Platform Connections

Sentinel connects to Telegram through your own API credentials, giving you a direct and private connection to the platform.

Telegram ConnectionCopy Anchor Link

Setting Up API CredentialsCopy Anchor Link

Sentinel requires Telegram API credentials to connect. These are free and tied to your Telegram account.

1. Go to https://my.telegram.org/apps
2. Log in with your Telegram phone number
3. Click API development tools
4. Fill in the application form:
   • App title: Any name (e.g., "My App")
   • Short name: Any short identifier
   • Platform: Desktop
5. Click Create application
6. Copy your API ID (a number) and API Hash (a string)

Entering Credentials in SentinelCopy Anchor Link

1. Click the Sentinel Extension icon in Chrome
2. Click Credentials
3. Paste your API ID and API Hash
4. Save

AuthenticatingCopy Anchor Link

When you start the scraper for the first time:

1. Click Start Scraper
2. Enter your Telegram phone number
3. You'll receive a verification code in Telegram
4. Enter the code
5. If you have 2FA enabled, enter your password
6. Authentication is complete, and the session is saved for future use

Connection StatusCopy Anchor Link

The Extension shows the current connection state:

• Connected: Scraper is running and receiving messages
• Disconnected: Scraper is stopped or connection was lost
• Authenticating: Waiting for phone number or verification code

If the connection drops, restart the scraper with START_SENTINEL.sh and click Start Scraper in the Extension.

PrivacyCopy Anchor Link

• Your API credentials are stored locally in the Sentinel configuration files
• Sentinel connects directly to Telegram, with no data passing through third-party servers
• Your Telegram session is stored locally and never shared