- Telegram plans a native Gram wallet rollout targeting about one billion users worldwide.
- Built-in self-custody will enable instant crypto transfers without external wallet apps.
- The launch expands Telegram’s blockchain strategy following the GRAM rebrand and TON leadership.
As a researcher following Telegram’s developments, I can share that they are planning to integrate a non-custodial Gram wallet directly into their messaging app this summer. This is a big move as it will give their roughly one billion users an easier way to access and use cryptocurrency. The goal seems to be making crypto more accessible by letting people hold their own keys within the app, plus offering really fast and cheap transactions between users.
Telegram Expands Crypto Access With Native Gram Wallet
Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, said on Tuesday that the company will release a new, built-in digital wallet called Gram for all Telegram apps this summer. This is Telegram’s biggest move into cryptocurrency yet, and it’s aimed at their massive user base of around one billion people.
Durov explained that this is the biggest launch of a self-managed crypto wallet ever designed for everyday people using mobile phones globally. He also stated the wallet will let users send and receive crypto instantly, with no fees, right within Telegram – they won’t need any other apps.
The company hasn’t announced when the wallet will be released or if it will become active on its own for everyone who qualifies. They also haven’t shared information about which countries will have access, how secure it is, what happens if you lose access to your account, or exactly which cryptocurrencies will be supported.
A non-custodial wallet gives you complete control over your cryptocurrency by letting you manage your own private keys, rather than trusting another company to hold them for you.
Users always own their assets, but they’re also responsible for keeping their wallet safe – that includes protecting passwords and knowing how to recover it if needed.
Rollout Builds on Telegram’s Broader Blockchain Strategy
This announcement comes as Telegram continues to develop its blockchain technology, especially after taking on a more prominent position within The Open Network.
Earlier this year, Telegram took over as the main caretaker and biggest validator of the TON network, giving them more control over how it’s developed.
The company also renamed Toncoin to GRAM, bringing back the original name from Telegram’s initial blockchain project years ago. This was part of a larger plan to make cryptocurrency more accessible to Telegram’s many users worldwide.
Telegram currently lets people use cryptocurrencies with features like Wallet inside the app, and also supports the TON Space wallet where users have full control of their digital assets.
Unlike previous versions, this new release integrates a digital wallet directly into Telegram, so users don’t need to search for it separately.
The company thinks connecting cryptocurrency directly into everyday communication apps could make it easier for people to start using it, and as simple as sending a text message.
However, Telegram hasn’t said if all current users will be able to start using the new features right away when it launches.
Telegram first launched the TON project in 2018, but the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission stepped in and stopped their planned sale of digital tokens.
Telegram initially moved away from its blockchain plans, but it’s now becoming more involved in the blockchain world again, with plans to launch the Gram wallet.
2026-07-22 02:27