What you need#
- A SOCKS5 server and port, a username and a password. Telegram has no field for IP whitelisting, so use credentials.
- A sticky session, so the exit does not change while the app holds its connection open. On HodlProxy, add
-sid-and-ttl-24hto the username. - An exit in a country where Telegram works normally, ideally close to you for lower latency.
- Server
- res.hodlproxy.com (rotating pool) or your dedicated IP
- Port
- 9001 on the gateways, 8001 on dedicated addresses
- Username
- USER-cc-nl-sid-tg1-ttl-24h (country NL, session tg1, held 24 hours)
- Password
- PASS, from your dashboard
Android#
- Open Telegram, tap the menu, then Settings → Data and Storage → Proxy.
- Tap Add Proxy and choose SOCKS5.
- Fill in server, port, username and password, then save.
- Switch Use Proxy on. The shield icon in the chat list turns blue once connected.
iPhone and iPad#
- Open Settings → Data and Storage → Proxy.
- Tap Add Proxy, choose SOCKS5 and enter server, port, username and password.
- Tap Done, then select the proxy in the list to activate it.
Windows, macOS and Linux#
In Telegram Desktop, open Settings → Advanced → Connection type, choose Use custom proxy, then SOCKS5, and enter the same four values. In the native macOS app the setting sits under Settings → Data and Storage → Proxy, as on the iPhone.
Share it as a link#
Telegram opens proxy links directly: anyone who taps one gets the setting pre-filled. Keep links with credentials private, since anyone holding them can spend your traffic.
https://t.me/socks?server=res.hodlproxy.com&port=9001&user=USER-cc-nl-sid-tg1-ttl-24h&pass=PASSSOCKS5 or MTProto?#
| SOCKS5 | MTProto proxy | |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | A standard proxy protocol | Telegram's own protocol with a secret key |
| Works for | Telegram and any other app | Telegram only |
| Authentication | Username and password | A shared secret |
| Typical source | Paid providers, your own server | Volunteers and sponsors, often with a promoted channel |
HodlProxy provides SOCKS5 and HTTP(S), not MTProto. A paid SOCKS5 exit is private to your account, which public MTProto servers are not.
Keep the connection stable#
- Use a long sticky session (
-ttl-24h): Telegram keeps a connection open, and a changing exit forces reconnects. - For an always-on proxy, a dedicated ISP or datacenter address never changes and carries unlimited or pooled traffic, which suits media-heavy chats.
- Leave Use proxy for calls off: voice and video calls need UDP, and HodlProxy relays TCP only, so calls connect directly instead.
- An idle connection is closed after 60 seconds without traffic; Telegram reconnects on its own.
Troubleshooting#
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Stuck on "Connecting…" | Wrong port or protocol | SOCKS5 on 9001 (gateways) or 8001 (dedicated), not 9000/8000 |
| Proxy unavailable | Credentials rejected | Re-copy username and password; check for spaces |
| Reconnects every few minutes | No sticky session | Add -sid-NAME-ttl-24h to the username |
| Media loads slowly | Distant exit | Pick a country closer to you, or a dedicated ISP address |
Questions people ask#
Is it legal to use a proxy with Telegram?
Telegram supports proxies natively in every app, and using a proxy is legal in most countries. You remain responsible for complying with the laws that apply where you are.
Does a proxy hide my phone number?
No. A proxy changes the IP address Telegram's servers see; your account, phone number and contacts are unchanged. Privacy settings inside Telegram control who sees your number.
Can I use one proxy on several devices?
Yes. The same credentials work on every device, and HodlProxy does not limit concurrent connections. Use a different session ID per device if each should keep its own exit.
Which HodlProxy network is best for Telegram?
A dedicated ISP or datacenter address for an always-on setup with lots of media, since traffic is unlimited or pooled; a sticky residential session if you only need the app occasionally.