---
title: Telegram
icon: paper-plane
description: Set up a Telegram Bot Token for the Telegram resource.
---

## Credentials

### 1. Create a Bot via BotFather

1. Open Telegram and message [@BotFather](https://t.me/BotFather)
1. Send `/newbot` and follow the prompts to name your bot
1. Copy the **Bot Token** that BotFather returns

### 2. Add the Bot to Groups or Channels

1. Open the group or channel in Telegram
1. Add the bot as a member
1. For **channels**, add the bot as an **administrator** (channels require admin access for the bot to read messages)

### 3. Send a Message

Send at least one message in the group or channel so the bot receives an update and can discover the chat.

### 4. Set Environment Variables

```bash
# .env.development
TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN=123456:ABC-DEF1234ghIkl-zyx57W2v1u123ew11
```

For Python configuration, see the [Python Telegram Setup](/python/setup/telegram) guide.
