Bitkey uses Near Field Communication (NFC) to connect your phone with your Bitkey hardware device. You’ll use this connection during setup, to approve transactions, and for other security actions.
To connect your device:
- Unlock your Bitkey hardware device using a registered fingerprint.
- If you're setting up your wallet for the first time and haven’t enrolled a fingerprint yet, you can use any finger to connect.
- When prompted in the Bitkey app, bring your Bitkey hardware device behind your phone, with the LED side gently touching the back of your phone.
- Once a connection is made, hold your hardware device in place until you see the success message in the app confirming that the action is complete.
💡 Tip: Place your Bitkey device on a flat surface and hold your phone over it. Move your phone slowly over the device to help locate the NFC connection.
NFC positioning by phone type:
iPhone
All current iPhone models have a “sweet spot” near the top edge, close to the rear-facing camera. Try holding the Bitkey device behind your phone near that area for the best results.
Android
The NFC antenna placement varies more across Android phones. It’s typically located near the centerline of the device. Slowly move the Bitkey hardware device from the top to the bottom of your phone’s back until the NFC connection is detected.