The Open Network (TON) is rapidly evolving into a powerful blockchain ecosystem, especially with its deep integration into Telegram. As more users explore decentralized finance, gaming, and airdrop opportunities on TON, having a secure and functional wallet is essential. This guide walks you through setting up and using a TON wallet—whether it's the built-in @wallet on Telegram or the non-custodial Tonkeeper—while staying safe from scams and drain attacks.
What Is TON?
TON (The Open Network) is a Layer 1 blockchain designed for speed, scalability, and cross-chain interoperability. Originally developed by Telegram, it’s now maintained by the TON Foundation, a community-driven organization. TON uses proof-of-stake consensus and sharding technology to process transactions quickly and efficiently across multiple parallel chains.
With native support in Telegram—used by over 800 million people—TON is uniquely positioned to bring blockchain technology to the mainstream. From sending crypto like a text message to earning tokens through mini-apps and games, TON makes Web3 accessible.
Core Keywords: TON wallet, The Open Network, Telegram blockchain, TON airdrops, Tonkeeper, @wallet, Layer 1 blockchain
Why You Need a TON Wallet
A TON wallet is your gateway to the ecosystem. It allows you to:
- Store and manage TON coins and tokens
- Receive airdropped rewards from Telegram mini-apps
- Interact with decentralized apps (dApps)
- Send and receive payments within Telegram
- Participate in staking and DeFi
There are two main types of wallets: custodial (like @wallet) where keys are managed for you, and non-custodial (like Tonkeeper) where you control your private keys.
👉 Discover how to securely manage your digital assets on a trusted platform.
Setting Up @wallet on Telegram
@wallet is Telegram’s official built-in wallet, offering seamless integration for sending and receiving crypto directly in chats.
Note: @wallet is custodial—Telegram manages your keys. This makes it user-friendly but less secure than self-custody options.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Open the @wallet Bot
Search for@walletin Telegram and start the bot. - Accept Permissions
Tap “Start” and allow the necessary permissions to link your account. - Create Your Wallet
Follow the prompts to set up your wallet. It will automatically appear in your Telegram menu. - Deposit Funds
Tap “Deposit,” select an asset (TON, BTC, USDT, etc.), and copy the provided address. Send funds from another wallet to this address. - Buy Crypto with Card
Use the “Top Up” option to buy TON or USDT directly with a credit/debit card in over 30 fiat currencies.
What You Can Do With @wallet
- Send Tips in Chats
Tip friends or group members using their Telegram username—no need to share wallet addresses. - Make Everyday Payments
Pay merchants who accept TON via Telegram bots or mini-apps. - Trade Cryptocurrency P2P
Use the built-in peer-to-peer exchange to buy or sell crypto directly within the app. - Receive Airdrops
Many Telegram-based games and dApps distribute free tokens to active @wallet users.
Setting Up Tonkeeper Wallet
Tonkeeper is a popular non-custodial wallet, meaning you own your private keys. This gives you full control and better security—ideal for long-term storage and active DeFi use.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Download Tonkeeper
Visit the official site and install the app for iOS, Android, or browser extension (Chrome/Firefox). - Create a New Wallet
Choose “Create Wallet,” set a strong password, and securely back up your 24-word recovery phrase. - Access Your Wallet
Once set up, your wallet is ready. You’ll see your TON balance and address. - Send & Receive Assets
Use your address to receive TON, jetTON, USDT, and other TON-based tokens. Send funds with just a few taps. - Stake Your TON
Earn passive income by staking your TON coins directly in the app—no need for external platforms. - Connect to dApps
Use Tonkeeper to interact with decentralized exchanges, NFT marketplaces, and gaming platforms on TON.
👉 Learn how to protect your crypto investments with advanced security tools.
Popular TON Airdrops & Mini-Games
Now that your wallet is ready, start earning! Many Telegram mini-games reward active players with future token airdrops.
Top Projects to Watch
- Market: A decentralized exchange simulator where activity boosts your eligibility.
- Hamster Kombat: A viral clicker game with rumored massive token distribution.
- Ston.Fi: A DeFi platform offering liquidity mining and staking rewards.
- Tap! Token: A gamified experience where daily engagement increases rewards.
To maximize your chances:
- Use your real @wallet or Tonkeeper address
- Play daily and complete tasks
- Invite friends (if referral programs exist)
- Stay updated via official channels
⚠️ Airdrop Safety Tip: Never share your private key or recovery phrase. Beware of fake bots or websites claiming to offer “free TON.” Scammers often mimic real projects to drain wallets.
Security Best Practices
As TON grows, so do threats like drainer attacks—malicious scripts that steal funds if you connect to phishing sites.
Stay Protected With These Tips
- Use Non-Custodial Wallets for Large Holdings
Keep significant assets in Tonkeeper or similar wallets where you control access. - Never Enter Your Seed Phrase Online
No legitimate app will ever ask for it. - Verify URLs Before Connecting
Double-check website addresses before scanning QR codes or approving connections. - Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add an extra layer of protection where available. - Use Separate Wallets for Gaming & Savings
Keep small balances in @wallet for games; store long-term assets in Tonkeeper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is @wallet safe to use?
@wallet is convenient and officially supported by Telegram, but since it's custodial, you don’t fully control your funds. It's best for small transactions and beginners. For larger holdings, use a non-custodial wallet like Tonkeeper.
Can I transfer TON from @wallet to Tonkeeper?
Yes. Simply copy your Tonkeeper address and use the “Send” feature in @wallet to transfer funds. This process usually takes just seconds due to TON’s fast network.
Are TON airdrops real?
Many are legitimate, especially those tied to popular Telegram mini-apps. However, scammers often fake airdrops. Always verify through official project channels and never pay to claim rewards.
Do I need to pay gas fees on TON?
Yes, but they’re extremely low—often less than $0.01—even during peak times. This makes microtransactions and frequent interactions affordable.
Can I stake TON in @wallet?
No. @wallet does not support staking. Use Tonkeeper or another non-custodial wallet to stake your TON and earn rewards.
What happens if I lose my Tonkeeper recovery phrase?
If you lose your 24-word phrase, you lose access to your wallet permanently. There’s no recovery option. Always store it offline in a secure location—never take screenshots or save it digitally.
👉 Explore a secure way to manage, trade, and grow your crypto portfolio today.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a TON wallet is the first step toward exploring one of the most user-friendly blockchain ecosystems today. Whether you choose the ease of @wallet or the control of Tonkeeper, you’re now equipped to send payments, earn airdrops, play games, and participate in DeFi—all within Telegram.
As the TON ecosystem continues to grow in 2025 and beyond, early adopters stand to benefit the most. Just remember: security comes first. Keep your private keys private, verify everything, and stay skeptical of “too good to be true” offers.
Now that you’re ready—dive in, start exploring, and enjoy the future of Web3 on The Open Network.