# 7 FAQs #### General Questions 1\. What is EtheLock?\ EtheLock is a decentralized wallet interface that adds a physical security layer to the Ethereum network. Instead of relying solely on software passwords or seed phrases, EtheLock turns any standard NFC card (like a credit card or transit pass) into a hardware key. You cannot send a transaction without physically tapping your card. 2\. Do I need to buy a specific EtheLock card?\ No. EtheLock is designed to work with the cards you already carry. It supports any ISO 14443 compliant NFC card, which includes most modern credit cards, debit cards, transit passes (Suica, Oyster, Clipper), and employee ID badges. You do not need to purchase new hardware to get hardware-grade security. 3\. Is EtheLock a Cold Wallet or a Hot Wallet?\ It is a "Warm Wallet." It combines the security model of a Cold Wallet (keys are generated offline/locally and require physical access) with the connectivity of a Hot Wallet (instant interaction with DApps and DeFi). It bridges the gap between security and usability. #### Security & Privacy 4\. What happens if I lose my card?\ If you lose your card without a backup, you lose access to your funds. This is the nature of true self-custody.\ However, during setup, we strongly recommend creating a "Ghost Backup." This is an encrypted file containing your wallet credentials, secured by your PIN. If you lose your card, you can use this file + your PIN to recover your funds and move them to a new card. 5\. Does EtheLock store my private keys?\ No. EtheLock utilizes a "Zero-Storage" architecture. Your private key is derived mathematically in your device's RAM only when you tap your card and enter your PIN. Once the transaction is signed, the key is immediately wiped from memory. It is never saved to your hard drive or uploaded to a cloud server. 6\. Is it safe to use my bank card? Will EtheLock read my financial data?\ Yes, it is safe. EtheLock only reads the card's public Unique Identifier (UID)—a serial number hardcoded into the NFC chip. The app does not (and cannot) read encrypted banking data like your credit card number, expiration date, or CVV. We cannot charge your card or access your bank account. 7\. What if the EtheLock website goes down?\ EtheLock is a non-custodial interface. Your assets live on the Ethereum blockchain, not on our servers. Because our core libraries are open source, you can run the derivation tool locally or use the open-source recovery kit to export your private key (using your card and PIN) and import it into another wallet like MetaMask in an emergency. #### Usage & Compatibility 8\. Which blockchains does EtheLock support?\ EtheLock is native to Ethereum. We support Ethereum Mainnet and major Layer 2 scaling solutions including Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base. You can manage ETH, USDC, USDT, and thousands of ERC-20 tokens. 9\. Do I need to complete KYC (Identity Verification)?\ For standard wallet usage (sending, receiving, swapping crypto), no KYC is required. You can remain completely anonymous.\ KYC is only required if you use fiat integration features, such as buying crypto with a bank transfer or issuing a virtual Visa card, as these involve traditional banking regulations. 10\. How is this different from a Ledger or Trezor?\ Ledger and Trezor are dedicated hardware devices that you must buy, carry, and charge. They are excellent for long-term cold storage but cumbersome for daily use.\ EtheLock offers a similar security model (physical requirement) but uses the cards and phone you already carry, making it much faster and more convenient for daily DeFi users who need on-the-go access without sacrificing security. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.ethelock.xyz/7-faqs.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.