Create a Telegram Bot and Connect It to OptionsApp
1. Overview
OptionsApp can be connected to a Telegram bot to retrieve status information, account overviews, and screenshots directly via Telegram. Communication takes place through a self-created Telegram bot that is linked to OptionsApp.
This article describes the complete process, from creating the bot via BotFather to successfully connecting and testing Telegram functions within OptionsApp.
2. Prerequisites
An active Telegram account is required for setup. Additionally, you need access to a running OptionsApp instance and an active internet connection. A specific OptionsApp version is not required, as Telegram integration has been available for some time.
3. Creating a Telegram Bot (BotFather)
3.1 Open BotFather in Telegram
To create a Telegram bot, the official Telegram bot BotFather is used. In Telegram, you need to specifically search for "BotFather". Make sure the bot has a blue verification checkmark. Additionally, you can identify the real BotFather by its very high monthly user count with millions of users. Since there are many fake bots, only the verified BotFather should be used.
3.2 Start BotFather
After opening the chat with BotFather, send the command /start. BotFather will then display an overview of available commands.
4. Create a New Bot
4.1 Start bot creation
To begin creating a new bot, send the command /newbot in the BotFather chat.
4.2 Set bot name
BotFather first asks for a display name for the bot. This name is freely selectable, serves only for display within Telegram, and does not need to be unique.
4.3 Set username
In the next step, a unique username is requested. This username must end with bot, for example OptionsApp_Telegram_bot, and must be globally unique. If the desired username is already taken, BotFather will reject it. Only after entering a valid username will the bot be successfully created.
5. Secure API Token
After successful creation, BotFather provides the HTTP API Token. This token must be completely copied and securely stored, for example by sending it to your own computer. The token provides full access to the bot and must not be shared with third parties.
6. Enter Telegram Bot in OptionsApp
6.1 Enter token
In OptionsApp, open the Settings section and navigate to the Telegram Bot section. There, paste the previously copied API Token into the Token field.
Important: Make sure to click the Save button at the end to ensure your changes are properly saved.
6.2 Chat selection
To the right of the Token field is the Chat field. This remains empty at first and only appears after a Telegram group has been correctly created and the bot is active in it.
7. Disable Bot Privacy Mode
For the bot to correctly process messages within groups, Privacy Mode must be disabled.
7.1 Change privacy settings
To do this, switch back to the BotFather chat and send the command /setprivacy.
7.2 Select bot
Then select the previously created bot from the displayed list.
7.3 Disable Privacy Mode
In the next step, respond with Disable. Be sure to pay attention to correct capitalization, as "Disable" must be written exactly that way. BotFather will then confirm that Privacy Mode has been disabled.
8. Create Telegram Group and Add Bot
8.1 Create new group
In Telegram, use the create icon in the top right on the home page and then select the New Group option.
8.2 Add bot to group
In the next step, search for the previously created bot. It's important to search for the bot using the username that ends with bot, not the display name. Select the bot and confirm with Next.
8.3 Complete group
Finally, give the group a name and create the group.
9. Initialize Connection to OptionsApp
After creating the group, at least one message must be sent in the Telegram group so that OptionsApp can recognize the chat. For this, you can use the message "Test", for example. Then check in OptionsApp under Settings: Telegram Bot whether the chat now appears in the Chat selection field. If the chat doesn't appear immediately, it can help to briefly switch to another tab, such as Evaluations, and then switch back to Settings. The chat should then be selectable.
10. Test Telegram Functions
After successful setup, you can test the Telegram functions. If you send the number 1 in the Telegram group, the bot responds with a current screenshot of OptionsApp. When you enter the number 2, the bot sends a summary of the linked account, such as the net liquidation value and other relevant account information.
11. Troubleshooting
11.1 No response from bot
If the bot doesn't respond, first check whether Privacy Mode has actually been disabled and whether the correct bot is being used in the group. In many cases, it also helps to completely close OptionsApp and then restart it. After restarting, the app will re-establish the connection and update the Telegram status. You can also try switching back and forth between the Settings, Evaluations, and other tabs.
12. Summary
The Telegram bot is created via BotFather and the API Token obtained is stored in OptionsApp. For the bot to function correctly in groups, Privacy Mode must be disabled. The bot must be a member of a Telegram group, and the chat is only recognized in OptionsApp after a message is sent. Simple commands can then be used to retrieve screenshots and account overviews. After completing these steps, the Telegram integration is fully set up and ready for use.