To make Telegram work with bitlbee you need version compiled with libpurple support enabled - bitlbee-libpurple for example, although there are patched or development versions also available. Next, install telegram-purple and restart bitlbee via systemd. In the control channel, &bitlbee, type the following commands: 11:45:03 <@user> account add telegram <phone_number_with_region_prefix> <anything> 11:45:03 <@root> Account successfully added 11:45:06 <@user> account telegram on After connecting a separate chat window will open, asking for the SMS code - enter it and Telegram will work with your setup.