KeepKey: keys, security, fees and reviews
Hardware wallet
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Key facts
- Wallet type
- Hardware wallet
- Who holds the keys
- the user (self-custody)
- Developer
- KEY HODLERS LLC
- Platforms
- hardware device, desktop, browser extension, iOS
- Open source
- yes
- Official site
- keepkey.com
Checked on 2026-10-27 against the official site, docs and app-store pages.
What is KeepKey
KeepKey is an open-source hardware wallet with an OLED screen, made since 2014, that stores private keys offline on a dedicated device. It was acquired by ShapeShift in 2017 and is now run independently of ShapeShift by a small team of contributors. It is used with the free KeepKey Desktop app for macOS, Windows and Linux, a Chrome extension and an iOS app.
Who holds the keys
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Key control | Self-custodial: keys are generated on the device and never leave it; transactions are confirmed on the device screen. |
| Seed phrase | 12- or 24-word BIP39 recovery phrase, entered through a scrambled on-screen cipher; an optional BIP39 passphrase is supported. |
| Recovery | Funds can be restored on a new KeepKey or any BIP39-compatible wallet; without the recovery phrase the wallet cannot be recovered. |
| Account model | No account, email or KYC is required. |
Features and supported networks
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Supported networks | Natively signs 11 chains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, Cosmos, THORChain, Maya, TON, TRON and Litecoin, plus any EVM chain and ERC-20 token. |
| Swaps | Cross-chain swaps in KeepKey Desktop routed through THORChain, Mayachain, Relay, 0x, ChainFlip and ShapeShift, confirmed on the device. |
| Platforms | KeepKey Desktop for macOS, Windows and Linux; iOS app; Chrome extension for web3 apps. |
| Display | 256×64 OLED display; STM32F405 microcontroller; aluminium enclosure. |
| Secure element | No proprietary secure element, by design; built from standard off-the-shelf parts. |
| Multisig | Supported, for example with Electrum. |
| Connectivity | USB. |
Security and audits
- Firmware is open source (LGPL-3.0); hardware schematics, PCB layouts and the bill of materials are published on GitHub.
- Firmware builds can be reproduced from source and compared by hash.
- Randomised PIN grid; wrong PINs add delays rather than wiping the device.
- Vulnerability reports go to security@keepkey.com, with a published PGP key.
Fees
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Device price | US$59.95 on the official store. |
| Wallet | KeepKey Desktop companion app is free; firmware updates are free. |
History
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2014 | KeepKey founded by Darin Stanchfield and Ken Hodler after the Mt. Gox breach. |
| 2017 | Acquired by ShapeShift, adding on-device asset swaps. |
| 2021 | ShapeShift became a DAO; former ShapeShift engineers Matt Highlander and Nick Marrow took over KeepKey. |
| 2022 | Firmware-integrated cross-chain swaps shipped after THORChain mainnet launch. |
| 2025 | New KeepKey Desktop app and browser extension launched. |
| 16 October 2026 | Firmware 7.14.2 released, with a Bitcoin-only build 7.14.3. |
Risks and caveats
- Losing the recovery phrase means the wallet cannot be recovered.
- The device has no secure element; the vendor relies on open, auditable hardware instead and recommends a BIP39 passphrase against physical attacks.
- The older ShapeShift-era desktop app is retired; KeepKey Desktop should be downloaded only from keepkey.com/desktop.
About the developer
- Legal entity
- Key Hodlers, LLC operates KeepKey.com; terms are governed by Delaware law.
- Founded
- 2014
- Founders
- Darin Stanchfield and Ken Hodler.
- Parent company
- Independent; ShapeShift acquired KeepKey in 2017, and KeepKey has been independent of ShapeShift for several years.
Official links
- Website: www.keepkey.com
- Docs: www.keepkey.com/faq
- Security: www.keepkey.com/security
- Source code: github.com/keepkey
- Support: www.keepkey.com/is-keepkey-still-supported
Questions and answers
Is KeepKey self-custodial?
Yes. Keys are generated on the device and never leave it, and no account or KYC is needed.
Is KeepKey open source?
Yes. The firmware is LGPL-3.0, and hardware schematics and PCB layouts are published on GitHub.
Which coins does KeepKey support?
It natively signs 11 chains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, TON and TRON, plus any EVM chain and ERC-20 token.
Is KeepKey still supported?
Yes. Firmware 7.14.2 was released on 16 October 2026, and the device is still sold.
Who makes KeepKey?
Key Hodlers, LLC operates KeepKey; it was founded in 2014, acquired by ShapeShift in 2017 and is now independent of ShapeShift.
Sources
- keepkey.com
- apps.apple.com
- KeepKey — Home
- KeepKey — About
- KeepKey — Product
- KeepKey — FAQ
- KeepKey — Supported assets
- KeepKey — Is KeepKey still supported?
- KeepKey — Security
- KeepKey — Terms of use
- KeepKey — GitHub repositories
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