How to Set Up a Proxy in Telegram

Telegram has proxy support built into its apps. Tap a proxy link and choose Connect, or add one by hand in the app's data and storage settings on mobile, or the advanced connection settings on desktop. Telegram supports two types: MTProto proxies, designed by Telegram, and standard SOCKS5 proxies.

This guide explains when a proxy helps, the difference between the two types, how to add one on each platform, what the proxy's operator can and cannot see, how to run your own, and how to fix a proxy that will not connect.

What a proxy does in Telegram

A proxy is a server that sits between your Telegram app and Telegram's servers. Instead of connecting directly, the app connects to the proxy, and the proxy passes the traffic on. To your network, it looks as though you are talking to the proxy, not to Telegram.

People use a proxy in Telegram for a few reasons:

• Telegram is blocked on their network. Some workplaces, schools, public Wi-Fi networks and countries block connections to Telegram. A proxy can route around such a block.
• The direct connection is unreliable. On some networks, a proxy in a different location gives a steadier connection.
• They do not want the network to see Telegram traffic directly. A proxy hides the fact that you are connecting to Telegram's servers from the local network, though not from the proxy itself.

A note on rules: whether using a proxy is allowed depends on where you are and whose network you are on. Workplaces and schools often have policies, and some countries restrict tools that bypass blocks. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check the rules that apply to you.

Before you start

Check three things before adding a proxy. They save a lot of fiddling.

1. Confirm the problem is a block. If Telegram fails on one Wi-Fi network but works on mobile data, a block on that network is likely. If it fails everywhere, the cause may be your device, the app or a wider outage, and a proxy may not help.
2. Update Telegram. Older versions can have connection bugs that look like blocks, and proxy options have changed over time.
3. Have the details ready. You need either a proxy link, or the type, server, port and either the secret (MTProto) or any login (SOCKS5). Copy them exactly; do not retype long secrets.

Proxy or VPN?

A proxy set inside Telegram affects only Telegram. Your browser and other apps keep using your normal connection. A VPN, by contrast, usually routes all of your device's traffic through another server.

• Use the Telegram proxy when only Telegram needs help, or when you want to avoid sending all your traffic through someone else's server.
• Use a VPN when several apps are blocked, or when you want everything routed through one trusted provider.
• Do not use both at once without reason. It adds a second hop, slows the connection and makes problems harder to diagnose.

Telegram Web runs in your browser and has no proxy settings of its own. It uses whatever connection your browser or device uses, including a VPN or a system-wide proxy.

The two proxy types

MTProto proxies (MTProxy)

MTProto is the protocol Telegram's own apps use. Telegram designed MTProxy, a proxy type built specifically for its apps. Key points:

• It needs a server address, a port and a secret. The secret is a long string that the proxy's operator gives you. Without it, the proxy will not accept your connection.
• It is designed to be harder for networks to detect and block than generic proxies.
• It may show a sponsored channel. MTProxy operators can register their proxy with Telegram and promote a channel to cover their costs. While you are connected through that proxy, the sponsored channel may be pinned at the top of your chat list. It disappears when you stop using the proxy.
• It does not carry voice and video calls. Telegram has said MTProxy does not support calls. If calls matter, use SOCKS5 or no proxy for them.

SOCKS5 proxies

SOCKS5 is a general-purpose proxy standard used by many apps.

• It needs a server address and a port, and sometimes a username and password.
• It can carry calls, if you enable the option to use the proxy for calls in Telegram's proxy settings.
• It is easier to detect and block on networks that actively look for proxies, because it was not designed to disguise itself.

What about HTTP proxies?

Telegram's apps support SOCKS5 and MTProto proxies. A plain HTTP proxy, which many office networks use, is not one of the types you can add in Telegram's proxy list. If your network requires an HTTP proxy, ask your network administrator whether there is a supported alternative.

What a proxy operator can and cannot see

This is the most important thing to understand before connecting through someone else's server.

What the operator can see

• Your IP address, and therefore roughly where you are and which internet provider you use.
• That you are using Telegram, and when you are connected.
• How much data you send and receive.

What the operator cannot see

• The content of your messages. Telegram encrypts traffic between your app and its servers, so the proxy passes along data it cannot read. Telegram's documentation for MTProxy says the operator cannot see your chats or your activity beyond your connection.
• Your password or login code, which travel inside that encrypted connection.

What a proxy does not change

• Telegram still sees your account. A proxy hides your connection from your local network, not your identity from Telegram.
• Your normal chats are still cloud chats. A proxy does not make them end-to-end encrypted. For that, Telegram has secret chats. Our guide on whether Telegram is end-to-end encrypted explains the difference.
• Your account security is unchanged. A proxy neither weakens nor strengthens protection against someone logging in to your account. Two-step verification is what does that, whatever network you are on.

The practical takeaway: use proxies from operators you have some reason to trust, because they learn your IP address and your Telegram usage pattern, even though they cannot read your messages.

Where to get a proxy

From most to least trustworthy:

1. Your own proxy. If you can rent a small server, you can run Telegram's open-source MTProxy yourself. You are then the only operator. The section below outlines how.
2. Someone you know and trust who runs one, such as a friend or your organisation.
3. A paid provider you have checked. Look for a provider with a track record, clear terms and a way to contact them.
4. Public proxy lists and proxy channels. These are the most common and the least reliable. Public proxies are shared by many people, come and go quickly, are often slow, and are run by people you know nothing about. Some promote spammy sponsored channels.

Proxy scams to avoid

• Apps that claim to be a "Telegram proxy" or "Telegram unblocker". You do not need any extra app; Telegram has proxy support built in. Such apps can be malware or fake Telegram clients that steal accounts. See our guide on third-party Telegram clients.
• Anyone asking for your login code or password to "set up" a proxy. A proxy never needs either. Our guide to spotting Telegram scams lists similar tricks.
• Proxy links that open a bot asking for payment details in exchange for "premium proxies". Treat these with the same caution as any payment request from a stranger.

How to judge a proxy before you trust it

You cannot inspect a proxy server, but you can judge the source and the behaviour. Before keeping a proxy in your list, ask:

1. Who runs it? A named person or organisation you can contact is better than an anonymous channel that posts new proxies every hour.
2. How did you get it? A link sent privately by someone you know is better than one copied from a forum thread full of strangers.
3. Does it ask for anything? A proxy needs nothing from you except the details in its link. Any request for a code, password, payment card or extra app is a red flag.
4. Is it stable? A proxy that works for weeks is likely maintained. One that changes daily is likely a public relay that will vanish.
5. What does it promote? If it pins a sponsored channel, look at what that channel posts. A channel full of scams says something about the operator.
6. Is the speed reasonable? A heavily overloaded proxy is usually a public one shared by many people.

If a proxy fails several of these, use it only briefly if at all, and remove it from your list once you no longer need it.

Reading a proxy link

A proxy link carries everything Telegram needs to connect. Knowing the parts helps you spot a broken or suspicious one.

• Server. The address of the proxy, either a domain name or a numeric IP address.
• Port. A number that tells the app which "door" on the server to use.
• Secret (MTProto only). A long string of letters and digits. Some secrets begin with a short prefix that tells the app to use a particular disguise mode, so always copy the whole secret, including any prefix, and never trim it.
• Username and password (SOCKS5, optional). Present only if the proxy requires a login.

When Telegram opens a proxy link, it shows these details before you connect. If the server or port shown does not match what you were told, do not connect.

Method 1: connect with a proxy link

Most proxies are shared as links. Telegram recognises them and offers to add the proxy for you.

1. Tap the proxy link in a chat or a web page. Telegram proxy links point to t.me or use Telegram's own link format, and they contain the server, the port and, for MTProto, the secret.
2. Telegram opens a screen showing the proxy details: the server, port and type.
3. Check that the details look right and come from the source you expected.
4. Tap Connect (or the equivalent button).
5. Watch the connection status at the top of the chat list. When it changes from "Connecting" to your normal view, you are connected through the proxy.

The proxy is now saved in your proxy list, so you can switch it on and off later without the link.

Method 2: add a proxy by hand

Use this when someone gives you the details rather than a link. Menu names vary by version.

Android

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Data and Storage.
3. Scroll down and tap Proxy Settings.
4. Tap Add Proxy.
5. Choose MTProto or SOCKS5.
6. Enter the server address and port. For MTProto, enter the secret. For SOCKS5, enter the username and password if you were given them.
7. Save, then make sure the Use Proxy switch is on and the new proxy is selected.

iPhone and iPad

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Data and Storage.
3. Tap Proxy.
4. Tap Add Proxy.
5. Choose the type and fill in the details as above.
6. Tap Done, then switch on Use Proxy and select the proxy.

Desktop app (Windows, macOS, Linux)

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Advanced.
3. Find Connection type in the network section.
4. Choose to use a custom proxy, then add a proxy.
5. Select the type, enter the details and save.
6. Make sure the proxy is selected and enabled.

When you cannot get into the app at all

If Telegram is blocked before you can log in, look for a proxy option on the login screen or by tapping the "Connecting" status. Some versions offer access to proxy settings there, so you can add a proxy before logging in. Opening a proxy link from another app also works if Telegram is installed.

Managing several proxies

You can store more than one proxy and switch between them.

• Check the status. The proxy list usually shows whether each proxy is available and how quickly it responds. Choose the one that responds fastest and is marked available.
• Switch quickly. Tap a different proxy in the list to switch. Telegram reconnects through it.
• Turn proxies off when not needed. Switch off Use Proxy when you are on a network where Telegram works directly. A direct connection is usually faster and avoids the sponsored channel.
• Remove dead proxies. Public proxies often stop working. Swipe or long-press to delete ones that are no longer available.
• Share a proxy. Telegram lets you share a saved proxy as a link. Only share proxies you are allowed to share; a private proxy shared widely may be overloaded or blocked.

Calls through a SOCKS5 proxy

In the proxy settings, SOCKS5 proxies have an option to use the proxy for calls. Turn it on if calls fail on a restricted network. Calls through a proxy may have more delay. MTProto proxies do not carry calls.

Does a proxy use more data or battery?

A proxy adds a little overhead, because traffic takes an extra step and some proxy types add padding to disguise it. For messaging, the difference is small. For heavy media use, such as streaming videos in channels, you may notice slightly more data use and slower loading, mainly because of the proxy's speed rather than the overhead itself.

Battery use is mostly affected by how often the app has to reconnect. A flaky proxy that keeps dropping makes Telegram retry repeatedly, which uses more battery than a stable one. If your battery drains faster with a proxy on, try a more stable proxy or turn it off when on a network that does not need it.

Running your own MTProxy

Running your own proxy gives you control over who operates it. It is a technical task, so this is an outline rather than a complete tutorial.

1. Rent a small server from a hosting provider, in a location where Telegram is not blocked and which is reasonably close to you for speed.
2. Install Telegram's official MTProxy. Telegram publishes it as open-source software, with instructions in its repository and developer documentation.
3. Generate a secret as described in those instructions. The secret is what users need to connect; keep it private.
4. Open the chosen port in the server's firewall.
5. Optionally register the proxy with @MTProxybot, Telegram's official bot for MTProxy operators. It can give you statistics and a tag that lets you promote a channel to users of your proxy.
6. Create a proxy link with your server, port and secret, and share it only with the people you intend.

Things to keep in mind:

• You will see the IP addresses of your users. Treat that as private information.
• A widely shared proxy may be blocked. If you only need it for yourself and a few friends, do not post it publicly.
• Keep the server updated. An unpatched server is a security risk regardless of what runs on it.
• Running a proxy has legal implications in some countries. Check before you do it.

Troubleshooting

Stuck on "Connecting to proxy"

1. Check the details. A mistyped server, port or secret is the most common cause. Copy the link again rather than typing it.
2. Check the proxy's status in the proxy list. If it says unavailable, the proxy is offline or blocked. Try another.
3. Check your own internet. Open a website in your browser. If nothing loads, the problem is your connection, not the proxy.
4. Turn the proxy off briefly. If Telegram connects directly, you may not need the proxy on this network.
5. Try a different type. If a SOCKS5 proxy fails on a restricted network, an MTProto proxy may work, as it is designed to be harder to block.

If Telegram is stuck connecting without a proxy, the causes are different. See Telegram stuck on connecting.

The proxy worked yesterday and not today

Public proxies are often blocked, overloaded or shut down within days. This is normal. Remove the dead proxy and add a fresh one from a trusted source, or run your own.

Very slow downloads through the proxy

Every proxy adds a hop, and shared public proxies are often overloaded. Try a proxy closer to you, a less crowded one, or a direct connection where possible. Our guide to slow Telegram downloads covers other causes.

Calls fail while the proxy is on

If you use an MTProto proxy, calls are not supported through it. Use SOCKS5 with the calls option on, or turn the proxy off for the call.

A sponsored channel appeared at the top

This comes from the MTProto proxy's operator. It is shown only while you use that proxy. Switch to another proxy or turn the proxy off and it disappears. You cannot remove it while staying on that proxy.

The proxy asks for a username and password you do not have

It is a SOCKS5 proxy with authentication. You need the credentials from whoever runs it. Do not guess and do not use a public list of "free logins".

The proxy settings disappeared after changing phones

Proxy lists are generally stored on each device, not in your account. Add the proxy again on the new phone. Our guide on moving Telegram to a new phone lists other per-device settings.

The proxy works on Wi-Fi but not on mobile data, or the reverse

Different networks block different things. A mobile operator may block a proxy's address or port that a home network allows. Keep two proxies of different types in your list, and switch when you change network. If Telegram works directly on one of the networks, turn the proxy off there.

Example scenarios

These illustrate how people typically use proxies. They are not recommendations for any specific network or country.

• A blocked office network. Sara's office Wi-Fi blocks Telegram. Before using a proxy, she checks her employer's policy, finds that personal messaging is allowed on breaks via mobile data, and simply switches to mobile data. No proxy needed.
• Travelling. Ahmed visits a country where Telegram is restricted. He checks the local rules first, then uses a proxy run by a friend at home, added from a link before the trip. He turns it off once back on a normal network.
• A small community. An admin of a group whose members are mostly in one region runs a private MTProxy on a small server and shares the link only in the group's pinned message, rather than relying on public proxies that change daily.

For admins: sharing proxies with your community

If you run a channel or group whose readers sometimes struggle to connect, you may be asked to share proxies. A few principles keep that helpful rather than risky:

1. Share only proxies you trust. Your readers will assume you vetted them. Passing on random public proxies spreads someone else's sponsored channel and IP logging under your name.
2. Prefer a proxy you control. If you run your own, you know who the operator is.
3. Explain what a proxy is and is not. A pinned note saying that proxies cannot read messages but do see IP addresses helps readers make their own choice.
4. Never tie proxies to sign-ups or payments. Asking readers to join something or pay for "proxy access" invites suspicion and copycat scams.
5. Mention local rules. Readers in different places face different rules. A neutral reminder to check them is responsible.
6. Update dead links. A pinned proxy that no longer works frustrates readers. Remove or replace it.

If you also want to help readers who simply cannot load Telegram, our guide on Telegram links not opening covers related problems.

Safety checklist

• Use proxies from yourself, people you trust or a checked provider.
• Never install a separate "proxy app" for Telegram.
• Never give a login code or password to anyone offering a proxy.
• Turn on two-step verification, which protects your account whatever network you use.
• Turn the proxy off when you do not need it.
• Remember that the operator sees your IP address and connection times.
• Check local rules and network policies before using a proxy.

What to do next

• If you added a public proxy just to get connected, look for a more trustworthy long-term option and remove the public one.
• If you run a community, consider whether a private proxy for your members is worth the effort.
• Review your account's active sessions in privacy and security settings, so you know every device that can reach your account, whatever network it uses.

Common mistakes

• Typing a long MTProto secret by hand. One wrong character breaks it. Use the link or copy and paste.
• Leaving a public proxy on permanently. It is slower, may show sponsored channels and gives a stranger your IP address every time you connect.
• Expecting calls to work through MTProto. They do not.
• Confusing a proxy with privacy from Telegram. A proxy hides traffic from your local network, not from Telegram.
• Installing proxy or "unblocker" apps. Telegram's built-in support is all you need.
• Using a proxy plus a VPN without reason. It slows everything and makes faults hard to trace.
• Sharing a private proxy widely. It gets overloaded or blocked, for you as well as everyone else.

FAQ

Is it safe to use a public Telegram proxy?

The proxy cannot read your messages, because Telegram's traffic is encrypted between the app and its servers. But the operator sees your IP address and when you use Telegram, and public proxies are often unreliable. Prefer a proxy you or someone you trust runs.

What is the difference between MTProto and SOCKS5?

MTProto proxies are designed by Telegram, need a secret, are harder for networks to detect and may show a sponsored channel. SOCKS5 is a general standard, needs a server and port and sometimes a login, and can carry calls if you enable it.

Why is there a channel pinned at the top of my chats?

It is a sponsored channel from the operator of the MTProto proxy you are using. It disappears when you switch proxies or turn the proxy off.

Can I use a proxy on Telegram Web?

Telegram Web has no proxy settings of its own. It uses your browser's or device's connection, so a VPN or a system proxy applies to it.

Does a proxy make my Telegram chats private?

It hides your connection to Telegram from the network you are on. It does not change how your chats are encrypted. For end-to-end encryption in one-to-one chats, use secret chats.

Do I need to set the proxy up again on every device?

Usually yes. Proxy settings are stored on each device rather than in your account. Adding the same proxy link on each device is the quickest way.

Summary

Telegram supports MTProto and SOCKS5 proxies natively. The easiest setup is tapping a proxy link and choosing Connect; otherwise, add the server, port and secret or login in the proxy settings under data and storage on mobile, or the connection settings on desktop. A proxy cannot read your messages but does see your IP address and usage, so use one you trust, never install separate "proxy apps", and turn it off when you do not need it. MTProto proxies are harder to block but do not carry calls and may show a sponsored channel; SOCKS5 can carry calls.