General

What is the difference between Tangem Mobile Wallet and Tangem Hardware Wallet?

Tangem Mobile Wallet and Tangem Hardware Wallet are part of the same Tangem ecosystem but use different security models.

Tangem Mobile Wallet offers quick and convenient access to crypto without requiring a hardware card. It is easy to set up and always available on your phone. Tangem Mobile Wallet stores encrypted key material within your smartphone’s secure hardware and relies on a recovery phrase for backup.

Tangem Hardware Wallet is a cold wallet that uses a dedicated Tangem device with a secure element chip. Private keys are stored entirely inside the device and never leave it, and transaction signing requires the physical presence of the Tangem card or ring. This provides a higher level of long-term security.

Both options offer self-custody, but the Hardware Wallet is designed for users who prioritize maximum security, while the Mobile Wallet prioritizes convenience and speed.

Can I use Tangem without a hardware device?

Yes. You can use Tangem Mobile Wallet without a hardware Tangem device and manage your crypto directly from the app.

If I start with the Mobile Wallet, do I have to buy hardware later?

No. You're never forced to upgrade. The Mobile Wallet provides full self-custody functionality. However, we recommend the hardware wallet for ultimate protection for your funds.

Can I use both mobile and hardware simultaneously?

Yes, but with some limitations.

If you start with a Tangem Mobile Wallet, you can later add one or more Tangem Hardware Wallets and use them alongside the Mobile Wallet. In this case, the app can contain one Mobile Wallet and multiple Hardware Wallets at the same time.

However, if you already have a Tangem Hardware Wallet in the app, you won’t be able to create a Mobile Wallet. When a Hardware Wallet exists, the app allows adding only other Hardware Wallets.

Currently, the app manages one primary wallet environment to ensure maximum security integrity and less confusion. This means choosing between the flexibility of the Mobile Wallet or the higher level of protection provided by a Hardware Wallet.

What technical requirements are needed to use Tangem Mobile Wallet?

To use the Tangem Mobile Wallet, your smartphone must run iOS 18.0 or later or Android 10.0 or later.

NFC is not required to use the Mobile Wallet itself. You can create and manage a Tangem Mobile Wallet without NFC.

However, NFC support is required to download and install the Tangem app from the App Store or Google Play, as the app also supports Tangem Hardware Wallet, which rely on NFC functionality.