Protecting Telegram Gifts with Blockchain

Telegram has introduced a new feature that allows users to display blockchain-linked gifts directly on their profiles. Here’s how to do it and why it matters.

Telegram gifts today are more than just collectibles. Both individual items and entire NFT collections can hold significant value, making them an attractive target for cybercriminals.

Over the past year, several cases have been reported online where users claimed their collectible gifts were stolen. In some instances, attackers gained direct access to victims’ Telegram accounts, allowing them to transfer and resell valuable gifts.

The solution lies in the blockchain. Wallets on the blockchain are generally easier to secure than social media or messenger accounts. For example, you can set up a non-custodial wallet on a separate device and store it offline, or even use a hardware wallet for maximum protection.

Here’s how to keep your Telegram gifts safe.

Create a TON Wallet

One of the most secure and convenient ways to manage cryptocurrency and NFTs is through a non-custodial wallet. If you don’t have a TON wallet yet, now is the time to set one up.

• The best options currently are MyTonWallet and Tonkeeper. Simply download the app to your smartphone or PC, create a wallet, note down your seed phrase (a secret recovery key), and store it securely.

Complete verification on Fragment

To transfer collectible gifts to the TON blockchain and display them back in your Telegram profile, the messenger uses Fragment, the main marketplace for purchasing Telegram Stars, anonymous numbers, usernames, and Premium subscriptions with TON.

All transactions on Fragment require KYC verification. Here’s how to complete it:

• Visit fragment.com → sign in with your Telegram account → connect your TON wallet.
• In the “My Profile” section → select Verify My Account → follow the KYC verification process.

It’s best to complete KYC verification in advance. For example, if you purchase a gift on a TON marketplace, you’ll still need verification before transferring it to your Telegram profile.

Transfer your gift from Telegram to the blockchain

If you already have a gift in your Telegram profile and have successfully completed KYC on Fragment, you can transfer it to the blockchain.

• In Telegram, go to Settings → My Profile → Gifts, select a gift, then choose Transfer → Send via Blockchain.
• Telegram will prompt you to continue to Fragment. You’ll need to enter your 2FA password if two-factor authentication is enabled.
• On fragment.com, sign in with your Telegram account and authorize your TON wallet. The process is secure.
• Click Transfer NFT. Within a minute, your collectible gift will appear in your TON wallet.

Display your blockchain gift in your Telegram profile

Now that your gift is securely stored in the TON blockchain wallet, you can display it on your Telegram profile. You can either transfer gifts from your Telegram account or purchase them directly on marketplaces such as Getgems.io, Market app, or Fragment. Now, just follow a few simple steps:

• Go to Fragment → log in with your Telegram account → authorize your TON wallet.
• Find the My Assets section → open it. Then click on the Gifts tab. If you’ve connected the same wallet you used for the transfer, your gift will appear on this page.

• Click the three dots next to the gift → select Display on Telegram.
• In the pop-up window, choose where you want your blockchain gift to appear, either on your account or a channel.

• After selecting the display location, click Save.

Conclusion

You now know how to make your Telegram gifts visible in your profile while keeping them secure on the blockchain. Even if someone gains access to your Telegram account, they won’t be able to steal blockchain-stored gifts.

However, remember that blockchain is not foolproof. Losing access to your wallet or mishandling private keys can still result in permanent loss of assets. Always keep your keys and passwords in a safe, offline location.