diff --git a/mautrix_telegram/matrix.py b/mautrix_telegram/matrix.py
index ace90e7c..0a03f006 100644
--- a/mautrix_telegram/matrix.py
+++ b/mautrix_telegram/matrix.py
@@ -339,7 +339,7 @@ class MatrixHandler:
         user = await u.User.get_by_mxid(user_id).ensure_started()
         if not await user.is_logged_in():
             return
-        user.set_presence(presence == "online")
+        await user.set_presence(presence == "online")
 
     async def handle_typing(self, room_id: MatrixRoomID, now_typing: List[MatrixUserID]) -> None:
         portal = po.Portal.get_by_mxid(room_id)
diff --git a/mautrix_telegram/user.py b/mautrix_telegram/user.py
index af86ce46..fc440268 100644
--- a/mautrix_telegram/user.py
+++ b/mautrix_telegram/user.py
@@ -199,10 +199,9 @@ class User(AbstractUser):
     def ensure_started(self, even_if_no_session: bool = False) -> Coroutine[None, None, 'User']:
         return cast(Coroutine[None, None, 'User'], super().ensure_started(even_if_no_session))
 
-    def set_presence(self, online: bool = True) -> bool:
-        if self.is_bot:
-            return False
-        return self.client(UpdateStatusRequest(offline=not online))
+    async def set_presence(self, online: bool = True) -> None:
+        if not self.is_bot:
+            await self.client(UpdateStatusRequest(offline=not online))
 
     async def update_info(self, info: TLUser = None) -> None:
         info = info or await self.client.get_me()