ZenGo
Self-custody crypto wallet that uses MPC instead of a seed phrase, with email and cloud-file recovery.
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ZenGo key facts
| Category | Crypto wallet |
|---|---|
| Custody | Self-custody |
| Chains | Bitcoin, EVM and other chains |
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
| Swap fee | Up to 4% exchange fee, plus liquidity fees |
| US availability | Yes |
| Main security feature | MPC key split between user and ZenGo, no seed phrase |
| Open source | Not stated |
What is ZenGo?
ZenGo is a self-custody wallet that replaces the seed phrase with MPC: signing is split between the user's device and ZenGo so neither side sees the other's secret. Recovery needs email authentication plus a recovery file kept in the user's own cloud storage; 3D FaceLock is optional since May 23, 2024. The App Store listing cites 380+ assets.
How ZenGo works
Zengo replaces the private key with two secret shares created by MPC and threshold signatures.
One share lives on your phone, the other on Zengo's server, and to send funds the two run a signing protocol without revealing either share. For backup, an encrypted copy of your device share is kept on Zengo's server and the decryption key sits in your own iCloud, Google Drive or Dropbox. Zengo also runs Guaranteed Access: independent escrow and trustee firms can trigger recovery through a public GitHub repository if Zengo shuts down.
Swaps are filled by partners Swaps.xyz and Changelly. You pick the pair and amount, review and confirm; a swap usually takes 5 to 30 minutes, with per-pair minimums and maximums shown in the app.
How to start with ZenGo
- Download Zengo on iOS or Android and register with an email; recovery needs that email plus your cloud recovery file, and accounts opened before May 23, 2024 also need the 3D FaceLock selfie.
- Zengo is not available in China and a few other countries.
- Buying crypto goes through partners such as MoonPay, Banxa, Transak, Ramp and Paybis, which require ID checks; payment options include cards, bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal via MoonPay.
- US users can sell to a Mastercard through MoonPay, except in New York, Louisiana, Texas and the US Virgin Islands.
ZenGo fees and limits
- Swaps carry an exchange fee of up to 4% plus liquidity fees, deducted from the amount shown on the confirmation screen.
- Zengo Pro, a monthly subscription, gives up to 50% off purchase fees and limited free gas for Ethereum layer 2 transactions.
- Purchases above $50,000 get a white-glove service via [email protected].
Zengo charges nothing to send, receive or store crypto; you pay network gas. Buying and selling through partners can include a processing fee, spread, gateway fee and currency conversion fee.
Risks to know before using ZenGo
- Zengo's server holds one share, so signing depends on its infrastructure staying online, with Guaranteed Access as the fallback.
- Recovery needs your email and cloud recovery file, so Zengo lets you add a secondary email and a secondary cloud.
- Its help center says the cryptography is open source.
- Swap partners may ask for identity documents in some cases.
- Pro's Theft Guard adds a 3D FaceLock check to withdrawals above a limit that defaults to $1,000.
ZenGo alternatives
Other self-custody wallets people compare with ZenGo.
Wallet built around a portfolio view of tokens and DeFi positions across chains.
Self-custody wallet from Coinbase, separate from the Coinbase exchange account.
Self-custody crypto wallet for desktop and mobile with built-in swaps, payments and Trezor or Ledger support.
Non-custodial mobile wallet for Bitcoin, Ethereum and EVM networks, with a built-in exchange and DApp browser.
Self-custody browser extension and mobile wallet for EVM networks, with Solana accounts added in 2025.
Self-custody multi-chain wallet from OKX with built-in swaps, DeFi and market tools.
Where ZenGo ranks on DappAtlas
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- BitGo Crypto infrastructure for businesses
- MetaMask Embedded Wallets Developer infrastructure
ZenGo pros and cons
- No seed phrase to lose or have stolen
- No Zengo fee to send, receive or store crypto
- Pro adds a Web3 firewall, theft protection and inheritance-style Legacy Transfer
- Swap exchange fee of up to 4% plus liquidity fees
- Losing the cloud recovery file makes the wallet unrecoverable, and Zengo cannot help
- Key features such as Theft Protection need the paid Pro plan
ZenGo FAQ
What is ZenGo?
ZenGo is a self-custody wallet that replaces the seed phrase with MPC: signing is split between the user's device and ZenGo so neither side sees the other's secret. Recovery needs email authentication plus a recovery file kept in the user's own cloud storage; 3D FaceLock is optional since May 23, 2024. The App Store listing cites 380+ assets.
Is ZenGo a self-custody wallet?
Yes. ZenGo gives you a seed phrase and does not hold your funds. If you lose the phrase, no one can restore access.
Which chains does ZenGo support?
ZenGo supports Bitcoin, EVM and other chains.
Is ZenGo free?
ZenGo is free to download. You pay network gas on transactions and a Up to 4% exchange fee, plus liquidity fees wallet fee on in-app swaps.
Is ZenGo available in the US?
Yes. ZenGo is listed in the US App Store (checked Sep 26, 2026).
Which platforms does ZenGo run on?
iOS, Android.
Sources
- ZenGo: official site
- ZenGo Help: How does swap work?
- Zengo Help Center: Fees and transaction limits
- Zengo Help Center: Zengo Pro guide
- Zengo: US App Store listing
- Zengo Help: How Zengo security model works
- Zengo Help: Fees and transaction limits
- Zengo Help: Zengo Pro guide
- Zengo Help: What happens if Zengo goes out of business
- Zengo Help: How to buy and sell crypto
- Zengo Help: Why is Zengo not available in my country
- Zengo Help: Is Zengo open-source
How this page works
Sources: ZenGo: official site, ZenGo Help: How does swap work?, Zengo Help Center: Fees and transaction limits. Data as of Oct 1, 2026.
Not affiliated with any project listed. Educational content, not financial advice.