Why Telegram chat_id can be negative

In the Telegram Bot API, chat_id values for groups, supergroups, and channels are often negative. This is expected and correct.

When chat_id is negative

Groups — typically negative (e.g. -1001234567890)
Supergroups — typically negative
Channels — typically negative

When chat_id is positive

Private chats — your chat_id with a user equals their user ID (positive)
Your own user ID — positive

Why negative?

Telegram uses the sign to distinguish chat types. Positive IDs are for users (private chats); negative IDs are for groups, supergroups, and channels. This lets the API and your code handle different chat types correctly.

Practical impact

When you get a group or channel chat_id from @print_id_bot, a negative number is normal. Use it as-is in API calls. Do not try to “fix” it by removing the minus sign.

Migration: group to supergroup

When a group is upgraded to a supergroup, the chat_id can change. Always use the current value from the bot or API. See group vs supergroup chat_id.

FAQ

Is a negative chat_id an error?

No. Negative chat_ids for groups and channels are correct and expected.

Can I convert a negative ID to positive?

No. Use the value as returned by the API. Converting it would break your requests.

Why does my private chat have a positive ID?

In a private chat, the chat_id equals the other user’s user ID, which is positive.

Do all supergroups have negative IDs?

Yes. Supergroup and channel IDs are negative in the Bot API.

Where can I see examples?

Add @print_id_bot to a group and send /id. The bot shows the chat_id. See Telegram chat_id format for more examples.

Get your group chat_id with @print_id_bot — negative IDs are normal.

Open @print_id_bot