> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.proto.cx/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.proto.cx/docs/modules/ai-agents/publishing/telegram.md).

# Telegram

{% hint style="info" %}
Publish to Telegram with the Pro plan and above.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Requires a Telegram account.
{% endhint %}

Publishing to Telegram lets your audience interact with the AI agent — and later a [live agent](/docs/modules/ai-agents/workflows-and-actions/human-handoff.md) — in a Telegram thread.

In the agent's **Publish** tab, create a Telegram channel or select an existing one to open its settings.

***

## Basic settings

| Setting                   | Description                                                                         |
| ------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Name**                  | Internal name distinguishing this channel from other Telegram instances.            |
| **Default chat language** | Set from the agent's [Agent settings](/docs/modules/ai-agents/manage-ai-agents.md). |
| **Icon**                  | The channel's avatar, seen by live agents in the [Inbox](/docs/modules/inbox.md).   |

Select **Save** to confirm edits.

***

## Connect to Telegram

A **token** is required, generated via Telegram's BotFather chatbot.

1. Log in to Telegram and start chatting with [BotFather](https://t.me/botfather).
2. Send `/newbot` to create a new bot.
3. Provide a **Name** (shown to people who chat with it) and a **Username** (5–32 characters, letters/numbers/underscores only, must end in "bot", e.g. `help_bot`).
4. BotFather generates the bot's **token**. If lost or compromised, use `/token` to regenerate.
5. Send `/setjoingroups`, select the bot, and type "Disable" to prevent it being added to group chats — required for Proto integration.
6. In Proto, paste the token into the Telegram **Authentication token** field.
7. Select **Verify**. On success, a `t.me/<bot_username>` link is generated to share with your audience.
8. Select **Save** to confirm edits.

See [Telegram's BotFather commands](https://core.telegram.org/bots#botfather-commands) for the full list.

***

## Using Telegram

Follow the generated `t.me/<bot_username>` link to open a thread with the AI agent in Telegram.