Amid Facebook outage, Telegram faces slowdowns as users flock from WhatsApp

Telegram Homescreen Lifestyle (Image credit: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central)

What you need to know

Telegram is currently facing slowdowns for some users.
The app is likely receiving an influx of users while WhatsApp deals with worldwide outages.
It's unclear when service will return to normal for WhatsApp or Telegram.

Facebook's ongoing outage is apparently more far-reaching than its own platforms, as it seems Telegram is also facing slowdowns of its own.

The messaging app's Twitter account has been informing users on Monday that while it should remain more stable than its competitors, some users may be experiencing problems.

Users in some regions may be experiencing issues with loading contacts/chats or receiving notifications – I apologize for any inconveniences you may have at the moment 🙏Users in some regions may be experiencing issues with loading contacts/chats or receiving notifications – I apologize for any inconveniences you may have at the moment 🙏— Telegram Messenger (@telegram) October 4, 2021 October 4, 2021

The statement was provided to more than a few followers, meaning the slowdown is affecting many Telegram users, at least in some regions.

Given the timing, it could be an effect of users switching away from WhatsApp for their communication needs while Facebook tried to figure itself out and get its services back up.

Android Central has reached out to see when Telegram expects its services to return to normal for affected users and will update this when we hear back.

The Facebook outage is trending on Twitter, with users complaining that they are unable to use any of the associated platforms, including Instagram, Oculus, and even Facebook's new Ray-Ban Stories (for those of you that actually purchased a pair).

I just don't want Twitter to go down as well. pic.twitter.com/pCnamRAA4qI just don't want Twitter to go down as well. pic.twitter.com/pCnamRAA4q— Telegram Messenger (@telegram) October 4, 2021 October 4, 2021

With communication apps on the fritz, this might be a good time to take a walk while you try to wait it out, although it's worth noting that WhatsApp is the main communication app for many users globally so the outages and slowdowns are obviously not ideal.

Or you can give Signal a try, which is one of the best messaging apps for Android and is now apparently receiving an influx of signups.

Signups are way up on Signal (welcome everyone!) We also know what it's like to work through an outage, and wish the best for the engineers working on bringing back service on other platforms #mondaysSignups are way up on Signal (welcome everyone!) We also know what it's like to work through an outage, and wish the best for the engineers working on bringing back service on other platforms #mondays— Signal (@signalapp) October 4, 2021 October 4, 2021

Derrek is the managing editor of Android Central, helping to guide the site's editorial content and direction to reach and resonate with readers, old and new, who are just as passionate about tech as we are. He's been obsessed with mobile technology since he was 12, when he discovered the Nokia N90, and his love of flip phones and new form factors continues to this day. As a fitness enthusiast, he has always been curious about the intersection of tech and fitness. When he's not working, he's probably working out.