Crypto has always been about giving people financial control. Everyone deserves the right to self-custody from day one, but committing to a hardware wallet can feel like a big step. That’s why we're introducing the Tangem Mobile Wallet.
Starting today, you can create a free self-custody wallet in seconds right inside the Tangem app. It’s the perfect way to explore the app, start your journey, and seamlessly upgrade to the ultimate protection of our hardware wallet whenever you are ready.
How the Tangem Mobile Wallet works
Tangem's Mobile Wallet lets you create a wallet (a quick-start option) or import an existing wallet into the Tangem app using a seed phrase.
With the quick-start option, the app generates a wallet, encrypts its cryptographic keys, and stores them on your smartphone, without requiring an initial backup.
Create a crypto wallet in two clicks
To use the quick-start option, here’s what to do:
Tap Start with Mobile Wallet.
Tap Create wallet.
When you tap Create wallet, the app generates the wallet’s keys, encrypts them using the Secure Enclave or StrongBox, and stores them directly in your phone's secure storage. On iOS devices, this refers to the Keychain, while Android uses the Keystore.
The critical thing to understand is that the wallet is not backed up at this stage yet. Its keys exist only on your smartphone. You can send, receive, swap, stake, and manage tokens, but if you lose your phone, break it, or uninstall the app, those keys could be lost along with any funds they control.
That is why the app always prompts you to finalize wallet setup on the homepage and whenever you open the Tangem app.
Buy, sell, swap, and other features.
In the current iOS release, the Buy, Sell, and Swap buttons on the homepage appear after you buy or deposit an asset.
To manage any other asset, search for any token, e.g, Solana, and add it to your portfolio.
How the Mobile Wallet does backups
In wallet settings, the app prompts you to secure your wallet through two different methods:
Hardware wallet (Recommended). A physical card/ring that stores your private keys in secure hardware that never exposes them. If you choose this option, the app migrates your private keys from the phone’s storage to the card’s secure element chip. Or, you can set up a new wallet on the cards and manually transfer your funds (this requires paying network fees).
The recovery phrase is the backup seed phrase. Selecting this option will display the original 12-word seed phrase used in creating the wallet. Write them down and verify you’ve written them correctly.
You can also enter a 6-digit access code or biometric authentication to further protect your wallet.
Backing up with a hardware Wallet
With our hardware wallet, your private keys live on a dedicated, air-gapped device that fits in your finger or slips into your credit-card purse. It has no USB ports, no batteries, or screens to break. Tap your card to your phone and transact securely. The multi-card system offers an alternative to relying on seed phrases as a backup option. There are two options here: creating a new wallet or upgrading your current Mobile Wallet.
When you tap Create new wallet, you’ll scan the Tangem card or ring, which generates its own private keys internally (never leaving the card's secure chip). Then you send crypto from the mobile wallet to the Hardware Wallet. This would require paying gas fees for each transfer.
When you tap Upgrade current wallet, the private key is imported into the Tangem card’s chip and then erased from your phone.
Why the Mobile Wallet is secure: Independent audit
When asking users to trust a free crypto wallet with real money, third-party validation isn't optional. The Mobile Wallet underwent a comprehensive 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.
The bigger picture
The Tangem Mobile Wallet is a flexible entry point that grows with every user. A college student holding $200 in crypto has different needs than an investor protecting six-figure holdings. Both deserve self-custody, ease of use, and security. Neither should be overwhelmed or under-protected. This mobile-to-hardware pathway creates a safe learning environment where mistakes don't result in costly consequences. You can:
Understand transaction mechanics with small amounts.
Experience the responsibility of key ownership.
Build operational security habits.
Graduate to hardware protection with confidence.
FAQs: Mobile Wallet
If I start with the Mobile Wallet, do I have to buy hardware later?
You're never forced to upgrade. The Mobile Wallet provides full self-custody functionality. However, we recommend getting a hardware wallet for the ultimate protection of your funds.
I already own a Tangem hardware wallet. Can I get a mobile wallet?
No, your Tangem hardware wallet is the superior product, offering better protection and more freedom. Mobile Wallet is intended for users who are not yet ready to commit to hardware.
Can I use both mobile and hardware simultaneously?
No. You can’t manage multiple mobile wallets in one app, and you can’t add a mobile wallet if you already have a hardware wallet.
What's the price difference between mobile-only and adding hardware?
The Mobile Wallet is free to set up and use. Tangem hardware cards are sold as physical products (typically 2-3 cards per set). Visit the homepage for current pricing.
Can Tangem itself access my funds on the Mobile Wallet?
No. Tangem has zero access to 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.
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