TANGEM WALLET: An Innovative Seedles Cold Wallet Setup

[satscraper]

Tangem has updated its mobile app to the latest version, 5.32.2.

The most notable change is that starting with this release this app has the option to function solely as the standalone BIP-39 compliant wallet ^{meaning it no longer requires Tangem hardware cards}. If users wish to upgrade and use the app with hardware cards later, they can do so by purchasing the cards separately.

It's also worth noting that the Tangem app is open source, so those who are obsessed about open source wallets can freely use it in standalone mode and sleep soundly.

[DaveF]

Tangem has updated its mobile app to the latest version, 5.32.2.

The most notable change is that starting with this release this app has the option to function solely as the standalone BIP-39 compliant wallet ^{meaning it no longer requires Tangem hardware cards}. If users wish to upgrade and use the app with hardware cards later, they can do so by purchasing the cards separately.

It's also worth noting that the Tangem app is open source, so those who are obsessed about open source wallets can freely use it in standalone mode and sleep soundly.

Makes you wonder how difficult it would be to actually make your own Tangem cards.
The cards are closed source, but I figure sooner or later someone could probably come up with another NFC card that talks to the app.
Would be pointless since it would be a support nightmare but more of an interesting thought experiment.

-Dave

[satscraper]

Tangem has updated its mobile app to the latest version, 5.32.2.

The most notable change is that starting with this release this app has the option to function solely as the standalone BIP-39 compliant wallet ^{meaning it no longer requires Tangem hardware cards}. If users wish to upgrade and use the app with hardware cards later, they can do so by purchasing the cards separately.

It's also worth noting that the Tangem app is open source, so those who are obsessed about open source wallets can freely use it in standalone mode and sleep soundly.

Makes you wonder how difficult it would be to actually make your own Tangem cards.
The cards are closed source, but I figure sooner or later someone could probably come up with another NFC card that talks to the app.
Would be pointless since it would be a support nightmare but more of an interesting thought experiment.

-Dave

I doubt this.

An insuperable obstacle for anyone attempting such thing would be the closed source microcode and firmware running on the chip inside Tangem card. However, if some leakage occurred on the manufacturer’s side, it might become possible to create “clones” that are indistinguishable from the original cards. The worst scenario would be if they managed to embed backdoors into these “fake” cards.

[DaveF]

I doubt this.

An insuperable obstacle for anyone attempting such thing would be the closed source microcode and firmware running on the chip inside Tangem card. However, if some leakage occurred on the manufacturer’s side, it might become possible to create “clones” that are indistinguishable from the original cards. The worst scenario would be if they managed to embed backdoors into these “fake” cards.

That is why I said talks to the app, not clones the Tangem card themselves.

Probably not worth the time & effort since if you are going to create new hardware, modding the open source wallet would be minor at that point to take your cards instead of theirs.

Was a better idea in my head until I actually thought it through.

-Dave

[fillippone]

Regarding the security of those cards, I wouldn't be too worried.
I guess the maximum amount of money I would be willing to charge on that device is probably a little bit more than the average cash I have in my wallet.

[satscraper]

Regarding the security of those cards, I wouldn't be too worried.
I guess the maximum amount of money I would be willing to charge on that device is probably a little bit more than the average cash I have in my wallet.

I trust it up to about $10K. Cards iself are quite secure ^{you might want to consider Tangem app fresh security audit conducted at the end of January 2026, cards security is at least comparable to that one traditionally associated with ordinary bank cards}. The most vulnerable part of Tangem's setup is the public APIs used to connect to blockchains, but even if something goes wrong at that layer, it doesn’t affect my private keys. So my $10K should remain safe. BTW, Tangem mobile app has been updated to version 5.33.1. At some points between 5.32 and 5.33 Tangem added the smart gas feature for paying network fees and I find it very convenient because there is no need now to top up wallet with native tokens to cover such fees.

[fillippone]

I trust it up to about $10K. Cards iself are quite secure ^{you might want to consider Tangem app fresh security audit conducted at the end of January 2026, cards security is at least comparable to that one traditionally associated with ordinary bank cards}.

The fact that they regularly undergo scrutiny and audit checks is reassuring. Of course, nothing beats a battle-tested provider; black hats have the maximum incentive to take advantage of any exploit. Even better if the provider itself is regularly challenged by white-hats.

[satscraper]

Tangem Pay is now available for customers "in select countries across the following regions: the USA, LATAM, APAC, MEA, and Africa". In the EU it is still not available ^{so I cannot test it}, but they have promised rapid expansion soon. To use this service, one needs to apply for  virtual VISA card directly inside Tangem app. This requires going through the standard KYC procedure.

[fillippone]

Tangem Pay is now available for customers "in select countries across the following regions: the USA, LATAM, APAC, MEA, and Africa". In the EU it is still not available ^{so I cannot test it}, but they have promised rapid expansion soon. To use this service, one needs to apply for  virtual VISA card directly inside Tangem app. This requires going through the standard KYC procedure.

Sorry,
this is not for me.
Everything that is KYC is not going to be tested by me. Happy to read your experiences. I prefer more convoluted, yet privacy-preserving spending methods.

[satscraper]

Tangem Pay is now available for customers "in select countries across the following regions: the USA, LATAM, APAC, MEA, and Africa". In the EU it is still not available ^{so I cannot test it}, but they have promised rapid expansion soon. To use this service, one needs to apply for  virtual VISA card directly inside Tangem app. This requires going through the standard KYC procedure.

Sorry,
this is not for me.
Everything that is KYC is not going to be tested by me. Happy to read your experiences. I prefer more convoluted, yet privacy-preserving spending methods.

I understand you. KYC is the terrible thing for many people ^{myself included} but personally, when the choice is between money and KYC, I choose the money if the KYC requirements don’t bother me too much. I already have a few crypto cards with KYC and plenty of bank cards with KYC, so one more doesn’t make a big difference as long as you know how to use them properly in a way that allows to not attract unnecessary attention.

[fillippone]

I understand you. KYC is the terrible thing for many people ^{myself included} but personally, when the choice is between money and KYC, I choose the money if the KYC requirements don’t bother me too much. I already have a few crypto cards with KYC and plenty of bank cards with KYC, so one more doesn’t make a big difference as long as you know how to use them properly in a way that allows to not attract unnecessary attention.

Indeed the way of using KYCd methods is much an undervalued technique to avoid "problems". Yet, with the advent of AI, I guess cross check control are becoming easier, so a reissued level of awareness is required. The high fees of non KYC products are the price for your privacy.

[satscraper]

From April 23, 2026 through July 2026 Tangem is running the giveaway campaign devoted to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who can participate: virtually anyone, as the giveaway is global.

This giveaway includes:

1 BTC to be split across multiple winners throughout the summer.
20 match tickets to the biggest games at the tournament.
600 merch boxes containing the full Self Custody FC kit.

As I understand it the giveaway is based on challenges released on the two-weeks-basis for participants.

Here’s the page to join the campaign.