Telegram Wallet is a custodial wallet built into the Telegram messenger, allowing users to store, send, receive and exchange a limited set of cryptocurrencies directly from chat.
Overview#
The wallet supports four main crypto assets—TON, Bitcoin (BTC), USDT and NOT—across multiple blockchain networks (TON, Bitcoin, TRC‑20, BEP‑20, ERC‑20). Users can purchase these assets with fiat using more than 40 supported currencies, ranging from USD and EUR to VND and ZAR. The service requires KYC verification and offers two‑factor authentication, a wallet password, biometric login and optional email binding for account recovery.
Key Features#
Sending and Receiving
- Transfers to external wallets or directly within Telegram chats using TON addresses or Telegram usernames.
- QR‑code generation for quick address sharing.
- Note: NFTs and Jettons are not supported; users must use TON Space for those assets.
Built‑in Exchange
The wallet includes an on‑chain exchange that lets users convert between supported assets without leaving the app.
Account Replenishment
Users can top‑up the wallet via:
- Bank cards (through an integrated service).
- P2P marketplace where @wallet acts as an arbitrator.
- Transfers from another wallet.
Security Mechanisms
- KYC – identity verification is performed through Sumsub.
- Two‑Factor Authentication (2FA) – SMS code required for Telegram login.
- Wallet password – user‑defined code for wallet access.
- Biometric authentication – Face ID on iOS, Touch ID on Android.
- Email binding – links the wallet to an email address for recovery.
TON Space – Non‑Custodial Counterpart#
TON Space is a separate, non‑custodial wallet introduced in August 2023 and accessible from the Telegram Wallet settings (beta). It gives users full control over private keys (seed phrase) and adds support for NFTs and Jettons on the TON network.
Comparison
| Feature | Telegram Wallet | TON Space |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Custodial | Non‑custodial |
| Private key control | Provider holds keys | User holds seed phrase |
| Supported assets | TON, BTC, USDT, NOT | TON, Jettons, NFTs (TON) |
| NFT support | No | Yes |
| Security | KYC + 2FA | Seed phrase |
| Recovery | Email binding | Email + seed phrase |
Wallet Pay#
Wallet Pay is a payment platform that enables merchants to accept TON, BTC and USDT within Telegram bots or Web Apps. Sellers set prices in fiat; buyers see the crypto equivalent and pay directly from their Telegram Wallet balance. A demo bot (@PineAppleDemoWPStoreBot) allows testing; each transaction deducts 0.01 TON on the mainnet.
History Highlights#
- 2018 – Pavel Durov announced the Telegram Open Network (TON) and the associated wallet.
- 2019 – Development began; TON testnet launched in October.
- 2020 – SEC legal challenges halted the project and suspended wallet development.
- 2022 – Development of Telegram Wallet resumed.
- August 2023 – TON Space beta launched, adding NFT and Jetton support.
- November 2023 – Global launch of Telegram Wallet; beta opened to all users.
- 2024 – New KYC rules introduced; partnership with WOT Global Solution (a subsidiary of The Open Platform) for data processing.
See also#
- Telegram Stars
- Tonkeeper
- MyTonWallet
- Gem Wallet
- TON Connect