Save Telegram Files to Google Drive Automatically with n8n

What this workflow does

This workflow automatically saves files sent to a Telegram bot into a Google Drive folder. It solves the problem of manual downloading and uploading of files, saving you time and avoiding mistakes. Every new file received in Telegram is instantly uploaded to the right Google Drive folder with the original name kept.

The workflow runs all the time. It watches for new Telegram messages with files, downloads those files, and uploads them to Google Drive without you touching anything.

Who should use this workflow

This is good for people who get many files through Telegram and want to save them fast and safely. It helps freelancers, remote teams, or anyone tired of moving files manually between Telegram and cloud storage.

Tools and services used

• Telegram Bot API: Receives messages with files sent to a bot.
• Google Drive OAuth2: Uploads files securely to Google Drive folders.
• n8n platform: Runs the automation workflow continuously.

How this workflow works (Input → Process → Output)

Inputs

Incoming messages to the Telegram bot that include file attachments.

Processing Steps

• The Telegram Trigger node listens for new messages and automatically downloads attached files.
• An If node checks if the message has a file by looking for the document attribute.
• The Google Drive node uploads the downloaded file to a set Google Drive folder, keeping the original file name.

Output

The attached file from Telegram saved in the chosen Google Drive folder, ready for use.

Beginner step-by-step: How to use this workflow in n8n

Importing the workflow

1. Click the Download button on this page to save the workflow file.
2. Open the n8n editor and select “Import from File”.
3. Find and import the downloaded workflow file.

Configuring credentials and settings

1. Go to Credentials in n8n and add your Telegram Bot API Key.
2. Add your Google Drive OAuth2 credentials.
3. In the Google Drive node, update the folder ID with your target Drive folder.

Testing the workflow

1. Send a file message to your Telegram bot.
2. Check if the file appears in the Google Drive folder.

Activating the workflow

1. In the top right, toggle the workflow switch to “Active”.
2. The workflow now runs continuously, saving new Telegram files automatically.

Remember to verify bot permissions and credentials if files do not upload.

If running n8n under heavy use, consider self-host n8n for better performance.

Customization ideas

• Change the Google Drive folder by editing the folderId in the Google Drive node.
• Filter file types by checking $json.message.document.mime_type in the If node.
• Rename uploaded files using expressions like "ClientFile_" + $json.message.document.file_name.
• Add a notification node (Slack or Email) after the upload to get alerts when files save.

Edge cases and troubleshooting

If files do not upload, check Google Drive folder ID and OAuth2 credentials are correct.

If the Telegram trigger does not fire, confirm the bot’s message permissions and that the n8n webhook URL works.

Always keep a backup of your workflow export to restore if needed.

Summary of results

✓ Saves Telegram files directly to Google Drive folder automatically.

✓ Keeps original file names intact.

✓ Runs all the time without manual effort.

✓ Cuts down time spent managing files by around 30 minutes daily.

✓ Reduces risk of file loss or misplacement.