The short answer
- 1Search a word or @username above the chat list; public bots appear under Global search.
- 2The @username is the bot's real identity; the display name above it can be anything.
- 3Before starting a bot, check its spelling, where the link came from and what it asks for.
In this article
Search finds bots you have never opened
Type a bot's @username, or just a word for what you need, into the search box above your chat list. Results come in two parts: chats you already have, then a Global search section with public bots and channels you have never opened. Android also shows tabs across the top, including Apps for mini apps. For more on searching, see searching all your chats at once.
- Bots you have used, with how many people use them
- Global search — public bots and channels you haven't opened
- The @username is the real identity; the name above it can be anything
Look at two things on each result. The line under the name shows the @username, and for bots you already use, the number of users. The display name above it can be anything the owner likes; the @username is unique and is the bot's real identity.
Official bots, similar bots and lookalikes
- Telegram's own bots, such as @BotFather and @SpamBot, carry the verification check next to their name. What the check does and does not prove is in spotting verified accounts.
- Similar bots are listed on a bot's profile. They are a way to discover alternatives, based on what other people use, not an endorsement; see finding similar bots.
- Lookalikes copy a popular bot's name, photo and description and differ only in the @username, often by one letter. A brand name in the display name proves nothing on its own.
Checks before you start a bot
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Spell the @username letter by letter | Copies of well-known bots usually differ by a single character |
| Where you found the link | A link from the service's own website is worth more than one passed around in a group |
| What it asks you to grant | Group admin rights only for bots that truly need them; see what a bot in your group can read |
| Payments and wallets | Stop if it wants money up front, a wallet connection or a recovery phrase; see fake airdrops and mini app scams |
| Privacy Policy | Bots can show one on their profile; no policy and a request for personal data is a bad combination |
FAQ
How do I find a bot on Telegram?
Type its @username or a word for what you need into the search box above your chat list. Public bots you haven't used appear under Global search.
How can I tell if a Telegram bot is fake?
Compare the @username letter by letter with the one on the service's own website. Copies use the same name and photo but a slightly different @username.
Are similar bots on a bot's profile recommended by Telegram?
No. Similar bots help you discover alternatives based on what other people use; they are not an endorsement.
Sources
At a glance
- 1Find
Search; public bots show under Global search.
- 2Identify
Trust the @username, not the display name.
- 3Check
Spelling, source, permissions, payments, policy.
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