A hardware or cold wallet is a physical device designed to securely store your bitcoin private keys offline. An NFC hardware wallet is a type of bitcoin hardware wallet that uses near-field communication (NFC) to connect to other devices, such as smartphones and computers. This makes it easy to sign and send transactions without having to connect your wallet to a computer using a USB cable.
NFC hardware wallets are typically small and lightweight, making them easy to carry around with you. They are also more secure than hot wallets, as they store your private keys offline on a secure chip.
How do NFC hardware wallets work?
NFC cold wallets work by using a secure chip to store your private keys. This chip is isolated from the rest of the wallet, and it cannot be accessed by malware or hackers.
The hardware wallet and the device (smartphone or computer) communicate with each other through NFC. NFC is a short-range wireless communication technology that allows devices to exchange information when in proximity (usually within a few centimeters).
When you want to sign a transaction, you simply tap your wallet against your phone or computer. The wallet will then send the transaction to the chip, which will sign it with your private key. Your wallet will then display the transaction details for you to review. Once you are happy with the transaction, tap your wallet again to confirm it.
Benefits of using an NFC hardware wallet
There are several benefits to using an NFC hardware wallet. For instance, if you need to make frequent transactions, an NFC hardware wallet can save you time and hassle. You can simply tap your wallet against your smartphone or computer to sign and send transactions, without having to power up your external wallet device.
For those who intend to hodl bitcoin for the long term, an NFC hardware wallet can give you peace of mind knowing that your funds are safe and secure. Your private keys are stored offline on a secure chip, so they are protected even if your computer or smartphone is hacked.
If you are traveling and want to take your bitcoin with you, an NFC hardware wallet is a good option to do so. NFC cold wallets are small and lightweight, so you can easily carry them with you in your pocket or wallet.
Examples of NFC hardware wallets
Here are some examples of NFC hardware wallets:
- Tapsigner is an NFC bitcoin wallet that allows you to sign bitcoin transactions by tapping it on your phone. It is a hardware wallet that fits inside your ordinary pocket wallet.
- Satochip is another wallet that looks like a bank card, but it is loaded with the Satochip code to provide hardware wallet functionalities. It can work both as a smartcard, and an NFC device.
- Coldcard is a popular air-gapped hardware wallet for storing bitcoin. It has an NFC chip that allows you to tap it against your phone to sign and broadcast transactions.
- Tangem is a hardware wallet that uses NFC to communicate with your phone.
- Keepser is a credit card-sized NFC hardware wallet that can store up to 100 private keys. It comes with a free app that makes it easy to use.
Secure your bitcoin with NFC hardware wallet
NFC hardware wallets are a good option if you want to secure your bitcoin. One of the key benefits of NFC hardware wallets is their increased security. NFC hardware wallets store your private keys on a secure chip that is isolated from the rest of the wallet. Another benefit of NFC hardware wallets is their convenience. NFC hardware wallets are small and lightweight, and they can be easily carried with you wherever you go.
However, it is important to note that NFC hardware wallets are not perfect. They are still vulnerable to physical theft and loss. It is important to take steps to protect your wallet, such as keeping it in a safe place and backing up your private keys.
