Wallet Types: Mobile vs Hardware
Tangem offers two ways to manage your crypto assets:
- Mobile Wallet — an app-based crypto wallet
- Hardware Wallet — a physical Tangem device (card or ring)
Both options provide self-custody and belong to the same ecosystem, allowing your crypto journey to begin as light and mobile as you like, and then upgrade to maximum protection when needed.
First, a quick comparison
| Feature | Mobile Wallet | Hardware Wallet |
|---|---|---|
| Physical device required | No | Yes |
| Where keys are stored | On your phone (encrypted) | Inside Tangem device chip |
| Internet exposure | Yes (phone is online) | No (device is offline) |
| Recovery method | Seed phrase | Backup Tangem devices |
| Security level | High | Maximum |
How the Tangem Mobile Wallet works
The Mobile Wallet lives entirely inside the Tangem app on your smartphone. No physical device is required. It leverages your phone’s built-in secure environment.
When you create a Mobile Wallet, 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 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.
When signing a transaction, the app retrieves and decrypts the private keys, signs the transaction, and immediately erases them from memory. The result is that your private key is never stored in the app's cache.
Best for: trying out Tangem, managing smaller amounts, or users who want a convenient app-based wallet without purchasing a physical device.
How Tangem Hardware Wallet works
The Tangem Hardware Wallet takes security a step further by moving your private keys completely off your smartphone and into a dedicated Tangem device with an EAL6+ secure element chip.
When you create a Hardware Wallet, the private key is generated inside the chip and never leaves it. When signing a transaction, the unsigned transaction is sent to the device via NFC. The device signs it internally, and only the signed transaction is returned to the app.
Best for: storing significant funds long-term, users who want the highest level of security, or anyone concerned about phone-based threats like malware.
Why Is the Hardware Wallet More Secure?
Both Mobile and Hardware wallets provide self-custody. However, the hardware wallet offers the highest possible level of protection due to its isolation model.
Unlike a smartphone, which is a connected and complex device exposed to potential malware, a Tangem device has one job: safeguard your keys and perform cryptographic operations when authorized.
The Tangem device does not connect to the internet and only works when you tap it to your phone. It has no operating system and requires physical presence to authorize transactions.
In the standard setup, recovery is handled through backup Tangem devices rather than a written seed phrase, reducing the risks associated with seed storage.
For the highest possible security, Tangem Hardware Wallet is recommended.
Can you switch from Mobile to Hardware?
Yes. You can start with a Mobile Wallet and later upgrade to a Hardware Wallet within the Tangem app. This allows you to begin with convenience and move to higher security when needed.
Which Wallet Should You Choose?
If you're just getting started and want to explore Tangem without buying a device, the Mobile Wallet is a good starting point.
If you're storing a significant amount of crypto or want the strongest possible protection, the Hardware Wallet is the better choice. Your keys stay completely off your phone, isolated from online threats.
You don't have to decide permanently — you can always upgrade later.
FAQ
Can I use both Mobile and Hardware Wallets simultaneously?
Yes, but with some limitations.
If you start with a Mobile Wallet, you can later add one or more 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 Hardware Wallet in the app, you won’t be able to create a Mobile Wallet. In this case, you can only add more Hardware Wallets.
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.
Are there limits on buying, selling, or swapping assets with a Tangem Mobile Wallet?
No. There are no limits specific to Tangem Mobile Wallet. Buying, selling, and swapping limits are the same as for Tangem Hardware Wallet.
Any applicable limits depend on the service or provider used (for example, third-party on-ramps or swap providers), not on the type of Tangem Wallet.
Are there limits on how much I can store in a Mobile Wallet?
No. There are no storage limits specific to a Mobile Wallet. You can store any amount as with a Hardware Wallet. Your balance is not limited by the wallet type.