Overview
Yoroi Wallet is an open-source, self-custodial light wallet for Cardano developed by EMURGO Fintech, a division of EMURGO1. First released in 2018, Yoroi serves users who want to hold ADA, manage native tokens and NFTs, stake to a pool, and interact with Cardano DApps without running a full node. It is distributed as a browser extension and a mobile application.
As one of the original Cardano light wallets, Yoroi reflects EMURGO's role as a founding entity of the Cardano ecosystem. The wallet is designed around three principles stated on its homepage: secure, fast, and simple2. Private keys are encrypted on the user's device, and the wallet does not transmit them to any remote server.
Key Features
- Self-custodial light wallet. Private keys stay on the user's device, and the wallet syncs through remote nodes rather than downloading the full Cardano chain2.
- Built-in ADA staking. Users delegate their balance to a Cardano stake pool from within the wallet, with funds remaining in their own custody and rewards accruing per epoch1.
- In-wallet token swaps. A swap interface powered by MuesliSwap lets users trade ADA and Cardano native tokens without leaving the wallet1.
- DApp connector and NFT gallery. Yoroi exposes a connector for Cardano DApps and includes a native gallery view for Cardano NFTs1.
- Cardano governance voting. The wallet supports on-chain governance, allowing holders to delegate to a DRep or vote on governance actions1.
What to Expect
Yoroi targets users who want a straightforward entry point into the Cardano ecosystem without the complexity of a full node or hardware setup. Onboarding follows the standard light-wallet flow: create or restore a wallet, record the recovery phrase, and begin syncing through remote endpoints. Fiat top-ups are handled through a Banxa integration, lowering the barrier for new users moving from a bank account into ADA1.
The interface is intentionally minimal and groups everyday tasks — sending, receiving, staking, swapping, and DApp connection — into a single panel. Power users may find the feature surface narrower than newer Cardano wallets such as Lace, Eternl, or Typhon, but Yoroi's longevity, EMURGO backing, and self-custodial design make it a reference implementation for Cardano light wallets. Support is delivered through a public help center rather than embedded chat, and the wallet is available in English and Japanese reflecting EMURGO's roots in Japan2.
As a self-custodial wallet, Yoroi places full responsibility for the recovery phrase on the user. There is no account recovery, no email reset, and no support pathway for lost seeds — a tradeoff inherent to non-custodial design across the Cardano wallet category.
