How to Use the Tangem Crypto Wallet: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, securing your digital assets is more critical than ever. With the increasing risks of cyberattacks, phishing scams, and malware, a reliable hardware wallet has become a must-have for any serious crypto user. One of the most innovative solutions in this space is the Tangem Wallet — a sleek, card-shaped cold wallet that uses NFC technology to make crypto storage secure, simple, and portable.

This guide will walk you through how to use the Tangem Wallet, from unboxing to advanced features, ensuring you’re fully equipped to manage your digital assets with confidence.

📦 What Is the Tangem Wallet?

The Tangem Wallet is a hardware crypto wallet shaped like a credit card. Unlike traditional wallets that use USB or Bluetooth, Tangem leverages NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to interact with your smartphone.

Key features include:

• EAL6+ certified secure chip

• Private key generation and storage on the card

• Multi-card backup system

• Support for 6,000+ cryptocurrencies
  
  

• Integration with WalletConnect for DeFi and NFTs

• Durable, waterproof, and long-lasting (25-year warranty)

It’s an ideal solution for those seeking a balance between cold storage security and mobile convenience.

🛒 Step 1: Purchase the Tangem Wallet

You can buy the Tangem Wallet directly from our website. Be cautious of third-party marketplaces to avoid counterfeit devices.

Tangem Wallet Options:

• 2-Card Pack (~$55): Main card + backup

• 3-Card Pack (~$70): Main card + 2 backups

• Tangem Ring (wearable cold wallet, ~$160)

✅ Pro Tip: Always buy sealed, brand-new wallets. If the seal is broken, do not use the card.

📱 Step 2: Install the Tangem App

The Tangem Wallet works via a companion mobile app available for both:

• Android (v6.0+ with NFC)

• iOS (v14.5+ with NFC)

Steps:

1. Visit Google Play Store or Apple App Store

2. Search for Tangem Wallet

3. Tap Install and wait for the app to download

4. Open the app and grant necessary permissions (NFC access is essential)

📌 Note: Tangem currently does not support desktop devices. It’s mobile-first by design.

💳 Step 3: Activate Your Tangem Wallet

Now that you’ve installed the app, it’s time to activate your card.

How to Activate:

1. Open the Tangem App

2. Tap “Scan Card”

3. Hold the Tangem card flat against the back of your phone (NFC area)

4. The app will detect the card and prompt you to create a wallet

5. Tap “Create Wallet” — this generates a private/public key pair directly inside the chip

6. You will be prompted to set an access code (PIN/Face ID/Fingerprint)

🔐 Tangem never transmits your private keys. Everything is generated and stored inside the card’s secure element.

🔁 Step 4: Set Up Backup Cards (Multi-Card Wallet)

Tangem supports a multi-card system where all cards share the same private key.

Why use backup cards?

• If you lose your main card, you can restore access using a backup

• Enhances redundancy and eliminates single points of failure

Steps to Add Backups:

1. After activating the main card, go to “Settings” → “Add Backup Card”

2. Tap Scan Backup Card

3. Place your backup card near your phone’s NFC reader

4. The app will pair it with the main card

5. Repeat for additional cards if using the 3-card version

💰 Step 5: Add Crypto Assets

Once your wallet is set up, you can start adding cryptocurrencies.

Supported Assets:

Tangem supports 6,000+ tokens across 70+ blockchains including:

• Bitcoin (BTC)

• Ethereum (ETH)

• Binance Smart Chain (BNB)

• Solana (SOL)

• Cardano (ADA)

• Polygon (MATIC)

• USDT, USDC, and many more

To Add a Token:

1. Tap “+” Add Asset

2. Search for the asset (e.g., ETH or BTC)

3. Select the blockchain (if applicable)

4. Tap Add to Wallet

✅ Tip: You can add multiple tokens and view them in your wallet dashboard.

📤 Step 6: Receive Crypto

You’re now ready to receive funds into your Tangem Wallet.

How to Receive:

1. Select the token (e.g., Bitcoin)

2. Tap Receive

3. Copy the wallet address or share the QR code

4. Use this address to transfer funds from an exchange or another wallet

🧠 Reminder: Always double-check the blockchain network before sending crypto to avoid loss.

📥 Step 7: Send Crypto

To make payments or transfers from your Tangem Wallet:

1. Tap the token you wish to send

2. Tap Send

3. Paste the recipient's wallet address or scan their QR code

4. Enter the amount and confirm

5. Tap your Tangem card on your phone to authorize the transaction

The transaction will be broadcast to the blockchain and reflected shortly.

🔄 Step 8: Swap, Buy & Sell Crypto

Tangem allows in-app crypto purchases, sales, and swaps via integrated services.

Features:

• Buy Crypto: Using debit/credit cards
  
  

• Sell Crypto: Convert to fiat and withdraw

• Swap Tokens: Trade one token for another

Providers like Tangem Express, Changelly, and Simplex facilitate these services.

💸 Note: Fees may vary depending on the provider and network congestion.

🛡️ Step 9: Add Extra Security

Tangem is already secure, but you can enhance protection using:

1. Access Code or Biometric Lock

Set a PIN, fingerprint, or face unlock to restrict access to your app and wallet.

2. Seed Phrase Export (Optional)

Newer firmware versions allow you to extract a BIP39 seed phrase.

Steps:

• Go to Settings

• Tap Export Seed Phrase

• Store the 12/24-word phrase securely offline

This allows you to recover your wallet on other platforms if Tangem is lost.

💼 Step 10: Use WalletConnect for DeFi & NFTs

Tangem integrates with WalletConnect, enabling you to interact with dApps such as:

• Uniswap

• OpenSea

• PancakeSwap

• Aave

• Compound

• Rarible

To Connect:

1. Tap WalletConnect in the Tangem app

2. Scan the QR code from a supported dApp

3. Approve the connection

4. Sign transactions by tapping your card

🖼️ Note: NFTs are supported via WalletConnect, but not yet natively in the Tangem app.

🔄 How to Recover a Tangem Wallet

In case you lose your main Tangem card, you can recover your wallet in two ways:

1. Use Backup Card

• Open the app and scan your backup card

• Set a new access code

• Continue using your wallet as normal

2. Use Seed Phrase (if enabled)

• Open a BIP39-compatible wallet (e.g., Trust Wallet, MetaMask)

• Import the 12/24-word seed phrase

• Your funds and tokens will appear on the new wallet

⚠️ Warning: If you lose all cards and didn’t export your seed phrase, your funds are unrecoverable.

🧪 Advanced Tips

Track Portfolio Value:

Tangem lets you track real-time token values and performance directly in the app.

Custom Networks:

You can add custom tokens and blockchain networks if your desired asset is not listed by default.

Multi-Wallet Mode:

Manage multiple wallets (with separate cards) from a single app interface.

📊 Tangem Wallet Pros & Cons

🔮 What's Coming Next

Tangem continues to innovate with:

• Tangem Ring — wearable crypto cold wallet

• Expanded support for new chains and tokens

• Enhanced seed phrase management

• Tangem Pay (crypto card payment solution in development)

Stay tuned for updates by following Cyber Shop Cyprus Blog or Telegram community.

📚 Final Thoughts

The Tangem Wallet represents the future of simple, mobile-first crypto self-custody. Its combination of military-grade security, NFC convenience, and sleek design makes it an excellent choice for beginners and pros alike.

With its easy setup, multi-card redundancy, and DeFi compatibility, it empowers users to take full control of their assets — without needing cables, screens, or confusing interfaces.

📌 FAQs

❓ Is Tangem safer than software wallets?

Yes. Tangem is a cold wallet, meaning your private keys never touch the internet or your phone. This eliminates common attack vectors used in software wallets.

❓ Can I use Tangem with MetaMask?

Yes. You can connect via WalletConnect to interact with MetaMask-compatible dApps.

❓ What happens if Tangem goes out of business?

As long as you have your card or exported seed phrase, your funds remain safe. The wallet works offline and is not dependent on Tangem's servers.

❓ Can I manage NFTs with Tangem?

You can interact with NFTs via WalletConnect and platforms like OpenSea, but there’s no built-in NFT viewer in the app yet.

If you’re looking to step up your crypto security game in a user-friendly way, Tangem Wallet is a smart investment. Simple. Secure. Future-ready.