How to Use a Cryptocurrency Wallet in Telegram

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Telegram has evolved beyond messaging, now offering built-in cryptocurrency wallet functionality that enables users to send, receive, and manage digital assets directly within the app. With seamless integration of Telegram Wallet and the decentralized TON Space, users can engage in secure, fee-free transactions, trade assets, and even manage NFTs—all without leaving their chat interface.

This guide walks you through setting up and using your Telegram wallet, understanding custodial vs. self-custody options, and maximizing the features of both Telegram Wallet and TON Space for a smooth crypto experience.

What Is the Telegram Wallet?

The Telegram Wallet is a crypto wallet integrated directly into the Telegram app, allowing users to manage digital assets like Toncoin (TON), Bitcoin (BTC), and Tether (USDT) with ease. Built on the TON (The Open Network) blockchain, it functions as a custodial wallet by default—meaning Telegram handles key management on your behalf.

👉 Discover how easy it is to start managing crypto in your messaging app.

Unlike non-custodial wallets such as MetaMask, where you control your private keys, the standard Telegram Wallet simplifies access but shifts responsibility for security to the platform. This trade-off offers convenience—especially for beginners—including password recovery via customer support—but requires trust in the service provider.

Despite being custodial, the wallet supports a range of powerful features:

In September 2023, Telegram expanded its capabilities by introducing TON Space, a self-custody option within the same Wallet Bot. This beta feature gives advanced users full control over their private keys and recovery phrases, aligning with decentralized principles. The announcement alone caused Toncoin’s price to surge nearly 14%, highlighting market confidence in Telegram’s blockchain ambitions.

Telegram’s journey with crypto began in 2019 with plans for a blockchain-powered ecosystem. Legal hurdles emerged in 2020 when the U.S. SEC sued over its $1.7 billion ICO, leading to a settlement involving an $18.5 million fine and investor refunds. Despite this setback, Telegram continued developing TON, eventually rebranding and decentralizing it into what we use today.

Now, with wallet integration built into the latest app versions, accessing crypto is as simple as opening the menu—no external downloads or complex setups required.

How to Set Up a Wallet in Telegram

Getting started with the Telegram Wallet is quick and user-friendly. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Telegram and search for the official @Wallet bot.
  2. Tap Start, then select Open Wallet.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup.

Once activated, your wallet dashboard appears with several key sections:

Total Balance

Displayed prominently at the top, your balance can be viewed in various fiat currencies. Adjust this in settings via the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.

Add Funds

Tap the + icon next to your balance to deposit funds. You can:

TON Space Beta

This section provides access to the decentralized side of Telegram’s ecosystem. Here, you can:

You can hide this section from the main view in settings if desired.

Other Asset Balances

Currently, Telegram supports:

Support for additional assets may roll out in future updates.

Funding Tools

These include all methods for adding value:

The interface is intuitive, making it ideal for newcomers while still offering depth for experienced users.

Using TON Space: A Self-Custody Wallet on TON Blockchain

TON Space is Telegram’s answer to decentralized finance (DeFi) integration—a non-custodial wallet that gives you full control over your assets on the TON blockchain.

Since you hold your own private keys and recovery phrase, security becomes your responsibility. There’s no customer service recovery option; losing your seed phrase means losing access permanently.

Setting Up TON Space

  1. From your Telegram Wallet, tap TON Space Beta.
  2. Choose between securing with email or a recovery phrase.
  3. For maximum security, select "Back up manually".
  4. Carefully write down your 12-word recovery phrase in order.
  5. Re-enter the words to confirm.

Once verified, your TON Space wallet is active.

Key Features of TON Space

Deposit Assets

Tap Deposit to receive funds. You’ll be given a wallet address—share this securely to receive TON, NFTs, or Jettons (fungible tokens on TON).

Swap Tokens

Use the Swap function to trade between supported assets. Transactions are routed through integrated decentralized exchanges (DEXs), so:

Ensure you have enough TON to cover gas before initiating any swap.

Manage NFTs and Jettons

View, send, and organize your digital collectibles and utility tokens directly from the interface.

👉 Learn how decentralized wallets empower true ownership of digital assets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the Telegram Wallet safe to use?
A: The default Telegram Wallet is custodial and convenient but relies on third-party security. For greater control, use TON Space with proper seed phrase protection.

Q: Can I use Telegram Wallet without downloading anything?
A: Yes—Telegram Wallet runs entirely within the app. No additional downloads are needed.

Q: Does Telegram charge transaction fees?
A: No—TON-based transfers through the main wallet are fee-free. However, TON Space swaps incur standard DEX and gas fees.

Q: What happens if I lose my TON Space recovery phrase?
A: Unfortunately, there’s no recovery option. Always store your phrase securely offline.

Q: Which cryptocurrencies does Telegram Wallet support?
A: Currently: Toncoin (TON), Bitcoin (BTC), and Tether (USDT). More may be added in the future.

Q: Can I trade crypto directly in Telegram?
A: Yes—via P2P trading for instant exchanges or DEX-powered swaps in TON Space.

Final Thoughts

Telegram has successfully bridged messaging and cryptocurrency, offering two distinct wallet experiences:

Whether you're new to crypto or an experienced DeFi user, Telegram provides tools that fit your needs—all within a familiar chat environment.

Always practice caution: secure your recovery phrases, verify transaction details, and remember that crypto investments carry risk. The information here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

As blockchain adoption grows, platforms like Telegram are making crypto more accessible than ever.

👉 See how top platforms are integrating crypto into everyday apps.