Telegram Bot API: how to get chat_id

The chat_id is required for most Telegram Bot API methods (sendMessage, sendPhoto, etc.). Here is how to get it for each chat type.

Private chat

In a private chat, chat_id equals the user’s Telegram user ID (positive). To get it:

1. Have the user open @print_id_bot and tap Start.
2. The bot replies with User ID and Chat ID (they match in private chat).
3. Use that number as chat_id in your API calls.

Group or supergroup

1. Add @print_id_bot to the group.
2. When added, it sends a welcome message with the group name and chat_id.
3. Or send /id or mention @print_id_bot — it replies with the chat_id.
4. Group/supergroup chat_ids are typically negative.

The bot responds in groups only when you reply to it, send /id or /help, or mention @print_id_bot. See bot not responding in a group if it stays silent.

Channel

1. Forward a channel post to @print_id_bot in private chat.
2. The bot replies with the channel ID.
3. Or add your own bot as channel admin and read chat.id from channel_post updates.

See get Telegram channel ID for Bot API for more options.

Debugging with /json and /dump

@print_id_bot has developer commands:

• /json — Returns the current message as JSON. Use in private chat or when the bot replies in a group.
• /dump — Full update breakdown and raw JSON (private chat only). Shows the full update structure for debugging.

Use these to inspect chat.id, from.id, and other fields.

Related pages

• Add a bot to a group to get chat_id
• Telegram chat_id format
• Telegram update JSON: how to inspect /dump output

FAQ

What if I get “chat not found”?

The chat_id may be wrong, or the bot may have been removed from the chat. See chat not found: common causes.

Can I get chat_id from a username?

No. You need the numeric chat_id. For channels, forward a post to @print_id_bot or use your bot’s updates.

Is chat_id the same for group and supergroup?

After migration, the chat_id can change. Always use the current value.

Where is chat_id in the update JSON?

In message.chat.id, channel_post.chat.id, or callback_query.message.chat.id. Use /dump in @print_id_bot to see the structure.

Do I need different chat_ids for different methods?

No. The same chat_id works for sendMessage, sendPhoto, and other methods targeting that chat.

Get chat_id instantly with @print_id_bot.

Open @print_id_bot

Related pages

• Add a bot to a group to get chat_id (10 seconds)
• Aiogram: get chat_id and user ID (examples)
• Bot not responding in a Telegram group: checklist
• C# Telegram bot: get chat_id
• Forwarded messages in Telegram: why IDs can be hidden
• Forwarded sender ID hidden in Telegram: reasons and limits
• Get Telegram channel ID for Bot API (what's possible and what isn't)
• Get Telegram user ID (safe methods)