> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.xpressbot.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Telegram Channel

> Connect a Telegram bot so customers can message you in the shared inbox.

## What is this?

This is the Telegram view of [Channels](https://docs.xpressbot.org/workspace/channels/overview.md) — open it from the **Telegram** card, or go to `/channels?channel=telegram`. It connects a **Telegram bot** so messages sent to the bot arrive in your shared inbox.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Your plan must include Telegram. Connecting needs the Telegram create permission; **Check status** needs edit; **Disconnect** needs delete.

## What can I do here?

* Connect a bot with its token
* See the bot's username, when it connected and when it last received an update
* Open the bot in Telegram and check its status
* Disconnect the bot without losing your chats

## How to use it

### Basic use — connect a bot

1. In Telegram, create a bot with **@BotFather** and copy its token.
2. Open **Channels → Telegram** and click **Add new Telegram bot** (or **Connect Telegram bot**).
3. Paste the **Bot token** (it looks like `123456789:AA…`) and click **Connect**. The token is stored encrypted and never shown again.
4. *Telegram connected — @yourbot is now connected* confirms it. If you see *Could not connect Telegram*, check the token.

For groups, campaigns, bot commands and settings, see [Telegram](https://docs.xpressbot.org/workspace/telegram/overview.md).

### What the card shows

The bot's **Username**, when it was **Connected**, and the **Last update received**. A status pill can read **Pending** or **Removed**. Buttons: **Open in Telegram**, **Check status** (refreshes it — *Status refreshed*), and **Disconnect**.

### Disconnect the bot

Click **Disconnect** and confirm **Disconnect this Telegram bot?** The bot and its group list are removed here, and you can no longer send or receive Telegram messages on this channel. The bot **stays in your Telegram groups**, and **your chats and contacts stay**. Reconnect any time with the same token.

## Troubleshooting / Technical Notes

* **Could not connect Telegram.** The token is wrong or revoked — copy it again from @BotFather.
* **No messages arrive.** Click **Check status** and look at **Last update received**.
* **Connect is disabled.** Your plan doesn't include Telegram, or you lack the create permission.

## Related docs

* [Channels](https://docs.xpressbot.org/workspace/channels/overview.md)
* [Telegram](https://docs.xpressbot.org/workspace/telegram/overview.md)
* [Connect a Telegram Bot](https://docs.xpressbot.org/workspace/telegram/connect-bot.md)


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