Public Telegram usernames are the most common Lookup input. Send the handle in a private chat with @doublegram_lookup_bot — no slash command required.
Accepted formats
@telegram— with the @ prefix (recommended)telegram— without @ (Lookup adds it automatically)- Username inside a longer message — Lookup extracts the first valid @username
Telegram username rules (enforced by Lookup):
- 5–32 characters
- Must start with a letter (a–z, case insensitive)
- Letters, digits, and underscores only
Step by step
- Open private chat with @doublegram_lookup_bot.
- Send
@durov(or any public username). - Lookup replies 🔍 Analyzing @durov… (with free quota line if applicable).
- Read the Lookup Results card below.
What you get back
For a user or bot with a public username, the card typically includes:
- ID — numeric Telegram user ID
- Type — User
- Name — display first name
- Username — @handle
- Bio — profile bio when visible
- Is Bot — whether the account is a bot
For a public group, supergroup, or channel with a username, you get chat fields instead (title, description, members) — see Read a Group or Channel Result Card in Telegram Lookup.
Tip: Username lookup works for public entities. Private users without a username cannot be found by handle — use a forward or numeric ID if you have it.
Common mistakes
- Invalid username — Too short, starts with a number, or illegal characters → Lookup may treat the message as plain text and show your sender info instead
- Private account with username — Lookup may return partial data or an access error if Telegram blocks deeper resolution
- Changed username — Old handles stop working; always use the current @username
Quick reference
- Send:
@usernameorusername - Works for: users, bots, public groups/channels with usernames
- Chat: private with Lookup only
Related: search using a t.me link in Search by t.me Link in Telegram Lookup.