Telegram’s Crypto Wallets Face Changes as Platform Aligns Exclusively with TON Foundation
Cryptocurrency wallets operating within Telegram will need to adapt to new requirements following the messaging platform’s exclusive partnership with The Open Network (TON) Foundation.
As part of this shift, all third-party crypto wallets on Telegram must now integrate TON Connect as their sole wallet connection protocol, a TON Foundation representative confirmed to Cointelegraph.
TON Becomes Telegram’s Only Supported Blockchain
The new mandate is a direct outcome of Telegram’s strategic collaboration with the TON Foundation, which has positioned TON as the only supported blockchain network within the Telegram ecosystem.
According to the foundation, all Mini Apps currently utilizing other blockchains must complete their migration to TON by February 21, 2025. This transition includes:
- Bridging existing assets to the TON network
- Migrating smart contracts
- Adopting TON Connect as their exclusive authentication method
Failure to comply will result in the suspension of non-compliant wallets from Telegram.
Telegram’s Default Wallet Remains Unaffected
Telegram’s official Wallet in Telegram (which operates natively on the TON blockchain) will remain unaffected by these changes. Since this wallet exclusively supports TON Connect for decentralized application (DApp) interactions, no modifications are necessary.
A TON Foundation spokesperson stated:
“After the migration period ends, third-party wallets that haven’t adopted TON Connect won’t be supported.”
Several third-party wallets had already integrated TON Connect prior to Telegram’s official announcement. One such example is Bitget Wallet Lite, a multichain wallet launched in October 2024. Bitget integrated TON Connect on January 16, 2025, aiming to improve both user and developer experiences within the Telegram ecosystem.
Alvin Kan, Chief Operating Officer of Bitget Wallet, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting TON, stating:
“With the integration of TON Connect into Bitget Wallet Lite, users can now interact with the TON ecosystem directly from Telegram, simplifying access to blockchain services.”
What Is TON Connect?
TON Connect is an open-source authentication protocol designed to facilitate seamless interactions between wallets and applications within the TON ecosystem. It allows users to log into apps and services using their TON wallet, eliminating the need for traditional usernames and passwords.
Telegram’s updated Terms of Service reflect these changes, explicitly stating that only TON-connected wallets will be supported. Additionally, assets from other blockchains, such as Ethereum (ETH) and Binance Smart Chain (BNB), will no longer be permitted within the Telegram ecosystem.
Backlash from the Community: Will Mini Apps Exit Telegram?
Telegram’s decision to restrict its Mini App ecosystem to TON-only has sparked controversy among developers and blockchain enthusiasts. Many have criticized the move, questioning both Telegram’s commitment to decentralization and TON’s ability to handle a potential surge in network activity.
Some Mini App developers, including Grindery Wallet, are even contemplating leaving the Telegram ecosystem altogether.
Tim Delhaes, co-founder and CEO of Grindery, voiced his concerns, stating:
“Telegram is following in the footsteps of Big Tech by creating monopolies. The fact that they gave their partners—developers building on Telegram—only a few days to adjust makes it rather challenging. This could significantly erode trust in Telegram and what it once stood for.”
Despite these concerns, Grindery has clarified that it remains compliant, given its native support for TON. However, the company is actively exploring a multichain future beyond Telegram.
As the February 21 deadline approaches, it remains to be seen how many wallets and developers will fully transition to TON—or whether some will abandon Telegram in search of greater blockchain flexibility.
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