Why people ask
A huge share of USDT moves on Tron, so Tron addresses come up constantly in OTC deals, payroll, peer-to-peer trades and exchange withdrawals. Before sending a large amount, the other side often wants to be sure the address really is yours, and not a typo or a scammer's.
How it works
A Tron address is made from a private key, just like an Ethereum one. TronLink can sign a readable message with that key (the standard is called TIP-191, via signMessageV2). Anyone can then work out which address produced the signature. If it's yours, the proof holds.
- No transaction: nothing is broadcast, no TRX is burned and no energy or bandwidth is used.
- Covers your USDT: USDT on Tron (TRC-20) sits at your ordinary T… address, so proving the address covers it.
- Exchange addresses don't work: a Tron deposit address on Binance, OKX or similar belongs to the exchange.
Step by step with TronLink
- Install TronLink from the wallet guide (Chrome), or use the TronLink app on your phone.
- Open Get verified and click Connect TronLink. On a phone, open the page inside the TronLink app's own browser.
- Approve the connection, then read the signature request: plain text naming VerifiedWallet, your address, the tier and a one-time code.
- Click Sign. There's no fee to approve, because it isn't a transaction.
Using a Ledger? Connect it to TronLink and confirm the message on the device.
Checking a Tron signature
- Every VerifiedWallet certificate page checks it in your browser automatically.
- Developers can use TronWeb:
await tronWeb.trx.verifyMessageV2(message, signature)returns the address that signed.
See also: is it safe to sign a message? Never approve anything that asks to change permissions or approve a token for someone else.
Sign once with your wallet: free, no transaction. We counter-sign it and give you a link anyone can verify. From $1.
More guides
How to check who owns a crypto wallet
Addresses don't carry names. Here's what does tell you who's behind one.
What is address poisoning, and how do you avoid it?
A lookalike address in your history, waiting for you to copy it. How to spot it.
Is this crypto address a scam? Check before you send
A one-minute checklist before any crypto payment you can't undo.
Crypto proof of funds: how to prove you hold it
A balance anyone can see, plus a signature only you can make.
Questions
Does signing a message in TronLink cost TRX?
No. A message signature isn't a transaction, so no TRX is burned and no energy or bandwidth is used.
Does this prove I own my USDT?
It proves you control the Tron address, and USDT on Tron (TRC-20) is held at that address. Anyone can then check the balance on a Tron block explorer.
Can I prove a Tron address on an exchange?
No. Exchange deposit addresses belong to the exchange. Move your USDT to a wallet you control, such as TronLink, and certify that address.