How to add a bot to a Telegram group or channel

Add a bot to a group

1. Open the group and tap its name at the top.
2. Tap Add members.
3. Search for the bot's username, like @pizzacorner_bot, and tap it.
4. Tap Add.

You can also open the bot's profile, tap the menu (⋮), choose Add to group and pick the group.

Make the bot an admin

Most group bots need admin rights to delete spam, restrict members or pin messages.

1. Open the group and tap its name.
2. Tap Edit (the pencil), then Administrators.
3. Tap Add Admin and choose the bot.
4. Turn on only the permissions it needs, then tap Save.

Give the fewest permissions that work. A welcome bot doesn't need to ban users; a protection bot does.

Add a bot to a channel

In channels, bots can only be added as admins.

1. Open the channel and tap its name.
2. Tap Edit, then Administrators, then Add Admin.
3. Search for the bot's username and select it.
4. Allow Post messages (and Edit messages if it should update posts), then tap Save.

The bot is in the group but doesn't reply

By default, Telegram bots run in privacy mode. In a group, they only see commands (like /start) and replies to their own messages. This protects your members' privacy, but it means a bot that reacts to normal messages won't see them.

Ways to fix it:

• Make the bot an admin. Admin bots receive all messages in the group.
• Turn off privacy mode in @BotFather: send /setprivacy, pick the bot, choose Disable. Then remove the bot from the group and add it back, so the change takes effect.
• Check that the bot can join groups. In BotFather, /setjoingroups must be set to Enable.

Bots that work well in groups

Some of the Echo Maker templates are made for groups and channels:

• Member Verification: members join your channel before they can write.
• Whisper: secret messages only one member can read.
• Tic-Tac-Toe and Rock Paper Scissors: games for the chat.
• Channel Comments: adds comment and like buttons to channel posts.
• Roulette and Contests: giveaways for your audience.

Questions