The short answer
- 1If Telegram works on one network, the app and account are fine.
- 2Mobile data: permission, data saver, roaming, data left.
- 3Wi-Fi: networks that block messaging, sign-in pages, router filters.
In this article
If one network works, Telegram is fine
When Telegram connects on Wi-Fi but not on mobile data, or the other way round, the app and your account are working. Something about the failing network, or a setting tied to it, is the problem.
Fails on mobile data, works on Wi-Fi
| Check | Where |
|---|---|
| Mobile data is allowed for Telegram | Android: phone Settings, Apps, Telegram, Mobile data. iPhone: Settings, Mobile Data (or Cellular), Telegram on |
| Data saver or Low Data Mode is not blocking background use | The phone's network or data saver settings |
| Roaming, if you are abroad | Data roaming must be on for data to work |
| Your plan has data left | Your carrier's app or account |
| The carrier does not filter Telegram | Rare, but some carriers or regions restrict it |
Fails on Wi-Fi, works on mobile data
- Work, school, hotel or public Wi-Fi often blocks messaging apps or needs you to accept terms in a browser page first. Open any website to see if a sign-in page appears. See school and office networks.
- Home router filters such as parental controls or "safe browsing" features can block Telegram. Check the router's settings or app.
- Restart the router if everything on that Wi-Fi is slow.
Settings that follow the network
Telegram's own data settings can make one network look broken when it is not:
- Automatic media download has separate rules for mobile data, Wi-Fi and roaming. On mobile data, photos may load while videos wait for a tap; that is a setting, not a fault. See why Telegram uses so much mobile data.
- Use Less Data for Calls in Data and Storage can lower call quality on mobile data.
- A proxy or VPN may only work on some networks. Turn it off to test. See stuck on Connecting.
Next step: photo or video uploads stall.
FAQ
Why does Telegram work on Wi-Fi but not mobile data?
Mobile data may be off for Telegram, data saver may restrict it, or roaming is off abroad.
Why doesn't Telegram work on public Wi-Fi?
Many public, work and school networks block messaging apps or need a sign-in page first.
Why do videos not load on mobile data?
Automatic media download has stricter limits on mobile data. Tap the video to download it.
Sources
Summary
At a glance
- 1Mobile data
Allowed for Telegram; data saver; roaming.
- 2Wi-Fi
Public or work Wi-Fi blocks; router filters.
- 3Settings
Auto-download rules differ per network.
Updated
