Documentation Deployments Telegram

Deploying to Telegram

Connect your flows to a Telegram bot to automate conversations with users on Telegram.

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Prerequisites

Before deploying to Telegram, ensure you have:

  • A Telegram account
  • A published flow ready to deploy

First Time Setup

You'll need to create a Telegram bot via @BotFather before creating a deployment. This is a one-time setup per bot.

Create a Telegram Bot

If you don't already have a Telegram bot, create one using BotFather:

  1. Open Telegram and search for @BotFather (look for the verified badge)
  2. Start a chat and send /newbot
  3. Choose a display name (e.g., "ACME Support Bot")
  4. Choose a username (no spaces, must end in "bot", e.g., "acme_support_bot")
  5. BotFather sends you a bot token - save this securely

Keep Your Token Secret

Your bot token is like a password. Never share it publicly or commit it to version control. If compromised, regenerate it via BotFather using /revoke.

Managing Existing Bots

To get the token for an existing bot:

  1. Open @BotFather and send /mybots
  2. Select your bot from the list
  3. Click "API Token" to view or regenerate the token

Connect Your Bot

Bot connections are managed directly in the Flow Editor during deployment creation.

Connecting a Bot

During deployment creation, you'll reach a bot selection step where you can connect a new bot or select an existing one:

  1. Click "Connect New Bot" to expand the connection form
  2. Paste your bot token from BotFather
  3. Click "Connect" - we'll validate the token and fetch your bot's info
  4. Your bot appears in the dropdown - select it to continue

One Bot Per Deployment

Each Telegram bot can only be connected to one active deployment. If you need to deploy multiple flows, create additional bots via BotFather.

Using Existing Bots

When creating subsequent deployments, you can reuse bots you've already connected:

  • Available bots appear with a radio button and connection date
  • In-use bots show a lock icon and which deployment is using them
  • Click "Connect New Bot" to add another bot

Create a Telegram Deployment

Once you have a published flow and a connected bot, creating a deployment is straightforward.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose Platform

  • Open your flow in the Flow Editor
  • Click "Deployments" in the toolbar (rocket icon)
  • Select the Telegram platform card

Step 2: Select Bot

  • Existing bot: Select a previously connected bot from the dropdown
  • New bot: Click "Connect New Bot" and enter your token

Step 3: Configure Deployment

Deployment Name: Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "Production Bot")
Version Strategy:
• Latest Version - Auto-updates to newest published version
• Pinned Version - Lock to specific version (requires manual updates)
Active: Check to enable immediately

Pro Tip: Descriptive Bot Name

When creating your bot via BotFather, choose a clear name like "ACME Support Bot". This helps users identify your bot and builds trust.

Testing Your Bot

Once your deployment is active:

  1. Open Telegram and search for your bot by its username
  2. Start a chat with the bot
  3. Send a message - your flow should respond

Telegram Features

Your flow can use these Telegram capabilities:

  • Text messages - Standard text responses
  • Inline buttons - Choice nodes render as clickable buttons
  • Private chats - One-on-one conversations with users

Private Chats Only

Flows are designed for private (1:1) chats. Group chat support is not currently available.

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