> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.botpenguin.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.botpenguin.com/bots/telegram-bot/bot-setup.md).

# Bot Setup

#### What is a Telegram Chatbot?

A Telegram Chatbot is an automated messaging solution integrated directly with your Telegram account. It allows you to respond to customer queries and messages instantly, and helps you deliver consistent, personalized engagement at any scale — without requiring a live agent for every interaction.

***

#### When Should You Use This?

Use this feature when:

* You want to provide 24/7 automated customer support on Telegram without human intervention.
* You need to engage your audience in real time with personalised messages, promotions, or updates.
* You are trying to generate leads by capturing visitor information directly through Telegram conversations.
* You want to handle multiple conversations simultaneously at scale.
* You already have a Telegram bot created via BotFather and want to connect it directly using its authentication token.

***

#### Benefits of the Telegram Chatbot

* 🚀 Delivers round-the-clock customer support — your bot never sleeps.
* ⏱️ Reduces time spent on repetitive queries by automating standard responses.
* 🎯 Improves lead generation by capturing contact details within the conversation flow.
* 🔄 Ensures consistent messaging across all Telegram interactions.
* 📈 Enhances overall audience engagement through real-time, personalised replies.

***

#### Expected Outcome

After setting this up:

* Your Telegram account will automatically respond to messages in real time.
* You will notice a significant reduction in manual effort for routine customer interactions.
* Users will experience faster, more consistent replies — improving overall satisfaction.

{% hint style="info" icon="lightbulb" %}
**Tip:** Once connected, your chatbot will begin responding based on your configured flows immediately. Make sure your flows are tested before going live.
{% endhint %}

***

#### How to Create Your Telegram Chatbot

1. Navigate to your BotPenguin dashboard and click **"Create New Bot"**.

<figure><img src="/files/Cd2gcmnHOKr2YmWMLnRh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Select **"Telegram"** as your platform from the available options.

<figure><img src="/files/Ut57i29P70S4cVuHxO1r" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Select the primary business goal / use case for your Telegram chatbot, and proceed.

<figure><img src="/files/L06t1kmEIXznnNadDfP0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. The chatflow canvas will load. In the top‑right corner of the canvas, click the **"Connect"** button to begin linking your Telegram account.

<figure><img src="/files/wCfcEFZzB52nSN6EzVCv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. On the **"Connect with Telegram"** screen, choose one of the two connection methods:
   * **Connect Manually with Bot Token** — for users who have already created a bot on Telegram via **BotFather** and already have a bot token.
   * **Connect Directly with Phone Number** — for users connecting a Telegram bot for the first time.

<figure><img src="/files/UFxDkHvM4Lh9PGnZPdAR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

**Option A: Connect Manually with Bot Token**

6. Enter the following three details:
   1. **Bot Name** — the name of the bot you want to connect.
   2. **Bot Username** — the username of the bot you want to connect.
   3. **Bot Authentication Token** — the token received from **BotFather** on Telegram.

<figure><img src="/files/IJgerLRz3l9AUlD5sybp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

7. Click **"Connect Bot"**.

{% hint style="info" icon="lightbulb" %}
**Note:** Use this method only if you have previously created a Telegram bot using BotFather and already have its authentication token on hand.
{% endhint %}

***

**Option B: Connect Directly with Phone Number**

8. On the **"Connect with Telegram"** screen, enter your phone number and click **"Submit"**.

<figure><img src="/files/H8gr5jCM2pDfqf6bC9fO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

9. On the **"Login to your Telegram account"** screen, enter the verification code you receive on your Telegram account. If your account has Two-Factor Authentication enabled, you will also be prompted to enter your **Two-Factor Password**.

<figure><img src="/files/l5EygMrMiXwJ3PgQu6dH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

10. Click **"Create Bot"**.
11. From the dropdown, choose one of the following:
    * **Make a New Bot** — this phone number will be used to create a new Telegram chatbot. Enter the:
      * **Telegram Bot Name**
      * **Telegram Bot Username**
    * **Select an Existing Bot** — choose one of the existing bots already associated with this phone number. BotPenguin will attempt to connect directly with that bot.

<figure><img src="/files/EKybVWVePfWQnWsaxecG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

12. Click **"Submit"**.

***

**Finishing Up (Both Options)**

13. You will see a **"Connecting your account"** loading screen while BotPenguin links your Telegram account.

<figure><img src="/files/XHcaBPziUUBolb5wyT2l" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

14. Once complete, you'll see confirmation that your Telegram account has been successfully connected to your chatbot.

{% hint style="success" %}
🎉 Your Telegram Chatbot is now connected and ready to configure!
{% endhint %}

***

#### Best Practices

> 💡 Use clear and concise flow names to make it easier to manage multiple bots and automations.

> 🚀 Regularly review your chatbot analytics and update your flows based on drop-off points or unanswered queries.

> 🎯 Align your Telegram bot's tone and messaging with your overall brand voice for a consistent customer experience.

> 🔑 If you already have a bot token from BotFather, use the "Connect Manually with Bot Token" option to skip the phone verification steps entirely.

***

### Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>I didn't receive the verification code on Telegram.</summary>

**Solution:** Double-check that the phone number entered matches the one linked to your Telegram account. Use the "Change number" or "Resend" option on the login screen to request a new code.

</details>

<details>

<summary>I don't see the option to select an existing bot.</summary>

**Solution:** This option only appears if there are bots already associated with the phone number you entered. If this is your first bot on that number, select "Create a New Bot" instead.

</details>

<details>

<summary>The Bot Authentication Token isn't being accepted.</summary>

**Solution:** Make sure you're copying the full token exactly as provided by BotFather, with no extra spaces. If the token was regenerated in BotFather, request a fresh token via the `/token` command and try again.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Bot was connected but has stopped responding.</summary>

**Solution:** Your bot's authentication token or session may have expired. Go to your BotPenguin dashboard, navigate to the Telegram integration settings, and reconnect your account to refresh the connection.

</details>

***

### FAQs

<details>

<summary>What are the two ways to connect a Telegram bot?</summary>

You can either:

* **Connect Directly with a Phone Number** (recommended for first-time users), or
* **Connect Manually with a Bot Token** (for users who already have a bot created via BotFather).

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do I need a BotFather token to connect my Telegram bot?</summary>

Only if you choose the **"Connect Manually with Bot Token"** option. If you connect directly with your phone number and create a new bot, BotPenguin handles bot creation for you — no separate BotFather token is required upfront.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What happens if I select an existing bot instead of creating a new one?</summary>

BotPenguin will attempt to connect directly to that existing bot rather than creating a new one, using the phone number you verified.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What is the Two-Factor Password step for?</summary>

If your Telegram account has Two-Factor Authentication enabled, Telegram requires this password in addition to the verification code as an extra layer of security before allowing the login.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Where do I find my Telegram Bot Authentication Token?</summary>

Open a chat with BotFather on Telegram, use the `/mybots` command (or create a new bot with `/newbot`), and copy the token it provides.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How many Telegram accounts can I connect to BotPenguin?</summary>

The number of accounts you can connect depends on your BotPenguin subscription plan. Check your plan details on the BotPenguin pricing page or reach out to <support@botpenguin.com> for specifics.

</details>

***

### Related Articles

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If you still have some questions for our team, write to us at <support@botpenguin.com>. We will respond back within 48 business hours.