How can I set up a Telegram proxy securely

Choose a Reliable Proxy Provider

- Avoid using free public proxies, as they are often unsecured and may log your traffic[4].
- Use a reputable paid proxy service that offers strong encryption, no logging, and a track record of protecting user privacy[4].

Set Up the Proxy on Your Device

Mobile (iOS/Android)

1. Open Telegram and go to Settings > Data and Storage > Proxy Settings[1][2].
2. Enable "Use Proxy" and select "Add Proxy"[1][2].
3. Choose SOCKS5 as the protocol and enter the proxy server address, port, and if required, username and password[1][2].
4. Tap "Done" to save the settings[2].

Desktop

1. Open Telegram and go to Settings > Advanced > Connection Type[1][2].
2. Select "Use Custom Proxy"[2].
3. Enter the proxy server details including protocol (SOCKS5 or HTTP), address, port, and credentials if needed[2].
4. Click "Save" to apply the proxy settings[2].

Use a SOCKS5 Proxy for Best Security

SOCKS5 is the recommended protocol for Telegram as it provides better security and performance compared to HTTP[5].

Consider Using an MTProxy Server

Telegram also supports their own MTProxy protocol which is optimized for their platform[3][5]. However, SOCKS5 is still preferred for maximum security.

Verify the Proxy is Working

After setting up the proxy, try sending a message in Telegram. If it goes through successfully, the proxy is configured correctly.

Disable the Proxy When Not Needed

When you no longer require the proxy, simply turn off the "Use Proxy" option in Telegram settings to revert to a direct connection[2].

By following these steps and using a reputable paid SOCKS5 proxy, you can securely set up Telegram to bypass restrictions and maintain your privacy[4][5].