Welcome to TelePlay! This guide covers everything from the core concepts to using the bot and apps.
TelePlay is a self-hosted media center that turns Telegram into your personal "Netflix".
- Telegram Storage: All your media files (Videos, Movies, Music) are stored in your own Private Telegram Channel. Telegram provides unlimited storage for files up to 2GB each.
- Database: A small database (SQLite or PostgreSQL) keeps track of your file names, folders, and watch progress.
- Backend Server: This is the "brain" of the app. It communicates with Telegram, manages your database, and streams the media directly to your player.
- Clients: You interact with your library through the Telegram Bot (for management), the Web / Android App (for management and watching), or the Android TV App (for watching).
To get started, you must first deploy your own TelePlay server. This server will host the "brain" and the web interface.
Tip
Don't stay here for the technical installation! Follow our dedicated Deployment Guide to set up your server on your Local Machine, VPS, or Cloud Provider.
Once your server is up and running and you can see the login screen in your browser, return here to learn how to use the bot and apps!
The bot is your command center for uploading and managing media.
- Direct Upload: Send any Video, Audio, or Document to the bot.
- Forwarding: Forward messages from other channels to the bot.
- Auto-Sync: The bot saves the file and gives you a
File ID(e.g.,123).
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/start |
Open the main menu and Web Link. |
/myfiles |
List your recent 10 uploads. |
/folders |
Browse and manage your folders. |
/login |
Get a code to log in on Android TV or Web. |
/help |
Detailed list of all features. |
When you upload a file or use /file <id>, you get interactive buttons to:
- ✏️ Rename: Change the display name.
- 📂 Move: Put files into folders for better organization.
- 🗑 Delete: Remove from both TelePlay and your channel.
You can log in to the Web Interface using three different methods:
- Method 1: Direct Link (Easiest)
- Send
/webto your Telegram bot. - Click the link provided to log in automatically.
- Send
- Method 2: Use Login Code
- Send
/loginto your bot to get a 6-digit code. - Enter this code on the web app's login screen.
- Send
- Method 3: Remote Authorization
- Open the web app and click "Generate Code".
- It will show a 6-digit code (e.g.,
ABCDEF). - Send
/login ABCDEFto your Telegram bot. - The web app will log you in automatically!
- Download the APK:
- Go to the GitHub Releases page.
- Download the latest
.apkfile (useuniversalif unsure, orarm64-v8afor most modern devices).
- Installation:
- Transfer the APK to your device (using a USB drive or cloud storage).
- Use a File Manager on your TV to open the APK.
- Troubleshooting Installation Errors:
- "App not installed": You might need to enable "Install from Unknown Sources" in your TV's Security settings.
- "Invalid Package": Ensure you downloaded the correct version for your device's architecture.
- Connect to Server:
- Enter your Server URL (found in DEPLOYMENT.md).
- Tip: Do NOT use
localhost. Use your PC's local IP (e.g.,http://192.168.1.100).
- Login:
- The app will show a 6-digit code.
- Send
/login 123456to your Telegram bot. Done!
To keep your bot private, add your Telegram ID to the .env file:
AUTH_USERS=12345678,98765432Only these people will be able to use the bot.
Increase download speeds by creating extra bots and adding their tokens to .env:
TELEGRAM_HELPER_BOT_TOKENS=token1,token2Note: Every helper bot must be an Admin in your Storage Channel.
- TV can't connect: Ensure your PC's firewall allows port 80 and 8000.
- Blank Web Page: Check
docker compose logs backendfor database errors.