Telegram VPN
Telegram stuck on "Connecting…", channel videos that won't download, or not wanting the office network to see you on Telegram — HZVPN can help with these. We'll also clear up how Telegram's own encryption works, to avoid any confusion.
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What a VPN does while you use Telegram
Telegram keeps messages, groups and channels on its cloud servers, so the app has to stay connected to them. When the link is unstable, you see "Connecting…" or "Updating…" spinning at the top.
With HZVPN on, Telegram traffic is encrypted and sent to your chosen server location, then on to Telegram's data centres.
Stuck on "Connecting…"? Try another road
If your network's link to Telegram's data centres is shaky, the app keeps reconnecting. Connect to a nearby HZVPN location and open Telegram again — it often connects sooner.
An extra layer on public networks
Regular Telegram chats are encrypted in transit, but the local network can still tell you're connecting to Telegram. With HZVPN on, the Wi-Fi operator only sees VPN traffic.
Channel videos and big files download slowly
Telegram can send very large files. When downloads are slow, compare a few server locations and keep the smoother one; on a trusted network, also try once with the VPN off.
Moving from Wi-Fi to mobile data
When you move from Wi-Fi to mobile data, both Telegram and the VPN have to reconnect, so expect a few seconds' pause. If it doesn't recover, reconnect once in the HZVPN app.
Telegram and VPNs: a few things to clear up
Telegram's encryption works differently from what many people assume, and a VPN isn't a cure-all.
Regular chats aren't end-to-end encrypted
Telegram cloud chats and groups are encrypted in transit but stored on Telegram's servers. Only Secret Chats are end-to-end encrypted. A VPN doesn't change that — for highly private conversations, use a Secret Chat.
Turn off Telegram's built-in proxy
Telegram has its own proxy setting. If another proxy is set while HZVPN is on, the connection takes an extra detour and is more likely to fail. When using HZVPN, turn the proxy off under Settings → Data and Storage → Proxy.
Some channels are limited by platform
Telegram may hide some channels or bots depending on the platform (for example app-store builds) or region. That's Telegram's policy decision, and HZVPN doesn't promise to make them appear.
Different ways to use Telegram
Phone, desktop, web and bots connect in slightly different ways.
Mobile app
HZVPN runs on Android 9+ and iOS 13+. Once connected, Telegram's traffic goes through the encrypted tunnel.
Desktop app
Telegram Desktop is good for big files and lots of groups. HZVPN is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
On the web
When you use Telegram in a browser, connecting HZVPN encrypts the browser's traffic too. Don't stay signed in on public computers.
Bots and development
If you run a Telegram bot on a server, HZVPN's Linux command-line client can route the server's connection through the VPN. Make sure your bot follows Telegram's terms first.
Get started in 3 steps
Sign up and download
Create an HZVPN account on our website, then download the app for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS or Linux.
Pick a server location
Choose one of 43 server locations in the app and tap connect. If it doesn't feel right, switch to another any time.
Open the app you want to use
Open Telegram and check it no longer says "Connecting…". If you set a proxy in Telegram before, turn it off first.
Telegram stuck on "Connecting…": how to troubleshoot
Step one: check whether Telegram has a proxy set. Go to Settings → Data and Storage → Proxy; if you're using HZVPN, turn the proxy off so two proxies don't interfere.
Step two: make sure the phone itself is online — open a web page in the browser. If that fails too, the problem is your local network.
Step three: connect HZVPN and pick a nearby server location. In East Asia, try Hong Kong (29 servers) or Japan (41); in Southeast Asia, try Singapore (24).
Step four: still "Connecting…"? Switch to another location. HZVPN doesn't limit switches, so try a few.
HZVPN features that matter for Telegram
We only list features HZVPN actually has today. If a feature isn't listed here, please don't assume it exists.
One account, several devices
Your phone, tablet and computer can all sign in with the same HZVPN account. Devices online at the same time: 3 on VIP, 5 on SVIP (the app shows the current limit).
Switch locations any time, no limit
If the connection isn't smooth, switch location in the app. There's no limit on switches.
43 server locations, 265 servers
43 server locations, 265 servers. Pick one near where you are.
Command-line client for macOS and Linux
A command-line client is available for macOS and Linux: sign in with hzvpn login and connect with hzvpn connect — handy for bots or scripts running on a server.
Frequently asked questions
Telegram keeps saying "Connecting…". What should I do?
Turn off Telegram's proxy setting, check that your local network is online, then connect HZVPN and pick a server location near you.
Are Telegram chats end-to-end encrypted?
Only Secret Chats are. Regular cloud chats and groups are encrypted in transit but stored on Telegram's servers.
Do I still need a proxy in Telegram if HZVPN is on?
No, and we don't recommend it. Two proxies make the connection more likely to fail; turn off Telegram's proxy while using HZVPN.
Can a VPN show me restricted Telegram channels?
We don't make that promise. Channel restrictions are decided by Telegram based on platform and policy.
Big Telegram downloads are slow. Will a VPN help?
It may or may not. Try once with and once without the VPN, then compare a few server locations.
Can I run a Telegram bot on a server with HZVPN?
You can connect with the Linux command-line client. Make sure your bot follows Telegram's terms.
Ready when you are
Sign up for an HZVPN account to use the free servers. Upgrade later if you need more server locations or more devices online at once.
Server numbers come from our server list (43 locations, 265 servers). They change with maintenance; the app always shows the current list.