The TON (The Open Network) blockchain has rapidly gained momentum, especially with its deep integration into Telegram — one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms. With over 800 million users, Telegram provides TON with a massive potential user base, making it a promising ecosystem for decentralized applications, gaming, NFTs, and tokenized assets.
As more projects launch on TON and airdrop campaigns gain traction, having your own secure TON wallet is essential. Whether you're interested in receiving rewards from Telegram-based mini-games or participating in emerging DeFi protocols, this guide will walk you through setting up two of the most widely used TON wallets: Wallet on Telegram and Tonkeeper.
Why Use a TON Wallet?
Before diving into setup steps, it’s important to understand what a TON wallet does and why it matters.
A TON wallet allows you to:
- Store and manage TON coins and tokens (like USDT on TON)
- Receive airdrops and rewards from Telegram-integrated apps
- Interact with DApps, NFT marketplaces, and decentralized exchanges
- Send and receive payments peer-to-peer within Telegram
There are two main types of TON wallets:
- Custodial wallets (e.g., Wallet on Telegram) — easier for beginners but less control.
- Non-custodial wallets (e.g., Tonkeeper) — full control over private keys, ideal for long-term storage and advanced use.
Let’s explore both options in detail.
Option 1: Wallet on Telegram (Beginner-Friendly)
👉 Discover how easy it is to start using crypto inside Telegram today.
Key Features
- Built directly into the Telegram app
- No need to download additional software
- Supports quick P2P transfers and QR code payments
- Stores TON, USDT (TON version), and some NFTs
- Not a full Web3 wallet — does not provide seed phrases or private keys
This wallet is perfect for casual users who want to send tips, pay for services, or receive small rewards within Telegram chats. However, because it's not fully decentralized, you don’t have full ownership of your funds — Telegram manages part of the key infrastructure.
⚠️ Important Note: Since this is not a self-custody wallet, avoid storing large amounts of cryptocurrency here. Think of it like a digital cash wallet — great for daily spending, not long-term savings.
How to Set Up Wallet on Telegram
- Open Telegram and go to the search bar.
- Type
@Walletand open the official bot. - Click “Open” to launch the mini-app interface.
- You’ll see your wallet address and balance immediately — no setup required!
- To receive funds, share your address or QR code.
- To send funds, enter the recipient’s address or scan their QR.
As mentioned earlier, this wallet does not generate a recovery phrase. If you lose access to your Telegram account, you may lose access to your funds.
If you're aiming to claim airdrops or interact with Web3 apps on TON, you'll need a wallet that supports seed phrases — which brings us to TonSpace.
Switching to TonSpace (Seed Phrase Support)
Within the @Wallet interface:
- Tap the “TonSpace” option at the top.
- Choose “Create New Wallet.”
- Select “Manual Backup” to view your 24-word recovery phrase.
- Carefully write down the phrase and store it securely offline.
- Confirm the phrase by re-entering selected words.
- Once verified, your self-custody wallet is active.
Now you can receive airdrops and connect to TON-based DApps with full control over your assets.
Option 2: Tonkeeper (Full Self-Custody Wallet)
👉 Secure your crypto assets with a trusted non-custodial wallet solution.
Key Features
- Fully decentralized: You control your private keys and recovery phrase
- Multi-platform: Available as a mobile app (iOS/Android) and browser extension
- DApp integration: Connects seamlessly with STON.fi, DeDust, Ton DNS, and more
- Supports all major TON-based tokens: jUSDT, STON, WEVER, etc.
- Built-in NFT gallery and staking features
Tonkeeper is widely regarded as the most reliable and feature-rich wallet in the TON ecosystem. It’s ideal for users who plan to actively engage with DeFi, NFTs, or earn yield through staking.
How to Install and Set Up Tonkeeper
For Desktop (Browser Extension)
- Visit the Chrome Web Store (link removed per guidelines).
- Search for “Tonkeeper” and install the official extension.
- Click the puzzle icon in your browser toolbar and pin Tonkeeper.
- Open the extension and click “Create New Wallet.”
For Mobile (iOS / Android)
- Download “Tonkeeper” from the App Store or Google Play.
- Launch the app and select “Create Wallet.”
- Agree to terms and proceed.
Backup Your Recovery Phrase
After creating your wallet:
- You’ll be shown a 24-word recovery phrase — never share this with anyone.
- Write it down on paper or store it in a secure password manager (not screenshots!).
- Re-enter the words in order to confirm backup.
- Set a secure PIN or biometric lock for daily access.
Once completed, your wallet is ready to use.
You can now:
- Receive TON tokens using your wallet address
- Swap tokens via integrated DEXs
- Browse and collect NFTs
- Stake TON for passive income
Core Keywords for SEO Optimization
To ensure visibility and relevance in search engines, here are the core keywords naturally integrated throughout this guide:
- TON wallet
- create TON wallet
- Telegram crypto wallet
- Tonkeeper setup
- TON blockchain
- self-custody wallet
- TON airdrop wallet
- how to use TON
These terms reflect high-intent searches from users looking to get started with TON, claim rewards, or explore decentralized finance on the network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Wallet on Telegram safe for storing large amounts of TON?
A: No. Since it’s a custodial solution without seed phrase recovery, it’s best suited for small balances used in everyday transactions.
Q: Can I recover my Tonkeeper wallet if I lose my phone?
A: Yes! As long as you backed up your 24-word recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on any device using Tonkeeper.
Q: Do I need both Wallet on Telegram and Tonkeeper?
A: Not necessarily. Use Wallet on Telegram for simplicity and fast payments; use Tonkeeper if you want full control and Web3 functionality.
Q: Can I receive airdrops with Wallet on Telegram?
A: Generally no — most airdrops require a non-custodial wallet where you control the private keys, like Tonkeeper or TonSpace.
Q: Are there any fees when using TON wallets?
A: Transaction fees on TON are extremely low — usually just a fraction of a cent — making microtransactions practical.
Q: Is Tonkeeper affiliated with Telegram?
A: While Tonkeeper supports Telegram-integrated services, it is an independent project and not officially developed by Telegram.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're new to crypto or an experienced user exploring new ecosystems, getting started with TON is easier than ever — especially with tools like Wallet on Telegram and Tonkeeper.
For beginners, Wallet on Telegram offers instant access with zero friction. For those serious about Web3 engagement, Tonkeeper delivers full autonomy, security, and access to the growing TON economy.
👉 Start exploring the future of decentralized finance on TON — get started now.
By following this guide, you’ve taken the first step toward owning your digital assets, claiming airdrops, and becoming part of one of the fastest-growing blockchain communities powered by Telegram’s global reach.
Remember: always back up your recovery phrases, verify URLs before installing apps, and never share your private keys. Your crypto security starts with you.