# Telegram Setup

> Create and configure your Telegram bot for messaging

This guide walks you through creating a Telegram bot and connecting it to Zavu.

## Step 1: Create a Bot with BotFather

1. Open Telegram and search for [@BotFather](https://t.me/BotFather)
2. Start a conversation and send `/newbot`
3. Follow the prompts to name your bot
4. BotFather will give you a **bot token** like:
   ```
   123456789:ABCdefGHIjklMNOpqrsTUVwxyz
   ```

> **Warning:**
> Keep your bot token secret. Anyone with this token can control your bot.

## Step 2: Configure in Zavu Dashboard

1. Go to **Senders** in your Zavu dashboard
2. Select your sender or create a new one
3. In the **Channels** tab, click **Add Telegram**
4. Paste your bot token
5. Click **Verify** to confirm the bot is valid
6. Click **Save** to complete setup

## Step 3: Set Up Webhook (Automatic)

When you save your Telegram configuration, Zavu automatically:
- Registers your webhook URL with Telegram
- Starts receiving messages from your bot

No manual webhook configuration is needed.

## Bot Commands (Optional)

You can configure bot commands via BotFather:

```
/setcommands
```

Then send a list of commands:
```
start - Start the conversation
help - Get help information
```

## Testing Your Bot

Once configured, test your bot:

1. Find your bot on Telegram by username
2. Send a message to the bot
3. Check your Zavu Inbox for the inbound message
4. Reply from the Inbox or use the API

```typescript
const result = await zavu.messages.send({
  to: "123456789", // Chat ID from inbound message
  text: "Thanks for reaching out!",
  channel: "telegram",
});
```

## Getting Chat IDs

Telegram chat IDs are obtained from inbound messages:

1. When a user messages your bot, Zavu receives the message
2. The `from` field contains the user's chat ID
3. Store this ID to send future messages

> **Note:**
> Chat IDs are numeric (e.g., `123456789`). They are different from phone numbers and cannot be derived from them.

## Bot Privacy Mode

By default, bots only receive messages that:
- Are sent directly to the bot
- Start with `/` (commands) in groups
- Mention the bot in groups

To receive all messages in groups, disable privacy mode via BotFather:
```
/setprivacy
```

## Troubleshooting

### Bot token invalid
- Regenerate the token via BotFather using `/token`
- Make sure you copied the complete token

### Messages not arriving
- Verify the bot is configured correctly in Zavu
- Check that the webhook is registered (automatic on save)
- Ensure the bot hasn't been blocked by the user

### Can't message user
- Users must initiate contact first
- Check if the user blocked the bot
- Verify the chat ID is correct

## Next Steps

- [Telegram Overview](https://www.zavu.dev/docs/guides/telegram/overview) - Learn about Telegram capabilities
- [Webhooks](https://www.zavu.dev/docs/guides/receiving-messages/webhooks) - Configure webhook events