Step-by-step
- Copy the TRON address from Receive. Unlock /app → Receive → TRON. The warning says to send only that symbol on that network. The same seed’s 0x is a different ecosystem.
- Match the sender’s network picker to TRC-20. Binance, OKX, and others list USDT-TRC20 vs USDT-ERC20. The letters in USDT are not enough.
- After it lands, keep TRX for the next send. You can receive USDT with zero TRX and still be unable to move it. See energy/bandwidth. Exchange cannot bridge TRON.
T… is not 0x
TRON addresses are base58check with prefix byte 0x41, so they start with T. Ethereum USDT is an ERC-20 at a 0x contract. GaurdWallet derives TRON at m/44'/195'/0'/0/{index} (TronLink-compatible) from the same BIP-39 phrase as your EVM account — different address string.
| Sender selects | Your Receive screen |
|---|---|
| USDT-TRC20 | TRON / USDT — T… |
| USDT-ERC20 | Ethereum / USDT — 0x… |
| USDT-BEP20 | BNB Chain / USDT — same 0x, chain 56 |
If you already sent ERC-20 to a T-address (or TRC-20 to 0x), this wallet cannot rewind the chain. That is why the first sentence of Receive is a network warning.
Fees after you receive
TRC-20 transfers burn energy. Hold TRX. Details: TRON energy and bandwidth. Comparison of networks: TRC-20 vs ERC-20 USDT. Self-custody without KYC: store USDT without KYC.
Receive TRON USDT → T… (TRC-20)
Send later → needs TRX for energy
Exchange → no TRON bridgeTest with a small USDT first from an exchange. Their “default network” is often TRC-20 because it is cheap — which is exactly when people paste an Ethereum 0x by habit.
FAQ
Is TRC-20 USDT the same balance as ERC-20? No. Different chains, different contracts. Importing a seed shows both addresses; it does not merge the tokens.
Do I need KYC to receive TRC-20? Not in GaurdWallet. The sender’s exchange may have KYC. We never ask for identity documents.
Can I swap TRC-20 USDT to ETH in Exchange? Not in v0.2.1. No TRON corridor. Send TRC-20 out or use an external venue you trust.