After a two-year wait, Android users can finally download and use Breadwallet, one of the most trusted Bitcoin wallets in the crypto community. The team behind the wallet released the Android version today through the Google Play Store and also published the source code on GitHub repositories, marking the end of its iOS-only era.
Why Android Took So Long: Security Standards First
Breadwallet debuted on iOS in June 2014, quickly gaining a reputation for being a secure Bitcoin wallet that connects directly to the Bitcoin network without relying on central servers. This peer-to-peer architecture gives users full control over their funds. According to the company, thousands of people have started their Bitcoin journey with Breadwallet and remained loyal ever since.
However, Android users have been clamoring for the app since launch. The company acknowledged that Android users vastly outnumber those on iOS, and maximizing success meant supporting both platforms. But Breadwallet prioritized security above all else. Founder and CEO Aaron Voisine explained to Bitcoin.com: “We launched Breadwallet on iOS back in 2014 because it was the most secure popular computing platform out there. With the new security enhancements introduced in Marshmallow, we're excited now to be able to bring the same simple user experience and rigorous level of security to Android users.”
The team noted that Apple's “draconian” app review process enforces digital signatures before distribution, checks for hidden viruses and malware, and gives developers access to iPhone's hardware-encrypted storage. As a result, Breadwallet has maintained a perfect record: no customer funds have been stolen since its inception. Android lacked equivalent hardware-level encryption until version 6.0 (Marshmallow).
Hardware-Level Protection: The New Android Standard
The Android version of Breadwallet will only run on devices with hardware-level protected storage—specifically those running Android 6.0 or higher. This ensures that private keys are stored in a dedicated secure chip, making them inaccessible even if the device is compromised. “Hardware-level encryption was our bare minimum for security, and was something Apple ensured, and Android didn't—until now,” the team added.
Users can download the app from Google Play starting today. Voisine emphasized: “We're the security experts, so you don't have to be, and we're confident every Breadwallet is secure enough to even store a million dollars or more. If you have a device running Android 6.0 or higher, look us up in the Play Store. We'll be waiting!”
Industry Implications: A Win for Bitcoin Self-Custody
The release of Breadwallet on Android represents more than a simple port—it signals the maturation of mobile device security. Modern Android devices with hardware security modules (HSMs) and trusted execution environments (TEEs) now offer comparable protections to iOS. This could encourage other iOS-exclusive crypto wallets to expand to Android, broadening access to self-custodial Bitcoin storage.
For the millions of Android users who have patiently waited, the wait is finally over. Breadwallet's cross-platform availability means that Bitcoin users can now choose their preferred mobile OS without compromising on security. As the crypto market continues to grow, tools that combine ease of use with robust security will be essential for mainstream adoption. Breadwallet's Android launch is a step in that direction.