Add a bot to a group to get chat_id (10 seconds)

Getting the chat_id of a Telegram group takes about 10 seconds with @print_id_bot.

Step 1: Open the bot

Open @print_id_bot in Telegram.
Tap Start (if prompted).

Step 2: Add the bot to your group

Open the group where you need the chat_id.
Tap the group name → Add members (or equivalent).
Search for print_id_bot.
Add the bot.

Step 3: Get the chat_id

As soon as the bot is added, it sends a welcome message with:

Group name
chat_id (the number you need)
A tip to tap the number to copy

Copy the chat_id from that message. Group and supergroup IDs are often negative — that is normal. See why chat_id can be negative.

Getting the chat_id again later

The bot responds in groups only when you:

Reply to the bot’s message
Send /id or /help
Send any command with @print_id_bot (e.g. /foo@print_id_bot)
Mention @print_id_bot in a message

Send /id or mention @print_id_bot, and it replies with the group name and chat_id.

Troubleshooting

If the bot does not reply, see bot not responding in a Telegram group. Common causes: the bot needs to be triggered correctly, or it may not have permission to read messages.

FAQ

Do I need to keep the bot in the group?

You can remove it after copying the chat_id. Add it again when you need to verify or get the ID again (e.g. after supergroup migration).

Can I add the bot to multiple groups?

Yes. Each group has its own chat_id. Add the bot to each group and copy the respective chat_id.

Why is the chat_id negative?

Group and supergroup IDs are typically negative in the Telegram Bot API. See Telegram chat_id format.

Does this work for supergroups?

Yes. The bot works in both groups and supergroups. See group vs supergroup chat_id.

What if the bot was already in the group?

Send /id or mention @print_id_bot to get the chat_id again.

Add @print_id_bot to your group and get chat_id instantly.

Open @print_id_bot