Getting Started

How does Tangem Mobile Wallet work?

Tangem Mobile Wallet is a free, app-based crypto wallet that lets you start using self-custody in seconds directly inside the Tangem app. It’s designed for users who want full control over their crypto without committing to a hardware wallet from day one.

The Mobile Wallet is an easy entry point into the Tangem ecosystem. You can send, receive, swap, stake, and manage crypto directly from your smartphone without a Tangem card or ring. At any time, you can seamlessly upgrade your Mobile Wallet to a Tangem Hardware Wallet for stronger long-term protection.

When you create a Mobile Wallet, the app generates the wallet, encrypts its keys, and stores it on your smartphone, without initially requiring a backup.

How do I create a Tangem Mobile Wallet?

To create a Tangem Mobile Wallet, install and open the Tangem app on your smartphone and follow the onboarding steps:

1. Tap Get started.
2. Tap Start with Mobile Wallet.
3. Tap Create wallet.

The wallet is created directly on your device without requiring a Tangem device. You can start managing crypto in two clicks.

How do I import a seed phrase to a Tangem Mobile Wallet?

To import an existing wallet, install and open the Tangem app and follow the onboarding steps:

1. Tap Get started.
2. Tap Start with Mobile Wallet.
3. Tap Import existing wallet.
4. Enter your seed phrase and passphrase if available.
5. Tap Import.
6. Create and confirm a 6-digit access code.

The wallet is imported directly on your device without requiring a Tangem device.

Why should I back up my Tangem Mobile Wallet?

Backing up a Tangem Mobile Wallet is essential because recovery is based on a recovery phrase.

If you lose your phone, damage it, or uninstall the app before backing up the wallet, you will permanently lose access to your funds. Completing the backup ensures you can restore your wallet if needed.

How to back up Tangem Mobile Wallet?

You can start the backup process in one of two ways:

Start the backup

1. On the wallet home screen, tap Finalize now in the notification under the total balance.
   OR
2. On the wallet home screen, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner, select the Mobile Wallet you want to upgrade from the list, then tap Backup and Recovery phrase.

Complete the backup

1. Tap Continue.
2. Write down your recovery phrase and keep it safe and private.
3. To confirm that you have written it down correctly, enter the 2nd, 7th, and 11th words of the recovery phrase.
4. Tap Continue.
5. Create a 6-digit access code to unlock the wallet.
6. Re-enter the access code.

Your Tangem Mobile Wallet is now backed up and protected with an access code.

How do I upgrade Tangem Mobile Wallet to a Hardware Wallet?

You can start with the Mobile Wallet for accessibility and later upgrade to a hardware Wallet without migrating funds or changing wallet addresses.

Here’s how it’s done:

1. Open the Tangem app on your phone.
2. Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.
3. Select the Mobile Wallet you want to upgrade from the list.
4. Tap Backup.
5. Tap Hardware Wallet.
6. Tap Upgrade current wallet.
7. Enter your access code or biometrics.
8. Tap Start upgrade and scan the Tangem device.
9. Tap Start upgrade and scan the Tangem device again.
10. Tap Add card or ring and scan the second Tangem device.
11. If you have an additional device, you can add it now by tapping Add card or ring again. Otherwise, tap Finalize backup.

Next, you need to set up a single access code to protect your wallet:

1. Tap Continue and create an access code for the wallet. 
2. Tap Continue, re-enter the access code, and tap Submit. 
3. Scan all linked Tangem devices one by one to confirm.

Once the process is complete, your wallet becomes a Tangem Hardware Wallet and your private keys are secured by the Tangem device.

Can I cancel or repeat the upgrade process?

No. The upgrade process cannot be reversed.

Once your Mobile Wallet is upgraded to a Hardware Wallet, the private keys are migrated from the phone to the secure element of the Tangem device and then fully erased from the phone. If you want to use a Mobile Wallet again, you can create a new one in the app at any time.