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  • Using a Pixel 6a as exclusive crypto hardware wallet

Hi, big fan of GrapheneOS here

TLDR: Would an exclusive Pixel 6a with GrapheneOS and Monerujo be a valid or even better solution for storing XMR compared to Trezor One? I would access the Internet only once per year and also don't have to give up privacy when buying the device.

Now the detailed version:

I hope to get some advice from you regarding crypto. I have some Monero (XMR) currently stored in Monerujo on my GrapheneOS Pixel 6 and want a secure place for most of them. I will always leave a few XMR on that device to buy services like VPN, Domains etc. But where should I store and only rarely touch the rest? Most people would say get a hardware wallet like a Trezor One or Ledger Nano S and that's probably the best answer. I wonder though: Would a new Pixel 6a with GrapheneOS that I exclusively use for storing XMR in in a well-maintained, open source software wallet like Monerujo be a better or equally good solution?

For hardware wallets I would choose a Trezor One because they have their source code fully open on GitHub. It has the benefit of creating and keeping the private keys offline at all times. It is also widely used and a proven process, if there is any issue I will probably find help in the large community. It has to be paired with my Pixel 6 in Vanadium and I wonder if there's some attack surface there (wouldn't connect it with MacOs, Windows or even Linux because they are less secure systems compared to GrapheneOS). The inconvenience while doing transactions is negligible since it comes with added security and I'm using the device mainly for storing XMR and not spending them. I'd buy the wallet directly from their website to minimize the risk of getting a tampered device, but that means I'll have to leave identifiers like phone number and address which I don't like (in Germany it's harder to anonymize those and I'd have to jump through some hoops). So, the main disadvantage here is lack of privacy when ordering the thing.

The Pixel 6a with Monerujo solution has the benefit of relying only on GrapheneOS and Monerujo (or whatever wallet App I choose in the future). It's easier to use and maintain and allows me to acquire anonymously (pay cash in store) without any identifiers attached. I would also keep the device offline for almost all the time. Just if I need to access my stored XMR (maybe once a year) I would connect to the internet, update GrapheneOS and Monerujo and do the transaction. I have to pay about 300€ for the device but that's fine with me (the Trezor is not that much cheaper and getting an anonymous phone number and address to order it would probably be more expensive anyway). The main disadvantage here would be that the Pixel 6a is not always offline upon seed creation, so I'd have to trade in some security.

Obviously in both cases I keep my private seed offline on paper or titanium.

What do you think about the GrapheneOS solution and what would you choose? I'm looking forward to your feedback.

    N1b using the device mainly for storing XMR and not spending them

    For this specific use case my personal preference is to keep the seed phrase on paper and not having it stored electronically anywhere. Why would you need to have a wallet on a Pixel or hardware wallet at all? Just keep the seed, that's all you need for long term cold storage.

    You could also encrypt the seed before storing it on paper so that if the paper ever gets into wrong hands they would also need a password to decrypt the seed.

    As previous person says, if it is only once per year. Download Trustwallet or similar once per year on a new profile with wifi connected (no sim) meaning no other apps are installed except the default ones.
    Use your seed phrase and make the transactions necessary. Delete the app, and delete the profile. There is no reason to keep it cold for that amount of time.

    9 days later

    Based on what you've shared, it seems like both the Trezor One and Pixel 6a with Monerujo options have their pros and cons. The Trezor One seems like a safe choice with its open-source code and established community. However, the lack of privacy when ordering the device could be a concern for you. On the other hand, the Pixel 6a with Monerujo solution appears to be more convenient and anonymous, but there's a tradeoff with security since the device isn't always offline upon seed creation. In any case, I think it's great that you're taking the time to research and weigh your options. By the way, I also found some useful tips for my own trading strategy at https://fbs.com/blog/the-highest-currencies-in-the-world-322. It's always helpful to learn from others and stay up-to-date with the latest news and trends. Good luck with your crypto journey!

    Keep your seed phrases on several vera encrypted USB sticks and leave them somewhere else (at your sisters house or some other place).

    2 months later

    small change is OK to keep on a mobile device.
    life changing amounts must be stored on a hardware wallet.

    a year later

    N1b TLDR: Would an exclusive Pixel 6a with GrapheneOS and Monerujo be a valid or even better solution for storing XMR compared to Trezor One?

    Why you decided for https://www.monerujo.io/ and not Cake Wallet?

    • N1b replied to this.

      Scott Cake Wallet doesn't focus on XMR only, has more features to take care of, is also developed for iOS and does Sponsorships on YouTube channels. I'm just feeling more secure with the focused approach of Monerujo. I obviously can be wrong and I don't do code reviews, so don't trust my naive reasoning.

      Best way is always a trusted hardware wallet like the Trezor Safe 3, especially for long term saving.

        N1b Best way is always a trusted hardware wallet like the Trezor Safe 3, especially for long term saving.

        Thank you for the clear statement. Of course you are absolutely right and I have moved some smaller amounts to HW wallet this morning. Anything else is grossly negligent