Building a mobile crypto wallet might sound complicated, but today’s tools and frameworks make the process more approachable than ever. As more people use cryptocurrencies in their daily lives, the demand for secure and user-friendly wallets continues to grow—especially for iOS and Android devices. So, if launching a wallet app is the goal, here’s a clear roadmap to get started.

What is a Crypto Wallet, Anyway?

Before diving into the crypto wallet development part, let’s keep one thing clear: a crypto wallet doesn’t actually store cryptocurrencies. Instead, it stores private and public keys—these are the digital keys that allow users to send, receive, and manage their crypto assets securely. Mobile crypto wallets are just that—wallets made for smartphones, with easy interfaces and on-the-go access.

There are two main types:

Hot wallets (connected to the internet, like mobile apps)

Cold wallets (offline, more secure, like hardware devices)

Mobile wallets fall into the hot wallet category, and while they’re incredibly convenient, building one requires extra care around security.

Step 1: Choose the Type of Wallet

The first big decision is the type of mobile wallet to build:

Custodial Wallet – The app provider stores the private keys for users. This offers a smoother experience but requires strong backend security and legal compliance.

Non-Custodial Wallet – The user holds their private keys. This gives more control to users and is popular among privacy-focused crypto users.

Most modern wallet apps lean towards the non-custodial model for greater transparency and decentralization.

Step 2: Pick the Right Tech Stack

Now onto the fun part—choosing how the app will be built. Most developers go with React Native or Flutter for cross-platform apps. These frameworks let the same codebase work on both iOS and Android. This saves time and money, especially for startups or small teams.

Other common tech choices include:

Backend: Node.js, Express.js

Blockchain integration: Web3.js, Ethers.js, or similar SDKs

Storage: Secure local storage options (like Encrypted Shared Preferences for Android, Keychain for iOS)

Step 3: Integrate with Blockchain Networks

A wallet app needs to connect to blockchain networks so users can check balances, send/receive coins, and view transaction history.

Most wallets start by supporting popular networks like:

Ethereum

Bitcoin

Binance Smart Chain

Polygon

Public blockchain APIs or third-party services like Infura, Alchemy, or Moralis can handle network communication without building a node from scratch.

Step 4: Design the Wallet’s Features

A crypto wallet app should do more than just hold coins. The more useful the features, the better the user experience. Here are the essentials:

User Authentication (PIN, biometrics)

Wallet Creation/Import (with mnemonic phrases or private keys)

Send/Receive Crypto

Transaction History

QR Code Scanning

Real-Time Price Tracking

Push Notifications

Advanced apps might also add features like DApp browsers, staking options, or even NFT storage.

Step 5: Prioritize Security

Security is everything in crypto. Users trust a wallet with their digital assets, so protecting them is non-negotiable.

Some best practices include:

End-to-End Encryption

Biometric Authentication (Face ID, fingerprint)

Private Key Storage in Secure Elements

Backup & Recovery via Seed Phrases

Regular Security Audits

It's also smart to follow OWASP standards for mobile app security and regularly update the app to fix any vulnerabilities.

Step 6: Test the App Across Devices

Before going live, test the wallet on different screen sizes, OS versions, and network conditions. Users won’t be forgiving if the app freezes while sending crypto.

Use both manual testing and automated testing tools. Also, consider launching a beta version with a small group to collect feedback before the official rollout.

Step 7: Get Listed on App Stores

Once testing is complete, it's time to publish the app on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The process for each is different, and Apple is often stricter about crypto-related apps, so make sure everything is by the book.

Important things to prepare:

App store graphics

Descriptions and disclaimers

Privacy policy and terms of use

KYC compliance if needed

Step 8: Keep Improving After Launch

The crypto space moves fast. New coins, standards, and user needs pop up all the time. A wallet app isn’t a one-and-done project—it needs constant updates and feature rollouts to stay competitive.

Staying in touch with users through social media, in-app support, or feedback forms helps shape future improvements.

Final Thoughts

Building a mobile crypto wallet is no longer just for big tech teams or blockchain veterans. With the right tools and the right approach, it's possible to develop a secure, sleek, and functional wallet for both iOS and Android.

Plenty of ambitious founders and crypto startups are already doing this using pre-built frameworks or white-label solutions to save time and costs—without cutting corners on quality.