Once the six-month waiting period ends, the claim moves to approved when the beneficiary opens their Bitkey app. At that point, your encrypted App Key is shared with them, enabling the transfer of funds.
If the beneficiary has not yet transferred the funds, you may still be able to retain control—but only if you act quickly.
⚠️ Important: Bitkey cannot cancel an inheritance claim, stop a transfer, or reverse any Bitcoin transaction.
What to look for in the app
You’ll see this banner on the Home screen:
Inheritance approved
To retain control of your funds, transfer them to a new wallet.
This banner cannot be dismissed and will remain visible. It indicates your encrypted App Key has been shared and your wallet is no longer secure.
If there are still funds in your wallet
1. Transfer your funds
Send all funds out of your Bitkey wallet to a wallet you control.
👉 How do I send bitcoin?
2. Create a new Bitkey wallet
Because your encrypted App Key has been shared, your wallet is considered compromised. Set up a new wallet with a new set of keys.
👉 How do I set up a new Bitkey wallet if I already have an existing one?
If there are no funds in your wallet
This means your beneficiary has already initiated the transfer. The transaction cannot be reversed or canceled.
Even if no funds remain, your encrypted App Key has been shared. Create a new wallet with a new keyset:
👉 How do I set up a new Bitkey wallet if I already have an existing one?
⚠️ Important: The Inheritance approved banner will remain in your wallet even if the relationship is removed or the transfer is complete. It is a permanent indicator that your encrypted App Key has been shared.
If you are still alive and plan to continue using Bitkey, create a new wallet that has not been compromised.