@DoublegramScribeBot does not work the same way in every Telegram chat. Some features need a Doublegram subscription; others are free for the whole group. This guide explains what you need for private Telegram chat vs Telegram groups, and how to unlock each tier.
Everything below applies to @DoublegramScribeBot.
Two places, two access models
| Where | What you need | What unlocks |
|---|---|---|
| Private chat with the bot | Linked Doublegram account + active subscription | Voice transcription, AI chat, reminders, history search |
| Group (standard) | Nothing — bot auto-activates when added | Voice transcription for all members (50/hour per group) |
| Group premium | A member with an active subscription activates via /upgrade |
Unlimited transcription + AI for the whole group |
Remember: Group voice is free without a subscription. Private chat and group AI need a paid Doublegram plan.
Unlock private chat
Private chat is where you get Scribe's full personal assistant: text and voice messages, reminders, and searching your chat history.
Step 1 — Link your Doublegram account
Open the bot in a private chat and send /start. If your Telegram is not linked yet, the menu shows a Link account button. Follow the flow to connect your Telegram to your Doublegram profile.
Step 2 — Activate a subscription
After linking, you need an active Doublegram subscription. If you are not subscribed yet:
- Tap Pricing or Choose a plan on the
/startmenu, or - Send
/upgradeto see what the subscription includes.
If your subscription expired, the bot shows Manage subscription and Renew buttons instead.
Step 3 — Start using Scribe
Once your account is linked and your subscription is active, send a message or voice note — Scribe responds normally. Use Settings from /start to set timezone and personality.
Always free to use without a subscription: /start and /upgrade in private chat (so you can see plans and link your account). Everything else is gated until you subscribe.
Groups: free transcription on day one
When someone adds Scribe to a Telegram group, the bot activates automatically in free mode. Members can send voice notes right away — no subscription required.
- 50 voice transcriptions per hour per group (shared quota)
- No AI — mentioning the bot or replying to it for questions will not work until group premium is enabled
- Auto-replies set up by admins with
/replywork independently of premium
Unlock group premium (AI + unlimited voice)
To let everyone in the group use AI (mentions, replies, reminders, history search) and remove the transcription cap:
- A group member with an active Doublegram subscription sends
/upgradein the group. - Tap Activate premium for the group when the button appears.
- The bot confirms activation — unlimited transcription and AI are now available to members (unless admins restrict AI to admins only in Settings).
Only one group premium activation is active at a time. If the group is already premium, another member must wait until the current activator releases premium from Settings, or until the activator's subscription lapses.
If the activator's subscription expires, the group automatically returns to the free tier (50 transcriptions/hour, no AI). A subscribed member can run /upgrade again to reactivate — the group premium bounces back when the activator renews.
How to interact with Scribe in a group
- Voice note → transcription (free tier or unlimited on premium)
- Mention @DoublegramScribeBot or reply to an AI message → requires group premium
- Do not reply to a transcription message expecting AI — mention the bot or reply to its AI replies instead
Optional: AI credits
On some plans, AI responses may also use AI credits (separate from your subscription). Voice transcription stays free. Check balance with /credits in private chat — this command does not work in groups.
Quick test (private): Link account → subscribe → send What can you help me with? If you get an answer, private access is working.
Troubleshooting
- Locked message in private chat — Link account first, then subscribe. Send
/upgradefor direct links. - AI blocked in group — Group is not on premium. A subscribed member runs
/upgradeand confirms activation. - Transcription limit in group — Free tier hit 50/hour. Wait for the next hour or activate group premium.
- Only admins can use AI — An admin set AI to admins-only in group Settings. Transcription still works for everyone.
Quick reference
- Private: link account + subscription
- Group free: auto on bot add, 50 voice/hour
- Group premium:
/upgradeby a subscribed member - Onboarding always works:
/start,/upgrade
Related: choose your interface language with the flag buttons on /start — see Choose Your Interface Language in the Telegram Bot.