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Beginners guide to Hardware Crypto Wallets

Discover why hardware wallets are the safest way to store your cryptocurrency and learn how Tangem is revolutionizing the industry.

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What is a Hardware Crypto Wallet?

Hardware wallets include various physical devices, from simple USB drives to intricately designed smart cards and wearable rings, outfitted with specialized security and accessibility features for managing cryptocurrency and signing transactions offline.

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This type of wallet protects the user's assets by generating and storing the wallet's private keys offline.

This means that the keys are not exposed to hackers or malware. In addition to security, crypto storage devices also offer several other benefits, such as:

Portability:

Good ones are small and lightweight, so you can easily take them anywhere.

Multi-currency support:

Many hardware wallets support multiple cryptocurrencies, allowing you to store all your assets in one place.

User-friendliness:

The best wallets must be easy to use, even for beginners.

Why Choose Hardware Wallets?

Enhanced Security

Your private keys never leave the device, protecting against online attacks and malware.

Offline Storage

Cold storage keeps your assets safe from internet-based threats and hacking attempts.

Complete Control

You own your private keys, giving you full custody and control over your cryptocurrency assets.

Transaction Verification

Physical confirmation required for every transaction, preventing unauthorized transfers.

Tangem: a leader in hardware wallets

Tangem unveiled a next-generation self-custodial model in which the user's private key backup is not on a seed phrase. Instead, the key is securely generated and stored on the wallet itself, which comes in sets of two or three cards or a ring.

  • Swiss-based
  • 25-year warranty
  • EAL6+ security standard
  • Audited by Kudelski Security & Riscure

Key features of Tangem

Pro Tip.

Always verify the authenticity of your hardware wallet. Tangem cards come with built-in authentication features that can be verified through the official app.

How Tangem works?

Card


Tangem cards come in a set of two or three. They are plastic cards with an inbuilt secure chip that functions as a microcomputer.


When the card is manufactured, the chip generates its own key pair: the Kcardpriv private key and the Kcardpub public key.

Ring


Tangem Ring is a wearable hardware wallet that lets you securely carry and manage your crypto assets on the go.


It is made from Zirconia Ceramic, ensuring utmost durability, and is suitable for daily wear. Learn about its features, benefits, and how it works here.

Simply tap the card or ring to your phone

to use Tangem Wallet.

App


Because human beings cannot independently communicate and interact with microchips on a plastic card or in a ring, there is a need for an interface or means of communication. That's precisely what the Tangem app is for.


The app works as an interface for the physical device. So, how does a credit card-shaped wallet or ceramic ring connect with your mobile phone?

Tangem crypto wallet appTangem crypto wallet appTangem crypto wallet appTangem crypto wallet appTangem crypto wallet appTangem crypto wallet app
  • Track prices

    Access real-time tickers for thousands of cryptocurrencies, compare prices and make more informed investment decisions.

  • Analyze tokens

    Get insights into valuable data that drive smarter decisions, analyze market trends, and uncover key opportunities.

  • Swap *

    Exchange one cryptocurrency for another quickly and securely with our providers. Diversify your portfolio, grow your funds and protect your assets. *

  • Buy *

    Easily purchase Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies using debit or credit cards, bank transfers, Apple Pay, or Google Pay *

  • Sell *

    Sell crypto assets, including stablecoins, safely via integrated off-ramp services. *

  • Stake crypto *

    Earn passive income and benefit from long-term reward accumulation by staking cryptocurrencies. *

Comparing hardware wallets

Comparison
Other hardware wallets
Configuration time
1–3 min
> 20 min
Battery
No
Built-in
Backup option
Multiple cards for the same wallet, optional seed phrase
Seed phrase (BIP39)
Non-extractable key
Yes
No
Hardware certification
EAL 6+
EAL 5+ or less
Hardware components
Only secure element
Secure element & not certified parts
Anti-counterfeit protection
Firmware attestation
Anti-fake stickers
Water and dust protection
Full (IP69K)
No
Access code protection
Yes
Yes
Access code recovery
Yes
No

Specifications

Chip model
Samsung S3D232A
Fabrication process
65 nm
Core
SC000
Flash Memory
232K
ROM
32K
RAM
11K
Interface
ISO 7816, ISO 14443 A

How to get started with Tangem Wallet?

Ready to Secure Your Crypto?

Join thousands of users who trust Tangem to keep their cryptocurrency safe and accessible.

Get answers to your questions.

In anticipation of your questions, we've answered the most common ones. Help Center and online support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • The main benefit of a hardware crypto wallet is enhanced security, as private keys are stored offline, reducing the risk of hacking and malware. Another advantage is complete independence; you own your keys and can access your crypto anytime.
  • Your hardware wallet is always with you and doesn't need charging or wires. It fits easily in your pocket, so you can sign your transactions anywhere. Tangem's EAL6+ certification means it's as secure as a biometric passport.
  • A 3-card set improves recovery options. If one card is lost, the other two can ensure access. However, with only two cards, losing one and forgetting your access code would leave you unable to reset or recover your wallet.
  • We designed your hardware wallet to be fully autonomous—no Tangem servers are involved in your crypto transactions. You need only your card/ring, smartphone, and the blockchain.
  • No. An access code protects the wallet against unauthorized access by third parties and brute-force attacks.
  • Using a seed phrase is optional. There are three key generation methods: 1. Use the certified hardware True Random Number Generator (TRNG) that generates and stores keys inside the chip. No copies exist outside your Tangem device (recommended). 2. Generate a seed phrase with the Tangem app and import it to the hardware device. 3. Import your seed phrase from another crypto wallet. Note that seed phrases can be copied and stolen, unlike private keys generated offline.
  • You won't lose access to your funds. Use your card or ring on any compatible smartphone to download the Tangem app and access your portfolio. Remember, your phone doesn't store sensitive information; it’s just a display for easy access.