diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 53d65cb..0c7fefd 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -31,5 +31,10 @@ Telegram API hash (https://my.telegram.org/apps).
 ## ADMIN_USER
 Matrix id of the admin user.
 
+## BOT_TOKEN
+- default: disabled
+
+Token for the relay bot.
+
 # Ports
 - 8080
diff --git a/rootfs/etc/confd/templates/config.yaml.tmpl b/rootfs/etc/confd/templates/config.yaml.tmpl
index c6fe985..619052e 100644
--- a/rootfs/etc/confd/templates/config.yaml.tmpl
+++ b/rootfs/etc/confd/templates/config.yaml.tmpl
@@ -495,7 +495,7 @@ telegram:
     api_id: {{ getenv "API_ID" }}
     api_hash: {{ getenv "API_HASH" }}
     # (Optional) Create your own bot at https://t.me/BotFather
-    bot_token: disabled
+    bot_token: {{ getenv "BOT_TOKEN" "disabled" }}
 
     # Should the bridge request missed updates from Telegram when restarting?
     catch_up: true