What Is The Open Network (TON) Blockchain?
The Open Network (TON) is a Layer 1 blockchain initially developed by Telegram. It is now managed by the TON Foundation. TON focuses on cross-chain interoperability and scalability. It achieves this through sharding, distributing the transaction load across multiple shard chains.
TON Network’s DeFi TVL | Source: DefiLlama
The TON ecosystem is home to over 800 decentralized applications (dApps) as of early June 2024, and growing. It supports various dApps, including payment systems, NFT platforms, and decentralized exchanges (DEXs). Telegram endorses TON as its preferred blockchain for Web3 infrastructure. At the time of writing, TON’s DeFi ecosystem enjoys a total value locked (TVL) of over $408 million.
The TON blockchain’s integration with Telegram, a leading social messaging platform, has helped the ecosystem onboard several web2 users into the world of web3 with the help of Telegram-based games. Several popular Telegram games, including Notcoin, Hamster Kombat, and TapSwap, have helped millions of users earn crypto and enter the Web3 environment seamlessly through Telegram.
Introduction to TON Wallets
TON wallets allow you to manage your assets and interact with dApps on the TON blockchain. They serve as gateways to the network, enabling you to perform transactions and execute commands. There are custodial and non-custodial wallets available, each with its advantages.
What Is the Tonkeeper Wallet?
Tonkeeper is the most popular non-custodial Web3 wallet in the TON ecosystem. Launched to support the TON ecosystem, Tonkeeper offers a simple and secure way to store, send, and receive Toncoin.
Tonkeeper has gained popularity due to its comprehensive features and strong security measures. It has a high rating on app stores, reflecting user satisfaction and reliability. The wallet’s integration with various platforms and its support for multiple languages further boost its accessibility and usage worldwide.
Tonkeeper’s Key Featiures
-
User-Friendly Interface: It provides an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced users.
-
Low Fees: TON's scalable network ensures low transaction fees, making it cost-effective to use.
-
Private dApp Browsing: Tonkeeper includes a built-in browser for interacting with decentralized applications (dApps) securely.
What Can You Do with a Tonkeeper Wallet?
With Tonkeeper, you can:
-
Send and receive Toncoin and other assets: You can buy, sell, and swap Toncoin directly within the app without needing to use external exchanges.
-
Interact with dApps: Connect to TON-based dApps for various services.
-
Store and transfer NFTs: Manage your digital collectibles within the wallet.
-
Stake Toncoin: Participate in staking to earn rewards.
-
Exchange cryptocurrencies: Use built-in options to trade Toncoin for other assets.
How Does Tonkeeper Wallet Work?
Tonkeeper is a non-custodial wallet designed for managing Toncoin and interacting with The Open Network (TON) blockchain. The TON-based wallet allows you to receive, store, and manage Toncoin and other supported tokens. You can send funds by entering the recipient’s address or scanning a QR code. The wallet also supports instant purchases and sales of Toncoin through integrated exchanges, making transactions seamless and efficient.
When you first set up Tonkeeper, you create a new wallet or import an existing one. You receive a 24-word seed phrase, which is crucial for wallet recovery. Ensure you store this phrase securely. For added security, you can set a password and enable biometric authentication.
The non-custodial wallet does not store your private keys on external servers, giving you full control over your assets. It doesn’t require personal information for setup, preserving your privacy. All transactions and data remain secure and private, aligning with the principles of decentralization.
Cross-Platform Availability
Tonkeeper is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and as a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox. This cross-platform compatibility ensures that you can access your wallet and manage your funds from various devices.
Step-by-Step Guide on Creating a Tonkeeper Wallet
By following these steps and utilizing Tonkeeper's features, you can effectively manage your TON assets and explore the growing TON ecosystem.
Step 1: Download the Tonkeeper Wallet
Visit the official Tonkeeper website or find it in an app store either on your web browser or smartphone. Download the latest version on your iOS or Android devices or your computer’s web browser.
Step 2: Create a New Wallet
Launch the app and select Create a new wallet.
Source: Ton.org
Step 3: Set a PIN Code
Choose a PIN code and remember it. You'll need it for confirming transactions.
Step 4: Backup Your Secret Key
Write down the 24-word seed phrase in the correct order. Store it in a safe place. This is crucial for recovering your wallet if needed.
Source: Ton.org
Step 5: Verify Your Seed Phrase
Enter your seed phrase words in the correct order to verify. Remember to backup this recovery phrase carefully so you never lose access to your TON wallet.
Step 6: Set a Passcode
Create and confirm a passcode for accessing the app.
Source: Tonkeeper
Your wallet is now ready to use!
How to Set Up a Tonkeeper Wallet on Telegram
Tonkeeper is now available directly as a bot on Telegram. Once you have created your Tonkeeper wallet, follow these steps to connect it to your Telegram account:
-
Visit Telegram: Open your Telegram app and search for the Tonkeeper bot.
-
Open Tonkeeper Bot: Click the Tonkeeper bot from the search results and click Start.
-
Set Up Your Tonkeeper Wallet: Enter your seed phrase and password to configure your wallet in the Tonkeeper bot.
-
Access Your Wallet: Click Keeper whenever you want to access your Tonkeeper wallet via the Telegram bot.
Now, you are ready to use your Tonkeeper wallet directly on Telegram. You can use Tonkeeper to interact directly with TON dApps on the Telegram app.
How to Stake Toncoin with Tonkeeper
Staking Toncoin (TON) with Tonkeeper is simple. Follow these steps:
-
Update the Tonkeeper app: Ensure you have the latest version installed.
-
Access the staking section: Navigate to the staking option in the main menu.
-
Deposit Toncoin: Choose either Tonkeeper Queue #1 or Tonkeeper Queue #2. The minimum deposit is 50 TON.
-
Manage deposits and withdrawals: Deposits and withdrawals can be made during the "cooldown phase," which occurs every 36 hours for 2 hours. However, you can request a withdrawal at any time with a minimum balance of 0.4 TON in your main wallet (0.2 TON for taking money out of the queue and 0.2 TON for transferring coins to the main wallet). Withdrawals during the cooldown phase require a minimum balance of 0.2 TON.
Staking rewards vary based on the validator's performance. Check your rewards regularly in the app.
Closing Thoughts
The Tonkeeper wallet provides a secure and efficient way to engage with the TON ecosystem. It offers a range of features that make managing your assets and interacting with dApps straightforward. Follow this guide to set up your wallet and start exploring the world of TON.
Further Reading
-
What Is Hamster Kombat? A Guide to the Trending Telegram Crypto Game
-
What Is Notcoin (NOT)? The Emerging GameFi Star in the TON Ecosystem
Tonkeeper Wallet FAQs
1. What is the difference between custodial and non-custodial wallets?
Custodial wallets store your coins with a third party, while non-custodial wallets give you complete control over your private keys.
2. Can I use Tonkeeper directly within Telegram?
No, Tonkeeper is a separate app. For Telegram integration, use the @wallet service.
3. Is Tonkeeper Waller safe?
Tonkeeper is secure as it is non-custodial. You control your private keys and seed phrase, but make sure to secure your seed phrase in a safe place because once you lose it, no one can help you access your coins.
4. What should I do if I lose my seed phrase?
Unfortunately, losing your seed phrase means losing access to your wallet and assets. Always store it in a safe place.
5. How do I add a token to my Tonkeeper wallet?
To add a token to your Tonkeeper wallet, navigate to the wallet's main interface and select the option to add a new asset. You can then search for the token by its name or contract address and add it to your wallet for easy management and transactions. For detailed steps, consult Tonkeeper's official documentation or support resources.
6. What wallet supports Toncoin?
Tonkeeper is a popular wallet that supports Toncoin. Additionally, wallets like Tonhub and MyTonWallet also support Toncoin, allowing you to store, send, and receive Toncoin securely across different platforms.