Tangem is a hardware wallet built around NFC cards or a ring and a mobile app. You tap the physical device against a compatible phone to open the wallet or approve a transaction.
The tap-based flow can be approachable for beginners, but it requires buying the hardware and understanding the backup choice made during setup.
Tangem's current network and token documentation covers all seven routes on this website:
- BTC on Bitcoin;
- ETH on Ethereum;
- USDT on Ethereum (ERC-20);
- USDT on Tron (TRC-20);
- LTC on Litecoin;
- XRP on XRP Ledger;
- TRX on Tron.
Enable the intended asset and network in the app. For USDT, confirm Ethereum or Tron rather than relying on the token name.
Tangem requires an NFC-enabled Android phone or iPhone and a Tangem card or ring. There is no desktop companion app for normal use.
Buy through an official channel and install the app through Tangem's own links. A stranger does not need to “pair” or activate the cards for you.
Tangem supports more than one setup model. Its default card-based approach can copy access to backup cards without creating a written recovery phrase. Newer devices can also be configured with a recovery phrase.
These approaches have different recovery consequences. With card backup, protect the spare cards separately and understand that new backup cards cannot simply be added after setup is finalised. With a recovery phrase, protect the words offline like any other wallet backup.
Do not rush past this choice merely because the tap setup is quick.
Open the correct currency and network before receiving. When sending, review the destination, amount, network, and fee in the app before tapping the hardware to approve.
For XRP, include a destination tag when the recipient supplies one. For USDT, keep the relevant fee asset available: ETH on Ethereum or TRX and resources on Tron.
Buying, selling, swapping, and other optional functions can use external providers. Their accounts, data collection, fees, and availability are separate from the Tangem hardware wallet.
The app also connects to network services to show balances and submit transactions. Review Tangem's current privacy information and avoid enabling services you do not need.