Hey all,

Does anyone have experience getting Telegram to work on GrapheneOS? I tried installing both the official Telegram app from Aurora Store as well as the Telegram-FOSS app from F-Droid, but both fail to get me through the initial setup.

When I open the app and enter my phone number on the set-up screen, it prompts me a verification screen where I can enter a code that should be sent to my SMS/phone call. It asks for permission to do calls/read call logs, which I denied, so I manually need to enter a code that should be sent through SMS/call. However, no SMS or call comes through to give me a verification code that I need to complete the set-up. (I tried two different numbers, both have proper reception).

The interesting thing is that when I disable my VPN (I use Mullvad), a security shield icon shows up on the set-up screen of Telegram, but it loads forever after entering my phone number and this time it does not show the verification input screen at all.

What I have not yet tried is to install Google Play services. Could it be that I need to both disable my VPN and install Google Play Services just to get that verification SMS to work? If so, I hope there's another way, since I prefer not to use the Google Play Services on my main user account.

Cheers!

PS: I know, Telegram is not the best app in privacy land due to the lack of proper E2E, but I need it to reach certain contacts... Contact Scopes all the way, once I get it to work! ;)

SeaSaltIceCream changed the title to Issue setting up Telegram on GrapheneOS .

Nevermind, this wall all my own stupid error. Not even GrapheneOS or Google Play Services related.

I had "Block Connections Without VPN" enabled in my Android Network Settings. Turning that off and briefly disabling the VPN worked to get the verification code from Telegram :D

Seems (so far) that Telegram (the FOSS one) works without Google Play. And it even works without syncing any contacts from my phone, rejoice!

(Feel free to add the "solved" tag to the thread if needed (I don't think I can do that anymore) )

    Reading between the lines, it seems you cannot create an account/instance with Telegram FOSS. You are still required to use the downloadable apk from telegram.org, and therefore validated with your legit mobile number. I have tried numerous VOIP numbers to validate Telegram but so far to no avail.
    Once your account is validated, you should then be able to use Telegram FOSS. But really, what would be the point? They as already know your phone number.

    2 months later

    But how are you
    1) switching from the telegram installation of e.g. Aurora store were the registration is done via SMS,
    2) to the Foss f-droid installation?

    I did 1) and after registeation i uninstalled this telegram installation.
    And installed Foss via f-droid. But than it is again an unregistered installation...🤔
    Thanks

    I have a different issue with Telegram. Uninstalled the app from my phone and decided to reinstall. But... Now the stupid thing is sending codes to my "other" installation of Telegram... Only, there is no "other" instance of Telegram! So, I am not receiving the confirmation codes. So basically, I am locked out of my account. There is no SMS or call option. I am at loss what to do.

      12 days later

      AlanZ Are you using the FOSS version? It can't send SMS messages. I had this issue too recently. My solution was to temporarily use Telegram on an iOS device, where there was a "Send SMS" button on the "a code has been sent to Telegram on your other devices" screen. Then use that iOS device to receive code via Telegram to login to FOSS. I think the Web client might work as well? Haven't tested it. Point is, try an official client, it should let you send an SMS.

      InterestedNoob
      What I ended up doing:

      1. Install Google Play Store and dependencies.
      2. Install Telegram from Play Store.
      3. You will get the SMS option. Log in.
      4. Install Telegram on desktop/other device.
      5. Uninstall Play Store copy of Telegram.
      6. Install Telegram Foss and receive code in other instance of Telegram.
      a month later

      Comrade_J Settings -> Network & Internet -> VPN -> click on the gear next to your VPN

      2 months later

      I tried this but it DIDN'T work (presumably because I did not create a Google Account):

      (disabled vpn)

      1. Created a new profile,
      2. Installed google play and dependencies,
      3. Downloaded api from Telegram webpage and installed
      4. Entered code sent by phone message

      The app just sits there with the wheel spinning in the shield (top right corner)

      Anyone know how to create an anonymous Google account? Or are Google refusers screwed if they want to use Telegram?

      This worked for me (without creating google account).

      1) Create new User Profile (call it 'Telegram' or whatever) and then in the new profile:
      2) Install google play and dependencies from GrapheneOS Apps icon.
      3) Download Telegram api from their website and install.
      4) When running through the Telegram setup menu it often crashes - but restart and allowed any permissions it asks for (network, phone, notifications). Importantly, there was one last permission that flashes before crashing (for me anyway) - then never shows again - it just keeps crashing. It is CALL LOGS. So go into the apps, permissions (for Telegram), and allow call logs.
      5) At some point you will be sent an sms. If it doesn't come through it's probably been sent to your default profile (it was for me). So, staying logged into Telegram (in the Telegram User Profile) log back in to your default profile, get the sms code, go back into the new profile, and start the Telegram setup menu again - it should allow you to enter the code and complete the setup.
      6) Stay logged in to Telegram in your new Telegram User Profile but switch to your default User Profile.
      7) Install Telegram api from their website (perhaps the F-Droid one would work too - and might be better as it will update) in your default User Profile.
      8) After entering your phone number it will 'send a code to your other device'. Switch to your new Telegram User Profile and you should have a notification from Telegram with your new code.
      9) Go back into your default User Profile. Go back to the Telegram setup wizard, enter the code, and you should be in!

      Note - this will not work if you are trying to restore an existing profile (as it will send a code to the other device that you don't have access) to. I've lost my old account and had to create a new one. To do this I had to change my existing phone number before starting the process above.

      Anyway, very relieved I don't have to create a Google Account! Good luck!

      For some reason I can't edit the above post.

      Want to add that I successfully installed the Telegram FOSS from Fdroid (see step 7) so that might be better as it will get updated and doesn't use some google stuff either.

      3 months later

      Hi,

      I installed Telegram and added one accout, all went well, but when I want to add additional account, I can't do it with error returned an internal error occured. Please try again later.

      Any idea to fix it?