Connect a Telegram channel

Connect a Telegram bot to a channel or group so Pointerly can publish posts, run tests, and (optionally) auto-post deals.

What you'll do

• Create or reuse a bot token from BotFather
• Promote the bot as channel admin with Post Messages
• Enter token + channel username/ID in Pointerly
• Verify with a test post

Before you start

• Telegram feature enabled on the team
• telegram → connect permission
• Access to @BotFather on Telegram
• Admin rights on the destination channel or group

Steps

1. Create the bot and get a token

1. Open Telegram and message @BotFather.
2. Create a bot (or reuse an existing one dedicated to this workspace).
3. Copy the bot token (format like 123456:ABC-DEF…).
4. Keep the token secret — anyone with it can control the bot.

2. Add the bot to your channel

1. Open the Telegram channel or group settings.
2. Add the bot as an administrator.
3. Enable Post Messages (required). Other admin rights are optional for basic posting.
4. For public channels, note the @username.
5. For private channels/groups, forward any message to @userinfobot and copy the numeric chat ID (often starts with -100…).

3. Connect inside Pointerly

1. Go to Dashboard → Telegram.
2. Click Connect Channel (header or empty state).
3. In Connect Telegram Channel:
   • Paste Bot Token
   • Enter Channel Username or ID (@yourchannel or -100…)
4. Click Connect.
5. Expect toast: Channel connected successfully!

The dialog copy reminds you: bot must be admin with Post Messages enabled.

4. Verify the connection

1. On the new channel card, open the ⋯ menu.
2. Choose Send Test Post.
3. Confirm the message appears in Telegram.
4. Optional: click the avatar to upload a channel photo used in the dashboard card.
5. Optional: click Post / Create Post to send a real message with link or deal attachment.

Tips

• Prefer a dedicated bot per Pointerly team so revoke is clean if you rotate credentials.
• After disconnect, the bot remains in Telegram until you remove it manually — revoke the token in BotFather if it was exposed.
• You need delete permission to disconnect a channel from Pointerly.

Troubleshooting