What it means
The device’s role
A hardware wallet normally works with software that prepares requests and displays account information. The device signs according to its design and permissions; assets remain recorded on the relevant blockchain rather than physically stored inside the device.
Safe use and recovery
Users must verify transaction details through a trustworthy process and protect recovery material separately. Device authenticity, supported accounts, firmware updates and backup procedures affect security. A device cannot correct an intentionally authorized transfer to the wrong address or make a malicious contract interaction harmless.
Related concepts
Cryptocurrency wallet, Key management, Multi-signature wallet.
In practice
A concrete example
A user checks the destination and amount on the device’s trusted display before authorizing a transfer prepared by a computer.
Technical notes & boundaries
Recovery methods vary by product and account design. Do not promise that a hardware wallet is immune to theft, phishing, supply-chain attacks or loss.
Go to the source.
Original references used for this definition. Product details and standards can change.