Samsung files US patent for smart contract powered crypto wallet

Samsung Electronics has filed a U.S. patent application for a digital asset wallet system that uses smart contracts to let devices initiate crypto transactions without directly storing or using a private key.

According to an Oct. 6 report from Digital Asset, the patent was published in the United States on July 23 under publication number US 2026/0212355. Samsung Electronics is listed as the applicant. The patent records show it was filed on March 13, 2026.

The proposed system moves part of the wallet function from an individual device to a smart contract on a blockchain network. Samsung said the structure could reduce the need for users to manage sensitive information such as private keys directly on each device.

Private keys would not disappear from the system. Samsung’s filing states that a final crypto transaction may still rely on the smart contract’s blockchain address and private key, while the device requesting the transaction would not need to hold or use that key itself.

Samsung’s smart contract wallet uses device authentication

Under the patent, one electronic device receives a registration request and authentication information from another device that will be used for crypto transactions.

A separate transaction address is then created for the requesting device. Information including the address and authentication details is sent to a blockchain network, where it is used to create a smart contract configured to perform wallet functions.

Once created, the transaction address and the smart contract’s blockchain address are sent back to the device.

When a user wants to transfer digital assets, the device sends the transaction information, its assigned address and authentication information to the smart contract. Transaction data may include the recipient’s blockchain address and the type and amount of digital assets being transferred.

The smart contract compares the submitted address and authentication details with information already stored in the contract. If they match, the smart contract can process the transaction.

Samsung said the setup allows a device to initiate a transaction without providing a blockchain address and a signature generated from a private key.

Traditional self custody wallets generally require users to protect their private keys because losing them can make funds inaccessible, while exposure of the keys can allow another party to control the assets. Samsung identified the management of such security information as one of the limitations of existing wallet structures.

Entrusting the information to a service provider carries separate risks if the provider is hacked or stops operating, according to the patent.

Multiple devices could manage the same crypto wallet

Samsung’s proposed structure is not limited to transactions from a single device.

The patent describes a system where several electronic devices can work together to create, change or recover addresses used for crypto transactions. One device could request a transaction while another supports functions such as registering a new device or recovering an address.

A newly generated address and its authentication information can then be registered with the smart contract.

Samsung lists smartphones, computers, wearable devices and home appliances among the types of electronic devices that could be used with the technology.

The multi device structure builds on Samsung’s earlier work around connecting blockchain functionality with consumer hardware. Its Galaxy smartphones have supported the Samsung Blockchain Wallet and Blockchain Keystore for several years, while an earlier Ledger wallet integration allowed users to manage assets stored on supported hardware wallets through Galaxy devices.

Samsung has since continued adding digital asset services to its mobile ecosystem. In 2025, the company integrated Coinbase access into Samsung Wallet for roughly 75 million Galaxy users in the United States, giving eligible users access to crypto services through the wallet.

Samsung Wallet is preparing for stablecoins

The patent has surfaced as Samsung works on expanding the digital asset functions available through Samsung Wallet.

As crypto.news previously reported, Samsung announced in July that it plans to add stablecoin support to the wallet. The company said at Galaxy Unpacked that the service would eventually support stablecoins alongside existing payment, rewards and digital asset functions.

Samsung did not name the stablecoins or blockchain networks it would support, nor did it provide a launch date or identify technology partners.

Other Samsung companies have been exploring related infrastructure in South Korea. Samsung Securities, Samsung SDS and Samsung Card agreed in May to acquire a combined 4% stake in Dunamu, the operator of crypto exchange Upbit, for 612.8 billion won, or roughly $408 million.

Samsung SDS later identified stablecoin infrastructure as an initial area for collaboration with Dunamu. The company said discussions covered blockchain infrastructure, AI based payments and financial systems involving virtual assets.

The smart contract wallet patent does not state that the technology will be used for Samsung Wallet or its planned stablecoin services.

No product launch or commercialization schedule is included in the filing. Digital Asset said it contacted Samsung Electronics about the reason for developing the technology and whether it could be incorporated into services such as Samsung Wallet, but had not received a response.