How to get Telegram chat_id for a group

The chat_id of a Telegram group or supergroup is required for Bot API integrations. Here is how to get it quickly.

Step 1: Add the bot to your group

Open @print_id_bot in Telegram.
Tap Start.
Add the bot to your group: Open the group → Add members → search for print_id_bot → Add.

When the bot is added, it sends a welcome message with the group name and chat_id. You can copy it from there.

Step 2: If you need to get it again

The bot responds in groups only when:

You reply to the bot’s message
You send /id or /help (with or without @print_id_bot)
You send any command with @print_id_bot (e.g. /foo@print_id_bot)
You mention @print_id_bot in a message

Send /id or mention @print_id_bot, and the bot replies with the group name and chat_id. Tap the number to copy.

Group vs supergroup chat_id

Group and supergroup IDs are often negative numbers. That is normal. When a group is upgraded to a supergroup, the chat_id can change. See group vs supergroup chat_id for details.

Troubleshooting

If the bot does not reply, check:

The bot has permission to read messages
You triggered it correctly (reply, /id, /help, or @print_id_bot)
The bot is not in privacy mode blocking group messages (if applicable)

See bot not responding in a Telegram group for a full checklist.

FAQ

Why is my group chat_id negative?

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

Can I get someone else’s group chat_id?

You can only get the chat_id of groups you are a member of. Add the bot to the group and send /id or mention it.

Does the bot work in supergroups?

Yes. Both groups and supergroups are supported. The bot shows the group name and chat_id. See group vs supergroup chat_id.

What if the bot was removed from the group?

Add it again. When you add, it sends a welcome message with the chat_id. You can also get it by sending /id or mentioning @print_id_bot.

Is the chat_id the same for group and supergroup?

After migration to supergroup, the chat_id can change. Always use the current value from the bot or API.

Add the bot to your group and get the chat_id in 10 seconds.

Open @print_id_bot