Tangem: what it is and how to use it
Tangem is a hardware wallet in the form of an NFC card that does not take firmware updates. It keeps keys on the card, off your phone and computer, and was the subject of physical-attack research in July 2026.
Overview
| Category | Hardware wallets |
|---|---|
| KYC required | to verify |
| Open source | to verify |
| Price | — |
| Official site | tangem.com (coupon JONATA) |
Tools marked as partner are listed first in their category and use an affiliate link: this site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change the assessment: each brand's limits and incidents are described with the same criteria.
How do you use Tangem?
- Buy from Tangem's official site, typed by hand or via this site's affiliate link, and check the domain before paying.
- Reject cards from marketplaces or second-hand, and any that ship with a ready-made seed.
- Download the app only from the official store, checking the developer name.
- Create the new wallet with the card itself and follow the app for the backup, never using a seed that came pre-made.
- Test with a small amount and confirm you can access it again before moving more.
- Keep the card (and any extras) in different places, treating it as a valuable object.
What are the limits and cautions?
- In July 2026 researchers at Ledger Donjon (a competitor) described a laser attack that needs physical possession of the card, a lab and an estimated cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars; Tangem rates the risk for ordinary users as practically nil. Both sides have an interest, so weigh both.
- The risk exists if the card is lost or stolen; do not leave it lying around.
- This site uses a Tangem affiliate link and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; it does not change the assessment above.
Other Hardware wallets tools
How to Buy Bitcoin Anonymously — See the book on Amazon