Telegram blocks your access or reveals your IP address to anyone watching your network traffic. A proxy fixes both problems by routing your connection through an intermediate server.
This guide shows you exactly how to set up proxies in Telegram on desktop, Android, and iOS. You'll also learn which proxy type works best for your situation and how to verify your connection is actually protected.
What Is a Telegram Proxy and How Does It Work?
A Telegram proxy routes your app traffic through an intermediary server before reaching Telegram's servers. This masks your real IP address and bypasses network-level blocks that prevent Telegram access.
Here's what happens when you enable a proxy:
Your device connects to the proxy server instead of Telegram directly. The proxy server then forwards your requests to Telegram using its own IP address. Telegram sees the proxy's IP, not yours.
This process adds a layer between you and Telegram. Anyone monitoring your network only sees a connection to the proxy server. They can't see you're using Telegram or what you're sending.
Why Use a Proxy With Telegram?
There are several practical reasons to route Telegram through a proxy server.
Bypass Government Blocks
Countries like Russia, Iran, and China restrict or completely block Telegram access. A proxy hosted in an unrestricted country lets you connect normally.
Access Telegram on Restricted Networks
Schools, universities, and workplaces often block messaging apps on their networks. A proxy bypasses these restrictions when you're connected to Wi-Fi.
Hide Your IP Address
Telegram sees your real IP address by default. With a proxy enabled, Telegram only sees the proxy server's IP. This adds privacy when joining public channels or groups.
Manage Multiple Accounts
Running several Telegram accounts from one device can trigger spam detection. Assigning different proxies to each account makes them appear as separate users from different locations.
Improve Connection Stability
In some regions, direct connections to Telegram servers are slow or unreliable. A proxy in a nearby data center can provide faster, more stable connectivity.
Types of Telegram Proxies: MTProto vs SOCKS5 vs HTTP
Telegram supports three proxy protocols. Each has different strengths and use cases.
MTProto Proxy
MTProto is Telegram's custom protocol designed specifically for the app. It encrypts traffic and disguises Telegram connections as regular HTTPS traffic.
Pros:
- Built specifically for Telegram with optimized performance
- Traffic looks like normal web browsing to network monitors
- Simple one-click setup on mobile devices
- No username or password required
Cons:
- Only works with Telegram (useless for other apps)
- Requires a "secret" key for authentication
- Some MTProto servers inject sponsored channels
MTProto works best when you need to bypass strict censorship that specifically targets Telegram traffic.
SOCKS5 Proxy
SOCKS5 is a general-purpose protocol that works with almost any application. It's the most versatile option for Telegram users.
Pros:
- Works with Telegram and other apps
- Supports username/password authentication
- Handles TCP and UDP traffic
- Widely available from proxy providers
Cons:
- No built-in encryption (relies on Telegram's encryption)
- Requires manual configuration
- May be slower than MTProto for Telegram specifically
SOCKS5 is ideal when you want one proxy for multiple applications or need authenticated access.
HTTP Proxy
HTTP proxies handle web traffic and work with Telegram Desktop and Web versions.
Pros:
- Easy to find and configure
- Works on networks that block other protocols
Cons:
- Limited protocol support
- No encryption by default
- Not available on Telegram mobile apps
HTTP proxies serve as a fallback when SOCKS5 and MTProto don't work on your network.
Which Proxy Type Should You Choose?
| Use Case | Recommended Proxy |
|---|---|
| Bypassing censorship | MTProto |
| Maximum privacy | SOCKS5 with residential IPs |
| Multiple account management | SOCKS5 rotating proxies |
| Corporate firewall bypass | HTTP or MTProto |
| Telegram bots and automation | SOCKS5 |
How to Set Up a Proxy in Telegram Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Setting up a Telegram proxy on desktop takes less than two minutes. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Telegram Desktop and click the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner.
Step 2: Select "Settings" from the menu.
Step 3: Click "Advanced" in the settings panel.
Step 4: Find the "Connection type" section and click on it.
Step 5: Select "Use custom proxy" to open the configuration panel.
Step 6: Choose your proxy type: SOCKS5, HTTP, or MTProto.
Step 7: Enter your proxy details:
- Server: The proxy IP address or hostname
- Port: The port number (commonly 1080 for SOCKS5)
- Username/Password: If your proxy requires authentication
- Secret: For MTProto proxies only
Step 8: Click "Save" to apply the settings.
Telegram will immediately route traffic through your proxy. Look for "Connected" status at the bottom of the settings panel to confirm it's working.
How to Set Up a Proxy in Telegram on Android
Android users can configure proxies directly within the Telegram app.
Step 1: Open Telegram and tap the three-line menu icon in the top-left corner.
Step 2: Tap "Settings" from the menu.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap "Data and Storage."
Step 4: Find the "Proxy" section and tap "Proxy Settings."
Step 5: Enable the "Use Proxy" toggle.
Step 6: Tap "Add Proxy" and select your proxy type (SOCKS5 or MTProto).
Step 7: Enter the proxy server details:
- Server address
- Port number
- Username and password (for SOCKS5)
- Secret key (for MTProto)
Step 8: Tap the checkmark in the top-right corner to save.
The proxy activates immediately. You'll see "Connected" under your proxy entry when it's working.
Pro tip: Enable "Use proxy for calls" if you want voice calls routed through the proxy too.
How to Set Up a Proxy in Telegram on iPhone (iOS)
iOS configuration follows a similar process with slightly different navigation.
Step 1: Open Telegram and tap "Settings" in the bottom-right corner.
Step 2: Tap "Data and Storage."
Step 3: Scroll to the "Proxy" section and tap "Proxy Settings."
Step 4: Tap "Add Proxy."
Step 5: Select your proxy type (SOCKS5 or MTProto).
Step 6: Fill in the connection details:
- Server address
- Port
- Credentials (for SOCKS5)
- Secret (for MTProto)
Step 7: Tap "Done" to save your configuration.
Step 8: Toggle "Use Proxy" to enable the connection.
Your Telegram traffic now routes through the proxy server. A "Connected" label confirms the proxy is active.
System-Level Proxy Setup: Hide Your IP Before Logging In
Here's something most guides miss: configuring a proxy inside Telegram reveals your real IP during the initial login.
When you first open Telegram and add a proxy after launching the app, Telegram briefly connects directly to its servers. Your real IP gets logged before the proxy kicks in.
To prevent this, set up the proxy at the system level before opening Telegram.
Windows System Proxy
Step 1: Open Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
Step 2: Under "Manual proxy setup," toggle "Use a proxy server" to On.
Step 3: Enter your proxy address and port.
Step 4: Save and close settings.
Step 5: Now open Telegram. All traffic routes through the system proxy from the start.
macOS System Proxy
Step 1: Open System Preferences > Network.
Step 2: Select your active connection and click "Advanced."
Step 3: Go to the "Proxies" tab.
Step 4: Check "SOCKS Proxy" and enter your server details.
Step 5: Click "OK" then "Apply."
Android System Proxy
Android requires a VPN app or proxy app that routes all traffic. Search for "SOCKS5 proxy client" in the Play Store.
Alternatively, configure proxy settings in your Wi-Fi connection:
Step 1: Long-press your Wi-Fi network and select "Modify network."
Step 2: Tap "Advanced options."
Step 3: Change "Proxy" to "Manual."
Step 4: Enter your proxy hostname and port.
This routes all traffic through the proxy when connected to that specific Wi-Fi network.
How to Verify Your Telegram Proxy Is Working
Don't just assume the proxy works. Test it to confirm your IP is actually masked.
Method 1: Check Proxy Status in Settings
Open Telegram's proxy settings. If it shows "Connected" next to your proxy entry, the connection is established.
Method 2: Send a Test Message
Try sending a message in any chat. If it delivers successfully, your proxy connection works.
Method 3: Check Your IP Address
For Telegram Web users:
- Visit ipinfo.io with the proxy disabled
- Note your IP address
- Enable the proxy
- Refresh the page
- Your IP should now show the proxy server's location
If the IP changed, your proxy routes traffic correctly.
Method 4: Test Connection Speed
Use Telegram's built-in speed test by going to Settings > Data and Storage > Proxy Settings. The ping time shows how fast your proxy responds.
A ping under 200ms works well for messaging. Video calls need under 100ms for smooth performance.
How to Disable Your Telegram Proxy
Removing or disabling a proxy takes just a few taps.
On Android and iOS
- Open Settings > Data and Storage
- Tap "Proxy Settings"
- Toggle "Use Proxy" to Off
Or delete the proxy by swiping left on it (iOS) or long-pressing and selecting delete (Android).
On Desktop
- Go to Settings > Advanced > Connection Type
- Select "Disable proxy" or "Direct connection"
Telegram immediately connects directly to its servers without routing through the proxy.
Troubleshooting Common Telegram Proxy Issues
Sometimes proxy connections fail. Here's how to fix the most common problems.
"Connecting..." That Never Connects
Problem: Telegram shows "Connecting..." indefinitely.
Solutions:
- Verify the proxy server address and port are correct
- Check if the proxy requires authentication and enter credentials
- Try a different proxy server (the current one may be down)
- Switch between SOCKS5 and MTProto to see which works
Slow Connection Speeds
Problem: Messages take forever to send or media loads slowly.
Solutions:
- Choose a proxy geographically closer to you
- Switch from residential to datacenter proxies for faster speeds
- Avoid free public proxies (they're usually overloaded)
- Test the proxy ping in Telegram settings
Proxy Works but Calls Don't
Problem: Messages work but voice/video calls fail.
Solutions:
- Enable "Use proxy for calls" in proxy settings
- SOCKS5 proxies handle calls better than MTProto
- Some proxies block UDP traffic needed for calls
- Try a different proxy provider
Authentication Failed
Problem: Telegram says the proxy credentials are wrong.
Solutions:
- Double-check username and password for typos
- Some SOCKS5 proxies use IP authentication instead of passwords
- Confirm your subscription with the proxy provider is active
- Try the credentials in another app to verify they work
Using Proxies With Telegram Bots
Running Telegram bots through proxies requires additional configuration in your code.
Most Telegram bot libraries support SOCKS5 proxies. Here's how to configure the popular Python Telethon library:
import socks
from telethon import TelegramClient
# Proxy configuration
proxy = (socks.SOCKS5, 'proxy.example.com', 1080, True, 'username', 'password')
# Initialize client with proxy
client = TelegramClient('session', api_id, api_hash, proxy=proxy)
For python-telegram-bot:
from telegram.ext import Updater
# Configure proxy
REQUEST_KWARGS = {
'proxy_url': 'socks5://username:password@proxy.example.com:1080/'
}
updater = Updater(token='YOUR_BOT_TOKEN', request_kwargs=REQUEST_KWARGS)
Using proxies with bots helps avoid rate limits when managing multiple bots from one server.
Free vs Premium Telegram Proxies
Free MTProto proxy lists exist all over the internet. But they come with serious drawbacks.
Problems With Free Proxies
Slow speeds: Everyone shares the same servers, causing congestion.
Unreliable uptime: Free proxies go offline frequently without warning.
Injected channels: Many free MTProto proxies automatically add sponsored channels to your Telegram account.
Security risks: Free proxy operators can potentially monitor your traffic.
IP reputation issues: Shared IPs often get flagged for spam.
When Premium Proxies Make Sense
Premium proxy services like Roundproxies.com offer residential, datacenter, ISP, and mobile proxies with dedicated IPs, faster speeds, and reliable uptime.
Consider premium proxies when you:
- Run Telegram for business or marketing
- Need consistent, fast connections
- Manage multiple accounts
- Require rotating IPs to avoid detection
For casual use on a restricted network, free MTProto proxies work fine. For anything more serious, invest in quality proxies.
Security Considerations When Using Telegram Proxies
Proxies add privacy but don't provide complete anonymity. Keep these points in mind.
Proxy Operators Can See Metadata
Even with Telegram's encryption, the proxy server sees which IP addresses you connect from and when. Choose a trustworthy provider.
MTProto Adds Protocol Obfuscation
MTProto disguises Telegram traffic as HTTPS, making it harder for network administrators to detect you're using Telegram. SOCKS5 doesn't offer this obfuscation.
Combine With VPN for Maximum Privacy
For complete anonymity, run a VPN first, then configure your Telegram proxy. This hides your proxy usage from your ISP.
Check Your Proxy's Logging Policy
Legitimate proxy providers clearly state their logging policies. Avoid services that log connection timestamps or traffic content.
Conclusion
Setting up a proxy in Telegram protects your privacy and bypasses access restrictions. The process takes just minutes on any device.
For most users, SOCKS5 proxies offer the best balance of speed, security, and compatibility. MTProto works better when you need to disguise Telegram traffic from network monitors.
Remember to test your proxy connection after setup. And if you need true anonymity, configure the proxy at the system level before opening Telegram for the first time.
