to verify your number.
3. Set up your profile.
4. Go to Settings in the app (tap the three bars at the top left).
Choose Privacy and Security > Phone Number. Select “Who can see my phone number?” and choose “No one” or “My contacts.” This ensures that your phone number is not visible to others except people you add as contacts.
5. Go to Settings > Edit by your name. At the bottom of your profile you will see an option for your username (handle).
You can set your username here, which others can use to find you without knowing your phone number.
5. Enter this username in the registration form as well.