To set up your Bitkey wallet, you’ll need both the Bitkey app and your Bitkey device.
Once you've downloaded the Bitkey app to your phone, follow these steps:
1. Open the Bitkey app
Tap Set up new wallet.
2. Wake your Bitkey device
Touch the fingerprint sensor to wake your Bitkey device.
If you’re using Bitkey without a screen, the LED will light up when the device is ready.
3. Scan your device
Hold your Bitkey device to your phone to get started.
💡Tip: Hold your Bitkey device close to your phone’s NFC area and keep it steady until it connects.
👉 See How do I connect my Bitkey device with my phone?
4. Enroll your fingerprint
Follow the prompts to scan your fingerprint.
- If prompted, approve the action using your unlocked Bitkey device:
- Hold your unlocked Bitkey device to your phone.
-
If prompted to confirm on your hardware, follow the instructions on your Bitkey screen, then hold it to your phone again to continue.
If you’re using Bitkey without a screen, follow the prompts in the app. Place your finger on the sensor until you see a blue light, then lift and repeat until enrollment is complete.
- When finished, hold your Bitkey device to your phone again to save your fingerprint.
💡Tip: You can add more fingerprints after setup.
👉 See How do I add, delete, or update a fingerprint?
5. Create a cloud backup
This step is required and helps you recover your wallet if you lose your phone.
Tap Back up and follow the on-screen instructions.
- iOS: You must be signed in to iCloud with iCloud Drive enabled
- Android: You must be signed in to your Google account
6. Set up critical alerts
These notify you of security-sensitive actions. We recommend enabling all available channels (email is required at minimum).
👉 See What are critical alerts and how do I update how I’m notified about them?
👉 See Why do I need to provide a notification channel (like email) to use Bitkey?
7. Set up notifications
Customize alerts for transactions and product updates.
👉 See What are notifications and how do I update my notification settings?
🔎 Note: If you’re using Bitkey without a screen, setup is complete after this step
8. Complete wallet setup
Hold your Bitkey device to your phone and follow the instructions on your device to finish setup.
- If prompted, approve the action using your unlocked Bitkey device:
- Hold your unlocked Bitkey device to your phone.
- If prompted to confirm on your hardware, follow the instructions on your Bitkey screen, then hold it to your phone again to complete verification.