TON → GRAM: What Changed and What It Means for Stars

The Rebranding Event

On June 15, 2026, the TON blockchain community voted overwhelmingly to rebrand the network token from TON to GRAM. The proposal received 81.22% of votes in favor, making it one of the most significant governance decisions in the ecosystem's history. The blockchain infrastructure itself remains unchanged — the rebranding is purely a naming change for the native token.

What Actually Changed

Despite the dramatic headline, the technical reality is straightforward:

• The blockchain network is still called TON — The Open Network continues to operate as before with the same architecture, validators, and smart contracts.
• The native token changed from TON to GRAM — what was traded as TON on exchanges is now listed as GRAM.
• No migration is required — your existing tokens in TON Wallet or any other wallet automatically reflect the new name.
• Smart contracts and dApps continue working — all Mini Apps, DeFi protocols, and NFT marketplaces on TON operate without interruption.

Why the Name Change?

The rebranding addresses a long-standing naming conflict. The original name "TON" (The Open Network) was closely associated with Telegram, which created regulatory complications. As the ecosystem matured and expanded beyond Telegram's direct control, the community decided a distinct name for the token would better reflect its independent status.

The name GRAM references the unit of measurement, emphasizing the token's role as a basic unit of value within the ecosystem — similar to how "bit" is a unit of information.

Impact on Telegram Stars

Telegram Stars (⭐) are completely unaffected by the TON-to-GRAM rebranding. Stars are a separate digital currency managed by Telegram directly, not by the TON blockchain community. Here's what you need to know:

• Stars continue to function exactly as before — purchasing digital goods, paying for Premium, tipping creators.
• Stars are still backed by the TON network — the underlying infrastructure is the same blockchain, just with a renamed token.
• Exchange services like Flash Swap (@flash_swap_bot) continue operating — Stars-to-USDT conversion works identically.

What Changed for Exchange Users

If you exchange Stars for USDT via services operating on the TON network, the process is unchanged. The USDT you receive is still the same stablecoin on the same blockchain. The only visible difference is that exchange listings may now show GRAM instead of TON for the native token pair.

Key Dates

• June 15, 2026 — Governance vote passes with 81.22% support
• Following weeks — Exchanges gradually update listings from TON to GRAM
• Ongoing — TON blockchain infrastructure continues under the same name

Common Misconceptions

"My TON tokens disappeared"

Your tokens did not disappear. They are the same assets with a new ticker symbol. Check your TON Wallet or exchange account — the balance is identical.

"TON blockchain is dead"

The blockchain is still called TON (The Open Network). Only the native token changed its name to GRAM. All validators, smart contracts, and dApps continue operating.

"I need to migrate my wallet"

No migration is needed. Your TON Wallet, TonKeeper, or any other wallet automatically reflects the change. Your private keys and addresses remain the same.

Bottom Line

The TON-to-GRAM rebranding is a cosmetic change for the native token. The blockchain infrastructure, Telegram Stars, and all exchange services continue operating without disruption. If you hold Stars and are considering exchanging them to USDT, the rebranding has no impact on your ability to do so.