Trick PIN
A trick PIN is an alternate hardware-wallet PIN that performs a special action, such as opening a decoy wallet, wiping the seed, looking blank, or adding a delay. COLDCARD supports trick PINs for coercion and device-seizure scenarios.
How It Works
A normal PIN unlocks the real wallet. A trick PIN unlocks a different outcome. Depending on the setup, it may open a decoy wallet, wipe the seed, brick the device, show a blank wallet, or start a countdown.
The useful case is not a movie scene with perfect acting. It is a messy real-world event where you need a response that is faster than explaining Bitcoin to an attacker. A decoy wallet may satisfy a casual thief. A wipe or brick PIN may protect a device that is about to leave your control.
Do not set trick PINs you cannot remember under stress. Practice with tiny amounts and write a private note describing what each PIN does.
Key Points
- Alternate PINs trigger alternate device behavior
- Useful for theft, inspection, or coercion planning
- Decoy wallets should contain believable but limited funds if used
- Wipe or brick PINs can prevent later device analysis
- Not a replacement for OPSEC, passphrases, or multisig