Tangem Cold Wallets

Tangem wallets are card-based and wearable cold wallets that use a secure element and NFC (Near Field Communication) to store private keys offline. Unlike traditional hardware wallets with screens and buttons, Tangem wallets are designed to work without batteries, cables, or displays.

This page explains how Tangem wallets work, the differences between Tangem products, and what to consider when choosing this style of cold storage.

What is a Tangem hardware wallet?

A Tangem wallet is a form of cold storage that stores private keys inside a secure chip embedded in a physical card or wearable device. The wallet does not require charging, firmware updates, or wired connections.

Tangem wallets use NFC (Near Field Communication) to interact with a smartphone. When a transaction is initiated in the Tangem mobile app, the card or ring is tapped to the phone to sign the transaction. Private keys never leave the Tangem device.

Because there is no screen or keyboard, transaction details are reviewed in the mobile app rather than on the hardware itself.

Tangem wallet models — overview

Tangem offers multiple cold wallet form factors built around the same core technology. These include a card-style wallet and a wearable ring. Both rely on NFC interaction and a secure element to keep private keys offline.

Tangem wallets are also commonly sold in multi-card packs, which allow users to create redundant backups without writing down a traditional recovery phrase.

MODEL SNAPSHOT GRID

  • Tangem Wallet (Card)

    NFC-enabled card-style cold wallet with no battery, no screen, and no cables.

  • Tangem Ring

    Wearable NFC cold wallet built into a durable ring for everyday carry.

Tangem Wallet — card-based NFC cold storage

The Tangem Wallet is a slim, card-style cold wallet that stores private keys inside a certified secure element chip. It contains no battery and requires no charging or wired connection.

Transactions are signed by tapping the card to a smartphone using NFC. The Tangem mobile app is used to view balances, prepare transactions, and confirm details before the card signs the transaction.

Key characteristics:
• Secure element chip with offline private key storage
• NFC communication — no USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi
• No battery, screen, or buttons
• Compatible with Tangem mobile app on iOS and Android
• Supports a wide range of blockchains and tokens

Good fit if you:
• Prefer a simple, minimal cold wallet
• Want a wallet with no charging or firmware updates
• Are comfortable reviewing transactions on a phone screen

Not ideal if you:
• Want on-device transaction review
• Prefer physical buttons or a display

Tangem Ring — wearable NFC cold wallet

The Tangem Ring uses the same secure element and NFC technology as the Tangem card, but places it inside a wearable ring. This allows users to carry their cold wallet in a form factor designed for daily wear.

Like the card, the ring has no battery, no screen, and no wired connections. Transactions are signed by tapping the ring to a smartphone using the Tangem app.

Key characteristics:
• Secure element embedded in a wearable ring
• NFC transaction signing
• No battery or charging required
• Uses the same Tangem mobile app as the card

Good fit if you:
• Want a cold wallet that is always with you
• Prefer a wearable form factor over a card

Not ideal if you:
• Prefer a traditional hardware wallet experience
• Want physical separation between wallet and personal items

Feature Tangem Wallet (Card) Tangem Ring
Offline private keys Yes Yes
Connection method NFC NFC
Battery required No No
On-device screen No No
Form factor Card Ring
Best for Minimalist cold storage Wearable cold storage

Notes: Tangem wallets rely on NFC and a mobile app for transaction review. Private keys remain stored inside the secure element at all times.

Tangem packs and accessories

Tangem wallets are often sold in multi-card packs (for example, 2-card or 3-card sets). These allow users to create redundant backups by initializing multiple cards with access to the same wallet.

This approach can reduce reliance on a written recovery phrase, as each card acts as a backup signer. However, all cards must be stored securely.

Tangem also offers accessories such as:
• Protective sleeves for cards
• Ring sizing options for the Tangem Ring

Accessories do not store private keys and are intended only for physical protection or convenience.

How to choose a Tangem wallet

Tangem wallets differ from traditional hardware wallets by removing screens, batteries, and cables. Choosing a Tangem product depends on how comfortable you are using a mobile app for transaction review.

• **Tangem Wallet (Card):** Simple, portable cold storage with minimal hardware.
• **Tangem Ring:** Wearable option for users who want their wallet on hand at all times.

Neither option removes the responsibility of securely storing backup cards or access credentials.

Tangem wallets — common questionsClear answers for beginners about NFC wallets and card-based cold storage

Are Tangem wallets really cold wallets?

Yes. Tangem wallets store private keys inside a secure element and do not expose them to internet-connected devices.

What happens if I lose my Tangem card or ring?

If you set up multiple Tangem cards, another card can be used as a backup. If all backup cards are lost, access to funds may not be recoverable.

Do Tangem wallets require firmware updates?

No. Tangem wallets are designed to work without firmware updates, batteries, or charging.

Is NFC safe for cold wallets?

NFC is used only to transmit transaction data. Private keys remain inside the secure element and are not transmitted.

Where to buy Tangem wallets

Tangem wallets can be purchased from the official Tangem store and authorized sellers. If you choose to use links on this site, FinTech Dynasty may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This page is intended to explain how Tangem wallets work and how they differ from other cold storage options. It does not provide financial advice.

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