# Connect Telegram (/docs/channels/telegram)







Put your agent in front of users on Telegram — answer DMs, run a support bot, or drop it into a community. Setup takes a few minutes entirely inside Telegram: no developer account, no approval, no webhook to host.

<img alt="A Telegram message answered by a Buda agent" src="__img0" />

## Connect the bot [#connect-the-bot]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    ### Create a bot with BotFather [#create-a-bot-with-botfather]

    Open [@BotFather](https://t.me/BotFather) in Telegram and send `/newbot`. It asks for two things:

    * **Display name** — what users see, e.g. `Buda Assistant`
    * **Username** — must end with `bot`, e.g. `buda_assistant_bot`

    BotFather replies with a **token** like `1234567890:AAFx...`. Copy it.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Add the channel in Buda [#add-the-channel-in-buda]

    In Buda, open **Settings → Channels**, click **Add Channel**, and select **Telegram**. Paste the token, optionally set a label and **target agent**, then click **Connect**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Test it [#test-it]

    Search for your bot's username in Telegram, open the chat, and send `Hi`. Once Buda replies, you're connected.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Use it in a group [#use-it-in-a-group]

Add the bot to a group, then **@mention** it to trigger a reply:

```
@buda_assistant_bot What's on my schedule today?
```

In private chats no mention is needed.

## Troubleshooting [#troubleshooting]

| Symptom             | Fix                                                                                             |
| ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Bot not responding  | Re-copy the token from BotFather (watch for stray spaces); confirm the channel shows **Active** |
| No reply in a group | You must @mention the bot in group chats                                                        |
| Token compromised   | Send `/revoke` to BotFather, regenerate, then update the token in Buda's channel settings       |

## Related [#related]

* [Channels overview](/en/docs/channels) — how channels route messages to agents
* [BotFather guide](https://core.telegram.org/bots/tutorial)