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Telegram Integration

Create a Telegram bot and connect it to PropPilot so your AI agent can respond to customers on Telegram.

Prerequisites​

Before setting up Telegram:

  • ✅ Chatwoot is connected (see Chatwoot Setup)
  • ✅ Telegram account
  • ✅ Access to Telegram on mobile or desktop

Creating a Telegram Bot​

Step 1: Find BotFather​

BotFather is Telegram's official bot for creating and managing bots.

  1. Open Telegram
  2. Search for @BotFather
  3. Start a conversation
Verify BotFather

Look for the blue checkmark next to BotFather's name to ensure you're talking to the official bot.

Step 2: Create Your Bot​

  1. Send /newbot to BotFather
  2. Enter a display name for your bot (e.g., "Acme Realty Assistant")
  3. Enter a username for your bot (must end in "bot", e.g., AcmeRealtyBot)

Step 3: Get Your Bot Token​

After creation, BotFather sends you a message with:

  • Your bot's username
  • API Token (looks like: 123456789:ABCdefGHIjklMNOpqrsTUVwxyz)
Keep Token Secret

This token gives full control of your bot. Never share it publicly or commit it to code repositories.

Step 4: Configure Bot Settings (Optional)​

While still in BotFather, you can customize:

CommandDescription
/setnameChange display name
/setdescriptionSet bot description
/setabouttextAbout section text
/setuserpicSet profile picture

Configuring in PropPilot​

Step 1: Navigate to Telegram Settings​

  1. Go to Integrations → Chatwoot tab
  2. Find the Telegram channel card
  3. Click Configure or Connect

Step 2: Enter Bot Token​

Paste the token you received from BotFather into the Bot Token field.

Step 3: Save​

  1. Click Save to create the channel
  2. PropPilot automatically:
    • Validates the token
    • Configures the webhook
    • Connects to your bot

Verifying the Connection​

After saving:

  1. The Telegram channel should show Connected status
  2. Click Test to verify connectivity
  3. The metadata section shows:
    • Bot username
    • Webhook URL

Testing Your Bot​

  1. Open Telegram
  2. Search for your bot by username (e.g., @AcmeRealtyBot)
  3. Send /start or any message
  4. Check that the message appears in PropPilot inbox

Enabling Your Agent​

To have your AI agent respond on Telegram:

  1. Go to Agents → Select your agent
  2. Navigate to Channels tab
  3. Enable the bot on Telegram channel
  4. Send a test message to verify AI responses

Bot Commands (Optional)​

You can set up commands that users see when they type /:

In BotFather​

  1. Send /setcommands to BotFather
  2. Select your bot
  3. Send commands in this format:
start - Start a conversation
help - Get help information
contact - Contact a human agent

Common Commands​

CommandSuggested Use
/startInitial greeting and introduction
/helpShow available options
/contactRequest human assistance
/menuShow main menu options

Telegram Features​

Supported Message Types​

PropPilot handles these Telegram message types:

TypeSupported
Text messages✅ Yes
Photos✅ Yes
Documents✅ Yes
Voice messages⚠️ Transcription varies
Videos✅ Yes
Stickers⚠️ Limited
Location✅ Yes

Bot Limitations​

Telegram bots have some limitations:

  • Cannot initiate conversations (user must message first)
  • Cannot see messages in groups unless mentioned
  • Cannot access user phone numbers (unless shared)

Troubleshooting​

Bot Not Responding​

  1. Verify channel status is Connected
  2. Check bot is Enabled for your agent
  3. Ensure agent is in Active status
  4. Review PropPilot inbox for the message

Invalid Token Error​

  1. Copy the token again from BotFather
  2. Ensure no extra spaces or characters
  3. Check the token hasn't been regenerated
  4. Try creating a new bot if issues persist

Webhook Errors​

  1. PropPilot sets webhooks automatically
  2. If issues occur, disconnect and reconnect the channel
  3. Check the webhook URL in channel metadata

Duplicate Bot Error​

If you see "Bot already connected":

  • The bot may be connected to another PropPilot organization
  • Or connected to another Chatwoot instance
  • Create a new bot or remove the existing connection

Best Practices​

Do's​

  • ✅ Set a clear bot description
  • ✅ Add a profile picture
  • ✅ Configure helpful commands
  • ✅ Test thoroughly before sharing
  • ✅ Monitor conversations regularly

Don'ts​

  • ❌ Share your bot token
  • ❌ Use the same bot for multiple systems
  • ❌ Ignore failed message deliveries
  • ❌ Leave bot in testing mode in production

Sharing Your Bot​

Once everything is working:

  1. Share the bot link: t.me/YourBotUsername
  2. Add to your website contact page
  3. Include in marketing materials
  4. Create a QR code for easy access

What's Next?​