The Solflare Shield is Solflare’s hardware wallet: a tap-to-sign, mobile-first cold wallet card that gives you true hardware-level security without the cables, apps, or friction of traditional devices.
It brings the best parts of both worlds together:
Cold-wallet protection – your private keys stay in a secure chip
Hot-wallet convenience – everything happens inside the Solflare Mobile app
Tap, sign, done – no Bluetooth pairing, no batteries, no complexit
Whether you’re staking, holding long-term, or securing larger amounts, the Solflare Shield makes self-custody simple, affordable, and built for everyday mobile use.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
How to get your Solflare Shield
How to set it up in the Solflare Mobile app
How to use it
How tap-to-sign works
How to manage your vault wallet alongside your hot wallet
Best practices for storage, PIN safety, and recovery
Let’s get into it.
How to Get Your Solflare Shield (Ordering & Variants)
The Solflare Shield is available directly through the Solflare Mobile app and the official Solflare website.
Ordering is fast, simple, and designed so you can start using your Shield as soon as it arrives.
Here’s what you need to know before you pick one up.
Available Variants
The Shield comes in three editions, all offering the same secure hardware. The only difference is what it says about you.
1. Shield Origin (Most Accessible Option)
The Origin model is the purest form of Solflare Shield:
Clean, minimalist Solflare-branded design
Fair price to make self-custody accessible to everyone
Perfect for users who want maximum protection at the lowest entry cost
Best for: first-time hardware wallet users, long-term holders, and anyone upgrading their security without breaking the bank.
2. Shield Signature (Partner & Artist Designs)
Exclusive artwork from Solana creators, communities, and partners
Premium presentation and unique visual identity
Limited designs that keep on expanding over time
Best for: collectors, community members, and users who want hardware security with a personal touch.
3. Shield Unique (Upload Your Own Art)
Upload your own artwork, design, or NFT
Your card becomes a fully personalized cold wallet
Designs are reviewed and approved for security and compliance
Best for: power users, creators, and anyone who wants a one-of-a-kind hardware wallet.
What’s in the Box?
Every Solflare Shield package comes with:
Your Solflare Shield hardware wallet
“Get Started” card with instructions
Recovery phrase sheets
Security tips and setup guidance
This is everything you need to create your vault wallet and activate the card inside the Solflare mobile app.
Setting Up Your Solflare Shield (Step-by-Step Guide)
Setting up the Solflare Shield takes just a few minutes. You’ll do everything inside the Solflare Mobile app, and once you’re done, your vault wallet will be ready to use instantly.
Below is the full setup flow, whether you’re creating a new Solflare Shield hardware wallet, importing an existing recovery phrase onto a new Shield, or pairing your Shield with a new device.
Creating a new Solflare Shield hardware wallet
This option creates a brand-new vault wallet directly on your Solflare Shield.
Step 1: Open the Solflare mobile app
If you are new to Solflare, download the app and tap “Solflare Shield” on the initial home screen.
If you already use Solflare go to “My wallets” → “Edit”→ “Add Wallet” → “Connect Solflare Shield”.
Scan your card with your phone by holding it against the back of the phone.
You’ll see two options:
Create New
Import Existing
Choose Create New.
Step 2: Generate your recovery phrase
Your Solflare Shield will generate a new 12–word recovery phrase (stored offline in the secure element).
Write it down on the recovery sheet included in the box (or on any other piece of paper)
Do not:
Screenshot it
Save it to your phone
Upload it to the cloud
Show it to anyone
Solflare will guide you through a quick verification step to ensure you wrote everything correctly.
This is the first and only time your recovery phrase will be visible. You can’t see it or export it any time after this, so make sure to write it down and keep it safe!
Step 3: Set up your PIN
Create a PIN that (alongside you tapping your Solflare Shield) will be required for:
Signing transactions
Approving sensitive actions
Unlocking the Shield’s secure chip
Choose something memorable but not easily guessable.
You can also enable biometrics to make signing transactions even more secure and simple by just pressing your finger on the screen or showing your face.
Step 4: Scan again to complete Shield setup
You’ll be prompted to tap your Solflare Shield to the back of your phone using NFC.
This links your hardware wallet to your Solflare Mobile app. Your private keys stay inside the Shield and the app only reads public data needed to display your accounts.
Step 5: Your vault wallet is ready
After the pairing succeeds, you’ll see your hardware wallet account. You can manage it inside the Solflare app.
You’re now using true cold storage through a familiar Solflare experience.
Importing an existing Solflare Shield recovery phrase into a new Shield
If you already have a Solflare Shield hardware wallet card but you want to duplicate it or restore a lost (or erased) one, you can import an existing recovery phrase onto a new Shield card.
Step 1: Open the Solflare mobile app
If you are new to Solflare, download the app and tap “Solflare Shield” on the initial home screen.
If you already use Solflare go to “My wallets” → “Edit”→ “Add Wallet” → “Connect Solflare Shield”.
Scan your card with your phone by tapping it to the back.
You’ll see two options:
Create New
Import Existing
Choose Import Existing.
Step 2: Enter your recovery phrase
Carefully type your existing 12-word seed phrase into the app. This restores access to your wallet, while your private keys will still only live on the Shield.
Step 3: Set up and confirm your PIN
Create a PIN that (alongside you tapping your Solflare Shield) will be required for:
Signing transactions
Approving sensitive actions
Unlocking the Shield’s secure chip
Choose something memorable but not easily guessable.
You can also enable biometrics to make signing transactions even more secure and simple by just pressing your finger on the screen or showing your face.
Step 4: Scan again to complete Shield setup
Tap your Shield to the back of your phone when prompted. This links the hardware wallet to your Solflare app and makes it ready for signing.
Step 5: Import and access your vault wallet
Solflare will show you the number of wallets connected to your Solflare Shield.
Tap “Import all” or go to “Advanced” if you want to choose the exact wallets you want to import.
Step 6: You’re all set
After the import, your assets will appear in your Solflare wallet app. You can now manage the wallet inside Solflare while keeping your private keys safely locked inside your hardware wallet card.
Pairing your existing Solflare Shield with a new device
If you have a new phone, logged out of Solflare or removed your Solflare Shield wallet card from your the Solflare app, you will need to pair your existing Solflare Shield to your device.
Step 1: Open Solflare
Open the Solflare app and tap “Solflare Shield” on the initial home screen.
Scan your card with your phone by tapping it to the back.
Step 2: Enter your PIN
Enter the 6-digit PIN you created for your Solflare Shield when you first set it up.
Step 3: Import wallets
Solflare will show you the number of wallets connected to your Solflare Shield.
Tap “Import all” or go to “Advanced” if you want to choose the exact wallets you want to import.
Step 4: Enable biometrics
Add your fingerprint or a face scan to skip the PIN and approve transactions faster. You can do this later as well.
Step 5: You’re all set
Your Solflare Shield is now successfully paired with your device.
You can now manage your hardware wallet account inside Solflare while keeping your private keys safely locked inside your hardware card.
How to Use the Solflare Shield (Everyday Flows + Best Practices)
Once your Shield is set up, using it becomes second nature. Your vault wallet “lives” inside the Solflare Mobile app, and the Shield acts as your secure signing device anytime you perform sensitive actions like staking, swapping, sending, or managing tokens. The private keys are safely stored on the card’s chip, away from any threat.
It’s cold storage you can actually use.
Learn exactly how Soflare Shield works: Introducing Solflare Shield – Solflare’s Hardware Wallet
Below are the everyday flows you’ll use most often.
Tap-to-Sign: How Actions Work
Every transaction follows the same simple flow:
Initiate the transaction inside Solflare
Enter your PIN (or use biometrics)
Solflare prompts you to tap your Shield
If PIN was correct, transction is signed and broadcasted
Your private key never leaves the Shield. Only the signed transaction is sent to the blockchain.
Sending Crypto (SOL or Tokens)
Here’s how to send cypto from your Solflare Shield to another wallet:
Open your vault wallet in Solflare
Tap Send
Enter the recipient address or scan their QR
Set the amount you want to send
Review transaction details and tap “Confirm with Solflare Shield”
Enter your PIN (or use biometrics)
Tap your Solflare Shield on the back of the phone
If PIN was correct, transction is signed and broadcasted
Done. Your funds are sent securely with hardware-level protection.
Staking SOL
Staking is one of the most common reasons users upgrade to cold storage.
To stake:
Open your vault wallet
Go to the Stake feature
Pick a validator and enter the amount you want to stake
Review the details and tap “Approve with Solflare Shield”
Enter your PIN (or use biometrics)
Tap your Solflare Shield on the back o the phone
If the PIN was correct, your stake is now locked in securely.
Receiving Funds
Receiving requires no signature. Just share your vault wallet address. Solflare shows it clearly in QR, text, or copy format.
Because receiving is passive, your Shield does not need to be tapped.
Other actions
Apart from sending, receiving and staking crypto, Your Solfare Shield hardware wallet can be used for anything you use your regular hot wallet for:
In-app swaps
Buying NFTs on marketplaces
Connecting do dApps
Using DeFi services like borrowing/lending protocols
Every action follows the same approval process.
You get the convenience of a hot wallet with the protection of a cold wallet.
Managing Your Vault Wallet
Inside Solflare you can:
View balances
Track staked SOL
Manage NFTs
Participate in dApps
Re-stake
Withdraw stakes
Swap tokens
View transaction history
You do everything inside Solflare. The Shield only comes into play when security matters.
Best Practices for Using Your Shield
To get the most out of your Solflare Shield:
Keep it safe: Solflare Shield is designed to be practical, being only the size of a credit card. But that doesn’t means you should carry it with you at all times. Find a safe place for it and use it when you actually need it.
Use it for the “big” moves: The Shield is perfect for your long-term holdings, as well as sending, staking or swapping large amounts while you can use your standard Solflare hot wallet for the everyday stuff.
Set a strong PIN: Avoid obvious sequences (like 000000 or 123456), birthdays and other digit combinations that can be cracked easily.
If your Shield is lost or damaged: You can recover your vault wallet by ordering a new wallet card and using your recovery phrase.
Never store your recovery phrase online: Not in photos, not in cloud storage, not in chats. Paper or metal backups only.
When Should You Use the Solflare Shield vs. a Hot Wallet?
The Solflare Shield isn’t meant to replace your hot wallet – it’s meant to work alongside it, giving you cold-storage security when it matters most.
Here’s a simple way to decide when to use your Shield and when your hot wallet is all you need.
Use Your Hot Wallet for Everyday Activity
Your standard Solflare wallet (hot wallet) is perfect for:
Daily transactions: Buying, sending small amounts, or experimenting with new apps.
Quick swaps or trades: Fast-moving opportunities where you don’t want extra steps.
NFT minting or browsing: No need for hardware-level security for harmless actions.
Low-value funds: Smaller balances that won’t affect you financially if compromised.
Testing new dApps: Exploring new dApps is more convenient with your hot wallet.
Use Your Solflare Shield for Long-term Storage
Your Shield shines when the stakes are higher.
Storing long-term holdings: Perfect for SOL you don’t plan to move often.
High-value swaps: Large trades deserve hardware protection.
Sending meaningful amounts: Anything that would be a huge pain if lost, sign with your Shield.
Staking and re-staking: Validator changes, stake delegation, and rewards withdrawal.
Managing valuable NFTs: Listing, transferring, or handling blue-chip assets.
Recovering from a security scare: If your phone or extension seems compromised, switch to Shield-only signing until you’re safe.
What Happens If You Lose or Damage Your Shield?
Losing the Shield does not mean losing access to your crypto.
Your cold wallet can always be restored using your 12-word recovery phrase.
If the Shield is lost, stolen, or destroyed:
Get a new Solflare Shield
Choose “Import Existing Wallet” in Solflare Mobile
Enter your 12-word recovery phrase
Tap the new Shield to your phone
Your wallet is restored instantly
Your funds remain safe because:
Your private keys were never exposed
The old Shield cannot sign anything without your PIN
The card locks automatically after 3 wrong pin attempts
The Shield is just the device for storing your phrase and signing transactions. Your recovery phrase is your wallet’s backup.
Final Thoughts
The Solflare Shield brings hardware-level protection to everyone without the complexity that usually comes with cold storage. With tap-to-sign simplicity, mobile-first design, and a secure element that never exposes your keys, it gives you true self-custody in a form that fits in your actual wallet.
Use your hot wallet when you want speed. Use your Shield when it really matters.
Together, they give you a complete setup: fast when you need it, secure when you want it, and always fully in your control.
Whether you’re staking, holding long-term, trading larger amounts, or just want extra peace of mind, the Solflare Shield turns crypto security into something simple and intuitive: no cables, no extra apps, no friction.