python-telegram-bot: get user ID and chat_id

In python-telegram-bot, you get user_id and chat_id from the update. Here are examples.

From a message (PTB v20+)

async def message_handler(update: Update, context: ContextTypes.DEFAULT_TYPE):
    message = update.effective_message
    chat_id = update.effective_chat.id
    user_id = update.effective_user.id
    await message.reply_text(f"Chat ID: {chat_id}, User ID: {user_id}")

update.effective_chat.id — chat_id
update.effective_user.id — sender’s Telegram user ID

From a callback query

async def callback_handler(update: Update, context: ContextTypes.DEFAULT_TYPE):
    query = update.callback_query
    chat_id = query.message.chat.id
    user_id = query.from_user.id
    await query.answer()
    await query.message.reply_text(f"Chat ID: {chat_id}, User ID: {user_id}")

From channel_post

async def channel_post_handler(update: Update, context: ContextTypes.DEFAULT_TYPE):
    message = update.channel_post
    chat_id = message.chat.id  # channel ID
    await message.reply_text(f"Channel ID: {chat_id}")

Debugging with @print_id_bot

Use @print_id_bot to inspect the raw update:

/json — Message as JSON. Compare with update.to_dict() or similar.
/dump — Full update and raw JSON (private chat only). Shows message.chat.id, message.from.id, and the full structure.

Forward a message to the bot and send /dump to verify the format.

FAQ

What is effective_chat vs chat?

effective_chat is the chat where the update originated (e.g. for replies, the chat of the replied-to message). For most handlers, update.effective_chat is what you need.

How do I get chat_id for a new group?

Add your bot to the group. When someone sends a message, your handler receives it with update.effective_chat.id. Or add @print_id_bot and send /id to get it manually.

Can I use update.message.chat.id?

Yes. For message updates, update.message.chat.id equals update.effective_chat.id. Use whichever fits your code style.

Where is the update structure documented?

The Telegram Bot API documents the Update object. Use /dump in @print_id_bot to see real examples.

Does chat_id differ for groups and supergroups?

Both use negative chat_ids. After migration, the value can change. See group vs supergroup chat_id.

Use @print_id_bot /dump to inspect update JSON for python-telegram-bot.

Open @print_id_bot