---
title: How do I set up Telegram messaging and send my first message?
description: "First-time setup takes about 15 to 20 minutes, including creating the bot and sending a test. ## Step 1: Enable Telegram on your account Open **Add Products**, find the **Telegram Chat** card and click **Set up** or **Enable**. You can…"
url: "https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/how-do-i-set-up-telegram-messaging-and-send-my-first-message/"
updated: "2026-11-02"
category: Telegram Messaging / Getting Started
---

# How do I set up Telegram messaging and send my first message?

First-time setup takes about 15 to 20 minutes, including creating the bot and sending a test.

## Step 1: Enable Telegram on your account

Open **Add Products**, find the **Telegram Chat** card and click **Set up** or **Enable**. You can also enable it from the Telegram discover page. The Telegram menus then appear in your sidebar. If you don't see either option, ask support to enable it.

## Step 2: Check your subscription

If your account uses subscription billing for Telegram, live sending is blocked until the subscription is active and unexpired. See *Why do I see "Subscription access required"?*

## Step 3: Create your bot in Telegram

1. In the Telegram app, search for **@BotFather** and start a chat.
2. Send **/newbot**, then follow the prompts for a display name and a unique username ending in `bot`.
3. Copy the **HTTP API token** BotFather gives you. Treat it like a password.

## Step 4: Connect the bot

Go to **Telegram Bot Setup** and enter:

- **Bot Name** — the display name, for example My Store Support
- **Bot Handle** — the username without the @, for example mystorebot
- **Bot Token** — pasted from BotFather

Click **Connect Bot**. The webhook is registered automatically on save; if you need to repeat it, use **Register Webhook** in the Account & Webhook card. There's a **View Tutorial** link on the page if you want a guided walkthrough.

## Step 5: Start a chat and send a test

1. Scan the QR code on the setup page, or open the t.me link, and message your own bot from Telegram.
2. Check the message appears in **Telegram Inbox**.
3. Go to **Send Telegram**, pick yourself from the inbox contacts, send a text message, then confirm it in the **Delivery Report**.

### More Related Articles

- [What is Telegram messaging on SMS Gateway Center?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/what-is-telegram-messaging-on-sms-gateway-center/)
- [How do customers subscribe to my Telegram bot?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/how-do-customers-subscribe-to-my-telegram-bot/)

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