# Telegram Integration
[Telegram](https://telegram.org/) is a cloud-based instant messaging app that allows users to send messages, photos, videos, and files to individuals or groups. It is known for its emphasis on privacy and security, offering end-to-end encryption for secret chats.
{% hint style="info" %}
To use our Telegram outbound integration, a valid phone number contact in the notification settings in ilert is required. Simply add a phone number by following [our notification settings guide](https://docs.ilert.com/alerting/notification-settings#add-notification-contacts-and-activate-supported-channels).
{% endhint %}
## In ilert: Activate Telegram in the notification settings
1. Click on the **avatar icon -> Notification settings**.
2. In **Phone number contacts,** click on **Activate** next to Telegram.
3. Copy the code that was generated in the pop-up or click on **Verify**.
4. Now click on **Send Message**.
5. You will then be verified.
6. Send a test notification to test your connection by clicking on **Send test notification.**
## Optional: Activate the ilert connection in Telegram manually
To manually activate your Telegram connection, follow these steps.
1. Search for '@ilert\_bot' and open a new chat.
2. Enter the previously generated verification code into the Chat.
## In Telegram: ilert alert action in Telegram groups
1. Add our '@ilert\_actions\_bot' into a group of choice.
2. If the '@ilert\_actions\_bot' got invited successfully, you will receive a message with a code starting with a dash("-"). Copy this code and proceed to the [next step](#alarm-sources-3).
## In ilert: Create a new Telegram alert action
1. Click on **Alert sources -> Alert actions**.
2. Now click on **Create new alert action**.
3. Search for **Telegram** in the alert actions wizard and select our Telegram integration.
4. Enter a **Name** and proceed to the next step.
5. Choose some alert event filters for your alert action and click on **Next**.
6. Now enter the **code** from [this step](#alarm-sources-3) that you have received from our ''@ilert\_actions\_bot" in your Telegram group and click on **Done** to finish the setup.
