How to Set Up the Tangem Wallet — Step by Step

Setting up your Tangem Wallet? Follow this step-by-step guide to initialise it safely, back up your recovery, and start using it.

Reading Time: 4 min

Published: Jun 2, 2026

FrostUpdated Jun 2, 2026

Introduction

Setting up the Tangem Wallet takes only a few minutes, but the recovery backup step is the one that protects your funds forever. Tangem uses NFC smart cards that you tap to your phone; keys are generated on each card's secure element. Follow these steps in order and never skip the backup.

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TL;DR

Verify the Tangem Wallet is genuine and unopened before setup.
Initialise it as a NEW device — never use a pre-filled recovery or PIN.
Write your recovery backup on paper/metal, offline; never photograph or type it online.
Set a strong PIN, then add coins and send a small test deposit.

Step 1: Verify it's genuine and set up as new

Check the Tangem Wallet arrived sealed and untampered, then choose to set it up as a new device. Tap each card to your phone as prompted to create the wallet and its backup cards. A genuine device always generates your secrets itself — see how to verify a hardware wallet is genuine.

Step 2: Initialise with the Tangem app

Connect the device and open the Tangem app, then follow the on-screen setup. The device — not the app or your computer — generates and displays your recovery, keeping it off any internet-connected screen.

Step 3: Back up your recovery — the critical step

By default Tangem has no traditional seed phrase — your set of cards provides the backup, so keep every card safe (newer firmware can optionally enable a seed phrase). Write it down exactly, in order, on paper or a metal backup, and store it offline. This backup is the only way to restore your funds if the device is lost or damaged — anyone who sees it can take your funds.

Step 4: Set a PIN

Choose a PIN that's hard to guess but memorable. The PIN protects the device if it's lost or stolen; it is not a substitute for the recovery backup.

Step 5: Add coins and send a test deposit

Install the apps or add the accounts for the coins you hold, verify a receive address on the device screen, and send a small test deposit before moving larger amounts. Not sure this is the right device? Compare it in our Tangem Wallet review.

Never enter your recovery into a phone, computer, website, or photo. A brand-new Tangem Wallet must create its own recovery during setup — if it arrives with a pre-set recovery phrase or PIN, do not use it and contact the official seller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about hardware wallets and crypto security

Is the Tangem Wallet hard to set up?

No — initial setup takes a few minutes. The important part is backing up your recovery phrase offline and setting a PIN. Take your time on the backup step.

What if my Tangem Wallet came with a recovery phrase already?

Stop and do not use it. A genuine device always generates the recovery itself during setup. A pre-filled phrase is a scam — contact the official seller.

Do I need to back up the recovery if I have the device?

Yes. The device can be lost, damaged or reset; only your offline recovery backup can restore the funds. Store it securely and never digitally.

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