- Create a botIn Telegram, message @BotFather, send /newbot and follow the prompts. Copy the bot token.
- Add the bot to your chatStart a private chat with the bot, or add it to a group. For a channel, add it as an administrator.
- Find the chat idUse a numeric chat id such as -1001234567890, or a public @channel name.
- Add the destinationIn Integrations, choose "Set up Telegram", enter a Name, the Chat id or @channel and the Bot token, then "Add destination".
- Verify with the codeA code is sent to the chat. Choose "Enter chat code", type the 8-character code and choose Verify.
Telegram alerts are available on every plan, including Free. You use your own Telegram bot, and Uptime Tracker verifies the chat with a code before any alert is sent.
1. Create a bot
Open a chat with @BotFather in Telegram, send /newbot, choose a display name and a username ending in "bot". BotFather replies with a token shaped like 123456:ABC-DEF…. Keep it secret.
2. Give the bot access to a chat
- Private alerts: open the bot and press Start.
- Group: add the bot to the group.
- Channel: add the bot as an administrator that can post messages.
3. Find the chat id
For a public channel you can use its @channel name. For private chats and groups you need the numeric id. One way to find it: send any message in the chat, then open this address in your browser with your own token and look for "chat":{"id":…} in the response:
https://api.telegram.org/botYOUR_BOT_TOKEN/getUpdatesGroup and channel ids are negative, for example -1001234567890.
4. Add the destination
In Integrations, find Telegram and choose Set up Telegram. Fill in:
- Name: shown in rules and the delivery log.
- Chat id or @channel: the numeric id or public channel name.
- Bot token: the token from BotFather. It is stored encrypted and never shown again.
Choose Add destination.
5. Verify the chat
Uptime Tracker sends a code to the chat. In Configured destinations, choose Enter chat code, type the 8-character code from the Telegram chat and choose Verify. Alerts start once the chat is verified. If the code did not arrive, check that the bot can post in the chat and use Resend code.
After setup
You receive a message when a monitor goes down and when it recovers. Use Send test any time. If you remove the bot from the chat, deliveries fail permanently and the destination is disabled with a reason; the workspace is told through its other destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Telegram need a verification code?
The code proves the bot can post to that chat and that you control it, so alerts never go to a wrong or mistyped chat id.
Can I send alerts to a Telegram group?
Yes. Add the bot to the group and use the group's numeric chat id, which starts with a minus sign.
Is my bot token visible after saving?
No. The bot token is stored encrypted and never shown again.
