The Breez wallet has integrated with the Breez SDK, an open-source tool that allows for the integration of Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network in apps and wallets—all while preserving self-custody. This development makes it a great moment to explore this unique wallet, which is designed to bring Bitcoin custody to underserved populations in emerging markets worldwide using basic mobile devices.
The Breez wallet has been recognized by the Human Rights Foundation as a beneficial technology. This nonprofit organization focuses on supporting individuals within closed societies and populations, especially those under authoritarian regimes.
The primary goal of the Breez wallet is to bring Bitcoin technology to basic Android phones and feature phones—low-to-mid-range devices with limited functionality compared to smartphones, often lacking advanced operating systems.
Breez launched its minimum viable product in 2023. According to the company’s timeline, the wallet had already reached 50,000 downloads from app stores by 2024. That same year, Tether, the company behind USDT, provided a strategic investment of $1.5 million to support Breez’s development.
One spokesperson from the stablecoin company shared the following about the Breez wallet:
The platform targets users of entry-level technology, specifically designed for basic mobiles and low-consumption smartphones. It provides a non-custodial wallet that promotes economic empowerment and financial inclusion. This initiative aligns with Tether’s mission to improve global financial access in regions with little to no banking infrastructure.
— Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer.
How Does the Breez Wallet Work?
The Breez wallet is designed to be "agnostic," meaning it works across various cryptocurrency chains. It supports Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as Polygon, Tron, BNB, and TON.
This agnostic approach aligns with the company’s philosophy of serving diverse communities—including those who may not yet be familiar with, or prefer not to use, Bitcoin, opting instead for stablecoins or other cryptocurrencies.
The wallet is built for simplicity and usability, specifically tailored for low-performance devices. It allows users to buy, store, and sell cryptocurrencies, and it integrates payment providers that serve as off-ramps to fiat currency.
Besides Android, the wallet is also compatible with KaiOS—in fact, it was specifically designed with this operating system in mind. KaiOS is a lightweight mobile OS based on the open-source Linux system. It is intended for non-touch and low-cost phones that still support applications like WhatsApp, YouTube, Google Maps, and Facebook. Popular KaiOS devices include models from Nokia, Alcatel, Cat, and JioPhone.
These affordable phones are widely used across Africa, the Middle East, and India, often distributed through carriers like Orange, MTN, and Jio.
It is estimated that by 2019, KaiOS was operational on over 100 million devices globally. In 2020, it even surpassed Android in certain markets, including India.
Users with KaiOS-powered phones can download the Breez wallet from the official KaiStore, registering via WhatsApp, email, or phone number. Transactions through the Breez wallet do not incur fees—apart from the necessary gas fees required by the underlying blockchain networks.
With the Breez SDK integration, users of the Breez wallet—whether on Android or KaiOS—can now send Lightning payments directly from a simple self-custody wallet without the need to run a node.
The team at Breez explained:
Under the hood, with the Breez SDK, Breez offers users full custody of their keys, first-class support for BTC and USDT, and a smooth user experience—all on a phone that uses less energy than your refrigerator.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Breez wallet?
The Breez wallet is a non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet designed for basic mobile phones and smartphones with limited capabilities. It enables users in emerging economies to store, send, and receive Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies without requiring advanced hardware.
Which devices support the Breez wallet?
The wallet is compatible with Android devices and feature phones that run the KaiOS operating system. Popular supported devices include certain Nokia, Alcatel, and JioPhone models.
Does the Breez wallet support the Lightning Network?
Yes. Through its integration with the Breez SDK, the wallet supports instant and low-cost Bitcoin transactions via the Lightning Network, making it ideal for small daily transactions and remittances.
Is the Breez wallet free to use?
There are no transaction fees imposed by Breez. Users only pay standard network gas fees required by the respective blockchains when conducting on-chain transactions.
Can I use stablecoins with the Breez wallet?
Absolutely. The wallet supports several cryptocurrencies, including USDT, making it accessible for users who prefer the stability of fiat-backed digital assets.
How does Breez promote financial inclusion?
By supporting low-cost phones and offering a simple, self-custodial solution, Breez helps people in regions with limited banking infrastructure participate in the global digital economy.