free-mtproto-proxies

How to Find, Add, and Maintain MTProto Proxies for Telegram

When Telegram stops connecting in your region, a working MTProto proxy is the quickest fix. But proxies come and go. This guide walks you through finding a fresh one from the [free-mtproto-proxies repository](https://github.com/dubblebyte/free-mtproto-proxies), adding it to Telegram on mobile, confirming it's active, and what to do when it inevitably dies.

Step 1: Find a Live Proxy

The repository at `github.com/dubblebyte/free-mtproto-proxies` automatically scrapes and tests MTProto proxies with Fake-TLS support. Open it on your phone's browser. You'll see a list like this:

148.251.190.250:1443

secret: eef242dfc1e345d5b1e32b7d3241f95e:ee

Some entries include a `tg://` link you can tap directly. If you're on desktop, copy the IP, port, and secret. For mobile, the `tg://` link is the easiest method.

**Tip:** Sort by the "Last Check" column (if visible) or pick proxies from the top of the list – those were verified most recently.

Step 2: Add the Proxy to Telegram

On your phone:

1. Open Telegram.

2. Go to **Settings** → **Data and Storage** → **Proxy Settings**.

3. Tap **Add Proxy** → choose **MTProto**.

4. Enter the server address (IP), port, and secret from the list.

If the repository provides a `tg://` link (e.g., `tg://proxy?server=148.251.190.250&port=1443&secret=eef242dfc1e345d5b1e32b7d3241f95e:ee`), you can simply tap it and Telegram will open with a prompt to use that proxy. This is the fastest method on mobile.

**Screenshot description (mobile):** Imagine a screen capture showing the Telegram proxy settings page with fields for Server, Port, and Secret filled in, plus a toggle to enable "Use proxy". Below that, a "Share" button to send the proxy to others.

Step 3: Verify It Works

After adding, toggle the proxy on. Telegram will show a small cloud icon next to the proxy name – gray when inactive, green when connected. Wait 5-10 seconds and send a message to a chat you know works. If it sends quickly, the proxy is live. If you see a spinning loader or an error, try another proxy from the list.

**Practical verification:** Open a public channel with media (like photos or videos). If thumbnails load and videos play smoothly, the proxy is both working and reasonably fast. If only text goes through but media stutters, the proxy may be overloaded – switch to another.

Step 4: What to Do If the Proxy Stops

Proxies die. Operators stop running them, firewalls detect the IP, or bandwidth limits are exceeded. When your green cloud turns gray again:

- **Refresh the proxy list** from the repository. The automated scraper updates every few minutes, so new proxies are usually available.

- **Try the second or third proxy** on the list – the first one may be popular and slow.

- **Add multiple proxies** in Telegram. You can enable "Use proxy" for one, but keep a few disabled in the list for quick swap. Just tap a disabled proxy to activate it.

**Advanced tip:** Some proxies are more resilient in specific regions. For example, proxies from certain hosting providers may be blocked by the GFW but work fine in Iran. The [free-mtproto-proxies](https://github.com/dubblebyte/free-mtproto-proxies) repo sometimes includes location tags in the table; prioritize those that match your region's unfriendly networks.

Understanding Proxy Security (A Quick Note)

When you use an MTProto proxy, the operator can see your IP address and the fact that you're using Telegram, but not your message contents – Telegram's end-to-end encryption (Secret Chats) and server-client encryption protect that. However, regular cloud chats are encrypted only between client and server, so the proxy sees the traffic but not the decrypted messages. For a deeper look at what information a proxy operator can access, read [Understanding What an MTProto Proxy Operator Can Actually See](https://dev.to/humja_jaan_fca09049ae97d5/understanding-what-an-mtproto-proxy-operator-can-actually-see-2m9m). It's a short, practical breakdown.

Where to Get More Proxies If the Repository Goes Down

The free-mtproto-proxies repo is updated by an automated scraper. If you ever pull the list and nothing works, check the linked [live web listing](https://telegra.ph/free-mtproto-proxies-07-24-2) (mirror on Telegra.ph) for an alternative formatted view. The page is lightweight and loads quickly even on slow connections.

Final Pro Tips

- **Don't share your secret publicly.** The `:ee` suffix in the secret indicates Fake-TLS support – keep that to yourself unless you trust the recipient.

- **Use a VPN as a fallback.** If all proxies fail, a VPN can get you back online temporarily while you find a fresh proxy.

- **Bookmark the repository.** It's the most reliable single source for actively tested MTProto proxies. Check back daily if you rely on Telegram heavily in a censored region.

That's it. A working proxy should take less than 60 seconds to set up from the moment you open the repo. If it doesn't, move to the next one – there are always fresh servers in the list.