NGRAVE is a three-part self-custody stack: the ZERO hardware wallet, the LIQUID mobile app, and the GRAPHENE backup. 

NGRAVE’s mainline feature is security: ZERO is an air-gapped device that doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or USB support. Instead, you sign via QR codes, meaning your private keys remain in the device without ever touching the internet.

NGRAVE key points

• Fully airgapped: No radios, no data-USB. QR signatures only.

• Highest-tier security certification: A custom operating system and secure element architecture with EAL7 claims.

• Stainless-steel backups: GRAPHENE splits your encrypted keys across two 316-steel plates.

• Broad asset support: Supports BTC, ETH, EVM tokens, and many other layer-1 networks.

• Companion app: LIQUID handles balances and MetaMask integration, with more features to come via the project roadmap.

NGRAVE functions and services

Let’s discuss what makes NGRAVE stand out from the competition.

Air-gapped transactions

ZERO never exposes your data. You generate keys and sign transactions offline, transferring them using QR codes scanned by the LIQUID mobile app. Think of it like signing a check in a locked room and sliding it under the door. The transaction processes as normal, but the recipient never sees your pen. 

EAL7 certification

ZERO’s custom operating system is EAL7 certified. It utilizes a tamper-resistant secure element, having undergone rigorous, formal evaluation under Common Criteria (CC). EAL7 is the CC’s highest evaluation, a step above the EAL5/6 claims common in other wallets. Such certification means ZERO has been thoroughly tested by top-tier security experts, and they don’t hand out certifications lightly.

Entropy and biometrics

During setup, ZERO combines multiple security and entropy (unpredictable randomness) methods to create your keys offline. You can also enable fingerprint unlocks as an additional safeguard, which is helpful for day-to-day use. That said, your private key remains the wallet’s ultimate source of truth.

That said, biometrics are great for convenience but should not replace a strong passphrase or a PIN when it comes to security. Instead, make sure to combine these security measures for ultimate protection.

GRAPHENE backup

Instead of storing your 256-bit hexadecimal private key on paper, NGRAVE offers GRAPHENE, two physical plates built for you to engrave your private key in metal. One plate is a grid, while the other is a “cipher.” Separately, neither reveals your keys, but together they reconstruct it. You can also use ZERO to view your key in either its hexadecimal format or through a 24-word seed phrase.

These GRAPHENE plates are 316 stainless steel, meaning they can resist fire, floods, and even corrosion, making them the ideal backup for any physical threat.

PSBT & animated QR for Bitcoin

For Bitcoin, ZERO supports multi-signature transaction verification or Partially Signed Bitcoin Transactions (PSBT). You’ll review addresses, transaction amounts, and fees on ZERO’s built-in screen, sign the transaction offline, and return it to LIQUID for another signature via QR code. From there, you can broadcast it to the main network and send the details back to ZERO, also via QR code. 

Asset support and daily use

ZERO support spans Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other ERC-20 tokens, as well as chains like XRP, Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), and more. LIQUID provides wallet balances, receive addresses, and even an air-gapped way to interact with decentralized applications (dApps). For example, you can queue an ETH token approval in MetaMask, hand it over to LIQUID, scan the unsigned transaction into ZERO, sign it offline, and return it to Metamask.

Again, this process is a bit more cumbersome than with a hot wallet, but it’s infinitely more secure.

On and off-ramp capabilities of NGRAVE

Unlike some of its contemporaries, NGRAVE itself isn’t a broker or an exchange. You’ll still buy and sell through third-parties, then withdraw to addresses controlled by ZERO. That said, LIQUID’s roadmap lists in-app swaps and “private trading” on its way, but one can assume these will still operate around the platform’s air-gapped trading methods.

Is NGRAVE safe to use in 2025?

If your priority is minimizing your attack surface, NGRAVE’s privacy features and fully offline nature, paired with its above industry standard EAL7 security, makes it a compelling package. Its QR keys help ensure everything remains offline without being too cumbersome, while GRAPHENE meaningfully upgrades the durability and secrecy of your backups versus paper.

There are a few caveats, however. NGRAVE isn’t fully open-source today, and you are trading convenience for security, but that trade-off is more than worth it for many investors. Overall, NGRAVE’s offerings are a strong choice for high-value, long-term holdings, especially if you’ll actually use the steel backup.

NGRAVE FAQs

Does NGRAVE work in a Bitcoin multi-signature flow?

Generally yes. Treat ZERO as one cosigner and exchange PSBTs via QR code. Your exact flow depends on what wallet/exchange you’re using, like Sparrow, so make sure to test your flow with small amounts first.

What happens if I lose my phone with the LIQUID app?

Your keys live on ZERO (and your GRAPHENE), not on your phone. Reinstall LIQUID on a new device, re-pair it, and you’re back. No need to “recover” the wallet from the lost phone.

Is NGRAVE practical for frequent DeFi use where I’m signing a lot?

It can be, but expect some trade-offs. QR signing is slower than USB/Bluetooth. Many users keep high-value funds on ZERO and use a lower-risk hot wallet for fast approvals.

Will airport x-rays or metal detectors damage my GRAPHENE backup?

No, 316 steel-plates are fine through standard security screenings. As always, keep your seed/passphrase hidden from view.