How to Run Multiple Telegram Accounts on One Device: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. The Official Multi-Account Feature

Telegram introduced a built-in multi-account feature on mobile devices, allowing you to add up to three accounts in one app instance. Here’s how to do it on Android or iOS:

• Step 1: Open the Telegram app on your phone.
• Step 2: Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) and select Add Account.
• Step 3: Enter the phone number for your second account, verify it, and you’re set.

This is the easiest approach for mobile users, but it’s limited to three accounts and is primarily for smartphones or tablets.

2. Running Multiple Accounts on Telegram Desktop

Desktop users have a couple of options to manage multiple Telegram accounts:

• Install Multiple Instances: You can install Telegram Desktop via the official installer multiple times by using different folders, though it’s a bit tedious.
• Use the Microsoft Store Version: Windows users can install the standard desktop version and the Microsoft Store version side by side, effectively giving you two separate apps.

However, these methods still limit the number of concurrent accounts unless you use additional tricks—like TData swapping or Telegram Portable.

3. Advanced Method: TData Swapping

TData is the folder where Telegram Desktop stores session data (like logged-in accounts). By swapping out different TData folders, you can quickly switch between multiple accounts in the same Telegram Desktop installation.

Here’s a quick overview:

• Step 1: Find your current TData folder in your Telegram Desktop directory.
• Step 2: Copy or rename the folder to something like TData_Account1, TData_Account2, etc.
• Step 3: Replace the active TData folder with the one corresponding to the account you want to use.

This method is best suited for users who don’t need to switch accounts every few minutes, as it involves some manual file management.

4. Using Telegram Portable for Multiple Accounts

Telegram Portable is a self-contained version of Telegram Desktop that doesn’t require installation. By placing different instances of Telegram Portable in separate folders—each with its own TData—you can run multiple accounts simultaneously. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Download or create a Telegram Portable folder.
• Step 2: Rename the folder to something like TelegramPortable_Account1.
• Step 3: Launch Telegram.exe and log in to your first account. The TData folder will be created inside.
• Step 4: Duplicate the entire folder for TelegramPortable_Account2 and log in to your second account.

Now you can open both folders and run Telegram.exe from each, giving you two fully independent instances. Repeat for additional accounts.

5. Running Telegram in a Virtual Machine

If you need total isolation between accounts (e.g., different business contexts or extra privacy), consider using a virtual machine (VM). Tools like VirtualBox or VMware let you run a separate operating system instance on your PC.

• Install Telegram in the VM: Each VM can hold a unique Telegram Desktop installation.
• Resource Considerations: Make sure your PC has enough CPU and RAM to handle multiple VMs.
• Ideal for High-Security Needs: This approach is best for users who handle sensitive data or require strict account isolation.

While this method is more complex, it offers unparalleled separation between accounts.

6. Tips for Managing Multiple Accounts Efficiently

Regardless of which method you choose, here are some best practices for staying organized:

• Label Your Instances: If using Telegram Portable or TData swapping, label folders and shortcuts to avoid confusion.
• Use Different Profile Pictures: Quickly identify which account is which by assigning distinct profile photos.
• Stay Logged In: Avoid constant re-verification by keeping your sessions active, but also keep security in mind.
• Enable 2FA: Protect each account with two-factor authentication for added security.

Staying organized helps you quickly navigate between personal, business, or specialized accounts.

Conclusion

Running multiple Telegram accounts on a single device is entirely feasible, whether you use Telegram’s official multi-account feature on mobile, install separate desktop instances, swap TData folders, or run Telegram Portable. For those who need even more isolation, virtual machines provide the highest level of separation.

By choosing the method that best fits your needs—and keeping things organized with clear labels, 2FA, and unique profile pictures—you can effortlessly juggle personal, professional, and specialized Telegram accounts without hassle.

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