No, but you’ll probably want one anyways.
The Coldcard hardware wallet is known for its strong security features, making it a popular choice for Bitcoin storage. While it can function without an SD card, using one enhances security and convenience. This article explores whether you need an SD card to use your Coldcard and how it can improve your experience.
Pairing an SD card with your Coldcard can help with:
- Backups: Creating and verifying secure backups of your wallet seed, settings, and other critical data to ensure easy recovery in case of device loss or failure.
- Firmware Updates: Safely upgrading the Coldcard’s firmware using an SD card to improve security, fix bugs, and add new features (can also be done via USB).
- Air-Gapped Transaction Signing: Securely transfer and sign transactions without a direct connection, further separating your private keys from the internet.
- Exporting Wallet Data: Generating and exporting necessary wallet information, such as public keys and address details to integrate your Coldcard with compatible software wallets.
- Cloning Coldcard: Creating an exact duplicate of your Coldcard, including its wallet and settings, for redundancy or backup purposes.
But the most useful feature in our opinion is
- Storing Passphrases: Store your passphrases to an SD Card (encrypted) to easily recall them, allowing for greater security and multiple wallets with one device.
Photo credit: Nahual Hernandez
When you don’t need an SD card
- Basic Powering and PIN Entry: You can power on the Coldcard and enter your PIN without an SD card inserted. This allows you to access basic functions such as setting up the device, modifying settings, and reviewing wallet details without needing to transfer data.
- USB Connection for Transaction Signing: The Coldcard can be connected directly to a computer via USB to sign transactions using compatible software wallets. This method eliminates the need for an SD card to transfer transactions.
Where can you buy an authentic Coldcard in Vietnam?
BitcoinVN Shop is an official retailer of leading hardware wallet brands such as Ledger, Trezor, Coldcard and more, providing secure Bitcoin storage solutions for users. Additionally, BitcoinVN Shop offers a collaborative custody service, ensuring optimal protection for digital assets. If you need advice on security and custody, contact the BitcoinVN team for expert support.
Conclusion
While an SD card is not strictly necessary to use your Coldcard, it is highly recommended for security and convenience.
Using an SD card enables air-gapped transactions, secure backups, and safer firmware updates, reducing the risk of exposing your private keys to potential online threats. For the best security, using an SD card is the preferred method when managing your Coldcard.
