If Telegram is blocked in your country or network, a proxy lets you bypass restrictions and use the app normally. This guide explains what Telegram proxies are, why you need one, and exactly how to set them up on any device.
What Is a Telegram Proxy?
A Telegram proxy is a server that sits between your device and Telegram’s servers. When you send a message, it routes through the proxy instead of connecting directly. This masks your real location and lets you access Telegram even when it’s blocked by your government, workplace, or internet provider.
Think of it like this: your internet provider blocks the door to Telegram. A proxy is a secret tunnel that gets you in through a different entrance they don’t know about.
Telegram supports three proxy types:
SOCKS5: The most common type. Fast, reliable, and works for all Telegram features including calls.
MTProto: Built specifically for Telegram. Often faster than SOCKS5 because it’s optimized for Telegram’s protocol.
HTTP: Basic proxy type. Works but slower than the other two.
Most people use MTProto or SOCKS5. Both work well in 2026.
Why You Need a Telegram Proxy
Your country blocks Telegram. Countries like Iran, China, and Russia have restricted or banned Telegram at different times. A proxy gets around these blocks.
Your school or workplace blocks it. Many networks block messaging apps. Proxies bypass these restrictions.
You want privacy. A proxy hides your IP address from Telegram’s servers, adding a layer of privacy.
You’re traveling. If you visit a country that blocks Telegram, you’ll need a proxy to stay connected.
According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s research on internet censorship (https://www.eff.org/issues/censorship), millions of people worldwide rely on proxies to access blocked services daily.
How Telegram Proxies Work
When you use Telegram normally:
Your device connects directly to Telegram’s servers. Your internet provider sees you’re using Telegram. If Telegram is blocked, the connection fails.
When you use a proxy:
Your device connects to the proxy server. The proxy connects to Telegram’s servers. Your internet provider only sees you connecting to the proxy, not Telegram. The connection succeeds even if Telegram is blocked.
The proxy doesn’t decrypt your messages. Telegram uses end-to-end encryption for secret chats, so proxies can’t read your private conversations. Regular chats use client-server encryption, which means Telegram (but not the proxy) can technically access them.
How to Set Up a Telegram Proxy on Any Device
You need two things: a proxy server address and the connection details (IP, port, and secret key for MTProto or username/password for SOCKS5).
Finding a Proxy Server
Use Telegram’s proxy channels. Search for channels like @MTProxybot or @ProxyMTProto in Telegram (if you can still access it). They share free proxy servers.
Use proxy websites. Sites like mtproto.co and mtg.one list free MTProto proxies. For SOCKS5, check proxy lists online (search “free SOCKS5 proxy list 2026”).
Ask friends. If someone you know uses Telegram with a proxy, they can share their connection link.
Set up your own. Advanced users can create a private proxy server using a VPS (more on this later).
Free proxies work but can be slow or unreliable. Paid proxies or your own server are faster.
Setting Up on iPhone or iPad
Open Telegram. Go to Settings (bottom right). Tap Data and Storage. Scroll down and tap Proxy Settings. Tap Add Proxy.
Choose your proxy type (MTProto or SOCKS5).
For MTProto, enter the server address, port, and secret key.
For SOCKS5, enter server, port, username, and password (if required).
Tap the checkmark to save. Toggle the switch to connect.
The connection status appears at the top of your chat list. Green means connected.
Setting Up on Android
Open Telegram. Tap the three lines (menu) in the top left. Go to Settings. Tap Data and Storage. Tap Proxy Settings (or Use Proxy). Tap Add Proxy.
Select MTProto or SOCKS5.
Enter the server details (address, port, secret for MTProto or credentials for SOCKS5).
Tap Save. Enable the proxy.
The status bar shows your connection speed once connected.
Setting Up on Windows or Mac
Open Telegram Desktop. Click the three lines (menu) in the top left. Go to Settings. Click Advanced. Scroll to Connection type and click it.
Select Use custom proxy.
Choose your proxy type.
Enter the server address, port, and credentials.
Click Save.
The connection status appears in the settings menu.
Setting Up on Linux
Open Telegram Desktop. Access Settings from the menu. Navigate to Advanced settings. Find Network and proxy. Configure your proxy type and details. Apply the settings.
Using Proxy Links for Quick Setup
Telegram lets you connect to a proxy with one tap using a special link.
Proxy links look like this:
MTProto: tg://proxy?server=1.2.3.4&port=443&secret=abcd1234
SOCKS5: tg://socks?server=1.2.3.4&port=1080&user=name&pass=word
When someone shares a proxy link:
Click or tap the link. Telegram opens automatically. A popup asks if you want to connect. Tap Connect or Use Proxy. You’re connected.
This is the fastest way to set up a proxy. Many Telegram channels share working proxy links daily.
Testing If Your Proxy Works
After connecting:
Check the connection status in your settings. It should say “Connected” or show a connection speed.
Send a message to any chat. If it sends, your proxy works.
Try making a call. If calls connect, your SOCKS5 or MTProto proxy is fully functional.
If the proxy doesn’t work:
The server might be offline. Try a different proxy.
You might have entered wrong details. Double-check the server address, port, and credentials.
The proxy might be overloaded. Popular free proxies slow down when too many people use them.
Free vs Paid Proxies
| Feature | Free Proxies | Paid Proxies |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $3-10/month typically |
| Speed | Often slow | Fast and stable |
| Reliability | Goes offline frequently | 99%+ uptime |
| Privacy | Unknown who runs it | Clear privacy policy |
| Support | None | Customer support |
Free proxies work fine for basic messaging. If you use Telegram heavily, send large files, or make frequent calls, paid proxies are worth it.
Setting Up Your Own Private Proxy
If you want maximum speed and privacy, run your own proxy server. You’ll need a VPS (Virtual Private Server) in a country where Telegram isn’t blocked.
Requirements
A VPS with at least 512MB RAM. Providers like DigitalOcean, Vultr, or Linode cost $5-10/month.
SSH access to your server. Basic command line knowledge.
MTProto Proxy Setup
This is the most popular option for personal use.
Connect to your VPS via SSH.
Install Docker (makes setup easier):
curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh
sh get-docker.sh
Run the MTProto proxy container:
docker run -d -p 443:443 --name mtproxy --restart=always \
-e SECRET=<your-secret-key> \
telegrammessenger/proxy:latest
Replace <your-secret-key> with a random 32-character hex string. Generate one online or use openssl rand -hex 16.
Get your proxy link:
docker logs mtproxy
The output shows your connection link. Share it with your devices.
The Telegram team maintains official documentation on MTProto proxies (https://core.telegram.org/mtproto) with technical specifications.
SOCKS5 Proxy Setup
SOCKS5 gives you more flexibility if you want to use the proxy for other apps too.
Install Dante (a SOCKS5 server):
sudo apt update
sudo apt install dante-server
Configure it by editing /etc/danted.conf.
Start the service:
sudo systemctl start danted
sudo systemctl enable danted
Add authentication if you want password protection.
Both methods take 10-20 minutes if you follow a detailed guide. Your own proxy gives you full control and better performance than free options.
Common Problems and Fixes
Proxy connects but messages don’t send: The proxy works but might be too slow. Try a different server.
Can’t find working proxies: Free proxies die quickly. Check proxy channels daily for new ones, or consider paying for a reliable service.
Telegram says “Connecting” forever: The server details are wrong, or your internet blocks proxy connections. Verify your settings and try a different proxy type.
Proxy works on WiFi but not mobile data: Some mobile carriers block proxy connections. Use a VPN alongside your proxy, or switch carriers if this is persistent.
Calls don’t work: HTTP proxies don’t support calls. Switch to SOCKS5 or MTProto.
Proxy suddenly stops working: Free proxy servers go offline without notice. Always have 2-3 backup proxies saved.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Proxies are not VPNs. A proxy only routes Telegram traffic. A VPN routes all your internet traffic and encrypts it.
Who can see what:
Your internet provider sees you’re connecting to a proxy, but not that you’re using Telegram.
The proxy operator can see you’re connecting to Telegram, but can’t read encrypted messages (secret chats).
Telegram sees the proxy’s IP address, not yours.
Trust matters. Free proxy operators could theoretically monitor your connection patterns. They can’t read encrypted content, but they know when you’re online and who you chat with (based on connection patterns).
For maximum privacy:
Run your own proxy server. Use secret chats for sensitive conversations (these have end-to-end encryption). Consider using a VPN plus a proxy for critical situations.
Most users don’t need this level of security. Regular proxies work fine for bypassing blocks and casual privacy.
Proxies vs VPNs for Telegram
Both work, but they’re different tools:
| Aspect | Telegram Proxy | VPN |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Only Telegram | All internet traffic |
| Setup difficulty | Built into Telegram | Need separate app |
| Speed | Fast (only routes Telegram) | Slower (routes everything) |
| Cost | Often free | Usually paid |
| Privacy level | Moderate | Higher |
Use a proxy if you only need Telegram access. Use a VPN if you want to protect all your internet traffic or need Telegram plus other blocked services.
You can use both together for extra protection. Connect to a VPN first, then add a Telegram proxy. This gives you layers of privacy.
Legal Considerations
Using proxies is legal in most countries. However, in places where Telegram is officially banned, authorities might consider proxy use illegal too.
Before using a proxy:
Check your local laws about circumventing internet blocks. Understand the risks in your specific country. Use good judgment about what you share on Telegram.
In democratic countries with temporary blocks, proxy use is generally tolerated. In authoritarian countries, be more cautious.
This guide provides technical information. You’re responsible for following your local laws.
Summary
Telegram proxies let you access the app when it’s blocked. They route your connection through a different server, hiding Telegram usage from whoever is blocking it. MTProto and SOCKS5 are the best options. You can use free proxies from Telegram channels, pay for reliable service, or run your own server for maximum speed and privacy.
Setting up a proxy takes less than two minutes using the built-in Telegram settings. Save multiple proxy servers as backups since free proxies go offline often. For heavy use, consider paying for a proxy or setting up your own VPS server.
Proxies work well for bypassing blocks but aren’t as secure as VPNs for overall privacy. Most people use free proxies successfully for daily Telegram access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Telegram proxies safe to use?
Yes, Telegram proxies are generally safe because Telegram uses encryption. The proxy can’t read your messages in secret chats (which have end-to-end encryption). Regular chats use client-server encryption, so Telegram itself can access them, but the proxy operator cannot decrypt the content. However, proxy operators can see connection metadata like when you’re online and connection patterns. For best safety, use proxies from trusted sources or run your own server.
Why does my proxy keep disconnecting?
Free proxies disconnect often because they become overloaded, the owner shuts them down, or authorities block them. This is normal with free services. Keep 2-3 backup proxies saved in your settings. Switch between them when one stops working. For stable connections, use paid proxy services or host your own proxy server on a VPS.
Can I use a proxy on multiple devices?
Yes, you can use the same proxy on your phone, tablet, and computer simultaneously. Just enter the same proxy details on each device or share the proxy link to all your devices. The proxy server handles multiple connections from the same user without issues. If you’re sharing your proxy with friends, be aware that too many users can slow down a proxy server, especially free ones.
Do proxies slow down Telegram?
It depends on the proxy quality. Good proxies add minimal delay (often unnoticeable). Bad proxies or overloaded free servers can make Telegram significantly slower. MTProto proxies are usually fastest because they’re optimized for Telegram. If your proxy feels slow, try a different server. Your own private proxy on a good VPS will always be faster than sharing a free public proxy with thousands of other users.
Will using a proxy get my Telegram account banned?
No, Telegram explicitly supports proxy use and builds the feature into their app. Using a proxy will not get you banned. Telegram understands that many users need proxies to access the service in countries with restrictions. However, if you violate Telegram’s terms of service (spam, harassment, illegal content), you can get banned regardless of whether you use a proxy.
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