Technical Overview: How the Telegram Platform Works for Mini Apps

Telegram Mini Apps (TMA) are web applications embedded into the Telegram ecosystem. They operate within chats and bots using Telegram’s built-in WebView browser, providing users with the functionality of traditional mobile and web applications. In this article, we will explore the architecture of Mini Apps, the APIs they rely on, and the security systems in place within Telegram.

Architecture of Mini Apps in Telegram

Telegram Mini Apps are based on web technologies and operate through WebView, the built-in browser of Telegram, which allows them to run without leaving the messenger.

Key Components of the Architecture:

Client Side (Frontend) – Mini Apps are developed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Popular frontend frameworks like React, Vue.js, and Angular are supported. Telegram provides the Web Apps API, which allows developers to adapt the app’s interface to the user (e.g., adjusting for Telegram’s light or dark mode).

Server Side (Backend) – Mini Apps can interact with their own servers through APIs. The backend can be implemented using Node.js, Python, Go, PHP, or other languages. User data is stored on the developer’s server; Telegram does not retain this data.

Interaction with Telegram – Telegram Mini Apps retrieve user data (ID, name, language) through the Web Apps API. They can send messages to users and handle commands via the Bot API. Telegram Payments integration allows Mini Apps to accept payments.

How Mini Apps Work: 

1. The user launches the Mini App – this can be via a button in a bot, a link, or a command in a chat.
2. Telegram opens the Mini App in WebView and passes user data.
3. The app loads from the developer’s server, functioning like a regular web app.
4. The Mini App interacts with Telegram’s APIs, retrieves data, sends notifications, or processes payments.
5. After finishing, the user closes the Mini App and returns to Telegram.

Thanks to this architecture, Mini Apps can work without installation and occupy minimal space on the user’s device.

Features of the API and Interaction with Telegram

Two main APIs are used for the operation of Mini Apps: Telegram Web Apps API and Telegram Bot API.

Telegram Web Apps API
This API allows Mini Apps to interact with Telegram through the built-in WebView.

• Retrieve user data (ID, name, interface language).
• Configure the interface (support for dark/light mode, adaptation to screen size).
• Interact with bots (send commands, call menus).
• Pass data to the Mini App (e.g., ?order_id=1234 in the URL).

Example code to retrieve user data:

javascript

const initData = window.Telegram.WebApp.initDataUnsafe;
console.log(`User: ${initData.user.first_name}`);

Telegram Bot API
Bots play a crucial role in the operation of Mini Apps – they manage user interactions.

• Sending messages – bots can notify users of new events.
• Processing commands – the Mini App can send data to the bot for handling.
• Payment integration – the bot helps manage payments through Telegram Payments.

Example of sending a message via the Bot API:

python

import requests

TOKEN = "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN"
CHAT_ID = "USER_CHAT_ID"
MESSAGE = "Hello! Welcome to our Mini App."

requests.post(f"https://api.telegram.org/bot{TOKEN}/sendMessage", data={
    "chat_id": CHAT_ID,
    "text": MESSAGE
})

Telegram Payments
Mini Apps can accept payments directly within Telegram.

• Supports bank cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
• Payment occurs inside the Mini App without redirecting to external sites.
• Telegram does not take a commission, though payment providers may charge fees.

Example of an invoice payment button via the Bot API:

python

requests.post(f"https://api.telegram.org/bot{TOKEN}/sendInvoice", data={
    "chat_id": CHAT_ID,
    "title": "Subscription Payment",
    "description": "Subscription for the premium version of the Mini App",
    "payload": "subscription_payment",
    "provider_token": "PROVIDER_TOKEN",
    "currency": "USD",
    "prices": [{"label": "Subscription", "amount": 500}],
})

 Security Systems and Restrictions for Mini Apps

Since Mini Apps operate within Telegram and handle user data, Telegram has implemented several layers of protection.

Authorization and Data Security

• Telegram does not pass passwords – Mini Apps use an authorization token valid only for the current session.
• All data is transmitted via HTTPS; WebView does not support HTTP connections.
• Only minimal user data is shared (ID, name, and language), excluding phone numbers and email addresses.

WebView Limitations

• No access to local files or camera – Mini Apps cannot access device data.
• Pop-up windows and automatic redirects are not allowed.
• Limited background operations – Mini Apps do not run if the user closes them.

API and Request Limitations

• Telegram limits the number of requests to the Bot API to avoid spam.
• Limits on sending messages – bulk messages cannot be sent without user interaction.
• Restrictions on advertisements and content – Mini Apps must adhere to Telegram’s policies.

How to Verify the Security of a Mini App

• Use verified bots – official Telegram bots will show which Mini Apps they support.
• Check the domain – Mini Apps should only load from trusted servers.
• Avoid suspicious links – do not enter passwords or payment data on third-party sites.

Summary

Telegram Mini Apps are a powerful tool for creating services within the messenger, combining the convenience of web applications with deep integration into Telegram.

1. Their architecture is based on WebView, with data transmitted through the Web Apps API and Bot API.
2. Telegram’s APIs allow retrieving user information, sending messages, and even accepting payments.
3. Security systems prevent data leaks and limit access to user devices.

Developing Mini Apps is a promising direction that allows creating fast, convenient, and secure services available to millions of Telegram users.