Telega

Telega is an alternative Telegram client developed especially for users in Russia. In principle, the app guarantees complete privacy when exchanging messages and making calls and video calls with other users of the app, thanks to a built-in proxy. It is important to note, however, that to make secure calls to other users, they need to be using this client too. With your other Telegram contacts, you can exchange text messages as normal.

Log in with your Telegram account

To be able to use Telega, as with any other Telegram client, you will need to identify yourself with your phone number. After entering the number, you will have to verify your identity within another session or enter your two-step verification password. Only then will you be able to start using the app. When you start using it, you will see that you automatically join the app's official group.

The interface you are already familiar with

When you open Telega, at first glance it looks like the same old Telegram. You can continue sending text messages to all your contacts, participate in any group, make calls, send files and images, etc. You will still have all of that, but you will also have other features found within a new options menu.

New connection options

Within Telega's options menu, you will find a Connection section. From here, you can enable calls through the Telega server. You can even choose to make peer-to-peer calls or video calls. Thanks to these options, in most cases, you avoid revealing your IP address. However, the audio or video quality may go down.

My thoughts on Telega

For all intents and purposes, Telega offers the same features as Telegram, but with an additional layer of privacy that many users are sure to appreciate. In addition, the app allows you to customize the side menu, something that I have been wanting to do for some time.

The best and the worst of Telega

• Telega has many strong points, but the best of them and what sets it apart from other similar apps is that it allows for completely anonymous calls, off Telegram's radar.

• The only thing that could be improved about Telega is that the app reactivates Telegram notification sounds by default, which can be annoying.

Telega is for you if...

✓ You are seeking total privacy in your Telegram communications, especially in Russia.

✓ You want to make secure calls and video calls through an integrated proxy to avoid revealing your IP.

✓ You are interested in customizing your Telegram experience with extra privacy features.

Secure and private Telegram client

Download the Telega APK if you use Telegram regularly, but you are concerned that your communications could be used against you in some way. Thanks to this app, Telegram will not have access to your calls or messages, as they pass directly through a proxy.