Device Loss & Recovery

What happens if I lose a Tangem device?

Nothing will happen since the Tangem Wallet consists of two or three devices. Therefore, backup devices will help ensure access to the wallet if one is lost or stolen.

An access code secures each device. This code protects the wallet from unauthorized access by third parties and defends against brute-force attacks. After the sixth incorrect attempt to enter the code, the delay time for the next attempt increases by 1 second. 
The maximum delay time is 45 seconds. The delay only resets when the correct access code has been entered.

How can I restore access if I lose all my backup devices?

Losing all your devices will result in losing your funds. Only your Tangem device can grant you access to the wallet. The number of devices in your backup determines how many copies of your private key exist. Therefore, we recommend storing your devices in different locations. If one is lost or stolen, you can purchase a new Tangem wallet and transfer your funds to it.

However, if you set up your wallet with a seed phrase and lose all the devices in the box, you can restore your wallet to another one using a seed phrase.

If my Tangem is stolen, can a third party access my funds?

No, the wallet is protected by an access code from unauthorized access by third parties and against brute-force attacks.
After the sixth incorrect attempt to enter the code, the delay time for subsequent attempts increases by 1 second. The maximum delay time is 45 seconds.
The delay only resets after entering the correct access code.

If my phone is lost or broken, will I lose access to my funds?

No, you do not risk losing access to your funds. You need to use your device to log into your wallet on any other smartphone. You must install the Tangem app on your new phone, scan the wallet, and enter your access code.

Remember, the phone and the app do not store any sensitive information. Your smartphone serves as a display, showing information to the user on its screen. The device stores the private key and signs your transactions.

If I lose one device from my backup, can I buy another set and add it to my wallet?

Since creating a backup and cloning a private key is possible only once, adding new devices to an existing wallet is impossible. After purchasing a new set, you must transfer funds to a new wallet.

Is it possible to block a lost Tangem Wallet?

It is impossible to block a lost wallet because after creating a backup, all devices share a single private key and are equal. It is technically impossible to identify which device was lost.

We do not register or verify users, so we don't know their geolocation, citizenship, etc. This means we cannot identify a specific user's wallet to block access.

But don't worry — each wallet is secured with an access code. This code protects against unauthorized access by third parties and defends against brute-force attacks.

After the sixth incorrect attempt to enter the code, the delay time for the next attempt increases by 1 second. The maximum delay time is 45 seconds. The delay only resets after the correct access code has been entered.

What should I do if I lose the Ring?

Losing the Tangem Ring is the same as losing one of the cards. If you lose the ring, you can still access your wallet through the backup device.

From a security standpoint, if an attacker finds your lost ring, they cannot access the wallet because an access code protects it.

Moreover, the ring is also protected against brute-force attacks. After the sixth incorrect attempt to enter the code, the delay time for the next attempt is increased by 1 second. The maximum delay time is 45 seconds. The delay is only reset after the access code has been successfully entered.