# How to get Telegram alerts for new form submissions in Makeform

Send new submission alerts to Telegram from your form's **Automations** tab by adding a **Telegram** automation. Alerts are free on every plan; customizing the message requires Pro or Business.

**Is it free?** Yes. Free includes the default message and up to 10 Telegram alerts per hour; paid plans have much higher limits.

## Steps

1. In Telegram, create a bot with @BotFather and copy its token.
2. Add the bot to the chat, group, or channel that should receive the alerts. You also need that destination's chat ID.
3. In Makeform, open your form's **Automations** tab, click **Add Automation**, and choose **Telegram**.
4. Fill in **Bot token** and **Chat ID**. A chat ID can look like `-1001234567890` or `@channelname`. Fill in **Display name (optional)** if you want one.
5. On Pro or Business, edit **Message** using the supported template variables. On Free, use the default message.
6. Save the automation, then submit a test response to check the alert in Telegram.

## Customize the alert message

Paid plans let you customize **Message** with `{{formName}}`, `{{submittedAt}}`, `{{fields}}`, and `{{field.email}}`. Keep template variables in the message when you want to include those form and submission details.

Free uses the default message. The customization prompt says “Upgrade to Pro to customize message.” You do not need a custom template to receive Telegram submission alerts.

## Keep or change the saved token

The saved bot token is hidden when you return to the automation. The **Bot token** setting shows “Leave blank to keep the current token.” Leave it blank when you want to keep the token already saved.

:::callout{type="info"}
Free allows up to 10 Telegram alerts per hour. Paid plans have much higher limits.
:::

Makeform is a free AI form builder: describe what you want to collect and it builds the form for you, with unlimited forms and submissions on the free plan.

## FAQ

### Can alerts go to a Telegram group or channel?

Yes. Add the bot to the destination chat, group, or channel. Enter that destination's chat ID in **Chat ID**.

### Where do I get the bot token?

Create a Telegram bot with @BotFather and copy its token. Enter that value in **Bot token** when you set up the automation.

### Can I customize Telegram messages on Free?

No. Free sends the default message. Pro and Business let you edit **Message** with the supported template variables.

### Why is my saved token hidden?

Makeform hides the token after it is saved. When editing the automation, leave **Bot token** blank to keep the current token.

## Related

- [Slack integration](/help/integrations/slack-integration)
- [Webhooks](/help/integrations/webhooks)
- [Email notifications](/help/features/email-notifications)