TON wallet guide: Tonkeeper and Wallet in Telegram
TON is the blockchain built around Telegram, and its coin, called GRAM in Telegram and on Fragment (formerly known as Toncoin), pays for transfers, usernames, gifts and ads. To hold GRAM and USD₮ on TON you need a TON wallet: Tonkeeper and Wallet in Telegram are the most popular. Here is how to set one up, how to send and receive coins, what fees cost, and how to keep the wallet safe.
What TON and GRAM are
TON (The Open Network) is a fast proof-of-stake blockchain closely integrated with Telegram. Its native coin pays network fees and is used to buy usernames, Stars, Premium gifts and ads on Fragment. Telegram and Fragment now call the coin GRAM; exchanges and price sites may still list it as Toncoin or TON. Stablecoins such as USD₮ also run on TON, with low fees.
Which TON wallet to use
| Wallet | Keys held by | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Tonkeeper | You (24-word seed phrase) | Holding coins, NFTs, connecting to apps |
| Wallet in Telegram, crypto wallet | The service | Quick transfers in chats, P2P market, beginners |
| Wallet in Telegram, TON wallet | You | Self-custody without leaving Telegram |
The difference between custodial and self-custody wallets is explained in crypto wallets explained.
Setting up Tonkeeper
- Install Tonkeeper from the official app store listing or tonkeeper.com.
- Choose "Create new wallet" and set a passcode.
- Write the 24 words on paper in order and keep them offline.
- Confirm a few words when asked. Your address appears; it starts with UQ or EQ.
Receiving and sending
- Receive: tap Receive and share your address or QR code.
- Send: tap Send, paste the address, choose GRAM or a token such as USD₮, enter the amount and confirm.
- Exchanges: when sending to an exchange, add the comment (memo) it gives you, or the deposit may not be credited.
- TON transfers confirm in seconds, and each one can be looked up by its hash in tonviewer.com.
Fees
Every transfer pays a small network fee in GRAM, usually a few cents. Token transfers such as USD₮ also need a little GRAM for gas, so keep a small GRAM balance. Tonkeeper Battery can pay token fees from a prepaid charge if you have no GRAM.
Connecting a wallet to apps
Telegram mini apps and websites on TON connect wallets through TON Connect. The app sees only your address and asks you to confirm each transaction in the wallet. It never needs your seed phrase.
For example, TotalHash, a free mining game in Telegram, lets you connect a TON wallet on its Wallet screen and withdraw rewards from tasks and ads in GRAM or USD₮, from 0.1 GRAM or 1 USD₮, with the network fee shown before sending.
Connect your TON wallet and withdraw small game rewards.
Open TotalHashSafety
- Never type your 24 words into a website, bot or "support" chat.
- Check the wallet app's developer before installing; fake wallets exist.
- Read what you sign: a malicious transaction can drain tokens and NFTs.
- Send a small test amount to new addresses.
Quick answers
What is the best TON wallet?
Tonkeeper is the most popular self-custody wallet. Wallet in Telegram is convenient for beginners and offers both custodial and self-custody options.
Is GRAM the same as Toncoin?
Yes. Telegram and Fragment call the TON network coin GRAM; exchanges and price sites may still list it as Toncoin or TON.
How much are TON network fees?
Usually a few cents per transfer, paid in GRAM. Token transfers also need a little GRAM for gas.
Do I need a memo when sending to an exchange?
Yes, if the exchange gives one. Without it the deposit may not be credited automatically.