Telegram is a convenient instant messaging service that allows Windows users to interact comfortably. However, despite regular updates, the app still crashes from time to time, which makes it difficult to communicate with your contacts.
The issue most likely occurs due to a Telegram backend error, an app issue, or an operating system restriction. It is essential to rule out every possibility. In this article, we have compiled a list of fixes to get your Telegram app up and running if it is not working.
1. Preliminary fixes
Before moving on to major fixes, try these preliminary fixes:
- Eliminate internet problems: Make sure your device is connected to a stable internet connection by running other apps on the same computer. When other apps are working fine, connectivity issues are ruled out.
- Check the status of the telegram: When the internet is properly connected, the next step is to check that Telegram is not experiencing downtime. To do this, visit the downdetector website and type “Telegram” to see what’s going on. When Telegram status is active and no issues are reported on downdetector, Telegram backend is unlikely to have any issues.
- Give Telegram a fresh start: After ruling out internet and backend issues, give Telegram a fresh start to eliminate the possibility of temporary issues that prevent you from contacting your friends. Completely close the Telegram app, preferably from Task Manager, then relaunch it.
If all three preliminary fixes do not resolve the issue, it may be a more serious problem that requires further investigation. In this case, start implementing the fixes below.
2. Run Telegram as administrator
When you run a Windows application as an administrator, it accesses operating system files that are otherwise restricted. It eliminates the possibility of temporary restrictions on the side of the operating system that prevent Telegram from accessing the files necessary for its operation. Therefore, it has a good chance of fixing the problem.
To run Telegram as administrator, type “Telegram” in the Windows search bar. Right-click on the Telegram icon and click Execute as administrator.
3. Run Telegram in compatibility mode
The fix will not work if the application was working normally a few days ago and you have not made any drastic changes to the operating system or updated Windows.
If the problem appears after a Windows update or if you are using an older version of Telegram, it is possible that the current version of the application is not compatible with your operating system. Therefore, update your app to the latest and most compatible version or roll back your Windows update.
If you can’t do either, run the app in compatibility mode. You may not have used it before, but it’s one of Windows’ handy hidden modes.
However, before doing this, run the compatibility troubleshooter which can fix the problem immediately. To run the troubleshooter, right-click on the Telegram shortcut and navigate to Properties. Navigate to the Compatibility tab in the Telegram Properties window and click Run the Compatibility Troubleshooter.
If the troubleshooter does not identify the problem, manually adjust the compatibility settings. To do this, follow these steps:
- Check the box for Run this issue in compatibility mode to: and select Windows 8 in the drop-down menu.
- To hit Okay after clicking To apply.
If running the app in compatibility mode doesn’t work, try accessing the app through a VPN.
4. Access Telegram with a VPN
Sometimes certain apps and services are not available in specific locations, or someone’s IP address is banned by Telegram due to long hours of use. It is also possible that the app itself is blocked in some countries. Therefore, you should try connecting the app through a VPN to eliminate this possibility.
If you’re already using a VPN and the app isn’t working properly, try changing your IP address and location on the VPN first, and if that doesn’t help, consider temporarily disabling it.
When enabling VPN, changing location on VPN or disabling it does not work as expected, continue with the rest of the fixes.
5. Whitelist Telegram in Windows Firewall
Windows Firewall protects your computer against viruses by blocking programs and applications from untrusted sources. In some cases, it can also affect the operation of everyday apps like Telegram. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that the firewall does not block Telegram. You can do this by whitelisting Telegram in your firewall settings.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the window Control Panel.
- Go to Windows Defender Firewall.
- Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
- Check the public and Private boxes for the Telegram app in the list.
You may need to manually add Telegram if it’s not already there. To do this, click on Modify the parameters in the Apps allowed the window. Click on Allow another app… and copy the path to the folder where Telegram is installed, or navigate to it. Then click Add. Don’t forget to check the public and Private checkboxes after adding the app to the list of allowed apps.
We have a guide on how to allow apps through Windows Firewall that you can read to learn more about it. If whitelisting doesn’t fix the problem, consider reinstalling Telegram from scratch.
6. Reinstall Telegram
If all the fixes listed above did not work, you may need to reinstall Telegram as a last resort. Reinstalling fixes any temporary issues, replaces corrupt files from the previous installation, and installs the latest version. However, before reinstalling it, it is imperative to uninstall it properly.
Follow these steps to uninstall Telegram:
- Go to the Control Panel.
- Go to Programs and Features.
- To find Telegram in the list.
- Right-click on the app and press Uninstall.
After uninstalling, get a fresh copy of the Telegram app from the official Telegram website and install it. Even the Telegram website may be inaccessible if Telegram is banned in your country. Therefore, keep your VPN connected while downloading and installing Telegram.
A clean install of the Telegram app will hopefully restore it to its original state. If not, you can run an SFC scan on your computer, run a malware scan, and update your operating system. After trying all these fixes, if the problem persists, it is best to temporarily switch to the Telegram web client until the problem resolves itself.
7. Report a problem to Telegram support
Report the problem to Telegram support before continuing your communication through the Telegram web client. To do this, go to the Telegram support page, describe your problem in detail, mention what you did before this problem occurred, enter your email address and phone number, and click on Submit.
You may not hear from Telegram or they may take a long time to respond. Therefore, don’t expect a quick response.
Continue your conversations on Telegram
The fixes in the list should get Telegram back on track. If they don’t, you’ll be given the option to switch to the Telegram web client until the issue is resolved.
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