Telegram issues on Android and how to solve them

There are so many instant messengers nowadays that share similar traits and users are not sure which to use. Telegram is one of those that are slowly emerging as a go-to option for users that put privacy and multi-platform usability above everything else. The Telegram instant messenger is stable and reliable, but some issues can affect it from time to time. For that purpose, we listed the most common Telegram issues on Android with applicable workarounds.

Table of contents:

1. Can’t install Telegram on Android
2. Messages fail to deliver
3. Can’t import contacts
4. Notification issues
5. Telegram not connecting
6. ”Last seen” isn’t displayed correctly

Why Telegram is not working on Android?

If Telegram is not working on Android, can’t install, or can’t connect, we suggest reinstalling the app, signing in again, checking permissions, and in-app settings.

Learn more about solutions for particular issues below.

1. Can’t install Telegram on Android

This is an obvious problem. To use this nifty instant messenger, you’ll need to install it from the Play Store. However, some users have had issues with the installation in the first place. The first thing you should check is the system requirements. And these are the requirements you have to meet to install and run Telegram on your Android handset:

• Android version of 4.1 and above.
• Cellular number.
• Multiple permissions include the camera, contacts, location, microphone, phone, SMS, storage, and others.

If you meet those requirements and grant permissions but you’re still unable to run the app, you should clear the Play Store cache and try again. If the problem is persistent, we advise you to try the APK file and install Telegram that way. These are the instructions you should follow to download and install the APK file:

1. Navigate to APK Mirror and download an older (but recent) APK version of Telegram. Beta versions are also an option but we suggest avoiding them due to stability issues.
2. Uninstall the Telegram app.
3. Allow app installation from external sources.
4. Install APK and sign in.

2. Messages fail to deliver

Certain users reported that, no matter how many times they try, recipients can’t see their messages. This is a major issue since it completely deflates the usability of this usually great instant messenger. What you need to do when something like this occurs is to check further steps and look for changes.

• Make sure that the message is sent in the first place. Check the connection and look for the 2 checkmarks.
• Confirm that the recipient hasn’t blocked you.
• Something with notifications can be the issue. Maybe the checkmarks aren’t displaying properly even though the message is indeed delivered and read.
• The Secret Chat function is device-bound. If you (and your recipient) configured this feature on certain devices, they can be accessed only through that exact device.

Moreover, you can try to clear the cache and, eventually, reinstall the app, if the problem repeats.

To clear the Telegram’s cache, follow the instructions below:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Open Apps or Application manager.
3. Expand All apps.
4. Open Telegram.
5. Choose Storage.
6. Tap Manage space and clear cache and data. Have in mind that this will delete all media files stored in the Telegram folder.
7. Restart your handset and look for changes.

On the other hand, if you require a more drastic approach, this is how to reinstall Telegram:

1. Open the App drawer or App menu.
2. Tap and draw the Telegram shortcut to the top to uninstall it.
3. Restart your device.
4. Open Play Store.
5. Search for Telegram.
6. Choose Install.
7. Follow the in-app instructions to configure your Telegram settings.

This should address the said issues.

3. Can’t import contacts

As you’re probably aware, most instant messengers (including Telegram) need your number to connect with the contacts. All folks in your contacts list that use the Telegram instant messenger, should be added to your in-app contacts after you connect your device. Sadly, it seems that there is a bug that blocks the import of individual contacts. There are some things that you can do to overcome this obstacle.

• While in the app, tap on the hamburger menu and open Settings. Select Privacy and Security. Then, scroll down and tap Delete Synced contacts. Now, with the Sync Contacts option enabled, just wait for the server to re-sync your contacts.
• Stop the app or restart your device. Just open the Recents window and stop Telegram.
• Change some letters in the troubled contact. In addition, if you use non-alphabetical symbols (that differ from standard English), try renaming them. Once the contact is imported, you can restore its original name.
• Make sure that permission is granted. Telegram needs permission to access your Contacts. To make sure that’s the case, follow these instructions:
  1. Tap Settings.
  2. Open Permissions.
  3. Tap Contacts.
  4. Allow Telegram to access your contacts list.

With that, you should be able to import all contacts.

4. Notification issues

Telegram instant messenger has two ways to present you with notifications. One is, obviously, the Google Cloud Messaging notification service which is an Android built-in feature. The second and primary is app-related and it depends on various phone settings. Namely, certain Android features on specific Android devices tend to block notifications to reduce power consumption. That’s the main reason why you’re not seeing notifications on your device.

Accordingly, you have to make sure that the phone settings are optimized for the background use of Telegram. These are some things you have to do to receive the notifications as intended.

• Install the latest app version. Navigate to the Play Store and check for updates.
• Check in-app settings. Open Telegram > hamburger menu > Settings > Notifications and Sounds. Make sure that Message and Group alerts are enabled. Check System notification settings, too.
• Enable Keep-Alive Service and Background Connection. Open Telegram > hamburger menu > Settings > Notifications and Sounds. Scroll down until you reach Other. There you can enable both Keep-Alive Service and Background Connection.
• If your handset packs a system manager of some kind, there’s a chance that it reads Telegram as a power-intensive app and prevents notifications. Navigate to the manager app and set Telegram as a protected app or enable it to work in the background freely.
• Enable Lock Screen notifications in the phone settings.

5. Telegram not connecting

When it comes to connection, the problem is, at least most of the time, not app-related. Most of the time, the problem lies within your Wi-Fi configuration and/or stability issues. There are some usual troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve this problem. Additionally, you can wait for some time since the cloud nature of Telegram means that sometimes the service might be down.

• Restart your phone and wireless router.
• ‘Forget’ your network and reconnect again.
• Use the 2.4 GHz AP band instead of 5 GHz. With Nougat, the option to change the Wi-Fi signal is removed so you’ll have to change your router configuration or use third-party programs and tweak settings.
• Reset Network Settings.
• Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data and vice versa.

Moreover, if other connection-dependent apps work great, you can try the following steps:

• Force Stop app.
• Clear apps cache and data.
• Reinstall the app.
• Disable proxy within the phone and app’s settings.

It’s worth contacting Telegram support if you are absolutely sure that the problem isn’t on your side.

6. ”Last seen” isn’t displayed correctly

”Last seen” feature is vastly spread on all known instant messengers. And Telegram isn’t excluded. However, some users reported issues with this function. Occasionally, they can’t see the ”Last seen” information, or the time show isn’t properly displayed. For that purpose, we advise you to follow the steps below and look for changes.

• While in the app, tap on the hamburger menu, then select Privacy and Security. Check the Last seen options and ensure that they are enabled.
• Force close the app in Settings > Apps > All apps > Telegram.
• Telegram uses your device’s time zone and settings. If you’ve tweaked the date and time on your own, there’s a chance that you’ll see different information.
• Clear app cache.
• Reinstall the app.

And that’s a wrap. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check our Twitter or Facebook pages for more informative content focusing on Android and iOS.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in August 2017. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.