Bitcoin Security Guide

Practical steps to secure your bitcoin. Start at the top, work your way down.

1

Choosing a Hardware Wallet

What to look for in a hardware wallet and why we recommend COLDCARD for Bitcoin self-custody.

2

Setting Up Your COLDCARD

Step-by-step setup for COLDCARD Q and Mk5. PIN, seed generation, device verification, and pairing with a wallet app.

3

Backing Up Your Wallet

How to back up your Bitcoin seed phrase on metal, encrypted MicroSD, and optionally split with SeedXOR.

4

Passphrases

How Bitcoin passphrases work, how to pick a good one, XFP verification, and duress wallets.

5

Sending Bitcoin

How to send Bitcoin with an air-gapped COLDCARD using PSBTs. Transaction signing, QR codes, MicroSD, and address verification.

6

Multisig

When and how to set up a 2-of-3 multisig wallet with COLDCARD and Sparrow. Wallet descriptors, key ceremonies, and recovery.

7

Inheritance Planning

How to make sure your family can access your Bitcoin if something happens to you. Practical steps for inheritance without giving up control.

8

Privacy

Bitcoin privacy basics. Address reuse, running your own node, Tor, labeling, and why privacy is security.

9

Physical Security

Protect yourself and your Bitcoin from physical threats. Low profile, duress planning, geographic distribution, and device security.