> ## 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.

# Bot Settings

> Set your bot's welcome message, the command menu people see in Telegram, inline mode, and whether groups are handled.

## What is this?

**Bot settings** controls how your bot greets people and what it offers inside Telegram. It has four tabs: **Welcome message**, **Bot commands**, **Inline mode**, and **Groups**.

Open it from **Telegram → Bot settings** in the sidebar. You need a connected bot first — see [Connect a Telegram Bot](/workspace/telegram/connect-bot).

\[SCREENSHOT: telegram-bot-settings — The Bot settings page with the Welcome message, Bot commands, Inline mode, and Groups tabs]

## What can I do here?

* Send a **welcome message** when someone starts the bot
* Add **commands** that appear in the bot's menu in Telegram
* Turn on **inline mode** so people can call your bot from any chat
* Turn **group chats** on or off

All four tabs share one **Save settings** button. Changing a tab and saving saves everything you've edited. You need permission to edit Telegram settings.

## How to use it

### Welcome message

The message sent when someone sends **/start** — usually the first thing a new person does.

1. Open the **Welcome message** tab.
2. Type your message. You can use `{{first_name}}` to greet the person by name, for example `Hi {{first_name}}! How can we help?`
3. Click **Save settings**.

<Note>
  If you have an automation with a **Command received** trigger for `/start`, that automation answers instead and this message is skipped. See [Telegram Triggers](/workspace/automation/triggers/telegram-triggers).
</Note>

### Bot commands

Commands are shortcuts people tap in Telegram, such as `/pricing` or `/help`. They appear in the bot's menu.

1. Open **Bot commands** and click **Add command**.
2. Type the command without the slash — lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores only, up to 32 characters — for example `pricing`.
3. Add a **description** (up to 256 characters). Telegram shows it next to the command.
4. Click **Save settings**. The menu is updated in Telegram.

You can add up to 100 commands. Remove one with the bin button.

Commands only *appear* in the menu. To make one *do* something, create an automation that starts with **Command received**.

### Inline mode

Inline mode lets people type `@yourbot` in **any** chat, pick a result, and send it — handy for sharing prices, links, or FAQs.

1. In Telegram, message **@BotFather**, send `/setinline`, choose your bot, and give it a short prompt. Do this first.
2. Back here, open **Inline mode** and turn on **Enabled**.
3. Click **Add result** and fill in a **Title**, a **Description**, and the **Message sent when picked**. You can add up to 50.
4. Click **Save settings**.

When someone types `@yourbot` and some words, the results are filtered to match. People who use inline mode aren't added as contacts. With inline mode off, the bot shows no results.

### Groups

Turn **Enabled** on to show groups your bot is added to in the Inbox and let the bot moderate them. It's on by default. See [Groups](/workspace/telegram/groups).

## Troubleshooting / Technical Notes

* **The welcome message doesn't send.** Check an automation isn't already handling `/start`, and that you saved.
* **Commands don't show in Telegram.** Save settings and reopen the chat. Command names must be lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores.
* **Inline mode shows nothing.** Turn it on in BotFather with `/setinline`, then enable it here and add at least one result.
* **Save settings is disabled.** You don't have permission to edit Telegram settings.
* **"Connect a Telegram bot first."** No bot is connected yet — use the button to go to Channels.

## Related docs

* [Telegram Overview](/workspace/telegram/overview)
* [Connect a Telegram Bot](/workspace/telegram/connect-bot)
* [Telegram Triggers](/workspace/automation/triggers/telegram-triggers)
* [Groups](/workspace/telegram/groups)