The short answer
- 1Compare another app, another network and another device.
- 2If only one network or device fails, the problem is on your side.
- 3If everything fails everywhere for others too, it may be an outage.
A two-minute test
When Telegram stops working, the question is whether the problem is on your side or Telegram's. Three quick comparisons answer it:
| Test | If it works | If it fails too |
|---|---|---|
| Another app on the same network, such as a website or video | Your internet is fine; keep going | Your internet is down; fix that first |
| Telegram on another network: switch Wi-Fi to mobile data, or the other way | The first network blocks or filters Telegram | Keep going |
| Telegram on another device or at web.telegram.org | The problem is the first device or app | Possibly Telegram itself, or your account |
If everything except Telegram works, on several networks and devices, and other people near you have the same problem, Telegram may be having an outage. See how to check Telegram's server status.
Signs it is just you
- Only one network fails: a work, school or public Wi-Fi may block Telegram. See school and office networks, or works on Wi-Fi but not mobile data.
- Only one device fails: an old proxy or VPN in that app, battery limits or an outdated version. See stuck on Connecting.
- Only messages to new people fail: a spam limit on your account, not an outage. See mutual contacts only.
- Only one chat is affected: that chat's settings or restrictions. See can't post in a group.
Signs it may be Telegram
- "Connecting…" or "Updating…" on every device and every network, while other apps work.
- Messages stuck on the clock icon for everyone you write to.
- Friends in other places report the same thing at the same time.
Outages are usually partial: they may affect one region, or only media, or only some data centers. Messages waiting on your phone usually send once service recovers. You do not need to reinstall, log out or change settings.
Next step: stuck on 'Connecting…'.
FAQ
How do I know if Telegram is down?
If Telegram fails on several networks and devices while other apps work, and others report the same, it may be an outage.
Why does Telegram work on mobile data but not Wi-Fi?
That Wi-Fi network may block or filter Telegram.
Should I reinstall Telegram during an outage?
No. Reinstalling does not help with an outage; wait for service to return.
Sources
At a glance
- 1Your side
One network or one device fails.
- 2Telegram
Every network and device, and others too.
- 3During outages
Wait; never give a code to 'support'.
Updated
