DMtoLeadDMtoLead
LoginStart free →
DocsConnect a channelTelegram

Connect Telegram

Telegram doesn't use OAuth — you create a bot via @BotFather and paste its API token into DMtoLead. Takes 60 seconds.

Requirements
A Telegram account. That's it.

Unlike Meta-owned platforms, Telegram has a simpler model: every bot on Telegram is owned by a Telegram user account, identified by an API token issued by @BotFather. You create the bot, give DMtoLead the token, and we handle webhooks from there.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Open @BotFather in Telegram

    In the Telegram app, search for @BotFather (the official one — has a blue checkmark). Click Start.

  2. 2

    Create a new bot

    Send /newbot. BotFather asks for a display name (this is what users see — e.g. "Acme Support") then a username (must end in bot, e.g. AcmeSupportBot).

  3. 3

    Copy the token

    BotFather replies with an HTTP API token that looks like:

text
Use this token to access the HTTP API:
123456789:ABCdefGHIjklMNOpqrsTUVwxyz0123456789

Keep your token secure and store it safely, it can be used by anyone to control your bot.
  1. 1

    Paste it into DMtoLead

    Open Integrations, click Connect Telegram, paste the token, hit Connect. We register the webhook with Telegram and verify the bot exists in one round-trip.

  2. 2

    (Optional) Set bot avatar, description and commands

    Back in BotFather: /setuserpic for the avatar, /setdescription for the "About" text users see, /setcommands for the slash-command menu inside the bot's chat. None of these are required, but they make your bot look polished.

  3. 3

    Send your bot a message

    In Telegram, search for your bot's username, click Start, send a message. AI reply within 2–3 seconds.

Adding the bot to a group
To use DMtoLead for group automation, add the bot to the group as you would any other member. By default Telegram bots in groups only see messages that mention the bot or reply to it (privacy mode). To let the AI see everything, send /setprivacy to BotFather, pick your bot, choose Disable. Re-add the bot to the group after changing this — privacy mode only updates on re-add.

What DMtoLead handles on Telegram

  • Private 1:1 chats with the bot — full AI inbox.
  • Group chats the bot is in — AI replies when mentioned (or to every message if privacy mode is off).
  • Inline keyboard callbacks — button clicks from inline keyboards the AI sent.
  • Media — photos, documents and voice messages are logged. Vision is on the roadmap.

Security note on the token

The bot token is the only credential — anyone who has it can act as the bot. DMtoLead stores it encrypted at rest. If you suspect it leaked, regenerate via BotFather (/token) and re-paste the new one in Integrations → Telegram → Edit.

Disconnecting

Integrations → Telegram → Disconnect. DMtoLead unregisters the webhook with Telegram. The bot itself stays alive on Telegram — to delete it entirely, send /deletebot to BotFather.

Related
Train your AI
Same personality on Telegram as on every other channel.
Connect Instagram
Different setup, same AI brain.
Troubleshooting
Telegram-specific common errors.
Previous
Facebook Messenger
Next
Shopify