How do I build a Telegram AI bot?

Build a Telegram AI bot by registering a Webhook endpoint, connecting Webhook JSON to Telegram Update Parser, and passing the parsed message to workflow logic or an AI step. This guide, published 29 September 2026, documents six steps. A Telegram reply needs a separate Bot API request; test that outbound path independently.

By Ai Flowi · Technical review: Janice Lee, Technical Support, Ai Flowi.

Published · Updated

Where do I get a Telegram bot token?

Get a Telegram bot token through Telegram's BotFather process. You need it when running Telegram Webhook Setup with your public HTTPS endpoint. Keep tokens out of public examples, and use the credential mechanism supported by your deployment when configuring a separate outbound Bot API request.

Related: UChat integration for AI Flowi Workflow.

  • Access to the AI Flowi Workflow editor and a Telegram bot token obtained through Telegram's BotFather process.
  • A public HTTPS endpoint from the built-in Webhook component.
  • Credentials for any AI model or outbound API request you choose to use. Keep tokens out of public examples.

Can I create my own bot in Telegram?

Yes. Use Telegram's BotFather process to obtain a bot token, then follow the six workflow steps below. Register a public HTTPS Webhook endpoint, parse incoming updates, and connect workflow logic or an AI step. If you need replies, configure and test a separate Bot API request.

  1. Add Webhook and copy its endpoint. It receives the Telegram update and outputs JSON.
  2. Run Telegram Webhook Setup with the bot token and Webhook endpoint. Add the optional Flowi API Key only if your deployment requires it. Check the registration result. See webhook setup.
  3. Add Telegram Update Parser and connect Webhook.JSON to Telegram Update Parser.Telegram Update. Its documented fields include chat_id, user_id, username, text, and command.
  4. Connect a suitable workflow step for the parsed message. The source page documents If-Else for rules and an AI model for a response; check the ports and types in your environment.
  5. If a Telegram reply is required, configure a separate API Request to call the Telegram Bot API sendMessage method with chat_id and response text. Keep the bot token in the credential mechanism supported by your deployment.
  6. Send a Telegram message. Check Webhook JSON, parser values, workflow output, and then the outbound API response in that order.

Expected result

An incoming Telegram update reaches Webhook and the parser supplies the documented fields for the next step. A configured outbound API Request can then send a reply. The inbound connection is documented; the exact parser output type and secret interpolation details for the outbound request depend on the environment, so check them before wiring the final edge.

Common errors

  • No incoming JSON: Recheck the registered endpoint, public HTTPS access, and webhook authentication.
  • Parser values missing: Inspect the incoming update before changing downstream logic.
  • No reply: Check chat_id, response text, credential handling, and the Telegram API response. See Telegram troubleshooting.

Telegram integration · Telegram update parser · Webhook troubleshooting