The TON Foundation is shutting down the Toncoin bridge to Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain. This change will help improve user safety by replacing older systems with modern, efficient cross-chain tools. The team advises users to prepare for this change, as it will affect how they transfer Toncoin between different networks.
TON Bridge: Growth to Retirement
Initiated in 2021, the Toncoin Bridge connected TON to Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain, facilitating over 31,800 transfers and bridging 101 million TON tokens without any security breaches or hacks. It allowed users to trade Toncoin on platforms like Uniswap and PancakeSwap before TON had native decentralized finance (DeFi) options.
Wrapped Toncoin expanded, reaching 35,694 holdings on Ethereum and 113,495 on BSC. The bridge played a crucial role in generating initial liquidity and providing user access, but as TON’s own DeFi ecosystem and advanced cross-chain technologies emerged, it became less needed.
After four years and over 100 million TON bridged, the TON Foundation is discontinuing the Toncoin Bridge, starting May 10, 2025. This decision reflects TON’s expansion, with more centralized exchanges offering Toncoin and a mature native DeFi ecosystem, eliminating the need for older bridges. Cross-chain alternatives, such as LayerZero and Stargate, enable faster, safer transfers, making the old bridge less relevant.
Ending the bridge enhances security by removing older infrastructure and encourages users to embrace modern tools. It also shows TON’s progress from relying on foreign chains to focusing on its scalable, multi-blockchain architecture and growing ecosystem.
What Users Should Do
Users should act before May 10, 2025, when the Toncoin Bridge officially shuts down for transfers to Ethereum and BSC. After the set date, bridging out will no longer be possible; however, users can still claim any Toncoin stuck in the bridge indefinitely. To trade Toncoin currently, users should use centralized exchanges or newer cross-chain solutions, such as LayerZero, Symbiosis, and RocketX, which enable TON transfers securely and fast.
For those new to bridging, connecting a compatible wallet, such as Tonkeeper or Telegram Wallet, is essential. Always check official TON channels for updates and avoid fraudulent sites. The TON ecosystem continues to evolve with several possibilities for moving and using Toncoin across many blockchains.
Toncoin’s bridge retirement may reduce wrapped TON liquidity on Ethereum and BSC, which could impact trading volumes across different blockchain networks. Currently, over 149,000 holders hold wrapped TON across these chains, signaling notable market presence. While this could shift liquidity back to TON’s native ecosystem, the overall market impact is expected to be gradual as users adopt newer bridging options.
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