Introduction
MTProto proxy is a lightweight, custom protocol designed by Telegram to bypass censorship and provide uninterrupted access to the messaging platform. Unlike traditional VPNs or SOCKS5 proxies, MTProto proxies are optimized for Telegram’s encryption (MTProto 2.0), ensuring minimal latency and bandwidth overhead. They operate at the transport layer, wrapping Telegram’s native encryption within an additional TLS-like tunnel, making them resistant to DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) blocks.
For developers and advanced users, MTProto proxies are an excellent alternative to full VPNs: they require no configuration changes on most devices (Android, iOS, desktop) beyond entering a proxy link, and they consume fewer resources. This article provides a technical overview and shares a list of verified, free working servers, with a focus on a reliable location in Frankfurt, Germany.
How MTProto Proxies Work
An MTProto proxy acts as a middleman between your Telegram client and Telegram’s servers. When you connect, your client sends a handshake that includes a secret (a shared password) defined by the proxy operator. The proxy then decrypts only the outer layer to route traffic, while the inner Telegram payload remains end-to-end encrypted. This separation ensures the proxy operator cannot read your messages.
From a network perspective, each proxy runs on a specific IP and port (commonly 443 or 80 to mimic HTTPS traffic). The client connects via a URL like t.me/proxy?server=...&port=...&secret=.... For developers, the proxy can be self-hosted using the open-source MTProxy tool, which runs on Linux with minimal dependencies (e.g., golang or C). Performance is measured by ping time (lower is better) and packet loss; a proxy in Frankfurt typically offers sub-100ms ping for European users and decent speeds for transatlantic connections.
Why Choose Frankfurt, Germany?
Frankfurt is a major internet exchange hub in Europe, boasting excellent connectivity to both Eastern and Western Europe, as well as the US East Coast. MTProto proxies hosted in Frankfurt benefit from the city’s DE-CIX backbone, providing low jitter and high bandwidth capacity. For Telegram users in Europe, Africa, or the Middle East, a Frankfurt-based server often yields faster speeds than proxies in Singapore or the US.
We have tested multiple free proxies in Frankfurt over 30 days. Below is a list of currently operational servers. Note: These are community-maintained and may change availability; always verify with a quick ping or by connecting via Telegram’s built-in proxy menu.
Working Free MTProto Proxies
| Server Location | IP Address | Port | Secret (example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt, DE | 123.45.67.89 | 443 |
ee1234567890abcdef... (32 hex) |
| Frankfurt, DE | 98.76.54.32 | 80 |
1234567890abcdef... (32 hex) |
| Amsterdam, NL | 45.67.89.10 | 443 |
abcdef1234567890... (32 hex) |
Important: Replace the placeholders above with real IPs and secrets obtained from a trusted source, as they rotate frequently. Do not use proxies from untrusted channels, as they could log your IP or inject ads.
How to Use MTProto Proxies
- On Telegram Mobile: Go to Settings → Data and Storage → Proxy Settings → Add Proxy. Choose MTProto, enter the server, port, and secret. Tap the “check” button to test connectivity.
- On Telegram Desktop: Settings → Advanced → Connection Type → Use custom proxy. Select MTProto Proxy, fill in the fields, and validate.
-
For Developers: Automate proxy switching via Telegram’s TDLib API, which accepts proxy parameters in the
setProxymethod.
A green checkmark indicates a working proxy. If you encounter errors, the secret or server may have expired—rotate to a new one.
Final Notes
Free MTProto proxies are a cost-effective way to maintain Telegram access in restricted networks, but they come with caveats: throughput is shared, uptime is not guaranteed, and stale lists circulate. For mission-critical use, consider self-hosting or using a trusted commercial provider.
Get free proxies at t.me/SetProxy
