Ledger, the Paris-based hardware wallet maker, today unveiled an NFC-enabled “Recovery Key” card, offering users a physical, PIN-protected backup to regain access to their crypto wallets.
The spare key pairs with Ledger Flex and Ledger Stax devices, enabling wallet restoration by tapping the card to the device and then entering a self-chosen PIN.
Charles Guillemet, Ledger’s Chief Technology Officer, said the launch includes “reviewable code and a whitepaper, as part of our commitment to transparency.”
Ledger stated the Recovery Key underwent extensive testing by its white-hat Donjon team, further validated through internal reviews and independent security audits before public release.
The card stores an encrypted backup key inside a Secure Element chip, adding a contactless layer of convenience without discarding the traditional 24-word seed phrase master key.
Ledger emphasised the system is optional, noting, “Ledger is not taking away the 24 words,” but will monitor usage and feedback to refine future recovery offerings.
The Recovery Key will be sold “in the near future,” with pricing and shipping details to be announced through the company’s official channels.
Once paired, users recovering funds tap the card against a Ledger Flex or Stax, verify the secure screen prompts, and input their PIN to unlock the wallet.
Ledger asserts its secure screen, powered by the same Secure Element that signs transactions, guarantees users can confirm on-device exactly what they authorise before any funds move.
The firm contrasts its upgradable hardware with rival Cypherrock’s X1 cards which, according to Ledger, lack firmware updates and cannot be patched if vulnerabilities emerge.
Ledger first attempted to simplify recovery in 2023 with the cloud-based Ledger Recover subscription, but faced backlash over perceived security risks linked to centralised storage.
By offering both a cloud service and a physical card, Ledger now claims to provide “the broadest suite of recovery options available” while maintaining offline, user-controlled sovereignty.
Ledger believes contactless backups will reduce errors, such as mis-recorded words or lost paper, without sacrificing the cryptographic protections self-custody advocates expect.
