I’m working on a web app that integrates with Telegram channels. Users add my bot as an admin to their channels and can manage content through the web interface. The app uses numeric chat IDs like -1001234567890 instead of @username handles for channel identification.
Here’s the issue I’m facing: when a channel owner updates their channel username (for example from @oldname to @newname), the getChat API method continues returning the previous username (@oldname) when I query using the numeric chat ID. This happens even though the old username no longer exists.
Interestingly, this problem doesn’t occur with channel titles. When owners modify the channel title, getChat immediately reflects the change when called with the numeric ID.
I need to stick with numeric chat IDs since they remain constant throughout the channel’s existence. My web application requires access to current usernames and titles while the bot maintains admin privileges.
Is this a known issue with the API? What solutions exist to retrieve updated channel information every few hours? I’m developing in PHP and need reliable access to current channel data.
The issue with getChat returning outdated usernames likely arises from Telegram’s caching system for user information. In my experience, usernames might not update promptly, causing confusion. I suggest implementing a strategy where you periodically call the getChat method to verify user details, especially after any username changes. You could also keep track of the previous username to check for discrepancies. This way, you can better ensure that your application reflects the latest channel information.
had the exact same issue a few months back. telegram’s backend caches usernames weird compared to titles for whatever reason. i fixed it by having the bot leave and rejoin the channel when it detects stale data - forces a refresh most of the time. pretty hacky solution but it works.
Yes, I’ve encountered this issue as well; it stems from Telegram’s caching mechanisms. Generally, their system caches usernames separately from titles, leading to a delay of roughly 30 minutes to several hours before the updated username is available across the API. A workaround I’ve found effective involves cross-referencing numeric IDs with both the previous and new usernames when necessary. Additionally, repeatedly calling the getChat method with short intervals can sometimes prompt a cache refresh. If your bot is active in those channels, you can also take advantage of updates received via webhooks, as they typically provide more up-to-date chat information than direct getChat calls.