How to get started using IFTTT with Telegram

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Background

Telegram is a messaging service that can be connected to IFTTT to automate tasks. With the IFTTT Telegram service, you can create Applets using Telegram Triggers to monitor messages sent to channels or groups. Telegram can also be used as an Action to send messages automatically to channels or groups via the IFTTT Telegram Bot. This guide explains how to connect your Telegram account to IFTTT and get started using it with channels and groups.

Connecting to Telegram

To get started using Telegram’s Triggers and Actions, the first step is to connect to the IFTTT Telegram service. This will add the IFTTT Telegram bot to your account. Follow these steps to connect:

  • Go to the Telegram service page on IFTTT and press Connect
  • Click Start Bot 
  • A message from the IFTTT bot will appear prompting you to connect. Select Start, then choose Authorize IFTTT.
  • You’ll be redirected back to the IFTTT Telegram service page, where a banner will confirm that the service has been successfully connected.

Once connected, you’ll be able to add the IFTTT bot to Telegram groups and channels for use in Applets. See the sections below for steps on adding the bot to groups and channels.

Using Telegram Groups with IFTTT

After connecting the Telegram service, you’ll need to add the IFTTT bot to the specific Telegram group you want to use. The bot must be made an administrator so it can read or send messages as part of an Applet. Follow the steps below to add the bot to a group and grant the required permissions.

  • Click the group name at the top of the chat to open Group settings

  • Select Add members, then add IFTTT (bot) to the group

  • Select Edit, then Administrators, and promote the IFTTT bot to a group administrator

  • Return to the group chat and type /start@ifttt

  • Select the /connect_group option

  • The bot will reply confirming that the group has been connected

  • Go to https://ifttt.com/create to create Applets using this Telegram group

Using Telegram Channels with IFTTT

After connecting the Telegram service, you’ll need to add the IFTTT bot to the specific Telegram channel you want to use. The bot must be made an administrator so it can post messages or monitor activity for use in an Applet. Follow the steps below to add the bot to a channel and grant the required permissions.

  • Click your channel name at the top of the chat to open Channel settings

  • Select Admins, then choose Add Admin

  • Add IFTTT (bot) as an admin

  • Click Edit in the top right of the channel settings

  • If the channel is private, set it to Public. Please note, the IFTTT Telegram service only works with public channels

  • Set a custom URL for the channel, then select Done

  • Open Invite Links and copy your channel’s share link

  • Open your private chat with the IFTTT bot and select Start, or type /start

  • Send the /connect_channel command

  • Paste your channel’s share URL

  • The bot will reply confirming that the channel has been connected

  • Go to https://ifttt.com/create to create Applets using this Telegram channel

Having trouble after creating an Applet?

If you’ve connected Telegram but your Applet isn’t working as expected, see our Troubleshooting Common Telegram Issues guide. It walks through common scenarios and how to resolve them.

 

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