In March 2023, I decided to try out the Tangem wallet, a cold storage crypto wallet that’s different from any other I’d used before. Initially, I wasn’t a fan because its design and functionality diverged from the standard hardware wallets I was accustomed to. But fast forward over a year later, Tangem has surprisingly become my go-to wallet. Today, I use it more than any other crypto wallet I own. But it wasn’t love at first sight—it took multiple updates, added features, and getting used to it before I fully trusted Tangem to keep my crypto safe.

In this article, I’ll share my personal experience, highlighting why Tangem has grown on me, its day-to-day functionality, durability, and some of its downsides. If you’re curious about getting a Tangem wallet or wondering how it compares to other hardware wallets, you’re in the right place.

First Impressions: A Plastic Card for a Wallet?

What sets Tangem apart from other hardware wallets is its simplicity—it’s literally just a plastic card! No battery, no screen, no fragile components—just an NFC antenna and an EAL 6+ secure element chip embedded within the card. The wallet communicates with your phone via NFC, similar to how Apple Pay works. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about managing my crypto entirely on a mobile device. My first hardware wallet, the Ledger Nano X, was solely desktop-based, so switching to a mobile-only wallet was a new experience for me.

However, over time, I came to appreciate the flexibility Tangem offers. Since it doesn’t require any extra cables or charging, I can literally take it anywhere without worrying about power or desktop access. I’ve taken it across the U.S., internationally, and through airport X-ray machines, and it has never been damaged or questioned because it just looks like a regular plastic card in my wallet.

Durability: Built to Last

The durability of Tangem is outstanding. Despite using my first-generation Tangem card for over a year, it still looks brand new with no visible wear and tear. The card is designed to last a minimum of 25 years and comes with a product replacement warranty for the same period. It’s also IP68-rated, making it waterproof, resistant to extreme temperatures, electrostatic discharge, EMPs, and X-rays. I’ve submerged it in water, left it in a hot car in over 100°F heat, and carried it on multiple trips—yet, it’s as functional as the day I got it.

In terms of durability, there’s no other wallet on the market that matches Tangem, especially for someone who’s always on the move like me.

User-Friendliness and the Tangem App

One of Tangem’s biggest strengths is its simplicity and user-friendliness. The Tangem app, which manages the wallet, is intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners or people transitioning from software wallets like Metamask or Trust Wallet. Tangem makes managing your crypto straightforward, and if you’re setting up a hardware wallet for the first time, you’ll find the process incredibly quick—it only takes about three minutes to complete.

What’s important to note is that while you use the Tangem app to interact with your wallet, the app doesn’t store or secure your crypto—the card does. Your private key is stored offline on the card, keeping it safe and out of reach from hackers or malware.

Seedless Setup vs. Seed Phrase: My Preference

Tangem gives users the option to set up their wallet without a seed phrase, referred to as a “seedless” wallet. Tangem suggests this setup because many people lose their crypto by mishandling or sharing their seed phrase. However, I personally prefer using a seed phrase for added security.

Although the seedless method is more secure in terms of preventing phishing attacks, if you lose all your Tangem cards, you’d lose access to your crypto. For this reason, I opted for the seed phrase setup, which Tangem now allows. This feature was released in late 2023, and I was relieved because it provided me with more control over my wallet. With a seed phrase, I can recover my crypto even if I lose my Tangem cards, and I can also import the seed into other hardware wallets if needed.

Security Features: A Secure, Mobile Solution

Security is, of course, a top priority when choosing a hardware wallet, and Tangem excels in this area. The card’s EAL 6+ secure element chip protects your private key from both digital and physical attacks. This is the same level of technology used in bank cards to prevent malicious activities. Additionally, every Tangem card is impossible to counterfeit—the app verifies the card’s authenticity and firmware whenever it’s used.

One of my favorite features of Tangem is that it doesn’t require firmware updates. Unlike other wallets that need regular software maintenance, Tangem’s firmware comes pre-installed, so you only need to update the app on your phone to access new features or supported tokens.

Downsides of Tangem

While I’ve grown to love Tangem, there are a few downsides worth mentioning. The most notable is that it’s a mobile-only wallet, which might not appeal to users who prefer managing crypto on desktop devices. Another downside is that if you opt for the seedless setup and lose all your cards, you lose access to your crypto—there’s no backup recovery method without a seed phrase.

Additionally, while Tangem now supports hidden wallets or passphrases for added security, the app currently only allows you to import an existing hidden wallet, not create one within the app. Hopefully, this is something Tangem will address in the future.

Here are common Frequently asked questions about Tangem Wallet

Is there any KYC at any Time during this staking procedure? Especially during unstaking ON Tangem Wallet ?

No, the Tangem Wallet does not require KYC (Know Your Customer) verification during the staking or unstaking process. Tangem Wallet is a non-custodial wallet, which means users fully control their private keys and interact directly with the blockchain. Since you are not going through a centralized entity, Tangem does not need or request any personal information, including KYC, at any point in the staking or unstaking process.

However, this may vary if you choose to use a third-party service or exchange connected to the Tangem Wallet for staking. In that case, the third-party service might require KYC, depending on its policies and the regulatory environment.

For purely staking or unstaking via Tangem’s native functionalities, no KYC is involved.

Where to Buy Tangem Wallet?

You can purchase the Tangem Wallet directly from the official Tangem website, which offers various models and configurations. Tangem wallets are also available through online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay. You may also find them on specialized cryptocurrency hardware wallet retailers like Ledger Shop or Crypto Merchant. It’s essential to buy from authorized sellers or the official site to ensure you get a legitimate, non-tampered product.

What is Tangem Pay? Is there a difference between Tangem Pay and Tangem Wallet

Tangem Pay is a separate product from the Tangem Wallet, designed specifically for enabling cryptocurrency payments in a manner similar to using traditional payment cards. However, unlike Tangem Wallet, Tangem Pay is not a crypto wallet. Instead, it integrates with existing crypto wallets such as Ledger, MetaMask, and others to facilitate contactless payments.

Here’s how Tangem Pay works alongside the Tangem Wallet:

Tangem Pay for Payments: Tangem Pay allows users to make contactless payments in supported cryptocurrencies at any merchant that accepts such payments. Think of it as a payment solution that can be linked to your existing wallet (Ledger, MetaMask, etc.), rather than being a wallet itself. This means you can spend your crypto without needing to withdraw it first to a different service.
Tangem Wallet for Storage: Tangem Wallet, on the other hand, is a cold storage wallet primarily used for securely storing and managing your crypto assets offline. You retain full control of your private keys with Tangem Wallet, ensuring your assets are safely stored in a self-custodial manner.
Complementary, Not Replacement: You can use both Tangem Wallet and Tangem Pay in tandem. Tangem Wallet keeps your assets secure in cold storage, while Tangem Pay allows you to spend those assets easily via contactless payment when needed. This provides flexibility to securely store and conveniently spend your cryptocurrencies when required.

To summarize, Tangem Pay is not a replacement for Tangem Wallet but rather a complementary tool, allowing you to use your stored crypto in everyday payments while keeping your assets secure.

Is Tangem a Cold Wallet?

Yes, Tangem is a cold wallet. A cold wallet refers to any cryptocurrency storage device that is not connected to the internet, making it more secure from online hacking attempts. The Tangem wallet operates offline, which means that it stores your private keys without an active internet connection, ensuring maximum security. Since it does not connect directly to the internet, it’s considered a form of cold storage, making it a reliable choice for those looking to protect their digital assets against cyber threats.

Does Tangem Wallet Support XDC?

Yes, Tangem Wallet supports XDC (XinFin Digital Contract). XDC is the native cryptocurrency of the XinFin Network, which focuses on enhancing global trade and financial transactions. Tangem supports a variety of cryptocurrencies, including XDC, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and many ERC-20 tokens. Always check the latest supported coins on Tangem’s official website or app to ensure compatibility with your desired digital assets.

Is Tangem Wallet Legit?

Yes, Tangem Wallet is a legitimate and reputable product. It is designed by Tangem AG, a Swiss-based company known for creating highly secure hardware wallets. The wallet is equipped with EAL6+ certified chips, which are among the most secure in the hardware industry. Additionally, it has been tested and certified by third-party security experts. Many cryptocurrency users trust Tangem for its simplicity, robust security measures, and offline cold storage capabilities.

How Does the Tangem Wallet Work?

The Tangem Wallet functions as a physical card that stores your cryptocurrency private keys. Here’s how it works:

Physical Setup: Tangem Wallet is a smartcard-based hardware wallet. It comes in the form of a card, which contains your private keys securely inside a specialized chip.
Offline Storage: Since it’s a cold wallet, your private keys never leave the card or get exposed to the internet. This adds an extra layer of security against hacks and malware.
Mobile App: To interact with the wallet, you use the Tangem mobile app (available on iOS and Android). You simply tap the card on the back of your NFC-enabled smartphone to sign transactions.
Transaction Signing: When you want to send or receive cryptocurrency, the app communicates with the Tangem card, signing transactions using the private keys stored in the card without ever exposing them to the online environment.
Security: The card is tamper-proof, and any attempts to physically alter it will render the card unusable, further protecting your funds.

Can I Pay with Tangem Wallet?

Yes, you can pay with the Tangem Wallet, provided the merchant accepts cryptocurrency payments. Using the Tangem mobile app, you can send crypto from your wallet to another wallet or merchant address. As long as the receiving party supports the cryptocurrency you’re paying with (e.g., BTC, ETH, XDC), you can use the Tangem Wallet to facilitate the transaction.

However, Tangem itself does not act as a direct payment processor. You’ll need to send funds from your wallet to a crypto-compatible payment gateway or use it where crypto payments are accepted. For example, some online retailers or physical stores that accept Bitcoin or other supported coins can receive payments through your Tangem Wallet.

My tangem wallet does not show new price, How to fix it?

The issue of the Tangem wallet not showing updated prices or new price values is a concern for some users. This can happen due to several reasons:

App or Firmware Updates: Sometimes, the wallet app itself might not be up-to-date, leading to delays in showing the current prices. Checking for the latest updates for both the app and the card’s firmware can resolve this issue.
API Connectivity: Tangem relies on external services, such as CoinMarketCap or CoinGecko, to fetch real-time prices. If there’s a problem with the API integration or if these services face downtime, the wallet may not display updated prices. In such cases, the issue often gets resolved once the external price provider service resumes normal operation.
Network Connection: The wallet’s ability to show prices depends on your internet connection. A weak or unstable connection can prevent the wallet from fetching the most recent price data.
Synchronization Issues: Sometimes, the wallet might not synchronize properly with the blockchain, affecting the display of new prices. Resynchronizing the wallet manually might fix the problem.
Community Support: Users have shared their experiences and potential solutions on platforms like Reddit, where some suggest contacting Tangem support directly or checking their official YouTube channel, Tangem Answers, for updates or fixes related to price displays.

Does Tangem wallet support Pulse Chain Network?

Yes, the Tangem Wallet does support PulseChain. Tangem Wallet is a hardware wallet that allows users to store various cryptocurrencies securely, including those on the PulseChain network. This integration enables users to manage their PulseChain assets directly through the Tangem Wallet app, benefiting from its security features and ease of use. If you have any specific questions about using Tangem Wallet with PulseChain or need further details, feel free to ask

What is Crypto staking?

Cryptocurrency Staking is a process where holders of certain cryptocurrencies lock up their assets to support the operations of a blockchain network, particularly those that use a Proof of Stake (PoS) or similar consensus mechanism. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

How Staking Works

Locking Up Assets: When you stake your cryptocurrency, you essentially commit your coins to the network for a set period. This process involves transferring your tokens to a staking wallet or a smart contract that manages the staking process.
Supporting Network Operations: By staking your assets, you help validate transactions, secure the network, and maintain the overall integrity of the blockchain. In PoS systems, validators are chosen based on the amount of cryptocurrency they have staked and other factors, such as the length of time they have held the coins.
Earning Rewards: In return for your contribution to the network’s security and operation, you earn rewards. These rewards are typically paid out in the same cryptocurrency you staked. The rewards can vary based on several factors, including the total amount staked in the network and the staking rewards rate.
Flexibility and Risk: Some staking options offer more flexibility, allowing users to withdraw their staked assets at any time, while others may require you to lock them up for a specified period. There are also risks involved, such as price volatility of the staked assets and potential penalties for misbehavior (in the case of validators).

Benefits of Staking

Passive Income: Staking can generate a steady stream of passive income without the need to sell your crypto assets.
Support for the Ecosystem: By staking, you contribute to the network’s security and functionality, helping to ensure its long-term success.
Potential for Value Appreciation: As the network grows and matures, the value of the staked tokens can appreciate over time.

Types of Staking

Centralized Staking: You can stake your assets through centralized exchanges, which often simplify the process for users. However, this approach may involve trusting a third party with your funds.
Decentralized Staking: Users can stake directly through decentralized platforms, maintaining more control over their assets. This method often requires a bit more technical knowledge.
Delegated Staking: In some networks, users can delegate their staking power to validators without needing to run their own nodes. This is common in PoS systems.

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My Personal Experience Using Tangem Wallet for a year