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Hardware wallets can connect to your devices in a variety of ways to sign and manage transactions. The choice of connection method affects usability, security, and compatibility. Below we explain the most common connection methods: NFC , Air-Gapped , USB-C , and Bluetooth .

1.NFC (Near Field Communication)

What is it?
NFC is a wireless communications technology that allows devices to exchange data over short distances (usually less than 10 cm).

How does it work?
The hardware wallet communicates with an NFC-compatible smartphone or other device by holding it close.

Advantages:

• Quick and easy connection.
• No cables required, making it convenient for mobile use.

Disadvantages:

• Limited to devices with NFC support.
• Possibly less secure than air-gapped solutions, as it uses wireless communication.

Suitable for : Users who seek convenience and manage transactions primarily on a smartphone.

2. Air-Gapped (Completely Offline)

What is it?
An air-gapped wallet does not connect directly to another device via cables or wireless technology. Communication occurs via QR codes or physical storage media, such as SD cards.

How does it work?
Transactions are prepared offline on a device (e.g. smartphone), after which they are transferred to the wallet via QR codes or files.

Advantages:

• Extremely secure, as there is no direct contact with networks or other devices.
• Protected against online attacks such as hacking or malware.

Disadvantages:

• May be less user-friendly due to the additional steps required to complete transactions.
• Less suitable for users looking for speed and convenience.

Suitable for: Users who value maximum security above all else. Also very suitable for long-term investors.

3. USB-C

What is it?
USB-C is a physical connection via a cable between the hardware wallet and a computer or smartphone. It is a widely used standard known for its fast data transfer and broad compatibility.

How does it work?
The hardware wallet connects to a compatible device via a USB-C cable.

Advantages:

• Very stable connection, ideal for long-term use.
• No wireless communication, which makes it more secure against certain attacks.
• Suitable for use with both PCs and modern smartphones.

Disadvantages:

• Limited by the physical cable; less portable and flexible.
• Requires that the connected device is secure and malware-free.

Suitable for: Users looking for a reliable and secure connection without wireless technology.

4. Bluetooth

What is it?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to exchange data over short distances.

How does it work?
The hardware wallet connects to a smartphone or computer via a Bluetooth connection.

Advantages:

• No cables required, ideal for mobile use.
• Suitable for users who value convenience and flexibility.

Disadvantages:

• Wireless communications can be susceptible to hacking if poorly implemented.
• Depending on battery life of both devices.

Suitable for: Users who want convenience and manage transactions on the go.

What is open source in hardware wallets?

An open source hardware wallet is a wallet whose source code (software) and sometimes also the hardware designs are freely available to everyone. This means that the instructions and operation of the device are completely transparent. The community of developers, security experts and users can view, check and in some cases even modify and improve the code.

When choosing a hardware wallet, the question of whether the device is open source often plays an important role. For some, open source offers ultimate transparency and control, while others value ease of use or trust in the manufacturer. This explanation explains why some people consciously choose an open source wallet and why others find this less important.

Open source wallets typically make two key components public:

1. Software : The code that determines how the wallet works, such as signing transactions and communicating with blockchains.
2. Hardware (not always) : The physical design and specifications of the hardware itself.

Why do people care about open source?

1. Full transparency

• Verifiability: With an open-source wallet, anyone can verify the operation of the device. This means that independent experts can confirm that there are no hidden backdoors, vulnerabilities, or malicious features.
• No secrets: Users do not have to blindly trust the manufacturer; the operation is completely public and verifiable.

2. Better safety

• Community-driven audits: The open source community regularly conducts security audits, which minimizes the chance of errors or vulnerabilities.
• Faster resolution: Any issues or bugs are found and resolved faster thanks to a broad network of developers and security experts.

3. No vendor lock-in

• Independence from the manufacturer: If the manufacturer stops or ceases development of the wallet, the open source code remains available. This means that the community can continue to support and update the wallet.
• Future-proofing: Users are not dependent on the continued existence of a specific company.

Why Some Users Don't Care About Open Source

While open source is attractive to many people, others see it differently:

• Lack of technical knowledge: Not everyone has the skills to check the code themselves. They prefer to rely on a reputable manufacturer that makes well-secured products, regardless of whether it is open source.
• Ease of use: Some open-source wallets have a steeper learning curve and may be less user-friendly than their closed alternatives.
• No visible impact: For users who value security and functionality, a well-secured closed source solution can feel just as reliable.

When securing your seed phrase, the choice of material for your backup is crucial. Seed phrase backups are designed to withstand extreme conditions such as fire, water, corrosion, and physical damage. Two of the most common materials used are stainless steel and titanium , each with unique properties and benefits.

Below we explain the differences between these materials so you can make the best choice for protecting your digital assets.

Stainless Steel

Advantages:

• Durable: Stainless steel is very strong and can withstand heavy impact.
• Heat resistant: Can withstand temperatures up to approximately 1400°C, making it suitable for fire protection.
• Corrosion resistant: Good resistance to moisture and rust, especially when high-quality stainless steel grades are used.
• Affordable: Often cheaper than titanium, making it an accessible option for many users.

Disadvantages:

• Weight: Stainless steel is heavier than titanium, which can make it less portable.
• Limited Lifespan: While durable, stainless steel can corrode over time in extreme conditions, such as exposure to saltwater or harsh chemicals.

2. Titanium

Advantages:

• Ultimate Durability: Titanium is stronger than stainless steel and offers exceptional resistance to physical damage.
• High Heat Resistance: Titanium can withstand temperatures up to 1665°C, making it superior for extreme conditions.
• Lightweight: Titanium is significantly lighter than stainless steel, which is convenient for portability and storage.
• Corrosion Resistant: Titanium is virtually immune to rust and corrosion, even in salty or aggressive environments.
• Long life: Titanium hardly degrades, making it ideal for long-term backups.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: Titanium is more expensive than stainless steel, making it a premium option.
• Engravability: Titanium can be a little more difficult to engrave due to its high strength, although it can be easily done with the right tools.

Cryptotag uses high-grade titanium for their seed phrase backups. This provides users with the best protection against physical, chemical, and thermal damage. Titanium’s light weight and exceptional durability make Cryptotag products ideal for anyone seeking maximum security for their recovery phrases.

Puncher Method

The puncher method uses a center punch to punch small markings into a metal plate.

How does it work?
You select the desired letters or numbers on a metal backing plate and use the puncher to permanently mark the position of each character.

Advantages:

• Highly durable and resistant to fire, water and corrosion.
• Simple and quick to use without complicated tools.

Suitable for: Users looking for a long-lasting and safe solution with minimal effort.

Hammer Method

This method involves engraving letters or numbers into a metal plate using a hammer and punches.

How does it work?
The desired letters are placed individually on the metal plate, after which you press them with a hammer. This process is repeated for each letter.

Advantages:

• Extremely robust and durable.
• Complete control over each individual character.

Suitable for: Users who want a highly reliable solution and don't mind a bit of manual work.

Letter Tile Method

The letter tile method uses small metal tiles with pre-engraved letters and numbers.

How does it work?
Users place the metal tiles in the correct order into a holder or frame to capture their seed phrase.

Advantages:

• No engraving or sleeping process required; completely safe without physical effort.
• Easy to correct or change before the seed phrase is confirmed.

Suitable for: Beginners or those who prefer a precise and error-free method without tools.