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Telegram Data Extraction & Backup Explained | Digital Forensics Investigation Guide

Introduction

Telegram has become a critical source of digital evidence in modern investigations involving cybercrime, financial fraud, extremist communication, drug trafficking, data leaks, and organized crime.

From a forensic perspective, Telegram differs significantly from applications like WhatsApp or Signal due to its cloud-centric architecture and selective end-to-end encryption.

This article provides a detailed, step-by-step explanation of:

How Telegram data is stored
How investigators can export, extract, or backup Telegram data
Tools used in real investigations
Key artifacts
Limitations and legal challenges

Why Telegram Data Is Important in Investigations

Telegram evidence may contain:

Private and group chats
Media files (images, videos, documents)
Channels and broadcast messages
Contact lists and usernames
Timestamps and metadata
Deleted messages (in limited cases)

Telegram’s cloud-based architecture allows access across devices, but also introduces forensic challenges.

Telegram Data Storage Architecture (Forensic Overview)

Before attempting any extraction, investigators must understand how Telegram stores data.

Cloud Chats (Default Chats)

Stored on Telegram servers
Accessible from multiple devices
Includes:
- One-to-one chats
- Group chats
- Channels
Not end-to-end encrypted by default

This makes cloud chats exportable using authorized login methods.

Secret Chats (End-to-End Encrypted)

Enabled manually by users
Stored only on the device
Not synced to cloud
Cannot be accessed from another device

Forensic Impact
Secret chats:

Cannot be exported via Telegram Desktop
Are usually irrecoverable once deleted
Require live device access

Media Storage

Media may exist in:

Telegram cloud
Device cache
External storage (Android)

This dual storage creates partial recovery opportunities during mobile forensic analysis.

Telegram Desktop Export (Official & Court-Safe Method)

This is the most reliable and legally defensible method.

Tool Used

Telegram Desktop (Official Application)

Preconditions

Valid mobile number
OTP / Telegram verification code
Consent or legal authorization

Step-by-Step Export Process

1. Install Telegram Desktop
2. Login using mobile number
3. Verify OTP received on registered device
4. Navigate to:
  Settings → Advanced → Export Telegram Data
5. Select export categories:
  - Account information
  - Contact list
  - Story archive
  - Music on Profiles
  - Personal Chats
  - Private chats & channels (Untick the only my messages)
  - Public chats and channels (only my messages can export)
  - Photos, videos, voice & video messages, Files (set the size limit to 4000 MB)
  - Miscellaneous data
6. Choose format:
  - HTML – Human-readable
  - JSON – Forensic analysis
  - Select Both

7. Start export and document

Note: You will receive this type of message (See the below image), click OK. Check the mobile phone where Telegram is login, Go to Chats – Telegram and allow the request. After this you can Export the Telegram Data.

Forensic Artifacts Generated

Message content
Sender & receiver usernames
Message timestamps (UTC)
Media files with original metadata
Group and channel identifiers
Message IDs (valuable for correlation)

Forensic Advantage
Telegram export preserves message sequence and metadata, making it court-admissible when properly documented.

Best for: Consent-based investigations, corporate cases, internal inquiries, training.

Limitations & Challenges in Telegram Forensics

Investigators must clearly understand:

Secret chats are unrecoverable
Deleted cloud data cannot be restored
Strong encryption limits content visibility
Telegram rarely cooperates with LEAs
Phone numbers may be hidden
Session hijacking is illegal and inadmissible

Legal & Court Considerations (India)

Follow IT Act, 2000
Obtain:
- User consent OR
- Court warrant
Maintain Chain of Custody
Hash exported data (MD5/SHA-1/SHA-256)
Document:
- Tool versions
- System timestamps

Conclusion

Telegram data extraction requires a different forensic mindset compared to traditional messaging apps. Investigators must rely on official exports & mobile forensic tools while respecting encryption and legal boundaries.

Proper documentation and understanding Telegram’s architecture ensures court-admissible and defensible digital evidence.

How Xpert Forensics Can Help

At Xpert Forensics, we specialize in uncovering hidden digital trails, whether it’s corporate fraud, insider threats, or data breach investigations. Our certified forensic investigators use industry-leading tools and methodologies to ensure that every byte of evidence is discovered, validated, and reported.

Need expert digital forensic support or training?
📩 Feel free to connect with us today. | Email: service@xpertforensics.in