Telegram Chat ID Explained: Types, Formats, and Usage
A Chat ID in Telegram is a numeric identifier for any conversation. Understanding Chat ID formats is essential for bot developers working with the Telegram Bot API.
Chat ID Formats
- Private chats: Positive number equal to the other user's User ID (e.g., 123456789).
- Basic groups: Negative number (e.g., -987654321).
- Supergroups: Negative number with -100 prefix (e.g., -1001234567890).
- Channels: Negative number with -100 prefix (e.g., -1009876543210).
Why the -100 Prefix?
When Telegram introduced supergroups and channels, they needed a way to distinguish them from basic groups in API responses. The -100 prefix was added to create a separate ID namespace. The actual internal ID is the part after -100.
When Chat IDs Change
Most Chat IDs are permanent. The exception is when a basic group is upgraded to a supergroup, which Telegram does automatically when you enable certain features (persistent history, more than 200 members, admin permissions). The new supergroup gets a different Chat ID with the -100 prefix.
Using Chat IDs
The Telegram Bot API requires a chat_id parameter for most methods (sendMessage, sendPhoto, etc.). You can pass either the numeric Chat ID or the public @username. Numeric IDs are more reliable because usernames can change.
Finding a Chat ID
Use TelegramUserID.com to look up any public group or channel by username. For more methods, see our Chat ID guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Chat ID the same as a User ID?
In private chats, yes. The Chat ID of a private conversation equals the other person's User ID. In groups and channels, the Chat ID is a separate negative number that identifies the group/channel itself.
Can a Chat ID be reused after a group is deleted?
No. Like User IDs, Chat IDs are never reused. Once a group or channel is deleted, its Chat ID is permanently retired.