Education
Sep 18, 2025
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10 minute read
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A beginner’s guide to Tron blockchain: wallets, coins, transfers
Ethan Whitcomb
Who this guide is for & how to use it
This guide aims to demystify Tron for anyone curious about how it works. Whether you’re a newcomer, a crypto enthusiast, or a developer, we’ll walk you through what Tron is, how wallets and coins function, and how transfers actually work.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the network and practical know-how to manage your TRX and tokens with confidence. So stay tuned and let’s go through it step by step.
What is Tron and TRX? The quick definition
Basically, Tron is a Layer 1 blockchain built for speed and low-cost transactions. Launched by Justin Sun in 2017, it was designed to provide a protocol for building decentralized applications. By 2025, it’s carved out a solid niche as a high-speed, scalable network. In fact, Tron can handle up to 2,000 transactions per second, with block finality in around three seconds (far faster than Bitcoin or Ethereum).
TRX is Tron’s main token. You use it to pay for transactions, create other tokens, or interact with apps on the platform. You can also stake it to earn rewards and vote for Super Representatives, taking part in network governance. And when your bandwidth or energy runs out, TRX is burned to top them up.
Origins & evolution
Justin Sun is the name behind the Tron network. He’s the founder and has been a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world since the platform’s inception. By the way, his last name is also used for the smallest unit of TRX (1 TRX equals 1,000,000 SUN).
Tron was officially founded in 2017, the same year it held a $70 million Initial Coin Offering (ICO) to raise capital and push the project forward. In March 2018, the testnet and blockchain explorer went live, followed by the mainnet later that year, marking Tron’s move to an independent blockchain. It transitioned from an Ethereum-based ERC-20 token to its own native protocol.
Over the last years, Tron has steadily expanded: adding DeFi integrations, staking, and governance protocols, improving cross-chain interoperability, and becoming a leader in stablecoin transfers across multiple countries.
What Tron set out to solve
Tron started out focused on decentralizing multimedia and digital content, aiming to cut out the middlemen and give creators more control. Over time, its focus widened, and now it supports all kinds of decentralized applications, far beyond just media. The network itself is high-performance, with fast transaction speeds and almost no fees — perfect for gaming, DeFi, or social apps. The Tron Virtual Machine (TVM) makes it easy to bring over Ethereum DApps, thanks to its Solidity compatibility.
JustLend and SunSwap are two good examples of how Tron’s ecosystem has evolved. JustLend is the network’s lending and borrowing platform, where users can earn interest or take out loans directly on-chain, and SunSwap is Tron’s largest decentralized exchange.
How Tron works under the hood
Trom is built as a three-layered system: the storage layer, the core layer, and the application layer. Each layer has its own job, and together they make the whole system work. Let's break them down.
The storage layer handles data — making sure information is stored safely and can be retrieved when needed. The core layer is the operational hub of the system. Finally, the application layer provides APIs and developer tools that make it possible to build decentralized applications (DApps) on Tron.
Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) & Super Representatives
The core layer is made up of three main parts: consensus, smart contract, and account management modules. The consensus module uses Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS), where TRX holders vote for 27 Super Representatives who produce blocks and secure the network.
Tron Virtual Machine (TVM) & smart contracts
The smart contract module runs contracts through the Tron Virtual Machine (TVM), which is compatible with Solidity, which was chosen as Tron’s main language for smart contracts. The TVM is highly compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine. In practice, that means it provides a high-performance environment for running decentralized applications (DApps) and makes it easy to migrate Ethereum-based DApps over to Tron.
Resource model: bandwidth & energy
Another important thing to understand about Tron is that it uses a resource model instead of gas fees like on Ethereum, for example. So, operations require bandwidth points and energy.
bandwidth points cover basic transactions like TRX transfers, which are usually free up to a daily limit. energy is used when running smart contracts, and it can be earned by freezing TRX. Otherwise, the network will burn TRX to get resources.
Accounts & addresses on Tron
Tron addresses have a distinctive structure and format designed for security. They always start with the letter “T” and include digits along with capital letters A to F. A standard Tron address is encoded in Base58Check format. Thanks to Base58 encoding and its built-in checksum, Tron addresses come with error detection that helps prevent mistakes. Still, it’s essential to always double-check the full address when copying or pasting, since even a single wrong character could mean losing funds.
Example of Tron addresses in Base58Check format: TB6pQw4H2jKx9Lm7R8VdF1sG3Zt5U
Tron addresses can also appear in hexadecimal format, which starts with the prefix “41” followed by the address bytes. This version is mainly used internally or with specific blockchain tools.
Example of Tron addresses in hexadecimal format: 41a0b1c2d3e4f567890abcdef1234567890abcd12
You can easily convert between Base58Check and hexadecimal formats using online Tron tools.
TRX token and Tron standards
Let's take a closer look at the role of TRX and an overview of Tron’s main token standards.
First, the role of TRX. At its core, TRX is used as resource payment: it covers the bandwidth and energy required to process transactions or run smart contracts on the network. Beyond that, it has a governance function. TRX holders can stake their tokens to vote for Super Representatives — the validators responsible for producing blocks and securing the chain. Staking gives you not only rewards but also a voice in shaping the direction of the ecosystem.
Now to the token standards.
TRC-10: the most basic token type on Tron, created without the need for smart contracts.
TRC-20: built through smart contracts and fully compatible with Ethereum’s ERC-20 standard.
TRC-721: the NFT standard, used for unique digital assets.
TRC-1155: a flexible multi-token format that supports both fungible and non-fungible tokens in a single contract.
Popular tokens on Tron: USDT (TRC-20), USDD, BTT
Tron has become a staple network for USDT transfers, valued for its speed and low-cost transactions. For context, USDT is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. On Tron, it runs using the TRC-20 standard, which makes transfers quick and efficient.
Beyond USDT, a few other tokens stand out in Tron’s ecosystem. USDD is a decentralized stablecoin also pegged to the dollar, designed with DeFi applications in mind. Then there’s BTT, a TRC-10 token tied to the Tron-native BitTorrent protocol, which is used for decentralized content delivery.
Coins & stablecoins on Tron
The most used token on Tron in 2025 is Tether (USDT), which dominates the network with over 291.1 million transfers, leaving all others far behind. Next in line are Wrapped TRX (WTRX), PayNet Coin, USDD, and Sundog.
As you can see, Tether is by far the most dominant stablecoin on Tron, valued for its stability (apologies for the obvious that comes from the name). It plays a crucial role, pegged to the US dollar and keeping the value steady. For new users in particular, stablecoins offer a simple entry point — they’re useful for holding wealth safely, moving money easily, and experimenting with DeFi features without worrying about wild price swings.
USDT on Tron: why it’s popular
USDT on TRON has become the go-to choice for millions of people — and it’s easy to see why. It’s fast, efficient, and simple to use. Tron processes transactions in about three seconds, so USDT transfers feel almost instant worldwide, while on Ethereum they can take minutes during busy periods.
The TRC-20 version of USDT is widely supported across Tron wallets, exchanges, and DeFi apps. And the numbers speak for themselves: by summer 2025, USDT issued on TRON had surpassed 78.7 billion, giving the network a dominant share of the global stablecoin market. On top of that, average daily transaction volume for TRC-20 USDT on Tron hit nearly $19 billion in the beginning of 2025 — a clear sign of just how deeply it’s woven into global crypto flows.
Wallets on Tron
Tron wallets, just like any others, fall into two main categories, depending on who controls the private keys: custodial and non-custodial. Custodial wallets are managed by third parties, like exchanges such as Binance or Coinbase. Non-custodial wallets, on the other hand, give you full control over your private keys and funds. On Tron, popular options include TronLink, Trust Wallet, imToken, and others.
Transfers on Tron: step-by-step
Sending TRX
Open your Tron wallet (e.g., TronLink, Trust Wallet).
Go to the send/transfer section.
Enter the recipient's Tron address (starts with "T").
Input the amount of TRX to send.
Confirm the transaction details. Keep in mind, TRX transfers consume bandwidth resources.
Once confirmed on the blockchain (usually within ~3 seconds), the transfer is complete.
Note: Sending TRX uses bandwidth points which are replenished daily (600 free points) or can be acquired by staking TRX. This can make simple transfers cost-free if you have enough bandwidth.
Sending TRC-20 tokens (e.g., USDT)
Open your Tron wallet and select the TRC-20 token you want to send, e.g., USDT.
Enter the recipient’s Tron address (TRC-20 uses the same address format as TRX).
Input the amount of tokens to transfer.
Approve the transaction. TRC-20 token transfers are smart contract calls consuming energy resources.
If you lack energy, the wallet will automatically deduct TRX to cover the energy cost.
Sign the transaction.
After network confirmation, the tokens will be transferred.
Note: Fees for TRC-20 transfers depend on energy availability, which can be earned by staking TRX or rented.
Cross-chain & exchange transfers
When transferring TRX or tokens to/from exchanges, select the correct network (usually Tron TRC-20) in the exchange deposit/withdraw section.
Copy the deposit address provided by the exchange.
Paste the address into your wallet's recipient field and input the amount.
Confirm the transaction carefully, ensuring address and network match to avoid loss.
Exchange transfers may include a withdrawal fee and require confirmation times based on the exchange’s policies.
Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
1. Sending to the Wrong Address
Always copy and paste addresses carefully, and double-check the first and last four characters. Using a QR code can help avoid mistakes, and make sure the recipient wallet actually supports the token you’re sending.
2. Choosing the Wrong Network
Before hitting send, confirm the network in both your wallet and the exchange. Tron addresses always start with “T”, while Ethereum addresses begin with “0x.”
3. Insufficient energy or bandwidth
Check your wallet’s resources on TronScan or directly in your wallet app. You can freeze TRX to earn energy and bandwidth, or just keep a small TRX balance to cover fees. Most wallets will show the resources required before you confirm a transaction.
Fees on Tron explained
As we already mentioned, Tron’s fee system works a bit differently from most blockchains and is built around two main resources:
Bandwidth Points – used for basic transactions, like sending TRX or TRC-10 tokens.
Energy – required to execute smart contracts, including TRC-20 transfers like USDT.
Read more about Tron resources in this article.
Estimating Your Transfer Cost
Simple TRX transfer can be free if you have enough bandwidth points. If not, it costs around 0.1 TRX (roughly $0.02–$0.07, depending on TRX’s price).
TRC-20 token transfer (like USDT) needs energy. The cost depends on how much TRX you’ve frozen and how much energy the transaction consumes. Without frozen TRX, fees can climb to a few TRX.
When fees spike & what to do
If you don’t have enough resources for a transaction, the fees will be higher. For example, sending one USDT could burn around 6.5 TRX. But if your wallet has enough energy, the transfer is basically gas-free. So the best decision is to stake TRX or rent energy which comes out way cheaper.
Safety 101: Keeping Your Tron Funds Secure
As usual, we’d like to draw your attention to safety — it’s especially crucial if you’re new. Here are some basic but genuinely helpful tips.
Lock down your private keys and seed phrases. Never share them with anyone, and keep them offline in a safe spot — no screenshots, no cloud notes.
Stick to trusted wallets. TronLink, Trust Wallet, or hardware options like Ledger and Trezor are good choices.
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). It’s an extra layer of protection, especially on exchanges or custodial wallets.
Keep everything updated. Wallet apps and devices should always run the latest software to patch any vulnerabilities.
Be careful on public Wi-Fi, it can expose your wallet to attacks.
Watch out for phishing and scam sites. Always double-check URLs and never enter your secrets on sketchy or unofficial sites.
Troubleshooting transfers
If your transaction gets stuck
If your transaction seems stuck, it usually means you don’t have enough energy (for TRC-20 token transfers) or bandwidth (for TRX transfers), or both.
Head to a resource viewer like TronScan to see what’s available. You can freeze more TRX in your wallet to top up energy or bandwidth, or just keep a small TRX balance handy to cover fees.
Address or memo errors
Tron addresses always start with “T”, so double-check them carefully. Tron itself doesn’t use memos or tags for wallet transfers, but exchanges often do. Sending tokens to an exchange without the required memo/tag can delay or even lose your deposit.
Where to check transaction status
Grab the transaction hash (TXID) from your wallet history and pop it into TronScan. Here’s what the statuses mean:
Pending/Unconfirmed: still waiting in the network queue.
Confirmed/Success: included in a block, good to go.
Failed/Error: usually caused by insufficient resources or smart contract issues.
FAQ for beginners
Do I need TRX to send USDT (TRC-20) on Tron?
It basically depends on whether you have enough energy and bandwidth. If you do, you don’t need TRX for the transfer. If not, TRX will be required to cover the cost.
What’s the difference between TRC-20 and TRC-10 tokens?
TRC-10 tokens are a simpler token standard, native to Tron’s blockchain and created without smart contracts. They’re characterized by lower transaction costs. For example, BitTorrent Token (BTT) is a widely used TRC-10 token.
TRC-20 Tokens are built on Tron’s Virtual Machine (TVM) and support Turing-complete smart contracts. They’re a bit more expensive to use, and executing smart contracts requires energy and bandwidth fees.
Why did my transfer show “0 fee” but still fail?
This usually comes down to insufficient network resources. Wallet apps often estimate fees based on expected resource availability, but if the actual energy or bandwidth isn’t enough when the transaction goes through, it will fail. Without enough frozen TRX generating energy (or enough TRX to cover the cost) the transfer won’t go through.
How do bandwidth and energy work, and how much should I freeze?
As you already understand, transactions on Tron are executed using bandwidth and energy. The amount needed can vary depending on the type of transaction. For a single USDT transfer, you need about 345 points per transaction as well as 65000 (if the recipient holds USDT) or 131000 (with no USDT on recipient wallet) energy. To know how much you should freeze to get that amount, check your wallet or TronScan.
Can I send tokens from Ethereum/BSC directly to a Tron address?
No, you can’t send tokens directly from Ethereum or Binance Smart Chain (BSC) addresses to a Tron address. These are completely separate networks, with different address formats and protocols, so it would likely result in a permanent loss.To move tokens across them, you’ll need to use cross-chain bridges or swap protocols that handle the transfer safely.
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