Telegram is used by over 1 billion active users, so when it gets stuck on “Connecting…”, it’s usually not just “your phone is broken.”
Most of the time, it’s caused by network routing, a proxy/VPN setting, or data-saving restrictions (Low Data Mode/Data Saver).
App Fixes Hub (Complete Guide)
Fastest order
- Switch network: Wi-Fi ↔ mobile data (USA test on Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile once).
- Force close Telegram + restart your phone.
- If you ever used a proxy in Telegram, disable Proxy (proxy issues can lock Telegram in a connect loop).
- Turn OFF iPhone Low Data Mode or Android Data Saver, then retry.
- Update Telegram. If still stuck, reinstall.
Quick diagnosis (pick the line that matches you)
- Only Telegram won’t connect (other apps work) → cache/session, proxy, or data limits
- Works on mobile data but not Wi-Fi → router/DNS/VPN/IPv6 issue
- Works on Wi-Fi but not mobile data → Data Saver/plan restriction/carrier filtering
- Telegram Web/Desktop works, phone app doesn’t → app session, proxy, device restrictions
Fixes (do these in order)
1) Check for a real outage (30 seconds)
Before changing settings, confirm it’s not widespread. Use a status tracker to see if lots of users are reporting Telegram problems.
If there’s a spike, wait a bit and retry (no amount of cache clearing helps during an outage).
2) Switch networks once (best test)
- If you’re on Wi-Fi → try mobile data
- If you’re on mobile data → try Wi-Fi
USA quick test: try Telegram on Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile data once.
If it works there but not on your Wi-Fi, your router/DNS/VPN is the issue.
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3) Airplane Mode ON → OFF
Turn Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off. This refreshes the cellular/Wi-Fi connection cleanly.
4) Force close Telegram + restart your phone
This clears a stuck network session (very common on iOS and Android).
5) Disable Telegram Proxy (this is a big one)
If Proxy is enabled (SOCKS5/MTProto), Telegram can get stuck connecting even when the internet is fine. Telegram’s own bug tracker includes a workaround to turn on Airplane mode, open Telegram, and disable Proxy in Settings.
Do this:
- Turn on Airplane Mode
- Open Telegram → Settings → find Proxy → turn it OFF
- Turn Airplane Mode OFF → retry
6) Turn OFF VPN (one clean attempt)
VPNs can break Telegram routing (especially if the VPN server is overloaded). Turn it off, retry once, then decide if you actually need it.
7) iPhone: Turn OFF Low Data Mode (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
Apple says Low Data Mode reduces background network activity and can limit normal app behavior.
Turn it off temporarily:
- Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options (or Data Mode) → Low Data Mode OFF
- Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) on your Wi-Fi → Low Data Mode OFF
8) Android: Turn OFF Data Saver or whitelist Telegram as Unrestricted data
Android’s official guidance shows how to allow apps to keep using data even when Data Saver is on (Unrestricted data).
Path (most phones):
Settings → Network & Internet → Data Saver → Unrestricted data → enable Telegram
9) Check battery saving “task killers” (Xiaomi/Huawei especially)
Telegram notes some devices use aggressive battery saving that interferes with Telegram services, and suggests whitelisting Telegram in those battery/security apps.
If Telegram only works after you open it, battery restrictions are a prime suspect.
10) Update Telegram (and your OS)
Outdated builds can get weird with networks. Update Telegram from Play Store/App Store, then reboot once.
11) Clear Telegram cache (Android / Desktop)
If Telegram loads but keeps looping, clearing cached data can help (especially after updates or network changes).
12) Reset network settings (when nothing else works)
- iPhone: Reset Network Settings (will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords)
- Android: Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth settings (names vary)
Then reconnect and test Telegram again.
13) Router-side fix (if Telegram works on data but not Wi-Fi)
If the issue is only on your home Wi-Fi:
- Restart router
- Try a different DNS (or set Private DNS back to Automatic)
- If you can, test Telegram on another Wi-Fi hotspot once
14) Reinstall Telegram (strong fix)
Telegram syncs chats in the cloud for most users, so reinstalling often fixes the “stuck connecting” loop without losing chats.
Tip: if you rely on Secret Chats, be cautious—those don’t always restore like normal chats.
15) If you must use proxy (restricted regions), try a different proxy or a VPN
If Telegram is blocked in your region and you depend on proxy/VPN, a dead proxy endpoint can cause endless connecting. The official bug-tracker workaround still applies: disable the broken proxy, then use another route.
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FAQs
Why is Telegram stuck on “Connecting…” while other apps work?
Most often: a Telegram Proxy setting, VPN routing, or data-saving restrictions (Low Data Mode/Data Saver).
Telegram works on mobile data but not Wi-Fi — what does that mean?
Usually a router/DNS/VPN/IPv6 routing issue on your Wi-Fi. Try router restart, DNS change, and testing without VPN.
Can Low Data Mode or Data Saver cause Telegram connection issues?
Yes—Low Data Mode reduces background network use on iPhone, and Android Data Saver can limit apps unless you allow them as Unrestricted data.
How do I disable Telegram proxy if I can’t connect?
Telegram’s bug tracker suggests turning on Airplane mode, opening Telegram, disabling Proxy in Settings, then turning Airplane mode off.
Sources
- Telegram FAQ (platform info + troubleshooting notes). (Telegram)
- Telegram Bugs platform (proxy-related workaround). (bugs.telegram.org)
- Apple Support: Low Data Mode behavior and how to toggle it. (Apple Support)
- Android.com + Google Pixel Help: Data Saver / Unrestricted data steps. (Android)
