QR code for Telegram: channel, chat and bot
A Telegram code is an ordinary link code. Everything depends on which link you put inside: public, invite-only or a bot link with a parameter.
The kinds of links
| Destination | Link | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Public channel or group | t.me/channelname | Always works, safe to print anywhere |
| Private group by invite | t.me/+randomcode | The owner can revoke it — the printed code dies |
| Personal profile | t.me/yourusername | Requires a username |
| Bot | t.me/yourbot | Opens the chat with a Start button |
| Bot with a parameter | t.me/yourbot?start=promo25 | The bot receives promo25 and knows where the person came from |
For stickers, cards and signage use the public channel link. An invite link to a private group can be revoked or limited by time and number of uses, and a printed code becomes useless after that.
Where to get the link
- Open the channel or group and tap its name at the top.
- In a public channel the link is right there in the «Link» field — copy it.
- In a private one: Manage → Invite Links, create a new one and copy it.
- A bot link is built from its name: t.me/yourbot.
Tracking campaigns
The ?start= parameter only works for bots: the bot receives the value and can record the source. Channels have no such parameter, so to tell sources apart people create several invite links — one per placement — and watch the join stats in the channel settings.
Designing the code
- A caption like «Our channel» or «Message the bot» raises scans far more than a logo does.
- Do not drop the blue Telegram mark across the whole code: keep the logo under a quarter of the side and set error correction to H.
- Printing on a dark background? Put the code on a white patch with a quiet zone of at least four modules.
Telegram has a built-in code generator for profiles and channels. It produces a blue code with the logo and no caption — hard to fit into a brand layout, and you cannot change its colours or frame.
FAQ
Does a Telegram code work offline?
No. The code itself reads fine, but opening the channel needs an internet connection.
Why did the code to a private group stop working?
The invite link was probably revoked, expired or hit its usage limit. Create a permanent link without limits and reissue the code.
Can a code point to a specific message?
Yes, in a public channel: a link like t.me/channelname/123 opens that message.
Will it open the app or a browser?
If Telegram is installed, the phone offers to open it. If not, the t.me page opens with an install button.