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COLDCARD START

Start with a test amount, not your stack.

Keep the first run small and boring: verify the device, write the seed, make the backup, receive a little bitcoin, sign once, then make sure recovery works.

Start first run Open quick docs

The first run

Do this before sending more than a test amount.

  1. Verify the bag and device.

    Check the tamper-evident bag and run the genuine check. When you set the PIN, learn the anti-phishing words shown between the two PIN parts.

  2. Let COLDCARD create the seed.

    Let COLDCARD create the wallet. Write the words offline. No screenshots, cloud notes, password managers, printers, or photos.

  3. Make the backup before you fund.

    Start with a readable backup. Move to metal for long-term storage. Encrypted MicroSD backup is useful for COLDCARD settings, but the seed words are what restore the wallet elsewhere.

  4. Set up a watch-only wallet.

    Export a wallet file or descriptor to Sparrow, Cove, Nunchuk, or Specter. The app watches addresses and builds transactions; COLDCARD keeps the keys.

  5. Receive and spend a small test amount.

    Verify the receive address on the COLDCARD screen. Then build a small PSBT, check amount, destination, fee, and change on-device, sign it, and broadcast.

  6. Do a recovery drill.

    Before sending the stack, restore from your backup or check it on a spare device. Confirm the same wallet fingerprint and receive addresses.

Don't start with the sharp tools.

Passphrases, Trick PINs, SeedXOR, Seed Vault, and multisig are useful. They also add ways to lock yourself out. Learn plain single-sig first. Add extras later.

Pick the next page

First run

Bag inspection, seed, backup, watch-only wallet, first PSBT.

Q or Mk5

Q for screen, keyboard, and QR. Mk5 for pocket, MicroSD, and NFC.

No app lock-in

The wallet app watches and broadcasts. COLDCARD holds the keys and signs.

Backup first

Seed words, encrypted MicroSD backup, recovery drill, and what to postpone.