Telegram plans to integrate a non-custodial wallet for the Gram token this summer. This strategic move aims to facilitate direct, fee-free cryptocurrency transactions for the more than one billion monthly active users of the messaging app.
The mass adoption of blockchain technology takes another step forward, bringing self-custody closer to one of the world's largest communication platforms and redefining peer-to-peer payments on a global scale.
Pavel Durov's announcement: crypto payments on a global scale
The platform's founder, Pavel Durov, has confirmed plans to integrate a native, non-custodial wallet for Gram which will be rolled out throughout this summer. According to the executive, this integration will allow users to send and receive value instantly and without having to pay traditional network fees, representing a significant advance in the usability of the crypto ecosystem.
Durov has described this move as the largest deployment of a non-custodial wallet in human history. And the numbers back up this claim: Telegram surpassed the one billion monthly active user mark in 2025. If just a small fraction of this immense user base decides to activate and use the new tool, the impact on blockchain adoption could be monumental, far exceeding the reach of most current decentralized applications.
From Toncoin to Gram: the return to the project's origins
To understand the magnitude of this announcement, it's essential to review the recent history of the ecosystem. Just a few weeks ago, The Open Network (the blockchain network closely linked to the messaging app) unveiled its roadmap to rename its native token, changing from Toncoin to Gram.
This change in nomenclature is no coincidence. It represents a return to the origins outlined in the original 2018 white paper. Back then, Telegram envisioned a global payments network powered by Gram, raising record sums for its development. However, following an agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2020, the company had to temporarily abandon its official blockchain project to comply with legal requirements.
Today, the landscape is very different. The community of independent developers took up the mantle to build The Open Network (TON), keeping the original architecture alive. Over time, Telegram has once again openly supported this ecosystem, becoming a key player in its validation and growth. The Gram revival symbolizes the culmination of that original vision, now adapted to a much more mature and decentralized technological environment.
Self-custody: total control over your crypto assets
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the announcement is the "non-custodial" (self-custodial) nature of the new tool. Unlike centralized platforms where a third party holds the funds, a self-custodial wallet gives the user complete control over their private keys and, therefore, their assets.
This means that only you have access to your wallet and you are solely responsible for managing the security of your seed phrases. For those taking their first steps, understanding the difference between the various types of storage is vital. If you wish to delve deeper into these technical concepts and learn how to manage your assets responsibly, you can explore the free educational resources available at [website address]. Bit2Me Academy.
Telegram's decision to embrace self-custody underscores a growing trend in the industry: empowering the end user. By eliminating intermediaries in key management, the risk of censorship or account blocking by third parties is reduced, perfectly aligning with the original philosophy of blockchain technology.
The impact on the Web3 ecosystem and MiCA regulation
Integrating Web3 services into everyday applications is the necessary bridge for mass adoption. Telegram not only aims to facilitate payments, but also to create a complete ecosystem where users can interact with decentralized applications (dApps), acquire digital goods, and manage their online identity, all without leaving the chat interface they already know and use daily.
In the European context, these types of innovations coexist with increasingly defined regulatory frameworks, such as the MiCA Regulation. Although pure self-custody wallets receive specific treatment under this regulation, the interaction between global messaging platforms and regulated exchanges will be key to facilitating the on- and off-ramps of fiat currency. Having an audited and transparent environment is fundamental when you decide to transfer funds from your bank account to the crypto ecosystem. In this regard, using platforms that comply with the highest regulatory standards, such as Bit2Me WalletIt provides an additional layer of confidence when building your portfolio for the long term.
The future of messaging super apps
Telegram's move follows the trend of what are known in Asia as "super apps" (applications that centralize messaging, social networking, and finance in one place). By natively integrating Gram, Telegram positions itself to compete not only with other blockchain networks but also with giants in traditional payments and international remittances.
The promise of instant, fee-free transactions is a powerful draw, especially in regions where access to traditional banking services is limited, slow, or prohibitively expensive. As summer approaches and more technical details about the wallet's implementation are revealed, the industry will be watching closely to see how users react to this new feature and whether it truly catalyzes the mass adoption the sector has been pursuing for years.
FAQ
What is Telegram's new wallet?
It's a self-custody tool integrated directly into the messaging app. It will allow users to store, send, and receive the Gram token instantly and without fees, maintaining full control over their private keys without relying on third parties.
Why has the token changed its name to Gram?
The TON ecosystem decided to rename Toncoin to Gram to honor the project's original vision presented in 2018. After overcoming past regulatory hurdles, this change symbolizes a return to its roots and the consolidation of the global payments network envisioned by Telegram.
When will this new feature be available to users?
According to Pavel Durov's official announcement, the rollout of this new feature is planned for this summer. While an exact date has not yet been specified, it is expected to be rolled out gradually to the platform's more than one billion users.
The convergence of instant messaging and blockchain technology is opening doors that seemed inaccessible just a few years ago. Telegram's decision to integrate a self-custody solution for over a billion people is a clear indicator that the crypto ecosystem continues to mature and seek real-world, everyday use cases that deliver tangible value to society.
As these tools become more accessible, education and individual responsibility become increasingly important. Understanding how decentralized networks work and using platforms that operate under clear regulatory frameworks will allow you to navigate this new digital landscape more safely, managing risks appropriately while exploring the possibilities of Web3.
Investing in cryptoassets is not fully regulated, may not be suitable for retail investors due to high volatility and there is a risk of losing all invested amounts.
