Hey everyone! I’m trying to figure out if it’s possible for a Telegram bot to send messages directly to a phone number instead of using the @username. I’m really confused because I don’t have a username set up for my Telegram account, but a few days ago, I got a message from a bot. How did that happen? I thought bots could only message usernames. Can anyone explain this to me or give me some tips on how to make it work? I’d really appreciate any help or advice you can offer. Thanks in advance!
Based on my understanding and practical experience with Telegram bots, it is not possible for a bot to send messages directly to a phone number. Instead, a bot requires a chat ID or username to establish a connection with the user. In many cases, what appears to be a message sent to a phone number actually originates from a chat session that the user initiated or from participation in a group where the bot is active. This process ensures that contact is only made after the user has engaged with the bot, thereby maintaining privacy.
I’ve actually had a similar experience with Telegram bots. From what I’ve learned, bots can’t directly message phone numbers, but there are a few ways they might seem to. Sometimes, if you’ve interacted with a bot in a group or channel, it can then message you privately. Also, if you’ve ever started a chat with a bot, even if you forgot, it can message you later. Another possibility is that someone added the bot to a group you’re in, giving it access to message you. It’s a bit confusing, but Telegram tries to balance convenience with privacy. If you’re trying to set up a bot to reach people, you might want to look into creating a channel or group instead.
nah, bots can’t directly message phone numbers. sometimes it appears they do due to telegram quirks like group join or clicking a link. you need to interact with a bot first, so that’s likely why it seemed to work. hope that helps!