Big changes are coming to cryptocurrency wallets on Telegram! With a new exclusive partnership with The Open Network (TON) Foundation, Telegram is taking crypto to the next level.
From now on, all third-party crypto wallets on Telegram will need to use TON Connect as their exclusive wallet connection protocol. Notably, the new requirement is part of Telegram’s partnership with the TON Foundation, which made TON the only supported blockchain network for its messenger services.
As a result, Mini Apps currently operating on other blockchains must transition to TON by February 21, which includes migrating smart contracts, bridging existing assets, and exclusively adopting TON Connect. However, the default “Wallet in Telegram” is not affected, as it is already built on TON and supports TON Connect for decentralized app interactions.
What Is TON Connect?
This move marks TON as the official blockchain for Telegram, leaving other networks behind. Notably, TON Connect is a protocol designed to allow wallets to interface securely with decentralized applications (dApp) built on TON.
This system lets users authenticate and approve transactions without sharing their private keys. The integration with Telegram has helped TON quickly grow its ecosystem, providing a smooth experience for users of wallets based on this blockchain.
Some third-party wallets had already integrated TON Connect before the announcement. Bitget Wallet Live, a multichain wallet launched in October 2024, confirmed on January 16 that it added TON Connect to improve the user and developer experience within the Telegram ecosystem.
This decision has triggered a heated debate in the crypto community, with developers and users raising concerns about centralization and interoperability.
Many developers worry that this decision could limit access to wallets that aren’t compatible with the protocol, decreasing competition and interoperability in the crypto ecosystem. Some community members also argue that this move could lead to centralization, as Telegram gains more control over wallet integrations on its platform. This goes against the core principles of decentralization that the blockchain sector is built on.
Mini Apps To Leave The Platform
Besides, some Telegram Mini Apps, like Grindery Wallet, are considering leaving the platform because of the recent changes. Grindery’s CEO, Tim Delhaes, criticized Telegram, suggesting that the company is following the example of large tech companies by creating a monopoly,
However, from Telegram’s perspective, the mandatory adoption of TON Connect could represent a strategic opportunity. Standardizing the protocol improves security and user experience, while also strengthening the TON ecosystem and increasing adoption of its blockchain and Toncoin.
