Telegram Makes TON Connect Mandatory for Crypto Wallets – What You Need to Know

Big changes are coming to cryptocurrency wallets on Telegram! The messaging giant has just announced a major shift that will reshape how wallets interact with its platform. In an exclusive partnership with The Open Network (TON) Foundation, Telegram is making TON the only officially supported blockchain.

This means all third-party crypto wallets must now use TON Connect—and those running on other blockchains have until February 21 to make the switch. But not everyone is happy about it. Critics argue this move could limit competition, reduce interoperability, and give Telegram more control over the ecosystem.

What This Means for Wallets on Telegram

As part of this shift, Mini Apps running on other blockchains must migrate to TON by February 21. The transition includes:

• Moving smart contracts to TON
• Bridging existing assets
• Adopting TON Connect for wallet connections

However, Telegram’s default “Wallet in Telegram” is unaffected since it already operates on TON and supports TON Connect.

What Is TON Connect?

TON Connect is a security-focused protocol that allows wallets to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) on TON. It lets users authenticate and approve transactions without exposing their private keys.

This integration has helped TON’s ecosystem grow rapidly, offering a smoother experience for users. Some wallets, like Bitget Wallet Live, had already integrated TON Connect before the announcement. On January 16, Bitget confirmed that adding TON Connect improved the experience for both users and developers within Telegram.

Crypto Community Lashes Out

Telegram’s decision has sparked debate, with developers and users raising concerns about centralization and limited interoperability. Critics argue that requiring TON Connect reduces competition by restricting access to wallets that don’t support the protocol.

Some also believe this move gives Telegram more control over wallet integrations, which goes against the decentralized principles of blockchain. Grindery Wallet, a Mini App on Telegram, is even considering leaving the platform.

Grindery CEO Tim Delhaes compared Telegram’s strategy to that of large tech companies, accusing it of creating a monopoly.

Good Strategy or Ploy to Control?

From Telegram’s perspective, enforcing TON Connect could be a way to improve security and user experience, while also strengthening the TON blockchain and Toncoin adoption.

However, with the February 21 deadline approaching, developers and wallet providers now face a choice: adapt to TON or leave Telegram’s ecosystem.