How to require users to join chats¶

This guide explains how to configure your bot to require users to join one or more channels or groups. We'll use the /start command as an example, but this can be applied to any part of your bot.

Prerequisites¶

Premium subscription: These configurations require the use of actions, an exclusive feature of the VisualMaker premium subscription.
Required action:
- Force chat join: Ensures users join the channels or groups you specify.

Steps to require users to join chats¶

1. Set access to your channels or groups¶

Add your bot as an administrator in the channels or groups where you want users to join.

2. Select the `/start` command¶

Go to your bot and tap 🛠 Edit to enter edit mode.
Send /start to select it as the command to edit.
Click Actions 🌟 to access the actions menu.

3. Configure the "Force chat join" action¶

To add a new action, click 🎯 New action.
Select 👥 Force chat join to add it.
Enter the action settings by clicking Configure 🛠.
Click 📍 Set chats to join 📍 and enter the @usernames or IDs of the channels, separated by commas. Example:
```
@channel_of_cats, @channel_of_dogs
```
Click 💬 Main message (optional) 💬 and write the message that will instruct users to join the channels. Example:
```
Join our channels to continue:
- @channel_of_cats
- @channel_of_dogs
Then click "Verify".
```
- To include direct links to the channels, use {chat_link.n}, where n represents the channel's order. You can use HTML or Markdown. Example:
```
Join our channels to continue:
- [Cats Channel]({chat_link.1})
- [Dogs Channel]({chat_link.2})
Then click "Verify".
```
Click ⚠️ Message if not joined (optional) ⚠️ and write a message for users who haven’t joined correctly. If not set, the main message will be shown.
Click 🔘 Verify button (Optional) 🔘 to add a button that allows users to confirm they’ve joined the channels. You can set the button as lower (at the bottom of the message) or inline (floating within the message).
Activate the action to make it functional.

4. Verify the configuration¶

Return to the bot menu and click 💢 Stop editor to exit the editor mode.
Send /start and ensure that users cannot proceed unless they’ve joined the specified channels.

Now, your bot will require users to join the channels before interacting further.