Why Does Tonkeeper Show 'Network Error' and How Do You Switch Nodes?
Tonkeeper shows "Network Error" when your wallet app cannot reach the TON blockchain through the node it is currently connected to. The fix is to switch to a different node within the app settings. This is a common issue that usually resolves in seconds once you know where to look.
What Causes the "Network Error" Message
Tonkeeper, like any wallet, relies on a node to read blockchain data and broadcast transactions. A node is simply a server running the TON software that relays information between your wallet and the network. When that node is unreachable, you see "Network Error."
Common causes include:
- Temporary node downtime - The node you are connected to may be overloaded, under maintenance, or experiencing a network outage.
- Slow or unstable internet on your device - A weak connection can prevent the wallet from completing the handshake with the node.
- A stale or outdated node URL - If the node address stored in your app becomes invalid, the wallet cannot connect.
- Regional restrictions or censorship - Some internet service providers or governments block certain node endpoints.
- Outdated app version - An old Tonkeeper build may use node addresses that no longer work.
The error does not mean your funds are lost or that the TON network is down. Your coins remain on the blockchain regardless of what your wallet displays.
How to Switch Nodes in Tonkeeper
Tonkeeper lets you change the node your wallet talks to. The exact steps depend on your operating system, but the logic is the same.
Step 1: open settings
Tap your profile icon or the gear icon, usually in the top-right or bottom-right corner of the main screen. Look for a menu labelled Settings or Preferences.
Step 2: Find the Network or Node Section
Scroll until you see an option named Network, Node, or RPC Endpoint. On some versions it is inside a submenu called Advanced or Developer Options. If you cannot find it, use the search bar in Settings if one exists.
Step 3: View the Current Node
The screen will show the node your wallet is currently using. It looks like a URL, for example https://toncenter.com or https://mainnet.ton.dev. There may also be a toggle for Testnet - leave that off unless you specifically use test tokens.
Step 4: Choose a Different Node
You usually have two options:
- Select from a list - Tonkeeper often provides a few pre-configured nodes. Tap one to switch. Popular choices include the default TON Foundation node or community-run nodes like
toncenter.com. - Enter a custom node URL - If you have a node you trust (your own, or one from a provider you know), paste the full URL into the custom field.
Step 5: Confirm and Wait
After selecting a new node, the app will attempt to connect. You may see a spinner or a brief "Connecting" message. If the new node is working, your balance and transaction history should load within a few seconds.
If the error persists after switching, try a different node from the list. Sometimes the first alternative is also having issues.
Which node should you choose
There is no single "best" node for everyone. General guidelines:
- The default node is maintained by the TON Foundation and is usually reliable for most users.
- Community nodes (such as those run by TON Center or Orbs) often work well and may be faster in certain regions.
- Your own node gives you full control and privacy, but requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain.
If you live in a region where some nodes are blocked, try a node hosted in a different country. You can find lists of public TON nodes on the TON documentation site or community forums.
What if switching nodes does not fix it
If you have tried several nodes and still see "Network Error," check the following:
- Restart the app - Force-close Tonkeeper and open it again.
- Restart your device - A full reboot clears temporary network glitches.
- Check your internet connection - Try loading a website in your browser to confirm your data connection works.
- Update Tonkeeper - Go to your app store and see if an update is available. Install it and try again.
- Clear the app cache - On Android, you can clear the cache in your phone's app settings. On iOS, reinstalling the app achieves the same effect.
- Try a different network - Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa) to rule out a local network issue.
If none of these steps work, the problem may be with your device's date and time settings. An incorrect system clock can break the SSL certificate checks that secure the connection to the node. Set your device time to automatic and try again.
When to Suspect a Deeper Problem
In rare cases, "Network Error" can appear because your wallet file is corrupted or because a recent update changed how Tonkeeper handles connections. If you have access to your seed phrase, you can uninstall and reinstall Tonkeeper, then restore your wallet from the seed phrase. This gives you a clean app with fresh settings.
If the error appears only when you try to send a transaction (but your balance loads fine), the issue may be related to insufficient TON for gas fees or a stuck pending transaction. Those scenarios are covered in other pages on this site.
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