Telegram

Telegram access uses Bot API long polling so users can DM the bot, mention it in a group, or reply to it to query and control devices; photo, voice, and document messages are received as hints but do not replace full vision or voice access.

Usage Modes

Mode	Trigger	Notes
Bot DM	Send text directly to the bot	Good for personal remote status queries and control commands.
Group mention	Type @bot_username with a message	Good for team collaboration. Group messages are ignored unless the bot is mentioned.
Reply to bot	Reply to the bot's previous message	Useful for continuing a group conversation without mentioning the bot every time.
Photos, voice, and files	Send a media message, optionally with text	The message enters the channel with a hint. Use dedicated device access capabilities for full vision or voice interactions.

Create a Telegram Bot

1. Open the official @BotFather in Telegram.
2. Send /newbot.
3. Follow the prompts to set bot name and username.
4. Copy the Bot Token.
5. Add the bot to a group if group usage is needed.

Configure Device Agent

Open Settings → Channels → Telegram and fill in:

Field	.env	Description
Enabled	TELEGRAM_ENABLED	Starts the Telegram channel
Bot Token	TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN	Token generated by @BotFather
Allow list	TELEGRAM_ALLOW_FROM	Optional numeric Telegram user ID allow list

You can also configure it in .env:

TELEGRAM_ENABLED=true
TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN=123456:ABC-...
TELEGRAM_ALLOW_FROM=123456789,987654321

Restart the service after saving.

Verify Access

1. Confirm the service has restarted.
2. Check logs for Telegram: enabled and Bot started (long polling).
3. Send a DM to the bot.
4. Mention the bot in a group, or reply to a bot message.
5. If the allow list is enabled, make sure the sender numeric ID is included.

In groups, messages are ignored unless the bot is mentioned or the message replies to the bot.

Checks

• No DM response: confirm the Bot Token is correct and the service can reach Telegram Bot API.
• No group response: mention the bot or reply to a bot message.
• Allow list blocks messages: use the numeric Telegram user ID.