Security
How is Tangem Mobile Wallet secured on my phone?
When you create a Mobile Wallet, the wallet is created directly on your smartphone. The app generates cryptographic entropy and encrypts all sensitive wallet data using the phone’s built-in secure hardware — Secure Enclave on iOS or StrongBox on Android.
The encrypted data is then stored in the system-provided secure storage: Keychain on iOS or Keystore on Android. This data is isolated from other apps and protected by the operating system.
Why is Tangem Hardware Wallet more secure than Mobile Wallet?
Tangem Mobile Wallet provides a high level of security by leveraging your phone’s secure hardware and encryption. The Mobile Wallet has passed an independent security audit by Cure53, the German cybersecurity firm with over 15 years of experience auditing critical security software. Cure53 has audited products for Mozilla, Coinbase, NordVPN, Mullvad, MetaMask, and dozens of other security-critical applications.
However, the Mobile Wallet depends on a general-purpose, internet-connected device. For the highest possible security, Tangem Hardware Wallet is recommended, as it keeps private keys fully offline.
Can Tangem itself access my funds on the Mobile Wallet?
No. Tangem has zero knowledge of your private keys. The keys are generated locally and stored in your smartphone's secure environment. Tangem cannot access, recover, or freeze your assets. True self-custody means you, and only you, control your crypto.
Does Tangem Mobile Wallet use a seed phrase?
Yes. Tangem Mobile Wallet uses a recovery phrase (seed phrase) as its backup and recovery mechanism. A Mobile Wallet cannot be created without a recovery phrase.
How can I view the seed phrase for Tangem Mobile Wallet?
You can view your recovery phrase in the app settings:
- Open the Tangem app.
- Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Select the wallet.
- Tap Backup
- Tap Recovery phrase.
- Confirm with biometrics or access code.
Make sure to store it securely and never share it with anyone.
What happens to my Mobile Wallet if I lose my phone?
If you lose your phone, access to your Tangem Mobile Wallet can be restored only if you have a backup.
The Mobile Wallet supports backup using a recovery (seed) phrase, which we strongly recommend setting up immediately. The app will prompt you to do this during setup. With the recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on another device.
Alternatively, you can upgrade your Mobile Wallet to a Tangem Hardware Wallet to move your keys into cold storage. In this case, access to your funds depends on your Tangem devices rather than your phone.
Where is the access code stored in Tangem Mobile Wallet?
The access code is stored locally on your device to control access to the Tangem app and authorize sensitive actions.