ChatMaxima Docs

Telegram Setup - Connect a Telegram Bot to ChatMaxima

Connect a Telegram bot to ChatMaxima using a BotFather API token. Step-by-step guide to create the bot, paste the token, and receive messages.

Overview

Connect a Telegram bot to ChatMaxima to manage Telegram conversations from the same shared inbox as your other channels. You create a bot with Telegram's @BotFather, copy its API token, and paste it into ChatMaxima. This guide follows the actual connect flow in the dashboard.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • A Telegram account
  • The Telegram app installed (mobile or desktop)

Note: No payment or external account beyond Telegram is required.

Step 1: Create a Bot with BotFather

  1. Open the Telegram app
  2. Search for @BotFather in the search bar
  3. Open the chat and send /start to see the list of commands
  4. Send /newbot and follow the instructions to name your bot
  5. BotFather confirms the bot is ready and gives you a link and an API token
  6. Copy the API token

Step 2: Open the Telegram Channel

  1. In ChatMaxima, go to Settings > Channels
  2. Select Telegram

Step 3: Paste the Token and Submit

  1. In the Telegram Bot API field, paste the token you copied from BotFather
  2. Click Submit

All incoming messages from Telegram are now displayed in the ChatMaxima Inbox.

Connecting an Existing Bot

If you already have a bot, you can grab its token in three steps:

  1. Send /mybots to @BotFather
  2. Choose the bot you want to connect and select API Token
  3. Copy the token and paste it into the Telegram Bot API field, then Submit

Updating the Token

To keep the connection active or rotate credentials, open the Telegram channel, paste the new Telegram Bot API key, and click Update.

Add Automation

Attach a chatbot to handle Telegram conversations automatically:

  1. Open Studio and create or open a bot
  2. Build your welcome message and conversation flow
  3. Publish the bot and assign it to the Telegram channel

Troubleshooting

Messages not arriving

  1. Confirm the token was pasted correctly with no extra spaces
  2. Make sure the bot has not been deleted or revoked in BotFather
  3. Re-paste the token and click Update

Token rejected

  1. Generate a fresh token via @BotFather > /mybots > API Token
  2. Paste the new token and submit again

Next Steps

On this page

OverviewPrerequisitesStep 1: Create a Bot with BotFatherStep 2: Open the Telegram ChannelStep 3: Paste the Token and SubmitConnecting an Existing BotUpdating the TokenAdd AutomationTroubleshootingMessages not arrivingToken rejectedNext Steps