Telegram is one of the most popular messaging apps, known for its speed, privacy, and cloud-based functionality. However, in certain countries such as Iran and China, Telegram may be blocked or restricted, making direct access difficult. One of the most effective and secure workarounds in 2025 is using a SOCKS5 proxy.

In this guide, you’ll learn what a SOCKS5 proxy is, how it works with Telegram, and how to set it up on both desktop and mobile devices for private and uninterrupted communication.

A SOCKS5 proxy is an internet protocol that routes your traffic through a third-party server, masking your IP address and bypassing geo-restrictions. Unlike HTTP proxies, SOCKS5 supports a wide range of traffic types, including instant messaging apps like Telegram.

Operates at the transport layer, supporting all protocols and traffic types
Conceals your real IP address for improved privacy and anonymity
Supports username/password authentication (if needed)
Lightweight and faster than VPNs for app-specific traffic like Telegram

Using a SOCKS5 proxy is ideal for users in restricted regions or those seeking more privacy online. Here’s why:
Bypass government censorship (ideal for using Telegram in China or Iran)
Avoid ISP throttling and speed restrictions
Protect your privacy by hiding your IP address from Telegram servers
App-level proxy routing without affecting system-wide internet traffic

Setting up a SOCKS5 proxy for Telegram is quick and easy on all platforms.

①　Open Telegram on your computer
②　Click ☰ (menu) > Settings > Advanced
③　Scroll to Connection Type
④　Select Use Custom Proxy
⑤　Choose SOCKS5
⑥　Enter the proxy IP, port, and optional username/password
⑦　Click Reconnect to apply changes

①　Open the Telegram app
②　Navigate to Settings > Data and Storage > Proxy Settings
③　Enable Use Proxy
④　Select SOCKS5
⑤　Enter the Server, Port, and optional credentials
⑥　Tap Save
These settings allow you to access Telegram in blocked regions or secure your messaging anywhere in the world.

There are many websites offering free SOCKS5 proxy servers, but they come with significant risks:
① Unstable and slow connections
② Potential data logging or ad injection
③ Shared with multiple users, causing performance issues
If you're serious about secure Telegram access, consider using a reliable paid provider or host your own proxy server.

Provider	Features	Starting Price
One Proxy	SOCKS5 proxies, Telegram-optimized IPs, location targeting	From $0.50/IP
Blurpath	High-performance SOCKS5 proxies, optimized for messaging apps like Telegram; global coverage with advanced targeting	Flexible plans
Two Proxy	Fast and affordable SOCKS5 proxies	From $1/IP
Self-hosted VPS	Full control, best for privacy	VPS cost only

These providers offer the best balance of speed, privacy, and reliability when using Telegram behind a proxy.
Related search terms:
① best SOCKS5 proxy for Telegram 2025
② Telegram proxy IP list
③ private proxy for Telegram bots

If you prefer total control, hosting your own SOCKS5 proxy is a great option. Here are some recommended tools:
① Dante – A powerful SOCKS5 server for Linux
② Shadowsocks – Lightweight, encrypted proxy popular in China
③ proxy – Lightweight, open-source proxy server
Example: To set up a Dante server on Ubuntu, follow the official documentation and secure your instance with a firewall and authentication.
① Security Tips for Using Proxies
② Never use unknown public proxies for sensitive tasks
③ Use SOCKS5 proxies that support authentication
④ Avoid logging into bank or social accounts on public proxies
⑤ Rotate IP addresses if managing multiple Telegram accounts

Whether you’re trying to access Telegram in a censored country or simply want more privacy, a SOCKS5 proxy is a powerful and lightweight solution. It’s faster than VPNs, easier to configure, and keeps your messaging safe and unrestricted.
Choose the best option for your needs:
① Use paid proxy providers for simplicity and reliability
② Host your own proxy for full control
③ Avoid free proxies unless you’re testing non-sensitive usage
Enjoy uninterrupted, secure Telegram access anywhere in the world!