Hardware Signer: the Superior Free Alternative to a Hardware Wallet

There are three main types of authentication:

1. Something you know – e.g., a password
2. Something you have – e.g., a physical device
3. Something you are – e.g., your face or fingerprint

Effective security typically combines at least two of the above forms. 

The Seed Signer relies solely on “something you know,” which is considered the weakest form of authentication. 

In contrast, the Hardware Signer incorporates both “something you have”—your phone, where the key is securely stored in the device’s security module and cannot be extracted—and “something you are,” such as your biometric ID (face or fingerprint), which authorizes the security chip to sign transactions. As a result, you benefit from two-factor authentication (2FA), combining “something you have” and “something you are.

For a detailed walkthrough, see this tutorial:

It typically takes around 15-20 seconds, the time it takes to complete a transaction on Starknet.

Your funds remain safe.
Once you reinstall the wallet on your new smartphone, you’ll be able to import your seed phrase. Then, you’ll be asked to sign a transaction called ‘Remove Hardware Signer’ and enable the Hardware Signer on your new phone.

When you switch to a new phone, your funds remain secure. To transfer the Hardware Signer to your new device, simply:

On Your Current Phone:

1. Open the Braavos App: Navigate to the side menu.
2. Select Your Account: Find the account you wish to manage and click on the gear icon next to it.
3. Go to Account Security: Tap the “Account Security” button.
4. Start Migration Process: Find the more icon (three dots) in the top right corner and choose “Migrate to Another Device”.

Securely Transfer Braavos Wallet to a New Phone

On Your Destination (New) Phone:

5. Access Settings: Open the Braavos app, go to settings, and then select “Account”.
6. Navigate to Account Security: Tap on “Account Security”.
7. Choose Migration Option: Find the more icon (three dots) in the top right corner, select “Migrate from”, and scan the QR code.

Securely Transfer Braavos Wallet to a New Phone

This process ensures that your account and funds continue to be protected by the Hardware Signer on your new phone.

The Hardware Signer is already included in the Braavos wallet, offering a very high level of security. The only associated cost arises from the low gas fee transactions required to activate it.