ELLIPAL Titan Mini Wallet Review 2023: Real User Insights

I have tested and reviewed countless hardware wallets including Ledger, Keystone, Tangem, and SecuX to name a few. 

So when Ellipal sent me the Titan Mini hardware wallet, I was excited to try it out as it’s the first Ellipal wallet I’ve used.

In this Ellipal Titan Mini review, I share my unbiased opinions so you can decide if it’s right for you.

What you can expect is no BS, no sweet talk, and no fluff. Just my honest experience using the product.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff.

Ellipal Titan Mini Quick Overview

Here is a quick overview of the Ellipal Titan Mini.

Price	$79
Size	75*71*10.5mm
Weight	120g
Material	Aluminum Alloy
Screen	2.4 inches HD Touch LCD
Camera	2.4M AF
Battery	600 mAh
Security	100% air-gapped, 2FA, auto-self destruct, A/B accounts, security adapter
Supported coins	10,000+ coins & tokens and NFTs
Supported blockchains	36+ including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Binance Chain, Cardano, and many more
Supported software wallets	Yes (MetaMask and WalletConnect)
Staking	Yes (ADA, ATOM, XTZ, DOT, and KSM)
Mobile app support	Yes (iOS and Android)
Warranty	Yes (Return within 30 days of delivery. Plus a free inspection and repair for your items within 12 months of delivery.)
Manufacturer origin	Hong Kong, China

Below I dive even further into my experience using the Titan Mini wallet. But, before that let’s talk about who is behind Ellipal.

Who Are Ellipal?

Ellipal is a Hong Kong-based hardware wallet manufacturer that was founded in 2018. The company specializes in crafting highly secure cold storage devices.

The Ellipal team consists of skilled professionals who have extensive experience in technology development and the integration of hardware and software.

Below are some noteworthy team members along with their relevant areas of expertise:

• David Tian (Founder): David has over 5 years of experience leading the company. Previously, he founded Smarter Wireless and worked in international business and ODM production at Eve Electrical and Cellon Communications.

• Hao Ning (Co-Founder & CMO): Hai served as a Product Director at Hengbao and held various roles at Huawei, including ICS LampSite Project and Senior Product Manager. Prior to that, he worked as a Product Manager at ZTE. With his background in marketing and product management, Hai contributes to Ellipal’s strategic direction and ensures effective communication with customers.

• Tong Chen (Co-Founder & CEO): Tong brings extensive experience to the company with a background in IoT devices and hardware/software integration. His roles as Founder of ZXNET and BU Head at Cellon Communications demonstrate his knowledge in technology development. Tong holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Aircraft Design.

While Ellipal has earned a positive reputation for its commitment to security, it is important to note that some users have raised concerns about the closed-source nature of their firmware.

This limitation restricts third-party audits and transparency in the code, which can be a consideration for individuals who prioritize open-source solutions.

Overall, Ellipal is a reputable crypto wallet manufacturer, known for its emphasis on security and user privacy.

Ellipal Titan Mini Key Features and Benefits

For as small as the Titan Mini is, it’s packed full of various features that make it both user-friendly and secure.

LCD HD touchscreen

Even though the device is small, that doesn’t mean the screen is too small.

The Mini’s 2.4-inch LCD touchscreen takes up nearly the entire front of the device, which makes navigating it pretty easy.

I did notice that the screen is not overly sensitive to touch. Buttons in the corner of the screen require more pressure and precise tapping to engage.

But overall, the screen functions well and I prefer it over using buttons, such as those found on the Ledger Nano X for example.

Rear camera

Although it’s not the best quality, the 2.4M AF camera on the back of the Titan Mini works flawlessly for scanning QR codes.

Because this Titan Mini is a 100% air-gapped crypto wallet, you have to use the camera to scan QR codes that enable you to initiate and approve transactions.

I had zero issues using the camera to scan dozens of different QR codes. It recognized each code quickly and without hesitation.

Plus, it is enclosed in the metal casing of the wallet which reduces the likelihood of it being damaged if you were to drop the wallet.

Good job Ellipal, nothing was overlooked in the design of this wallet.

Fully metal-sealed shell

The Titan Mini might be, well, mini, but I could tell it was a solid wallet just by holding it in my hand.

The Titan Mini’s hardware is enclosed in a fully sealed aluminum alloy casing, which makes it extremely durable and difficult to open up.

Don’t believe me?

Just watch this teardown video of Steve cutting into the Titan Mini with his electric saw. Not only does it take a while, but he actually damaged multiple wallets while trying to open them up.

In my opinion, that’s a good thing. This means hackers will have a hard time opening your device successfully.

Built-in lithium-ion battery

In the tech world, built-in batteries are the norm nowadays. But when it comes to hardware wallets, it’s debatable as many questions arise.

The main concern with a built-in battery is: what are you supposed to do when it fails?

Can you still use your wallet? Do you lose all your crypto? Is there any way to repair it?

As for the Titan Mini, there is no way to replace the internal battery. However, if the battery fails you can still use your wallet by connecting it to a power source.

Moreover, if the battery fails or the wallet breaks, your funds remain secure.

Remember, digital assets like crypto and NFTs are stored on the blockchain—not in the wallet.

Your wallet is simply a safeguard. Hence you can still recover your funds using your secret phrase and a new wallet.

The Titan Mini’s 600mAh battery takes around 2 hours to charge fully. When used continuously, it can last up to 5 hours on a single charge.

The battery is designed to withstand over 500 charge cycles, ensuring a long lifespan for the device.

Security adapter

Ellipal’s security adapter is a proprietary solution designed to prioritize data security.

Not only does the built-in magnet provide a reliable connection, but it also acts as an insurance door lock.

It ensures protection against data theft by avoiding direct connections to the data cable.

With its emphasis on both security and convenience, Ellipal’s security adapter offers peace of mind and seamless interaction with your Ellipal Mini.

Auto self-destruct

The auto self-destruct feature is one of my favorite features of hardware wallets. I feel like James Bond when using any wallet with this important security feature.

So, how does it work? 

Ellipal’s anti-tamper feature detects any attempts of physical hacking, including any attempts to crack the screen or open the shell.

These harsh movements notify the anti-tamper feature that there is an attempt to hack the wallet and it will automatically “self-destruct”.

Don’t worry. The wallet won’t actually explode. Sure, that’d be cool but also extremely dangerous.

However, it will delete all the data on it and render the wallet unusable.

This prevents the hacker from gaining access to your funds, and it also prevents you from using a wallet that has previously been hacked.

Unboxing the Ellipal Titan Mini

I could tell right away that the product was of high quality just from the packaging alone.

The box arrived shrink-wrapped and each item is securely placed in foam inserts for safe shipping and handling.

Here is what you will find in the box.

Box Contents:

• 1* Titan Mini Hardware Wallet
• 1* Type-C Charging Cord
• 1* Security Adapter
• 1* 16GB Micro SD Card
• 1* User Manual
• 2* Seed Phrase Recovery Sheets

Overall, the packaging is great. However, I prefer some extra security measures even when it comes to packaging.

Some hardware wallets, such as the Keystone Pro, are secured with branded security tape.

That way you know if the package has been tampered with before arriving on your doorstep. I know, I’m nitpicking at this point.

But, the extra effort goes a long way in feeling confident that the device I received is secure and ready to store my valuable digital assets.

Setting Up the Ellipal Titan Mini

Since the Ellipal Titan Mini is completely air-gapped, the only way you can connect it to DApps and manage your funds is by using it with the Ellipal app that is available for iOS and Android devices.

Just be cautious, there have been reports of fake wallet apps being created and published on app stores.

If you were to use one of these fake apps, your wallet and any funds you have will be compromised.

So, always download the app directly from the manufacturer’s website or the product/packaging to be safe.

Here is how to set up the Ellipal Titan Mini hardware wallet. Also, I posted a video below if you’d prefer to watch someone set it up.

1. Download the Ellipal App

Download the official Ellipal app. Just scan the QR code on Ellipal’s website and your phone will automatically redirect you to the appropriate app store (depending if you have iOS or Android).

Likewise, there is a QR code on the user guide and on your wallet when you first power it on.

2. Create your Ellipal Titan account

Turn on your device and tap “Create account”. You need to create an account name, password, and address type.

Your options are general or segwit.

General crypto addresses, known as legacy addresses, are the traditional format. They start with a prefix like “1” for Bitcoin.

SegWit addresses, with the prefix “3,” are an upgrade that offers scalability, reduced fees, and transaction batching.

They can receive funds from both segwit and legacy addresses but compatibility may vary across wallets and exchanges.

3. Backup your mnemonic recovery phrase

The most important step when setting up any crypto wallet is recording your secret recovery phrase.

This phrase is used to access your wallet and control any funds in it. So you must store it safely at all costs.

The Titan Mini will have you verify that you’ve read each important notice before you can click “Backup now” and reveal your unique, 12-word secret phrase.

Check each circle to confirm you have read the message.

Likewise, if you are importing one of your existing wallets, tap “Import account” to enter your recovery phrase.

4. Verify your recovery phrase

After securely recording your wallet’s secret phrase on a sheet of paper or preferably in a steel seed phrase plate, you will need to re-enter the phrase to confirm you recorded it correctly.

I can’t recommend using a metal seed phrase plate enough. Paper is fine, that is until an unfortunate event occurs and you lose your seed phrase forever.

It could be something as simple as spilling your coffee on it or something tragic like a fire or flood.

Regardless, losing your seed phrase is never a good thing. That means you lose access to your wallet forever.

Why risk it? Ellipal offers its stainless steel seed plate that will keep your phase safe from just about anything.

Here are the benefits of Ellipal’s Seed Phrase Steel:

• Compatible with seed phrases from all BIP39 wallets on the market.
• Can withstand temperatures up to 2649.2°F (1454°C), providing protection in house fires reaching 1500°F (815°C).
• Made of 316 steel, resistant to strong acids and liquids, ensuring durability.
• Fireproof, strong acid, mold, and insect-proof.
• Designed to survive in extreme conditions, allowing for long-term hodling.

Seriously, don’t overlook this simple, yet crucial, element for overall wallet security.

5. Choose the coins you want in your account

Next, you need to enable which coins you want in your account. Do this by swiping enable and disable for each coin.

6. Pair your Ellipal account with the app

Finally, you need to open the mobile app and connect each wallet to your desired cryptocurrencies. This is done by scanning the QR code specific to each crypto asset.

It took me roughly 10 minutes to set up this Ellipal Titan Mini, so it’s pretty quick.

I was also recording videos and taking pictures at the same time, so you could probably complete the steps even more quickly.

Make Sure to Update the Titan Mini

Before using your Titan hardware wallet, you need to update it using the included micro sd card.

To update your Titan Mini wallet, follow these steps:

1. Insert the empty micro sd card into your computer.
2. Download the latest Ellipal file (https://ellipal.com/pages/update) and drop it into the micro sd card file.
3. Insert the micro sd card into the Ellipal security adapter and select update on your device.
4. Wait for the update to finish (note the battery must be more than 50% charged to update).

Using the Ellipal Titan Mini

I really appreciate the fact that the Ellipal Titan Mini offers convenient access to your crypto holdings and their value through the mobile app.

This eliminates the constant need for the hardware wallet. The wallet is primarily used for sending crypto and managing account changes.

Receiving transactions is easy.

You can either scan the QR code on the Titan Mini or copy the receiving address from the app and paste it into the sending platform, similar to other crypto wallets.

When initiating transactions from the wallet, you start in the mobile app.

After entering the transaction details, a QR code is generated on your mobile device. The wallet’s camera scans this QR code to sign and confirm the transaction.

All necessary transaction information is then sent to the hardware wallet, which generates a second QR code.

This QR code is scanned by the mobile app, completing the transaction verification process.

Easy, secure, and convenient. What more could you ask for?

Ellipal Titan Mini Review: What’s It Missing?

For me, the Titan Mini is missing one key security element that I prefer to have in all the hardware wallets I use — a secure chip element.

Secure chip elements are an important feature for safeguarding your sensitive data, such as private keys and seed phrases.

They provide an additional layer of protection against physical attacks and known hacking attempts, making them highly secure and resistant to tampering.

Without this added security feature, the Ellipal Titan Mini is more susceptible to unauthorized access and potential attacks on its cryptographic components.

This could potentially compromise the security of your cryptocurrencies and put your digital assets at risk.

I assume there are at least two reasons Ellipal chose not to include a secure element in the Titan Mini:

1. Cost. If the Ellipal Titan Mini were equipped with a secure chip, both the manufacturing cost and the price for consumers would likely increase.
2. Self-destruct feature. Since the Titan Mini uses the self-destruct feature as an anti-tampering mechanism, perhaps Ellipal didn’t think a secure chip was necessary.

But wait, there’s more. Here are some other features the Ellipal Titan Mini lacks:

• Support for BIP 84 Bitcoin addresses (beginning with “bc”) and limited to BIP 44 addresses (beginning with “3”).
• Access to Xpub keys, limiting compatibility with certain apps, and preventing the import of “view only” wallets.
• Inability to generate fresh addresses for UTXO coins and lack of multi-sig support.
• Absence of support for testnet coins and the inability to add a custom RPC for running test nets or testing coins.
• No support for Monero, making it less suitable for privacy coin enthusiasts.
• Potential attack vulnerability due to the lack of a true secure element for key storage and signing management.
• Generation of only a 12-word recovery phrase instead of the more secure 24-word phrase, although 24-word phrases can be imported.
• Non-standard way of re-using Bitcoin addresses, which may cause issues when importing seed phrases from other wallets.
• Inability to support full node operations through third-party software.

Is The Ellipal Titan Mini a Good Wallet?

Yes, the Ellipal Titan Mini is an affordable hardware wallet offering some of the best security features. For $79, it’s hard to find a wallet as secure and user-friendly as the Titan Mini.

I still prefer the Keystone Pro for storing my most valuable digital assets as it utilizes a secure element and is also completely air-gapped.

But, the Titan Mini is a great option for anyone who is on a budget and still prefers using an air-gapped, cold storage device.

That said, I would recommend buying the Ellipal Titan Mini for the price alone.

However, it’s not my first option as there are more secure wallets on the market. Of course, they cost more moolah.

What About Ellipal’s Customer Support?

Customer support is essential when determining if a wallet is good or not. To be honest, I haven’t had much interaction with their support team.

I know their affiliate team was extremely responsive. They usually replied within 1 business day when I last spoke with them.

Nonetheless, if you have any issues you can easily contact their customer service department via email (cs@ellipal.com) or the live chat on their website.

For additional support and resources, check out Ellipal’s official social media channels.

I have listed them for you below.

• Ellipal Twitter
• Ellipal Facebook Group
• Ellipal YouTube
• Ellipal Instagram
• Ellipal TikTok

Ellipal Titan Mini vs Other Hardware Wallets

There are a ton of different hardware wallets to choose from and they aren’t all created equally.

Here is how the Titan Mini stacks up against other popular hardware wallets on the market.

Features	Ellipal Titan Mini	Ellipal Titan	Ledger Nano X	Ledger Stax	Keystone Pro	Tagnem	SecuX Nifty
Price	$79	$129	$149	$279	$169	$55	$199
Design	Secure element, Bluetooth, and USB data transfer	Aluminum alloy casing, 4-inch touchscreen	Plastic & aluminum shell, USB style with buttons	Aluminum & plastic with embedded magnets, 4-inch touchscreen	300+ Ethereum Virtual Machine compatible blockchains	Plastic, nearly-indestructible card	Thick plastic shell, 4-inch touchscreen
Security	100% air-gapped, anti-tamper mechanism, QR code data transfer	100% air-gapped, QR code data transfer	Secure element, Bluetooth, and USB data transfer	Secure element, a hands-on clear sign, Bluetooth data transfer	100% air-gapped, secure element, anti-tamper mechanism, QR code data transfer	Secure element, IP68 rated, open-source application	300+ Ethereum Virtual Machine compatible blockchains
Coin support	10,000+	10,000+	5,500+	5,500+	5,500+	6,000+	1,000+
Blockchain support	36+	51+	79+	79+	200+	34+	300+ Ethereum Virtual Machine compatible blockchainss

Frequently Asked Questions