Everything You Need to Know About VEXA Wallet

If you lose your VEXA Wallet, your cryptocurrency assets remain completely safe as long as you have securely stored your recovery phrase (seed phrase). Here's how recovery works:

1. Order a replacement device from our website or authorized retailers
2. Initialize the new device and select "Restore from Recovery Phrase"
3. Enter your 12 or 24-word recovery phrase using the included backup cards
4. Access all your assets exactly as they were before

Your recovery phrase is the master key to your crypto. Anyone with access to it can restore your wallet, so store your backup cards in a secure location separate from your device (such as a fireproof safe or bank safety deposit box).

Important: VEXA never stores or has access to your recovery phrase. This ensures complete self-custody, but means you are solely responsible for keeping it safe.

Your recovery phrase backup cards are the ultimate failsafe for your crypto holdings. Follow these best practices for maximum security:

• Physical security: Store in a fireproof safe, bank safety deposit box, or other secure physical location
• Multiple copies: Create 2-3 copies and store them in different secure locations (never digitally)
• Separation from device: Never store backup cards with your VEXA Wallet device
• Waterproof protection: Use lamination or waterproof containers to prevent damage
• Metal backups: For maximum durability, consider engraving your phrase on metal plates (sold separately)
• Trusted executor: Consider giving one copy to a trusted family member or attorney for estate planning

Warning: Never store your recovery phrase digitally (photos, cloud storage, password managers, or email). Digital storage exposes you to hacking, malware, and unauthorized access.

No. VEXA cannot recover your wallet if you lose your recovery phrase. This is a fundamental security feature, not a limitation.

VEXA Wallet implements true non-custodial architecture, meaning:

• Your private keys are generated exclusively on your device
• Recovery phrases never leave your device or backup cards
• VEXA has zero knowledge of your keys, phrases, or wallet contents
• No backdoors, master keys, or recovery mechanisms exist

This architecture ensures that only you control your crypto assets. While this means VEXA support cannot help with lost recovery phrases, it also guarantees that no hacker, government, or even VEXA itself can access your funds.

Critical reminder: Write down and securely store your recovery phrase during initial setup. This is your only method of wallet recovery if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Physical damage to your VEXA Wallet device does not affect your cryptocurrency holdings. Your assets exist on the blockchain, not on the device itself. The wallet simply stores the private keys needed to access those assets.

Recovery process for damaged devices:

1. Obtain a replacement VEXA Wallet (or any compatible BIP39 wallet)
2. Restore using your recovery phrase as described in setup
3. All assets, balances, and transaction history will appear exactly as before

Warranty coverage: VEXA Wallet includes a 2-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. If your device fails due to manufacturing defects within the warranty period, we will replace it free of charge. See our Refund Policy for full warranty terms.

Important: Warranty replacement still requires your recovery phrase to restore access to your crypto. The replacement device cannot automatically recover your assets without the phrase.

Yes. VEXA Wallet uses the industry-standard BIP39 recovery phrase protocol, ensuring cross-compatibility with most reputable hardware and software wallets.

Compatible wallet types include:

• Other hardware wallets (Ledger, Trezor, KeepKey, etc.)
• Software wallets supporting BIP39 (Exodus, Electrum, MyEtherWallet, etc.)
• Mobile wallets with recovery phrase import (Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet, etc.)

How to migrate to another wallet:

1. Obtain the new wallet device or software
2. Select "Restore from Recovery Phrase" during setup
3. Enter your VEXA recovery phrase exactly as written
4. Derivation paths may need adjustment for some chains (consult the new wallet's documentation)

Security note: While BIP39 ensures compatibility, we recommend keeping your assets on VEXA Wallet for maximum security. Only migrate to another wallet if necessary, and ensure the destination wallet is from a trusted, reputable provider with strong security practices.

VEXA Wallet provides native support for major blockchain networks and thousands of tokens. As of January 2026, supported assets include:

Native Blockchain Support:

• Bitcoin (BTC) - The original cryptocurrency, max supply 21 million BTC
• Ethereum (ETH) - Plus all ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum network
• Solana (SOL) - Plus all SPL tokens on Solana network
• Cardano (ADA) - Native ADA and Cardano native tokens
• BNB Chain (BNB) - Plus all BEP-20 tokens on BNB Smart Chain

Token Standards:

• 1000+ ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum (USDT, USDC, LINK, UNI, AAVE, etc.)
• BEP-20 tokens on BNB Chain
• SPL tokens on Solana
• Cardano native tokens

Visit our Supported Assets page for the complete list organized by blockchain, including upcoming integrations and custom token addition instructions.

Yes. VEXA Wallet fully supports NFT storage across multiple blockchains, making it an ideal NFT vault for high-value digital collectibles.

Supported NFT standards:

• Ethereum NFTs: ERC-721 and ERC-1155 tokens
• Solana NFTs: Metaplex and SPL-based NFTs
• BNB Chain NFTs: BEP-721 and BEP-1155 tokens
• Cardano NFTs: Native Cardano NFT tokens

Why use VEXA for NFT storage:

• Cold storage security: NFTs stored with same offline security as cryptocurrency
• Ownership verification: Sign transactions proving NFT ownership without exposing private keys
• Multi-chain support: Store NFTs from different blockchains on one device
• No custodian risk: You control the private keys to your NFT wallet addresses

NFTs remain visible in your mobile/desktop companion apps for easy viewing and management, while private keys stay securely offline in the VEXA device.

VEXA Wallet supports custom token addition for any ERC-20, BEP-20, or SPL token, even if not pre-listed in the companion app.

Steps to add custom tokens:

1. Open the VEXA companion app (mobile or desktop)
2. Navigate to Settings → Manage Assets → Add Custom Token
3. Enter the token contract address for your blockchain:
   • Ethereum tokens: ERC-20 contract address (0x...)
   • BNB Chain tokens: BEP-20 contract address (0x...)
   • Solana tokens: SPL token mint address
4. Token symbol, name, and decimals will auto-populate from the contract
5. Verify details and click Add Token
6. Token will now appear in your asset list and can receive/send transactions

Where to find contract addresses:

• CoinGecko or CoinMarketCap listing pages (Contract section)
• Project's official website or documentation
• Blockchain explorers (Etherscan, BscScan, Solscan)

Security warning: Only add tokens from verified, trusted sources. Malicious token contracts can pose security risks. Always verify the contract address matches the official project documentation.

Yes. VEXA maintains an active development roadmap for expanding blockchain and token support based on market demand and security validation.

Upcoming blockchain integrations (2026 roadmap):

• Polygon (MATIC) - Layer-2 Ethereum scaling solution
• Avalanche (AVAX) - High-performance smart contract platform
• Polkadot (DOT) - Multi-chain interoperability protocol
• Cosmos (ATOM) - Internet of Blockchains ecosystem
• Algorand (ALGO) - Pure proof-of-stake blockchain

How new blockchains are added:

1. Security audit: VEXA security team validates blockchain cryptography and standards
2. Firmware development: Integration is built and tested in our open-source firmware
3. Public testing: Beta firmware released to community for testing
4. Stable release: Delivered via firmware update to all VEXA devices

Firmware updates are delivered through the VEXA companion app and install in under 5 minutes. Your existing assets and recovery phrase remain unchanged during updates.

Request support for your blockchain: Submit requests to blockchain-requests@vexa.academprotrade.com with the blockchain name and use case.

Lightning Network support is currently in development and planned for Q3 2026 release.

What is Lightning Network? Bitcoin's Lightning Network is a layer-2 scaling solution enabling instant, low-fee Bitcoin transactions for everyday payments. According to Lightning Network statistics, the network has grown to over 15,000 nodes with $200M+ in capacity as of January 2026.

VEXA Lightning integration will include:

• Lightning channel opening and management
• Instant Lightning payments and receipts
• Channel backup and recovery
• Integration with VEXA mobile app for easy Lightning transactions
• Same air-gapped security protecting Lightning channel keys

Why the delay? Lightning Network integration requires additional security considerations for channel state management and backup. VEXA is collaborating with Lightning protocol developers to ensure our implementation maintains the same security standards as our on-chain Bitcoin support.

In the meantime: VEXA fully supports standard on-chain Bitcoin transactions. For users requiring Lightning today, consider using a dedicated Lightning wallet for small amounts while keeping larger holdings secured in your VEXA cold storage.

VEXA Wallet includes a comprehensive 2-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Warranty coverage includes:

• Screen defects or display failures
• Button or control mechanism failures
• USB/wireless connectivity issues due to manufacturing defects
• Secure Element chip failures (extremely rare)
• Physical defects in casing or materials
• Battery failures (for wireless-enabled models)

What is NOT covered:

• Physical damage from drops, water, fire, or misuse
• Normal wear and tear (scratches, cosmetic blemishes)
• Damage from unauthorized modifications or repairs
• Loss or theft of device
• Consumable items (USB cables, backup cards)

Warranty claim process:

1. Contact support@vexa.academprotrade.com with device serial number and issue description
2. Provide proof of purchase (order number or receipt)
3. Support team will diagnose issue and approve warranty replacement if applicable
4. Return defective device (shipping label provided)
5. Receive replacement device within 7-10 business days

See our complete Refund Policy for full warranty terms and conditions.

VEXA Wallet ships to over 150 countries worldwide across six continents. We offer both standard and expedited shipping options.

Shipping regions and typical delivery times:

• United States & Canada: 3-7 business days standard, 1-3 days expedited
• European Union: 5-10 business days standard, 3-5 days expedited
• United Kingdom: 5-10 business days standard, 3-5 days expedited
• Australia & New Zealand: 7-14 business days standard, 5-7 days expedited
• Asia-Pacific (Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong): 7-14 business days standard
• Latin America: 10-21 business days standard
• Middle East & Africa: 10-21 business days standard

Shipping costs:

• Free standard shipping on orders over $200
• Standard shipping under $200: $12-$25 depending on region
• Expedited shipping: $35-$75 depending on region

Countries not served: Due to regulatory restrictions, we currently cannot ship to: North Korea, Iran, Syria, Cuba, Crimea region. Check our Shipping Policy for the complete list and customs information.

Customs and duties: International customers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, or customs fees imposed by their country. These fees are not included in our shipping costs and vary by jurisdiction.

VEXA Wallet offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with specific conditions to ensure device security.

Eligibility for full refund:

• Device must be returned within 30 days of delivery
• Tamper-evident seals must remain intact and unbroken
• Device must not have been initialized or used
• Original packaging and all included items must be returned
• Device must show no signs of physical damage

Why strict return conditions? Once a VEXA Wallet is initialized and generates private keys, it cannot be securely resold to another customer. Our tamper-evident seals ensure you receive a device that has never been compromised.

Return process:

1. Contact support@vexa.academprotrade.com within 30 days of delivery
2. Provide order number and reason for return
3. Receive return authorization and prepaid shipping label (for US/EU)
4. Ship device back in original packaging
5. Refund processed within 5-7 business days of receiving returned device

Non-refundable items:

• Opened devices with broken tamper seals
• Devices that have been initialized or used
• Accessories purchased separately (cables, metal backup plates)
• International shipping fees (except in cases of defective devices)

Defective device policy: If you receive a defective device, contact us immediately. Defective devices are eligible for full refund or replacement regardless of initialization status, and we cover all return shipping costs.

See our complete Refund Policy for full terms and special circumstances.

VEXA takes shipping security seriously to ensure your device arrives untampered and ready for secure initialization.

Packaging security features:

• Tamper-evident seals: Multiple seals on outer and inner packaging show any opening attempts
• Discreet packaging: Unmarked boxes with no external VEXA branding or "crypto" references
• Secure Element verification: Device includes cryptographic proof of authenticity checkable during first boot
• Serial number tracking: Each device tracked from manufacturing through delivery
• Signature requirement: Delivery requires signature to prevent theft (expedited shipping only)

What's in the box:

• VEXA Wallet hardware device (sealed in anti-static bag)
• USB-C connection cable
• 3x recovery phrase backup cards
• Quick start guide and full manual
• Warranty card with serial number

First-time setup security check: When you first power on your VEXA Wallet, the device performs a cryptographic self-test to verify firmware integrity and authenticity. This ensures no tampering occurred during manufacturing or shipping.

If seals are broken: Do not use the device. Contact support@vexa.academprotrade.com immediately for a free replacement. Using a potentially tampered device puts your crypto assets at risk.

See our Shipping Policy for tracking information and delivery procedures.

The Secure Element (SE) chip is a dedicated hardware component designed specifically for cryptographic operations and secure key storage. VEXA Wallet uses a Common Criteria EAL6+ certified Secure Element - the same security level used in passports and payment cards.

How the Secure Element protects your crypto:

• Isolated key storage: Private keys are generated and stored exclusively within the SE chip, isolated from the main processor
• Tamper resistance: Physical attacks (probing, voltage manipulation, temperature extremes) trigger automatic key erasure
• Side-channel protection: Resistant to sophisticated attacks measuring power consumption or electromagnetic emissions
• Secure boot: Cryptographically verifies firmware authenticity before execution
• Hardware random number generator: True randomness for key generation, not software-based pseudo-randomness

Secure Element vs. standard microcontroller: Many lower-cost hardware wallets use standard microcontrollers without dedicated security features. These general-purpose chips were not designed for cryptographic security and are vulnerable to:

• Memory extraction attacks
• Firmware modification
• Side-channel analysis
• Physical tampering

VEXA's Secure Element chip provides hardware-level protection against these attacks, meeting banking and government security standards.

Technical specifications:

• Chip model: ST33J2M0 (STMicroelectronics)
• Certification: Common Criteria EAL6+, EMVCo, FIPS 140-2 Level 3
• Memory: 512KB Flash, 32KB RAM (isolated from main processor)
• Cryptographic accelerators: AES, RSA, ECC, SHA-256, SHA-3

Air-gapped signing is VEXA's core security mechanism, ensuring your private keys never touch an internet-connected device during transaction creation.

The air-gapped signing process:

1. Transaction creation (online): You create a transaction in the VEXA mobile/desktop app (e.g., "Send 0.5 BTC to address X")
2. Data transfer (offline): App generates unsigned transaction data and sends it to VEXA device via USB or Bluetooth
3. Verification (offline): VEXA screen displays transaction details for manual verification (recipient address, amount, fees)
4. Signing (offline): You approve transaction on device, triggering Secure Element to sign with private key
5. Broadcast (online): Signed transaction returns to app, which broadcasts to blockchain network

Why this matters: Your private keys remain permanently offline inside the Secure Element chip. Even if your computer or phone is compromised by malware, attackers cannot steal keys or sign unauthorized transactions.

Attack scenarios air-gapping prevents:

• Malware/keyloggers: Software on your computer cannot access keys that never leave the hardware device
• Phishing attacks: Even if you're tricked into entering your PIN on a fake website, keys remain secure on device
• Network attacks: Man-in-the-middle attacks cannot intercept keys that never traverse the network
• Exchange hacks: Your crypto isn't held by a third party, so exchange security breaches don't affect you

Comparison to hot wallets: Software wallets (MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, etc.) store private keys on internet-connected devices, exposing them to malware, hackers, and operating system vulnerabilities. According to blockchain security firm Chainalysis, hot wallet compromises accounted for $3.8 billion in crypto thefts in 2025.

VEXA's air-gapped architecture eliminates this entire attack surface.

Yes. VEXA Wallet firmware is fully open-source under the MIT license, allowing independent security verification by the crypto community.

Why open-source matters for security:

• Transparency: Security researchers and developers can audit the code for vulnerabilities or backdoors
• Community verification: Cryptographic implementation can be verified against industry standards
• No hidden features: You can confirm the device does exactly what we claim and nothing more
• Long-term sustainability: If VEXA ever discontinues operations, community can maintain firmware

Source code repositories:

• Firmware: github.com/vexawallet/firmware (C/C++, cryptographic libraries)
• Desktop app: github.com/vexawallet/desktop (Electron, Node.js)
• Mobile app: github.com/vexawallet/mobile (React Native)
• Bootloader: github.com/vexawallet/bootloader (secure boot implementation)

Security audits: VEXA firmware has undergone independent security audits by:

• Trail of Bits (August 2025) - Full firmware and cryptography audit, zero critical issues
• Kudelski Security (November 2025) - Hardware security and side-channel analysis
• Ongoing bug bounty: Up to $50,000 for critical vulnerabilities reported to security@vexa.academprotrade.com

Reproducible builds: You can compile the firmware from source and verify it matches the version running on your device using our build verification tools. This confirms no malicious code was inserted during compilation.

Verification process:

1. Download source code from GitHub
2. Compile using provided Docker build environment
3. Compare cryptographic hash of your build to the firmware on your device
4. Matching hashes prove identical code

VEXA implements multiple layers of tamper resistance to protect against physical attacks and supply chain compromise.

Manufacturing security:

• Secure facility: Devices manufactured in ISO 27001 certified facility with restricted access
• Component verification: Secure Element chips authenticated from STMicroelectronics with cryptographic proof
• Firmware signing: Factory firmware signed with VEXA's private keys, verifiable by Secure Element
• Serial number tracking: Each device tracked from component assembly through final packaging

Physical tamper resistance:

• Tamper-evident case: Device casing designed to show visible damage if opened
• Secure Element protection: SE chip includes active tamper detection mesh; physical intrusion triggers key erasure
• Glue and ultrasonic welding: Case assembly prevents disassembly without visible damage
• Self-test on boot: Device verifies firmware integrity and Secure Element status every startup

Supply chain protection:

• Tamper-evident packaging: Multiple seals on shipping boxes and device bags
• Cryptographic device identity: Each Secure Element contains unique certificate verifiable during first boot
• Authenticity verification: VEXA app verifies device authenticity using cryptographic challenge-response

What to check when you receive your device:

1. Packaging seals intact: All tamper-evident stickers should be unbroken
2. First boot verification: Device displays security checklist and cryptographic verification results
3. Serial number registration: Register serial number on VEXA website to verify authenticity
4. Firmware signature: Companion app verifies firmware signature on first connection

If tampering is suspected: Do not initialize the device. Contact support@vexa.academprotrade.com with photos of packaging and device. We will provide a free replacement and investigate the supply chain.

Evil maid attacks: If someone gains temporary physical access to your device, they cannot extract private keys due to Secure Element isolation. However, they could potentially install malicious firmware. Always verify firmware integrity after any period where device was out of your control.

No. VEXA Wallet collects zero telemetry, usage data, or analytics from your device. This is a core privacy commitment, not a feature we might change later.

What VEXA does NOT collect:

• Wallet addresses or balances
• Transaction history or amounts
• IP addresses when using companion apps
• Location data or device identifiers
• App usage patterns or feature interactions
• Error reports or crash data
• Private keys or recovery phrases (obviously)

Why zero telemetry matters:

• Privacy: Your financial activity remains completely private
• Security: No data to leak in a VEXA breach
• Censorship resistance: No database linking your identity to wallet addresses
• Regulatory protection: VEXA cannot comply with requests for data we don't have

Technical implementation:

• VEXA device has no network connectivity (USB/Bluetooth only for data transfer with companion apps)
• Companion apps do not phone home or connect to VEXA servers
• Blockchain queries go directly to public nodes (your choice) or privacy-preserving block explorers
• No analytics SDKs, tracking pixels, or third-party scripts in apps

Data we DO collect:

• Registration data: Name, email, country (only what you provide during registration)
• Order information: Shipping address, payment details (processed by third-party payment provider, not stored by VEXA)
• Support communications: Emails to support@vexa.academprotrade.com for warranty/support

See our Privacy Policy for complete details on data practices. Unlike most companies, we welcome you to actually read it - it's short and clear.

VEXA Wallet setup takes approximately 10-15 minutes and follows a secure five-step process designed to protect your crypto from the start.

Step 1: Register on VEXA platform

• Complete registration at vexa.academprotrade.com with name, email, and country
• Receive account credentials via email for order payment portal

Step 2: Order your device

• Log in to payment portal using emailed credentials
• Complete order payment ($139 + shipping)
• Receive tracking number within 24 hours

Step 3: Initialize your wallet

• Unbox device and verify tamper-evident seals are intact
• Connect device to computer via USB or pair via Bluetooth
• Install VEXA companion app (desktop or mobile)
• Power on device and verify authenticity check passes
• Set strong 8-digit PIN (required for all device access)

Step 4: Write down and secure your seed phrase

• Device generates and displays 24-word recovery phrase
• Write each word in order on provided backup cards (include word number)
• Verify you wrote correctly by re-entering selected words on device
• Store backup cards in secure, separate physical location (fireproof safe recommended)
• Critical: Never photograph, type, or digitally store your recovery phrase

Step 5: Transfer your crypto assets

• Open companion app and select cryptocurrency to receive
• Generate receive address on device (verify address on device screen matches app)
• Send a small test transaction first to verify everything works
• Once test succeeds, transfer remaining assets from exchanges or other wallets

Setup best practices:

• Perform setup in a private location without cameras
• Use your own computer, not a public/shared device
• Verify VEXA companion app download from official sources only
• Double-check all addresses on device screen before confirming
• Start with small test amounts before transferring large holdings

VEXA Wallet companion apps support all major desktop and mobile platforms with broad compatibility.

Desktop compatibility:

• Windows: Windows 10, 11 (64-bit)
• macOS: macOS 11 (Big Sur) and later (both Intel and Apple Silicon)
• Linux: Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 10+, Fedora 34+, Arch Linux (AppImage and .deb packages)

Mobile compatibility:

• iOS: iOS 14.0 and later (iPhone 6S and newer)
• Android: Android 8.0 (Oreo) and later

Connection methods:

• USB: USB-C connection (cable included), compatible with USB-A via adapter
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connection to mobile devices

System requirements:

• Minimum 4GB RAM
• 500MB free disk space for companion app
• Internet connection for blockchain synchronization (device itself remains offline)
• USB port or Bluetooth 4.0+ support

Web browser support (for web app - optional):

• Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, Edge 90+
• WebUSB or WebBluetooth API support required

Chrome OS / Chromebook: Supported via Android app through Google Play Store (on compatible Chromebooks with Android app support).

Multiple device usage: You can install VEXA companion app on multiple computers/phones and use the same wallet with all of them. Your private keys remain on the VEXA device; the apps are just interfaces.

Yes, with some considerations depending on your current wallet type.

Scenario 1: Migrating from another hardware wallet

If you currently use another BIP39-compatible hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor, etc.), you can restore your existing wallet to VEXA using your recovery phrase:

1. During VEXA initialization, select "Restore from Recovery Phrase"
2. Enter your existing 12 or 24-word recovery phrase
3. Your wallet addresses and balances will appear identical to your previous device
4. Both devices can be used interchangeably (same keys)

Important: Entering your existing recovery phrase on VEXA means both devices access the same wallet. If you want a NEW wallet on VEXA, choose "Create New Wallet" instead.

Scenario 2: Migrating from software/exchange wallet

Most software wallets and exchange wallets are custodial - they don't give you a BIP39 recovery phrase. In this case:

1. Create a NEW wallet on VEXA (generates new recovery phrase)
2. Transfer your crypto from old wallet to new VEXA addresses
3. This is a one-way migration; old wallet addresses won't work with VEXA

Scenario 3: Using VEXA alongside existing wallets

You can continue using your existing wallets for some assets while using VEXA for others:

• Long-term holdings → VEXA cold storage
• Trading/active use → Keep on exchange or hot wallet
• DeFi interactions → Hot wallet for signing, VEXA for storage

Best practice recommendation: Create a NEW wallet on VEXA rather than importing existing recovery phrases. This ensures your VEXA device starts with a clean security state never exposed to other devices or software.

Firmware updates are delivered through the VEXA companion app and install in under 5 minutes. Your assets and recovery phrase remain unchanged during updates.

Firmware update process:

1. Notification: VEXA app notifies you when new firmware is available
2. Review changes: View release notes detailing new features, bug fixes, and security improvements
3. Download: App downloads firmware update package from VEXA servers
4. Verification: Device verifies cryptographic signature ensuring update is authentic
5. Installation: Device installs update (progress shown on screen, typically 2-3 minutes)
6. Reboot: Device automatically reboots and verifies integrity
7. Re-enter PIN: Unlock device with your PIN to confirm functionality

Your crypto during updates:

• Private keys and recovery phrase remain in Secure Element (unaffected by firmware changes)
• No risk of asset loss during update process
• Wallet addresses and balances unchanged
• If update fails, device rolls back to previous firmware automatically

Update frequency:

• Security updates: Released immediately for critical vulnerabilities (rare)
• Feature updates: Quarterly releases adding new blockchains, features, improvements
• Maintenance updates: Bug fixes and minor improvements as needed

Manual updates: You can also manually check for updates in Settings → Device → Check for Updates.

Security considerations:

• Only install updates through official VEXA companion app (never third-party sources)
• Device verifies cryptographic signature of all firmware updates
• Updates cannot modify Secure Element or extract private keys
• Open-source firmware means community can verify update contents before installation

Can I skip updates? Yes, firmware updates are optional. However, we strongly recommend installing security updates promptly. Feature updates can be deferred if you prefer stability over new functionality.

If you forget your VEXA Wallet PIN, you can restore access using your recovery phrase. Your crypto is not lost as long as you have your backup cards.

PIN reset process:

1. Attempt limit: After 3 incorrect PIN attempts, device enters lockout mode
2. Extended lockout: Further incorrect attempts trigger progressive delays (10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.)
3. Wipe and restore: After 20 incorrect attempts, device automatically wipes for security
4. Recovery: Initialize device and select "Restore from Recovery Phrase"
5. Enter recovery phrase: Type your 24-word phrase from backup cards
6. Set new PIN: Choose a new 8-digit PIN you'll remember
7. Access restored: All assets and addresses restored exactly as before

Why this strict policy? Progressive lockouts and automatic wiping protect against theft. If someone steals your device, they cannot brute-force the PIN to access your crypto. The 20-attempt limit ensures even sophisticated attacks fail.

PIN security best practices:

• Choose a PIN you can remember but others can't guess
• Avoid obvious PINs (birthdays, 12345678, repeated digits)
• Don't write PIN on device or store with device
• Don't use the same PIN as your phone or debit card
• Consider a PIN that's meaningful to you but meaningless to others

What if I forget BOTH PIN and recovery phrase? Unfortunately, there is no recovery method. This is a fundamental feature of non-custodial security - only you can access your crypto. VEXA support cannot help with lost PINs or recovery phrases. This is why securely storing backup cards during initial setup is critical.

PIN vs. passphrase: VEXA also supports an optional BIP39 passphrase (sometimes called "25th word") for advanced users. This provides an additional layer of security but requires careful management - see our advanced security documentation.

Yes. VEXA Wallet is well-suited for business cryptocurrency treasury with proper setup and policies. Many companies use VEXA to secure corporate Bitcoin, stablecoins, and other crypto holdings.

Business treasury benefits:

• Non-custodial control: Company maintains direct control without third-party custody risk
• Audit trail: All transactions visible on blockchain with full transparency
• Secure Element protection: Bank-grade security for corporate assets
• Multi-device management: Multiple VEXA devices for different signers in multi-sig setups
• No KYC exposure: Corporate holdings not linked to exchange accounts or custodians

Recommended business setup:

1. Multi-signature configuration: Use 2-of-3 or 3-of-5 multi-sig requiring multiple VEXA devices to authorize transactions
2. Access control: Assign different devices to different officers (CEO, CFO, Controller, etc.)
3. Backup redundancy: Store recovery phrases for each device in separate secure locations (law firm, bank vault, company safe)
4. Transaction policies: Establish dollar thresholds requiring different multi-sig configurations
5. Regular audits: Verify device security and recovery phrase accessibility quarterly

Multi-signature with VEXA: VEXA supports multi-signature wallets on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other compatible blockchains. For example, a 2-of-3 setup requires any 2 out of 3 designated VEXA devices to approve transactions. This prevents single points of failure and internal fraud.

Accounting integration: VEXA companion app can export transaction history in CSV format compatible with crypto accounting software (CoinTracker, Koinly, TokenTax, etc.) for tax reporting and financial statements.

Corporate volume: For businesses requiring 10+ devices, contact enterprise@vexa.academprotrade.com for volume pricing, dedicated support, and custom configuration assistance.

Regulatory considerations: Consult with your legal and accounting advisors regarding corporate crypto custody requirements in your jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions may require qualified custodians for certain business types.

VEXA Wallet enables secure DeFi interaction by keeping your private keys offline while signing transactions for decentralized protocols.

DeFi security workflow:

1. Connect wallet: Use VEXA companion app as your Web3 wallet provider
2. Access DeFi protocol: Navigate to DeFi platform (Uniswap, Aave, Compound, etc.) in app browser
3. Initiate transaction: Interact with smart contracts (swap, lend, stake, etc.)
4. Review on device: VEXA device displays transaction details including contract address, function, and gas fees
5. Approve on device: Physically approve transaction on VEXA after reviewing details
6. Broadcast: Signed transaction sent to Ethereum/other blockchain network

Why VEXA for DeFi:

• Contract verification: See exactly which smart contract you're interacting with on device screen
• Phishing protection: Even if you visit a fake DeFi site, you verify contract address on device
• Unlimited approvals prevention: VEXA warns when contracts request unlimited token spending allowances
• Multi-chain DeFi: Support for Ethereum, BNB Chain, Solana, and other DeFi ecosystems

DeFi-specific risks to understand:

• Smart contract risk: VEXA protects your keys, but cannot prevent losses from buggy or malicious smart contracts. Only interact with audited, reputable protocols.
• Impermanent loss: Providing liquidity to AMMs can result in losses compared to holding. VEXA secures your position but doesn't eliminate protocol-level risks.
• Gas fees: Ethereum DeFi can have high transaction fees during network congestion. Review gas costs on device before approving.

Best practices for DeFi with VEXA:

• Use a separate "hot wallet" for small DeFi experiments, VEXA for larger positions
• Verify contract addresses match official protocol documentation before signing
• Review token approval amounts carefully - prefer exact amounts over unlimited approvals
• Keep most assets in simple holding addresses; only move to DeFi contracts amounts you're actively using
• Monitor positions regularly and withdraw to secure addresses during market volatility

Supported DeFi protocols: VEXA works with any DeFi protocol on supported blockchains including Ethereum DeFi (Uniswap, Aave, Compound, MakerDAO, Curve, etc.), BNB Chain DeFi (PancakeSwap, Venus, etc.), and Solana DeFi (Raydium, Orca, Marinade, etc.).

VEXA Wallet shares core security principles with established hardware wallets while offering distinct advantages in specific areas.

Security comparison:

VEXA advantages:

• Full open-source: Unlike Ledger's partially closed firmware, VEXA is fully auditable
• No telemetry by design: Zero data collection vs. Ledger's opt-out analytics
• EAL6+ Secure Element: Higher certification than Ledger's EAL5+
• Competitive pricing: Lower cost than Ledger, significantly less than Trezor Model T
• Modern connectivity: Bluetooth + USB-C vs. Trezor's USB-only

Trezor advantages:

• Longer track record: Trezor invented the hardware wallet category (2014)
• Fully open hardware: Complete schematics available (VEXA open firmware, closed hardware design)
• Touchscreen UX: Model T offers easier interaction vs. button-based navigation

Ledger advantages:

• Largest market share: Most widely adopted hardware wallet brand
• App ecosystem: Ledger Live app supports more tokens out-of-box
• Established reputation: Proven track record (though marred by 2020 customer data breach)

Bottom line: VEXA offers the best balance of security (Secure Element + open source), privacy (zero telemetry), and value ($139 price point). Choose Trezor if you prioritize fully open hardware over Secure Element protection. Choose Ledger if you prioritize maximum token support and brand recognition over open-source verification.

Sharing a single VEXA Wallet device and PIN across multiple people is not recommended for security reasons. However, multiple people can access the same wallet addresses using proper multi-signature or multi-device setups.

Why sharing one device is risky:

• Single point of failure: Anyone with the device and PIN has full control
• No accountability: Cannot determine who authorized which transactions
• Backup vulnerability: All parties need recovery phrase access, increasing exposure risk
• Trust requirement: Must trust all parties not to misuse access or compromise security

Better alternatives for multi-user access:

Option 1: Multi-signature wallet (recommended for businesses/families)

• Create 2-of-3 or 3-of-5 multi-sig wallet requiring multiple approvals
• Each person gets their own VEXA device with their own PIN and recovery phrase
• Transactions require M-of-N devices to sign (e.g., any 2 out of 3)
• Full accountability - blockchain shows which keys signed each transaction
• Loss/compromise of one device doesn't endanger funds if M < N

Option 2: Separate wallets with shared viewing (read-only access)

• Primary user controls VEXA device
• Other users get view-only access via public addresses/xpub keys
• Everyone can monitor balances and transactions
• Only primary user can authorize spending

Option 3: Social recovery (advanced)

• Use Shamir Secret Sharing to split recovery phrase across multiple people
• Requires M-of-N shares to reconstruct phrase (e.g., any 3 of 5 people)
• Useful for estate planning and inheritance scenarios
• Complex setup - consult VEXA advanced documentation

Setting up multi-sig with VEXA:

1. Purchase multiple VEXA devices (one per signer)
2. Initialize each device separately with unique recovery phrases
3. Use multi-sig wallet software (Electrum for Bitcoin, Gnosis Safe for Ethereum, etc.)
4. Configure M-of-N threshold and add each VEXA public key
5. Transactions require collecting signatures from M devices before broadcasting

Estate planning consideration: For passing crypto to heirs, consider giving recovery phrase shares to trusted family members or attorneys using Shamir Secret Sharing, rather than giving full device access to anyone.