How to Create a Telegram Bot and Get API Token via @BotFather

To integrate automated notifications or control your Python trading script via Telegram, you first need to register a dedicated bot and obtain an access token.

Step 1: Open @BotFather in Telegram

In the Telegram messenger search bar, find the official bot named @BotFather (make sure it has the verified blue checkmark).

BotFather is the official tool developed by Telegram to register, configure, and manage all your bots.

Step 2: Register a New Bot

1. Press the Start button or send the /start command.
2. Send the /newbot command to initialize the registration wizard.
3. Enter a display name for your bot (e.g., PyDev Trading Alert). This name will be visible in chats.
4. Specify a unique username. It must be unique across all of Telegram and end with bot (for example: pydev_trading_bot or PyDevAlertBot).

Step 3: Retrieve Your Telegram HTTP API Token

Once the registration is complete, BotFather will send you a confirmation message containing your access credentials:

The message contains your secret bot token formatted like this:

5017012087:AAGXATlZLS3l25SxVbXIxXVcOPNqkT1Q5ig

Security Warning: Treat this token like a password. Anyone who has it can control your bot. Store it safely in your project configuration (such as a .env or config.py file) and never commit it to public repositories.