Setting Up Your COLDCARD

Verify the Package

COLDCARD ships in a tamper-evident bag with a unique serial number. Check that the bag is intact and hasn't been opened or resealed. Anything suspicious? Contact Coinkite support before using the device.

Buy directly from coldcard.com or an authorized reseller. Not random marketplace sellers — supply chain attacks are real.

Power On

Insert batteries (COLDCARD Q) or plug in the provided power adapter. Power only — no data connection.

On first boot, the COLDCARD asks you to accept terms and review the bag number. Verify the number on screen matches the number on your tamper bag.

Set Your PIN

COLDCARD PINs have two parts: a prefix and a suffix, separated by a pause.

• Prefix: 2-6 digits. After you enter this, the COLDCARD shows two anti-phishing words unique to your device and PIN prefix. Memorize them. If you ever see different words on power-up, the device may have been tampered with.
• Suffix: 2-6 digits. Completes the login.

Avoid birthdays, repeated digits, and sequential numbers.

Generate Your Seed

Your seed phrase is 24 words that serve as the master key to all your bitcoin. The COLDCARD generates this using its internal random number generator combined with the secure element.

Select New Seed Words and choose 24 words.

Add Extra Randomness with Dice

You can add your own entropy by rolling dice. The COLDCARD lets you roll a standard six-sided die and enter each result. After enough rolls (99 recommended), the device combines your dice entropy with its own to produce the seed.

Even if the device's random number generator were compromised, dice rolls guarantee real randomness that no one else can predict.

Write Down Your Seed Words

The COLDCARD displays your 24 words one screen at a time. Write them down on paper first, then stamp them into metal using a SEEDPLATE or similar metal backup.

The device quizzes you on the words to confirm you recorded them correctly. Don't skip this.

Make two metal copies. Store them in separate, secure locations. See Backups for details.

Pair with a Wallet App

The COLDCARD holds the keys. A software wallet on your computer or phone watches the blockchain and builds transactions for the COLDCARD to sign — a watch-only wallet. It can see your balance but cannot spend.

COLDCARD Q + Cove (Mobile)

1. On Q: Advanced/Tools > Export Wallet > Cove Wallet — shows a QR code
2. In Cove Wallet on your phone: tap Import Wallet and scan the QR
3. Done. Cove shows your balance and receive addresses.

COLDCARD + Sparrow (Desktop)

1. On COLDCARD: Advanced/Tools > Export Wallet > Sparrow — saves file to MicroSD
2. In Sparrow Wallet: File > Import Wallet and select the MicroSD file
3. Done. Sparrow shows your balance and receive addresses.

Test Before Funding

Send a small amount of bitcoin to your new wallet. Verify it shows up. Then send it back. Get comfortable with the PSBT signing flow — build on computer, sign on COLDCARD, broadcast — before trusting this setup with real money.

See Test Everything in the Quick Start for the full checklist.