# Connect Telegram
URL: /docs/rome/telegram
Markdown: /docs/rome/telegram.md
Description: Talk with Rome in Telegram

Use this page to connect Rome to a Telegram bot so you can talk with Rome from
Telegram.

## Before you start [#before-you-start]

You need:

* A Telegram account.
* Access to Rome's web app as the guardian.

## Create the Telegram bot [#create-the-telegram-bot]

1. In Telegram, open a chat with [@BotFather](https://t.me/BotFather), the
   official bot for creating bots.
2. Send `/newbot` and follow the prompts to set a display name and a username
   (the username must end in `bot`).
3. BotFather replies with your **bot token**. Copy it and keep it private.

## Connect in Rome [#connect-in-rome]

1. Open Rome and go to **Settings**.
2. Open **Channel Connections**.
3. Open the **Telegram** card.
4. Paste the bot token.
5. Click **Test & Connect**.

Rome validates the token, stores it locally, starts the bot, and shows a
verification code.

## Link your guardian account [#link-your-guardian-account]

1. In Telegram, open a chat with the bot you just created.
2. Send the verification code from Rome as a message to the bot. Send the code
   itself — Rome ignores `/start` while it waits for verification.
3. Keep the Rome settings page open. It updates once your Telegram account is
   linked as the guardian.

The first account to send the correct code is linked as Rome's guardian. You
have five attempts; after too many incorrect codes, disconnect and reconnect
the channel in Rome to generate a new code.

After linking, you can chat with Rome through the bot.