Setting up a proxy in Telegram

Telegram is not just a messenger, but a powerful platform for communication, news, and work. However, users may encounter connection difficulties: from unstable network performance in certain regions to restrictions in corporate or public Wi-Fi networks.

To solve this problem, Telegram has a built-in powerful and flexible "Proxy" feature. It allows you to route application traffic through an intermediary server (upstream proxy), ensuring a stable connection and increased privacy.

In this guide, we will break down step-by-step how to set up a proxy in Telegram on any device and which proxy type to choose for optimal speed and data security.

Why do you need a proxy for Telegram?

Using a proxy is a fundamental tool for ensuring connection stability and data protection, especially for professional use of the messenger.

• Uninterrupted access to the platform: This is the main reason. If your ISP has routing issues or the network has strict firewall settings, a proxy acts as a reliable gateway, providing stable access to Telegram servers.
• Professional profile management (for business): If you manage multiple Telegram business accounts (e.g., for an SMM agency, support service, or different projects), working from a single IP address can cause session conflicts. Using a separate proxy for each work profile (based on the "1 profile = 1 proxy" principle) is a standard of digital hygiene, allowing you to isolate traffic from different clients and ensure the independent, stable operation of each account.
• Increased privacy: A proxy masks your direct IP address, adding an extra layer of privacy protection. The provider only sees the connection to the proxy server, which helps protect your activity metadata.
• Improved connection quality (in some cases): A proxy can optimize the traffic route. If your provider has high latency (ping) to Telegram servers, choosing a high-quality proxy server located closer to the messenger's data centers can speed up media file downloads.

Which proxy type to choose: SOCKS5 vs. MTProto

In the Telegram settings, you will see two main protocols. It is important to understand their difference:

• SOCKS5: This is a universal and reliable protocol. It provides high data transfer speeds. SOCKS5 proxies can be used not only for Telegram but also for browsers or other office applications. This is the "gold standard" for most tasks.
• MTProto: This is a native protocol developed by the Telegram team specifically for the messenger. Its main advantage is optimization for operation in networks with complex configurations and strict traffic filtering rules.

Verdict: Both options work perfectly. If your goal is versatility, choose SOCKS5. If you are in a network with strict firewall restrictions, MTProto may be a more resilient solution for maintaining a connection.

Step-by-step proxy setup in Telegram

The setup process takes no more than two minutes. You will need your proxy server data: host (IP address or domain), port, login, and password.

Setup on PC (Windows, macOS, Linux)

1. Launch the desktop version of Telegram.
2. In the upper left corner, click on the "hamburger menu" icon (three lines) and select "Settings".
3. Go to the "Advanced" tab.
4. Find the "Data and Storage" section and click on "Connection type".
5. Activate the "Use custom proxy" option.
6. Select your proxy type: SOCKS5 or MTProto.
7. Fill in the fields:
8. Hostname: Enter the IP address or domain name of the proxy.
9. Port: Specify the server port.
10. Username/Password: Enter the authorization data if required.
11. Click the "Save" button.

Fig.1. Step-by-step proxy setup in Telegram on PC

Setup on mobile devices (Android/iOS)

1. Open the Telegram app and go to "Settings".
2. Select the "Data and Storage" section.
3. Scroll to the very bottom and tap on "Proxy Settings".
4. Activate the "Use Proxy" toggle.
5. Tap "Add Proxy".
6. Select the type: SOCKS5 or MTProto.
7. Enter the server data: Server (Host), Port, Username, and Password.
8. Tap the "Checkmark" to save.

Fig.2. Step-by-step proxy setup in Telegram on mobile devices

After setup, Telegram will automatically check the connection. If everything is entered correctly and the server is available, you will see the "online" status and a shield icon at the top of the interface.

Where to get high-quality proxies: Paid vs. Free

• Free proxies: We do not recommend using them for important tasks. Public servers are often overloaded, have low speeds, and cannot guarantee the security of transmitted data.
• Paid proxies: This is a reliable option for professional work. Paid providers ensure high uptime, speed, and "clean" IP addresses. For Telegram, mobile proxies are an excellent choice. Social networks and messengers are "mobile-first" platforms, so traffic from mobile carrier IP addresses is perceived by the system as standard user activity, ensuring maximum stability.

Conclusion

Setting up a proxy in Telegram is not a difficult technical trick, but a basic skill for any user who values connection quality and privacy. It turns the messenger into a reliable tool that will work regardless of local network failures.

Choosing a high-quality proxy is an important step toward protecting your privacy and ensuring comfortable access to information.

👉 Looking for stable proxies for Telegram? High-speed mobile SOCKS5 proxies are ideal for this task. They provide high connection reliability. In the CyberYozh App catalog, you will find verified proxies that will provide you with comfortable access to Telegram.