GRAM (Toncoin) Coin Mining in 2026: How to Mine Gram (Before End Date) and Alternatives (Free Apps and Miners)

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Update (July 2026): Gram (formerly Toncoin) is not mineable anymore. Toncoin’s Proof-of-Work distribution phase ended on June 28, 2022. Since then, new tokens enter circulation only via Proof-of-Stake (PoS). This page now serves as a historical guide to how Gram’s PoW distribution worked (2020–2022) and a practical guide to current earning methods like staking and delegation.

Safety note: Any website, app, or bot advertising “TON mining” or “TON cloud mining” is a red flag. The network no longer supports mining, and official sources warn that services asking users to convert or receive TON/GRAM are likely scams. Earning Gram today means participating in the ecosystem (staking/validation), not solving PoW puzzles.

Introduction to Toncoin (Gram)

Toncoin (now renamed Gram) is a unique blockchain project with an interesting history. It originated from Telegram’s initial blockchain efforts, evolving through regulatory challenges and community development. Initially its distribution combined Proof-of-Work (PoW) mining with Proof-of-Stake (PoS) security. Today the blockchain network (TON) uses full PoS consensus, and Gram (GRAM) is its native coin. The network supports a variety of decentralized applications, including TON DNS, TON Payments, and TON Storage.

How Gram “Mining” Worked (2020–2022)

The term “Gram mining” usually refers to Toncoin’s historical PoW distribution. During that period, on-chain “giver” contracts allowed participants to earn TON by solving PoW puzzles. The distribution ran from July 7, 2020 until June 28, 2022, when the final coins were mined from the givers. After that, the network shifted entirely to PoS. In other words: you cannot mine TON/GRAM today; any new tokens are created by staking and validation.

What were “givers”?

“Givers” were special smart contracts deployed on-chain to distribute TON. Miners would submit valid PoW solutions to a giver, and the contract would pay out the reward in TON. Once the distribution supply was fully allocated in 2022, the givers were drained of funds and effectively shut down. The network then continued under PoS without them.

Diagram of the Toncoin mining process.

PoW vs. PoS in TON

Proof-of-Work (PoW): In the early phase, TON used a decentralized PoW mechanism for fair initial token distribution. Anyone could participate by running mining software; this prevented a small group from controlling the initial supply. (For reference, an open-source GPU miner is available on GitHub.)

Proof-of-Stake (PoS): After distribution, TON moved to PoS to secure the network. Validators are chosen based on how much TON/GRAM they stake. This model is more energy-efficient: instead of burning electricity to mine blocks, participants lock up coins as collateral and earn rewards by validating transactions honestly.

Hybrid Distribution Model

Toncoin’s combination of PoW distribution followed by PoS operation was a novel approach known as “initial proof-of-work” (IPoW). It aimed to balance broad, fair distribution with a move to energy-efficient consensus. The PoW phase let anyone earn coins initially, while the ongoing PoS phase maintains security and scalability.

The End of Classical Mining

The classic Toncoin mining era ended with the last distribution block on June 28, 2022. After that date, the TON network became fully PoS. No more coins have been mined since; all rewards come from validators staking GRAM. This shift was strategic: it focused the network on stability and efficiency. Validators today are chosen by their stake in the network, ensuring security without the massive energy use of PoW mining.

Technical Aspects of TON/GRAM Validation

With Toncoin’s shift to PoS, traditional PoW mining is obsolete. The focus is now on validator operation, staking, and node hardware.

  • Validator Requirements: Validators must stake a large amount of Gram. The technical minimum is 300,000 GRAM, but in practice validators usually stake on the order of 1,000,000 GRAM or more. Validators also need to maintain high uptime and secure their infrastructure; misbehavior or downtime can lead to penalties or slashing of their stake.
  • Network Role: Validators create and verify new blocks. In PoS, the security of TON depends on validators locking up GRAM as collateral. They earn rewards for participating honestly in consensus.
  • Hardware Specs: Running a full validator node is resource-intensive. The official minimum hardware is an 8-core CPU, 128 GB RAM, high-speed NVMe storage (e.g. two 1.92 TB drives with high IOPS), and a 1 Gbit/s internet connection. Adequate disk and network performance are crucial to avoid missed blocks or penalties.

Staking, Validators, and Nodes (Today)

Since Toncoin mining ended, participation focuses on staking and running nodes:

  • Delegated Staking: Most users simply delegate their GRAM to a validator (or pool). The validator handles the node, and users earn a share of the rewards (minus fees) based on their stake.
  • Running a Validator: Advanced users can operate a validator node themselves, requiring large GRAM stake and robust infrastructure. Validators use tools like MyTonCtrl and must follow network announcements to stay in sync.
  • Full Node: Running a full node (without staking) lets you independently verify the blockchain. It doesn’t earn rewards unless registered as a validator, but it helps decentralize the network.

Historical Reference: What “TON/GRAM Mining” Looked Like (Not Possible Today)

Note: The following guide is entirely historical. Toncoin’s (Gram’s) PoW mining ended on June 28, 2022, so the steps below describe the obsolete mining workflow. If you want to earn TON/GRAM today, skip this section and see the staking/liquid-staking alternatives below.

The original mining process involved setting up dedicated hardware and software to solve TON’s PoW puzzles. A high-end CPU or GPU would be used to generate proofs, which were then submitted to on-chain givers for rewards. For completeness, here’s an outline of how it worked:

  1. System Setup: Use a powerful system – for example, a workstation with many CPU cores (32+) or a fast GPU. This ensures you can compute PoW hashes quickly.
  2. Software Installation: Install a compatible OS (commonly Ubuntu 20.04) and download the TON node software. Then install MyTonCtrl in “lite” mode, which includes the mining tools.
  3. Configuration: In MyTonCtrl, configure your wallet address and connect to an active giver contract. This directs any mined coins to your account.
  4. Mining: Launch the mining process (e.g. using the mon command in MyTonCtrl). The software will continually compute PoW hashes and submit any valid solution it finds.
  5. Optimization: Tune your hardware and miner settings for maximum efficiency. Mining is partly random, so longer run times increase your chance to find rewards. Monitor your hardware load to ensure it’s fully utilized.

This workflow is now obsolete. The official documentation and community confirm that mining ended in 2022. Today, one must use staking or liquidity strategies to earn TON/GRAM. (For planning purposes, you can use our TON calculator to compare staking rewards and costs.)

Example of historical Toncoin mining software (Hive OS with miner setup).

Working Alternatives in 2026: How to Earn TON/GRAM Without Mining

Since Toncoin (GRAM) mining ended in 2022, earning Gram today generally comes from staking/validation or other ecosystem activities – not PoW mining.

1) Delegated Staking (Beginner-Friendly)

The most common method for regular users is to delegate TON/GRAM to a validator via a staking pool. You lock your coins with a chosen validator and automatically share in its rewards. The validator runs the node, and you earn rewards proportional to your stake (after any pool fees). This is simple and requires minimal technical work on your part.

2) Liquid Staking (e.g. Hipo Finance)

Liquid staking platforms let you stake Gram and receive a tradable token. For example, Hipo Finance issues hTON (also known as hGRAM) to represent staked TON/GRAM. As you earn staking rewards, your hTON balance effectively grows. You can later swap hTON back to TON (subject to market liquidity). This approach provides flexibility, but comes with smart contract and liquidity risks.

3) Running a Validator (Advanced)

Running your own validator can earn rewards directly, but it requires a very large stake and professional infrastructure. Validators must follow all operational procedures (using tools like MyTonCtrl), maintain high uptime, and secure their keys. This is suitable only for organizations or users with the resources to meet the network’s strict requirements.

Scam & Safety Checklist

  • No “TON/Gram mining” since 2022: As noted, official TON mining stopped in 2022. Any site or app claiming to mine TON/GRAM is false advertising. The TON community warns that any service asking to convert or "receive" TON/GRAM is likely a scam.
  • Never share your seed phrase: Legitimate staking or wallet setups never ask for your private keys or recovery phrase. Keep your credentials secure and only use trusted, official wallet apps.
  • Verify links and sources: Always use official domains and well-known services. Double-check URLs and avoid unknown Telegram bots or shady apps. Refer to the official TON documentation or community channels for guidance.

How to Stake TON/GRAM (Step-by-Step Guide)

Here is a general process to start staking your tokens:

  1. Choose a staking service or validator: Options include liquid staking platforms like Tonstakers (tsTON), CoinUnited.io, YouHodler, etc. Make sure your choice supports TON/GRAM staking and is reputable.
  2. Set up a wallet: Install a TON-compatible wallet such as Tonkeeper or Tonhub, and securely transfer your TON/GRAM into it.
  3. Delegate your tokens: In the staking interface, select a validator to delegate to. Enter the amount to stake and confirm the transaction. The network will lock those tokens for staking.
  4. Earn rewards: Once staked, you will earn rewards based on your validator’s performance and the amount you staked. Rewards typically accumulate over time and can be claimed or restaked.

Staking Pools & Delegation

Staking pools (nominator pools) allow multiple holders to combine their tokens for staking. By pooling resources, users who cannot meet the high minimum stake can still participate and earn rewards. Delegation simplifies staking: you do not run a node yourself, but you benefit when your chosen validator earns rewards. Pools help decentralize the network by enabling many users to stake indirectly.

TON (Gram) Staking Ecosystem

The TON ecosystem offers a variety of staking options: solo validators, staking pools, liquid staking protocols, and custodial services. Whether you have a small or large amount of GRAM, there are ways to stake. For example, Tonstakers provides liquid staking for retail users, while corporate validators may operate single-nominator pools for large holders. All these contribute to a robust staking ecosystem.

InfinityTON Mining Pool (TonWhales)

The InfinityTON pool by TonWhales is an initiative to allow continued mining of Gram via alternative algorithms. They enable GPU/ASIC miners to allocate hashpower (e.g. Ethash, KAWPOW, SHA-256) and receive GRAM. TonWhales notes "InfinityTON pool is the only pool where you can continue to mine Gram". Remember, this is not part of the official TON network protocol. It effectively converts other coin mining into GRAM. Always research any mining pool or conversion service carefully – official sources warn that unverified "TON mining" schemes are likely scams.

Liquid Staking Platforms

Platforms like Bemo and Hipo Finance offer liquid staking on TON. Users stake GRAM and receive a token (e.g., tsTON from Bemo or hGRAM from Hipo) that represents their stake. These tokens can be traded or used in DeFi while their underlying GRAM is staked. As the network rewards accrue, the value of these liquid tokens increases. Liquid staking provides flexibility but carries smart-contract and liquidity risks.

Cloud Infrastructure (Renting Hardware)

Some users consider renting cloud servers (e.g. AWS, Google Cloud) to participate in TON. You could rent machines to run validator nodes or full nodes without owning physical hardware. While this offers scalability, it involves pay-as-you-go costs. Importantly, because TON (GRAM) no longer supports PoW mining, you cannot rent cloud hardware to mine TON directly. If using cloud resources, focus on staking or hosting validator nodes.

Important: Ignore any "cloud mining" services for TON/GRAM. Since mining is impossible, these are scams. Instead, if renting cloud servers, use them for running nodes or staking infrastructure.

You can use our TON calculator to estimate staking rewards and compare costs of different participation methods.

What Changed After TON Mining Ended (and What It Means)

Toncoin’s PoW distribution phase ended on June 28, 2022. Since then, the TON network has been secured by Proof-of-Stake: validators secure blocks and earn rewards by staking GRAM. In mid-2026, the token itself was renamed from Toncoin (TON) to Gram (GRAM). The blockchain is still called TON, but its native currency is now Gram.

The key takeaway for users is: all new TON/GRAM rewards now come from staking/validation rather than mining. If you want passive yields, delegated or liquid staking are the options (while understanding their risks). The network’s transition also has environmental benefits: PoS avoids the energy-intensive mining of PoW, greatly reducing TON’s carbon footprint.

Toncoin/Gram distribution and the shift from PoW mining to PoS validation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Toncoin (TON) mining still possible?

No. Toncoin’s (now Gram’s) Proof-of-Work mining ended on June 28, 2022. The network now uses Proof-of-Stake to create new coins. In 2026, the token was rebranded to Gram (GRAM), but no part of the network relies on PoW mining today.

How do people earn TON/GRAM today?

Most users earn TON/GRAM through staking. This includes delegating coins to validators (via pools or services) or using liquid staking protocols that issue tokens like hTON/hGRAM. All new issuance comes from PoS validation on the TON blockchain.

Can I unstake at any time?

It depends on the method. Standard staking often involves an election cycle or cooldown before withdrawal. Some liquid staking tokens can be traded at any time on exchanges, but converting back to TON/GRAM may require going through a liquidity pool or waiting for unbonding. Check each service’s rules for exact details.

Is “TON cloud mining” legitimate?

No. Since TON/GRAM mining ended in 2022, services advertising “cloud mining” or mining apps for TON are not legitimate. Official sources explicitly warn that any platform asking users to convert or receive TON/GRAM tokens is likely a scam. Stick to staking or liquid staking on reputable platforms instead.