There’s a big change in Telegram’s Cryptocurrency Wallets! 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 in Telegram must use Ton Connect as an exclusive wallet connection protocol. In particular, this new requirement was part of Ton’s partnership with Ton, making Ton the only supported blockchain network for messenger services.
As a result, mini apps currently running on other blockchains will need to migrate to Ton by February 21st. This includes migrating smart contracts, bridging existing assets, and adopting Ton Connect only. However, the default Telegram Wallet is not affected. It is already built on Ton and supports Ton Connect for distributed app interaction.
What is Ton Connect?
This move marks Ton as the official blockchain of telegrams, leaving other networks behind. In particular, Ton Connect is a protocol designed to securely interface distributed applications (DAPP) and wallets built on Ton.
This system allows users to authenticate and authorize transactions without sharing a private key. Through integration with Telegram, Ton has driven the growth of the ecosystem and has provided a smooth experience for wallet users based on this blockchain.
Some third-party wallets already had Ton Connect integrated prior to the announcement. Bitget Wallet Live, a multi-chine wallet launched in October 2024, confirmed on January 16th that it will add Ton Connect to improve the experiences of users and developers within the Telegram ecosystem.
The decision has sparked a fierce debate in the Crypto community, raising concerns between developers and users about centralization and interoperability.
Many developers are concerned that this decision will limit access to wallets that are not compatible with protocols, and limit competition and poor interoperability in crypto ecosystems. Also, some community members argue that the move could lead to centralization. Telegrams are to provide stronger control over the integration of wallets on the platform. This violates the core principle of decentralization, that the blockchain sector is being built.
Mini apps leaving the platform
On top of that, some Telegram Mini apps, like Grindery Wallet, are considering leaving the platform due to recent changes. Grindery CEO Tim Delhaes criticized Telegram, suggesting that the company is following the example of a large tech company by creating a monopoly.
However, from a Telegram perspective, forced adoption of Ton Connect could represent a strategic opportunity. Standardizing protocols will improve security and user experience, as well as strengthening the Ton ecosystem and increasing adoption of blockchain and Toncoin.