diff --git a/telegram/_botcommandscope.py b/telegram/_botcommandscope.py
index 2cac2f50a5b..53e65610c0a 100644
--- a/telegram/_botcommandscope.py
+++ b/telegram/_botcommandscope.py
@@ -84,13 +84,19 @@ def __init__(self, type: str, *, api_kwargs: Optional[JSONDict] = None):
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["BotCommandScope"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["BotCommandScope"]:
         """Converts JSON data to the appropriate :class:`BotCommandScope` object, i.e. takes
         care of selecting the correct subclass.
 
         Args:
             data (Dict[:obj:`str`, ...]): The JSON data.
-            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot`): The bot associated with this object.
+            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot`, optional): The bot associated with this object. Defaults to
+                :obj:`None`, in which case shortcut methods will not be available.
+
+                .. versionchanged:: NEXT.VERSION
+                   :paramref:`bot` is now optional and defaults to :obj:`None`
 
         Returns:
             The Telegram object.
diff --git a/telegram/_business.py b/telegram/_business.py
index ab1fdb91b51..22c89e024b4 100644
--- a/telegram/_business.py
+++ b/telegram/_business.py
@@ -106,7 +106,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["BusinessConnection"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["BusinessConnection"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -175,7 +177,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["BusinessMessagesDeleted"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["BusinessMessagesDeleted"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -232,7 +236,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["BusinessIntro"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["BusinessIntro"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -284,7 +290,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["BusinessLocation"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["BusinessLocation"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -431,7 +439,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["BusinessOpeningHours"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["BusinessOpeningHours"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_callbackquery.py b/telegram/_callbackquery.py
index af89c784b10..d1cdc236be2 100644
--- a/telegram/_callbackquery.py
+++ b/telegram/_callbackquery.py
@@ -148,7 +148,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["CallbackQuery"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["CallbackQuery"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_chatbackground.py b/telegram/_chatbackground.py
index 66b58c92a25..f9c77619f4c 100644
--- a/telegram/_chatbackground.py
+++ b/telegram/_chatbackground.py
@@ -78,7 +78,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["BackgroundFill"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["BackgroundFill"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -267,7 +269,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["BackgroundType"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["BackgroundType"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -528,7 +532,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChatBackground"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChatBackground"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_chatboost.py b/telegram/_chatboost.py
index cb7010a3cd4..7b972eec6d8 100644
--- a/telegram/_chatboost.py
+++ b/telegram/_chatboost.py
@@ -110,7 +110,9 @@ def __init__(self, source: str, *, api_kwargs: Optional[JSONDict] = None):
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChatBoostSource"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChatBoostSource"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -275,7 +277,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChatBoost"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChatBoost"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -325,7 +329,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChatBoostUpdated"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChatBoostUpdated"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -382,7 +388,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChatBoostRemoved"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChatBoostRemoved"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -429,7 +437,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["UserChatBoosts"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["UserChatBoosts"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_chatfullinfo.py b/telegram/_chatfullinfo.py
index 3458f6fa6b3..349f61318de 100644
--- a/telegram/_chatfullinfo.py
+++ b/telegram/_chatfullinfo.py
@@ -496,7 +496,9 @@ def __init__(
             self.business_opening_hours: Optional[BusinessOpeningHours] = business_opening_hours
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChatFullInfo"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChatFullInfo"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_chatinvitelink.py b/telegram/_chatinvitelink.py
index 18799d9028a..43e7e8ab62d 100644
--- a/telegram/_chatinvitelink.py
+++ b/telegram/_chatinvitelink.py
@@ -151,7 +151,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChatInviteLink"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChatInviteLink"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_chatjoinrequest.py b/telegram/_chatjoinrequest.py
index 4d6fdf88581..9c444d97b4d 100644
--- a/telegram/_chatjoinrequest.py
+++ b/telegram/_chatjoinrequest.py
@@ -129,7 +129,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChatJoinRequest"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChatJoinRequest"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_chatlocation.py b/telegram/_chatlocation.py
index 3a3c561fc07..04f9854a23a 100644
--- a/telegram/_chatlocation.py
+++ b/telegram/_chatlocation.py
@@ -68,7 +68,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChatLocation"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChatLocation"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_chatmember.py b/telegram/_chatmember.py
index b399af30e28..0cc06bf5804 100644
--- a/telegram/_chatmember.py
+++ b/telegram/_chatmember.py
@@ -104,7 +104,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChatMember"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChatMember"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_chatmemberupdated.py b/telegram/_chatmemberupdated.py
index c51b88b7b3b..1aacb218533 100644
--- a/telegram/_chatmemberupdated.py
+++ b/telegram/_chatmemberupdated.py
@@ -141,7 +141,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChatMemberUpdated"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChatMemberUpdated"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_chatpermissions.py b/telegram/_chatpermissions.py
index 1bda731072e..c4e9e94b7a9 100644
--- a/telegram/_chatpermissions.py
+++ b/telegram/_chatpermissions.py
@@ -231,7 +231,9 @@ def no_permissions(cls) -> "ChatPermissions":
         return cls(*(14 * (False,)))
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChatPermissions"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChatPermissions"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_choseninlineresult.py b/telegram/_choseninlineresult.py
index bef8fbb3164..76380e95839 100644
--- a/telegram/_choseninlineresult.py
+++ b/telegram/_choseninlineresult.py
@@ -92,7 +92,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChosenInlineResult"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChosenInlineResult"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_files/_basethumbedmedium.py b/telegram/_files/_basethumbedmedium.py
index 6212e38f69a..ba35ea2e53e 100644
--- a/telegram/_files/_basethumbedmedium.py
+++ b/telegram/_files/_basethumbedmedium.py
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ def __init__(
 
     @classmethod
     def de_json(
-        cls: Type[ThumbedMT_co], data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot"
+        cls: Type[ThumbedMT_co], data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
     ) -> Optional[ThumbedMT_co]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
diff --git a/telegram/_files/sticker.py b/telegram/_files/sticker.py
index b1194deeeea..3c3c1cd7e72 100644
--- a/telegram/_files/sticker.py
+++ b/telegram/_files/sticker.py
@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@ def __init__(
     """:const:`telegram.constants.StickerType.CUSTOM_EMOJI`"""
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["Sticker"]:
+    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None) -> Optional["Sticker"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -305,7 +305,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["StickerSet"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["StickerSet"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         if not data:
             return None
diff --git a/telegram/_files/venue.py b/telegram/_files/venue.py
index caf60355533..443bd009c17 100644
--- a/telegram/_files/venue.py
+++ b/telegram/_files/venue.py
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["Venue"]:
+    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None) -> Optional["Venue"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_games/game.py b/telegram/_games/game.py
index 8eff71a0a61..93b3f0161cc 100644
--- a/telegram/_games/game.py
+++ b/telegram/_games/game.py
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["Game"]:
+    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None) -> Optional["Game"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_games/gamehighscore.py b/telegram/_games/gamehighscore.py
index 991255fe1d5..40f93fadd49 100644
--- a/telegram/_games/gamehighscore.py
+++ b/telegram/_games/gamehighscore.py
@@ -61,7 +61,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["GameHighScore"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["GameHighScore"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_giveaway.py b/telegram/_giveaway.py
index ed6d4a28895..0008dc9dd4c 100644
--- a/telegram/_giveaway.py
+++ b/telegram/_giveaway.py
@@ -123,7 +123,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["Giveaway"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["Giveaway"]:
         """See :obj:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -257,7 +259,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["GiveawayWinners"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["GiveawayWinners"]:
         """See :obj:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -323,7 +327,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["GiveawayCompleted"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["GiveawayCompleted"]:
         """See :obj:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_inline/inlinekeyboardbutton.py b/telegram/_inline/inlinekeyboardbutton.py
index d88f222cad7..1a3e1675664 100644
--- a/telegram/_inline/inlinekeyboardbutton.py
+++ b/telegram/_inline/inlinekeyboardbutton.py
@@ -284,7 +284,9 @@ def _set_id_attrs(self) -> None:
         )
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["InlineKeyboardButton"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["InlineKeyboardButton"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_inline/inlinekeyboardmarkup.py b/telegram/_inline/inlinekeyboardmarkup.py
index c806318246a..efb181e8aa5 100644
--- a/telegram/_inline/inlinekeyboardmarkup.py
+++ b/telegram/_inline/inlinekeyboardmarkup.py
@@ -90,7 +90,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["InlineKeyboardMarkup"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["InlineKeyboardMarkup"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         if not data:
             return None
diff --git a/telegram/_inline/inlinequery.py b/telegram/_inline/inlinequery.py
index cc9044beb18..ba29a8646fe 100644
--- a/telegram/_inline/inlinequery.py
+++ b/telegram/_inline/inlinequery.py
@@ -125,7 +125,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["InlineQuery"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["InlineQuery"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_inline/inlinequeryresultsbutton.py b/telegram/_inline/inlinequeryresultsbutton.py
index da850340cac..ae0b404e1f8 100644
--- a/telegram/_inline/inlinequeryresultsbutton.py
+++ b/telegram/_inline/inlinequeryresultsbutton.py
@@ -97,7 +97,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["InlineQueryResultsButton"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["InlineQueryResultsButton"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         if not data:
             return None
diff --git a/telegram/_inline/inputinvoicemessagecontent.py b/telegram/_inline/inputinvoicemessagecontent.py
index 74ea97de297..be539bcb38c 100644
--- a/telegram/_inline/inputinvoicemessagecontent.py
+++ b/telegram/_inline/inputinvoicemessagecontent.py
@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@ def __init__(
 
     @classmethod
     def de_json(
-        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot"
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
     ) -> Optional["InputInvoiceMessageContent"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
diff --git a/telegram/_keyboardbutton.py b/telegram/_keyboardbutton.py
index 0cb4cd82e65..ad08f2f98ad 100644
--- a/telegram/_keyboardbutton.py
+++ b/telegram/_keyboardbutton.py
@@ -168,7 +168,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["KeyboardButton"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["KeyboardButton"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_keyboardbuttonrequest.py b/telegram/_keyboardbuttonrequest.py
index fa94433ebd9..07f2c3a99aa 100644
--- a/telegram/_keyboardbuttonrequest.py
+++ b/telegram/_keyboardbuttonrequest.py
@@ -264,7 +264,7 @@ def __init__(
 
     @classmethod
     def de_json(
-        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot"
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
     ) -> Optional["KeyboardButtonRequestChat"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
diff --git a/telegram/_menubutton.py b/telegram/_menubutton.py
index 2044fb551fe..5856fc8d10e 100644
--- a/telegram/_menubutton.py
+++ b/telegram/_menubutton.py
@@ -69,13 +69,19 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["MenuButton"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["MenuButton"]:
         """Converts JSON data to the appropriate :class:`MenuButton` object, i.e. takes
         care of selecting the correct subclass.
 
         Args:
             data (Dict[:obj:`str`, ...]): The JSON data.
-            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot`): The bot associated with this object.
+            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot`, optional): The bot associated with this object. Defaults to
+                :obj:`None`, in which case shortcut methods will not be available.
+
+                .. versionchanged:: NEXT.VERSION
+                   :paramref:`bot` is now optional and defaults to :obj:`None`
 
         Returns:
             The Telegram object.
@@ -161,7 +167,9 @@ def __init__(self, text: str, web_app: WebAppInfo, *, api_kwargs: Optional[JSOND
             self._id_attrs = (self.type, self.text, self.web_app)
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["MenuButtonWebApp"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["MenuButtonWebApp"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_message.py b/telegram/_message.py
index b0605cd094d..0a8884794f5 100644
--- a/telegram/_message.py
+++ b/telegram/_message.py
@@ -178,7 +178,10 @@ def is_accessible(self) -> bool:
 
     @classmethod
     def _de_json(
-        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot", api_kwargs: Optional[JSONDict] = None
+        cls,
+        data: Optional[JSONDict],
+        bot: Optional["Bot"] = None,
+        api_kwargs: Optional[JSONDict] = None,
     ) -> Optional["MaybeInaccessibleMessage"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
@@ -1205,7 +1208,7 @@ def link(self) -> Optional[str]:
         return None
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["Message"]:
+    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None) -> Optional["Message"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_messageentity.py b/telegram/_messageentity.py
index 2f7fb7d6179..bbea88d10ae 100644
--- a/telegram/_messageentity.py
+++ b/telegram/_messageentity.py
@@ -129,7 +129,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["MessageEntity"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["MessageEntity"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_messageorigin.py b/telegram/_messageorigin.py
index 3577e6091f8..534583adb8b 100644
--- a/telegram/_messageorigin.py
+++ b/telegram/_messageorigin.py
@@ -94,7 +94,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["MessageOrigin"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["MessageOrigin"]:
         """Converts JSON data to the appropriate :class:`MessageOrigin` object, i.e. takes
         care of selecting the correct subclass.
         """
diff --git a/telegram/_messagereactionupdated.py b/telegram/_messagereactionupdated.py
index 8366d1c083c..d4d4033a647 100644
--- a/telegram/_messagereactionupdated.py
+++ b/telegram/_messagereactionupdated.py
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ def __init__(
 
     @classmethod
     def de_json(
-        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot"
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
     ) -> Optional["MessageReactionCountUpdated"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
@@ -186,7 +186,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["MessageReactionUpdated"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["MessageReactionUpdated"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_passport/credentials.py b/telegram/_passport/credentials.py
index 525dd473e17..514f7fffb6c 100644
--- a/telegram/_passport/credentials.py
+++ b/telegram/_passport/credentials.py
@@ -232,7 +232,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["Credentials"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["Credentials"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -342,7 +344,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["SecureData"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["SecureData"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -448,7 +452,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["SecureValue"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["SecureValue"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_passport/encryptedpassportelement.py b/telegram/_passport/encryptedpassportelement.py
index f0d869fe2e3..76eb8e51f54 100644
--- a/telegram/_passport/encryptedpassportelement.py
+++ b/telegram/_passport/encryptedpassportelement.py
@@ -193,7 +193,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["EncryptedPassportElement"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["EncryptedPassportElement"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -210,14 +212,21 @@ def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["EncryptedPas
 
     @classmethod
     def de_json_decrypted(
-        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot", credentials: "Credentials"
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"], credentials: "Credentials"
     ) -> Optional["EncryptedPassportElement"]:
         """Variant of :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json` that also takes into account
         passport credentials.
 
         Args:
             data (Dict[:obj:`str`, ...]): The JSON data.
-            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot`): The bot associated with this object.
+            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot` | :obj:`None`): The bot associated with these object.
+                May be :obj:`None`, in which case shortcut methods will not be available.
+
+                .. versionchanged:: NEXT.VERSION
+                   :paramref:`bot` is now optional and defaults to :obj:`None`
+
+                .. deprecated:: NEXT.VERSION
+                   This argument will be converted to an optional argument in future versions.
             credentials (:class:`telegram.FileCredentials`): The credentials
 
         Returns:
diff --git a/telegram/_passport/passportdata.py b/telegram/_passport/passportdata.py
index 0dae4ba68c8..32e3879bc4d 100644
--- a/telegram/_passport/passportdata.py
+++ b/telegram/_passport/passportdata.py
@@ -81,7 +81,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["PassportData"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["PassportData"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_passport/passportfile.py b/telegram/_passport/passportfile.py
index 3c69e9eb570..3ae4a42e81f 100644
--- a/telegram/_passport/passportfile.py
+++ b/telegram/_passport/passportfile.py
@@ -118,14 +118,21 @@ def file_date(self) -> int:
 
     @classmethod
     def de_json_decrypted(
-        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot", credentials: "FileCredentials"
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"], credentials: "FileCredentials"
     ) -> Optional["PassportFile"]:
         """Variant of :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json` that also takes into account
         passport credentials.
 
         Args:
             data (Dict[:obj:`str`, ...]): The JSON data.
-            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot`): The bot associated with this object.
+            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot` | :obj:`None`): The bot associated with these object.
+                May be :obj:`None`, in which case shortcut methods will not be available.
+
+                .. versionchanged:: NEXT.VERSION
+                   :paramref:`bot` is now optional and defaults to :obj:`None`
+
+                .. deprecated:: NEXT.VERSION
+                   This argument will be converted to an optional argument in future versions.
             credentials (:class:`telegram.FileCredentials`): The credentials
 
         Returns:
@@ -143,7 +150,10 @@ def de_json_decrypted(
 
     @classmethod
     def de_list_decrypted(
-        cls, data: Optional[List[JSONDict]], bot: "Bot", credentials: List["FileCredentials"]
+        cls,
+        data: Optional[List[JSONDict]],
+        bot: Optional["Bot"],
+        credentials: List["FileCredentials"],
     ) -> Tuple[Optional["PassportFile"], ...]:
         """Variant of :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_list` that also takes into account
         passport credentials.
@@ -155,7 +165,14 @@ def de_list_decrypted(
 
         Args:
             data (List[Dict[:obj:`str`, ...]]): The JSON data.
-            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot`): The bot associated with these objects.
+            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot` | :obj:`None`): The bot associated with these object.
+                May be :obj:`None`, in which case shortcut methods will not be available.
+
+                .. versionchanged:: NEXT.VERSION
+                   :paramref:`bot` is now optional and defaults to :obj:`None`
+
+                .. deprecated:: NEXT.VERSION
+                   This argument will be converted to an optional argument in future versions.
             credentials (:class:`telegram.FileCredentials`): The credentials
 
         Returns:
diff --git a/telegram/_payment/orderinfo.py b/telegram/_payment/orderinfo.py
index b3a41b54345..7d3ee84a37b 100644
--- a/telegram/_payment/orderinfo.py
+++ b/telegram/_payment/orderinfo.py
@@ -71,7 +71,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["OrderInfo"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["OrderInfo"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_payment/precheckoutquery.py b/telegram/_payment/precheckoutquery.py
index fb57127fc11..1e7dca7bf33 100644
--- a/telegram/_payment/precheckoutquery.py
+++ b/telegram/_payment/precheckoutquery.py
@@ -110,7 +110,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["PreCheckoutQuery"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["PreCheckoutQuery"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_payment/shippingquery.py b/telegram/_payment/shippingquery.py
index ab7e5a1b2f4..47a62192489 100644
--- a/telegram/_payment/shippingquery.py
+++ b/telegram/_payment/shippingquery.py
@@ -77,7 +77,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ShippingQuery"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ShippingQuery"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_payment/successfulpayment.py b/telegram/_payment/successfulpayment.py
index a7424feba22..5298f66801e 100644
--- a/telegram/_payment/successfulpayment.py
+++ b/telegram/_payment/successfulpayment.py
@@ -105,7 +105,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["SuccessfulPayment"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["SuccessfulPayment"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_poll.py b/telegram/_poll.py
index cd6397cf733..01ec75ca5fa 100644
--- a/telegram/_poll.py
+++ b/telegram/_poll.py
@@ -90,7 +90,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["InputPollOption"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["InputPollOption"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -154,7 +156,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["PollOption"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["PollOption"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -301,7 +305,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["PollAnswer"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["PollAnswer"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -467,7 +473,7 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["Poll"]:
+    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None) -> Optional["Poll"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_proximityalerttriggered.py b/telegram/_proximityalerttriggered.py
index dd05c1ddd95..0880ca9a6f6 100644
--- a/telegram/_proximityalerttriggered.py
+++ b/telegram/_proximityalerttriggered.py
@@ -67,7 +67,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ProximityAlertTriggered"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ProximityAlertTriggered"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_reaction.py b/telegram/_reaction.py
index 60bdbebc489..d1ba718f0d6 100644
--- a/telegram/_reaction.py
+++ b/telegram/_reaction.py
@@ -65,7 +65,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ReactionType"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ReactionType"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -192,7 +194,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ReactionCount"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ReactionCount"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_reply.py b/telegram/_reply.py
index 973cee5ddfe..3ca342d067b 100644
--- a/telegram/_reply.py
+++ b/telegram/_reply.py
@@ -231,7 +231,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ExternalReplyInfo"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ExternalReplyInfo"]:
         """See :obj:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -329,7 +331,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["TextQuote"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["TextQuote"]:
         """See :obj:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -434,7 +438,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ReplyParameters"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ReplyParameters"]:
         """See :obj:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_shared.py b/telegram/_shared.py
index 8c791154e2f..b4ce2c4d5a0 100644
--- a/telegram/_shared.py
+++ b/telegram/_shared.py
@@ -83,7 +83,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["UsersShared"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["UsersShared"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -172,7 +174,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["ChatShared"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["ChatShared"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
@@ -250,7 +254,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["SharedUser"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["SharedUser"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_story.py b/telegram/_story.py
index 4cb4a8454b6..40d17cdb16d 100644
--- a/telegram/_story.py
+++ b/telegram/_story.py
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["Story"]:
+    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None) -> Optional["Story"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_telegramobject.py b/telegram/_telegramobject.py
index 2f61dace88e..04275b9a928 100644
--- a/telegram/_telegramobject.py
+++ b/telegram/_telegramobject.py
@@ -403,7 +403,7 @@ def _parse_data(data: Optional[JSONDict]) -> Optional[JSONDict]:
     def _de_json(
         cls: Type[Tele_co],
         data: Optional[JSONDict],
-        bot: "Bot",
+        bot: Optional["Bot"],
         api_kwargs: Optional[JSONDict] = None,
     ) -> Optional[Tele_co]:
         if data is None:
@@ -432,12 +432,18 @@ def _de_json(
         return obj
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls: Type[Tele_co], data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional[Tele_co]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls: Type[Tele_co], data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional[Tele_co]:
         """Converts JSON data to a Telegram object.
 
         Args:
             data (Dict[:obj:`str`, ...]): The JSON data.
-            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot`): The bot associated with this object.
+            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot`, optional): The bot associated with this object. Defaults to
+                :obj:`None`, in which case shortcut methods will not be available.
+
+                .. versionchanged:: NEXT.VERSION
+                   :paramref:`bot` is now optional and defaults to :obj:`None`
 
         Returns:
             The Telegram object.
@@ -447,7 +453,7 @@ def de_json(cls: Type[Tele_co], data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optiona
 
     @classmethod
     def de_list(
-        cls: Type[Tele_co], data: Optional[List[JSONDict]], bot: "Bot"
+        cls: Type[Tele_co], data: Optional[List[JSONDict]], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
     ) -> Tuple[Tele_co, ...]:
         """Converts a list of JSON objects to a tuple of Telegram objects.
 
@@ -458,7 +464,11 @@ def de_list(
 
         Args:
             data (List[Dict[:obj:`str`, ...]]): The JSON data.
-            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot`): The bot associated with these objects.
+            bot (:class:`telegram.Bot`, optional): The bot associated with these object. Defaults
+                to :obj:`None`, in which case shortcut methods will not be available.
+
+                .. versionchanged:: NEXT.VERSION
+                   :paramref:`bot` is now optional and defaults to :obj:`None`
 
         Returns:
             A tuple of Telegram objects.
diff --git a/telegram/_update.py b/telegram/_update.py
index 68ff52649d2..579cb008580 100644
--- a/telegram/_update.py
+++ b/telegram/_update.py
@@ -729,7 +729,7 @@ def effective_message(self) -> Optional[Message]:
         return message
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["Update"]:
+    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None) -> Optional["Update"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_userprofilephotos.py b/telegram/_userprofilephotos.py
index 36e260da9f2..9a5e4a066ef 100644
--- a/telegram/_userprofilephotos.py
+++ b/telegram/_userprofilephotos.py
@@ -70,7 +70,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["UserProfilePhotos"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["UserProfilePhotos"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_utils/datetime.py b/telegram/_utils/datetime.py
index 1c0da085434..40d931efffe 100644
--- a/telegram/_utils/datetime.py
+++ b/telegram/_utils/datetime.py
@@ -188,13 +188,16 @@ def from_timestamp(
     return dtm.datetime.fromtimestamp(unixtime, tz=UTC if tzinfo is None else tzinfo)
 
 
-def extract_tzinfo_from_defaults(bot: "Bot") -> Union[dtm.tzinfo, None]:
+def extract_tzinfo_from_defaults(bot: Optional["Bot"]) -> Union[dtm.tzinfo, None]:
     """
     Extracts the timezone info from the default values of the bot.
     If the bot has no default values, :obj:`None` is returned.
     """
     # We don't use `ininstance(bot, ExtBot)` here so that this works
     # without the job-queue extra dependencies as well
+    if bot is None:
+        return None
+
     if hasattr(bot, "defaults") and bot.defaults:
         return bot.defaults.tzinfo
     return None
diff --git a/telegram/_videochat.py b/telegram/_videochat.py
index 3e5027c99fd..b392fa6d65b 100644
--- a/telegram/_videochat.py
+++ b/telegram/_videochat.py
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ def __init__(
 
     @classmethod
     def de_json(
-        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot"
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
     ) -> Optional["VideoChatParticipantsInvited"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
@@ -177,7 +177,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["VideoChatScheduled"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["VideoChatScheduled"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/telegram/_webhookinfo.py b/telegram/_webhookinfo.py
index c1b049b7109..a6f309a930d 100644
--- a/telegram/_webhookinfo.py
+++ b/telegram/_webhookinfo.py
@@ -162,7 +162,9 @@ def __init__(
         self._freeze()
 
     @classmethod
-    def de_json(cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: "Bot") -> Optional["WebhookInfo"]:
+    def de_json(
+        cls, data: Optional[JSONDict], bot: Optional["Bot"] = None
+    ) -> Optional["WebhookInfo"]:
         """See :meth:`telegram.TelegramObject.de_json`."""
         data = cls._parse_data(data)
 
diff --git a/tests/test_telegramobject.py b/tests/test_telegramobject.py
index 39f3aaff4aa..ca893dec4d8 100644
--- a/tests/test_telegramobject.py
+++ b/tests/test_telegramobject.py
@@ -90,6 +90,11 @@ def test_de_json_api_kwargs(self, bot):
         assert to.api_kwargs == {"foo": "bar"}
         assert to.get_bot() is bot
 
+    def test_de_json_optional_bot(self):
+        to = TelegramObject.de_json(data={})
+        with pytest.raises(RuntimeError, match="no bot associated with it"):
+            to.get_bot()
+
     def test_de_list(self, bot):
         class SubClass(TelegramObject):
             def __init__(self, arg: int, **kwargs):