Address Verification

Address Verification is a security feature in hardware wallets. Users confirm that the cryptocurrency receiving address on the wallet's screen matches the one displayed in the companion app or computer interface. This manual check prevents malware from altering the address during transaction signing.

Hardware wallets generate or receive transaction details from the connected app. The wallet then displays the full receiving address—or a secure summary like a hash—on its tamper-resistant screen. Users scroll through and compare each character or segment against the app's version. They approve the transaction only after verifying an exact match.

For example, a Ledger device shows the complete address. A Trezor might display a fingerprint combining the first few, last few characters, and a hash for quick visual confirmation.

Address Verification matters because compromised computers or apps can swap addresses via clipboard hijacking or fake interfaces. This leads to permanent fund loss. The process enforces air-gapped security, ensuring users control transactions independently. It embodies crypto's "don't trust, verify" principle.

Synonyms include address confirmation and display verification. Perform it for every send transaction, especially large ones. Some wallets support abbreviated checks for long addresses, but full verification maximizes safety.