Telegram Bot Usernames: Ultimate 2024 Guide

Want to change your Telegram bot's username? Changing the username can help your bot better represent your brand and make it easier for users to find. Before you begin, it's important to understand some basics about Telegram bot names.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to change your Telegram bot's username, or having more than one. We'll explain the differences between basic and collectible usernames, what to consider before making a change, and the steps to update your bot's username smoothly.

Understanding Bot Names

When managing a Telegram bot, it's important to know the differences between various types of names and usernames. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions when you want to change your Telegram bot's username.

Display Names and Usernames

Display Name:

• What It Is: The display name is the name users see when they chat with your bot.
• Example: The bot's display name 'SUCH Bot Builder', is what users will see at the top of the chat.

Username:

• What It Is: The username is a unique name that starts with "@" and is used in your bot's link, like t.me/yourbot.
• How It's Used: Users can find and interact with your bot using this username. It also works as a link both inside and outside of Telegram.
• Example: The collectible username '@such' and the basic username '@SuchChatBot', let users open the bot in Telegram by clicking on the username, or start a chat from outside Telegram by visiting SuchChatBot.t.me or SUCH.t.me.

Basic Usernames and Collectible Usernames

There are two kinds of usernames you can assign to your bot:

Basic Usernames:

• Free to Register: Basic usernames are free to claim on Telegram.
• Availability: You can choose any basic username as long as it's not already taken by someone else.
• Limitations: Popular or simple usernames might already be in use, so you may need to be creative.
• Example: "@myunique_456_bot" could be a basic username you register for free.

Collectible Usernames:

• Bought or Sold on TON Blockchain: Collectible usernames are special usernames that you can purchase on Fragment, a platform built on the TON blockchain.
• More Options: If the basic username you want is taken, you might find it available as a collectible username. You can place a bid for it in an auction or buy it outright if it's listed for sale.
• Flexibility: You can own multiple collectible usernames and assign them to your bot as needed.
• Don’t Need to End in “-bot”: Upgraded collectible usernames don’t have to end in “-bot”, like the @SUCH bot builder.
• Cost: Acquiring a collectible username involves purchasing it, which may require additional steps and costs.
• Multiple: Assigning collectible usernames to your bots will let you have more than one username per bot.

For more details on basic and collectible usernames, you can check out this article.

How to Change Your Bot's Username

Changing your Telegram bot's username can be achieved through three main methods: contacting @BotSupport, using collectible usernames, or creating a new bot. Each option has its own steps and considerations.

Option 1: Contacting @BotSupport

If you want to change your bot's basic username, you can reach out to Telegram's support team.

Steps to Request a Username Change:

• Prepare Your Request: Write a clear message explaining why you want to change your bot's username. Include your bot's current username and the desired new username.
• Contact @BotSupport: Open Telegram and message @BotSupport with your request.

Expected Timeframes:

• Be prepared to wait, as the process can take over a month. Providing all necessary details in your initial message may help speed up the process.

Considerations:

• This method is slow and there's no guarantee your request will be approved. If timing is important, you might prefer the other options.

Option 2: Using Collectible Usernames

Collectible usernames offer a flexible alternative to changing your bot's username without waiting for support.

How to Purchase and Assign a Collectible Username:

1. Visit Fragment: Go to Fragment, a platform where you can buy and sell collectible usernames using Toncoin, the cryptocurrency of the TON blockchain.
2. Search and Purchase: Look for your desired username. If available, you can place a bid or buy it outright in Fragment website.
3. Upgrade for Bot Use: Assign the username to a bot, you'll need to upgrade it by paying a one-time fee when prompted.

Additional Costs and Considerations:

• Costs: Purchasing and upgrading a collectible username involves costs, including the purchase price and the upgrade fee.
• Flexibility: Upgraded collectible usernames can be assigned to any bot and retain their status permanently, even if you transfer ownership.
• No "Bot" Suffix Required: Unlike basic usernames, collectible usernames don't need to end with "bot", allowing for shorter and more memorable names.

Option 3: Creating a New Bot

Creating a new bot with the desired username is often the quickest and simplest method.

How to Set Up a New Bot with the Desired Username:

1. Create a New Bot: Open @BotFather and use the /newbot command. Provide a display name and the desired username for your bot (basic usernames must end with "bot").
2. Receive the API Token: @BotFather will give you a new API token for your bot. Keep it secure.

Updating Tokens and Settings in InviteMember or SUCH:

• For InviteMember: Go to @InviteMemberBot > My Bots > … > Telegram Bot > Update Telegram bot, and paste the new API token.
• For SUCH: Delete your old bot sending /delete to @SUCH, and create a new one sending /new and pasting the new bot API token.

Informing Your Users:

• Notify Subscribers: Send a message to your users about the new bot. InviteMember and SUCH PRO bots include a broadcast feature you can use before changing your bot.
• Update Links: Change the bot links on your website, social media, and any promotional materials to direct users to the new bot.

Considerations:

• Old Bot Functionality: It's best to revoke its API token or delete it to prevent confusion.
• Reapply Custom Settings: Any customizations from the old bot will need to be set up again on the new bot.

Changing your Telegram bot's username can make it easier for users to find and interact with your bot. Plan carefully before making the change, and think about how it will affect your users. Let them know what's happening to avoid any confusion.

Continue providing value to your users with amazing bots built using SUCH, and keep boosting your business with Telegram!

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