Wallet setup guide
Use this guide to prepare before your session or to understand what self-custody setup involves. It mirrors the sequence we follow in our Glasgow studio.
Check your device
Update your phone or laptop operating system and ensure you can install apps from official stores only. Charge your device fully — wallet setup is not something to rush on 4% battery. If you plan to use a hardware wallet, bring the cable that came with it.
Choose your session format
In-person visits suit people who want hands-on reassurance when writing a phrase. Video sessions work well if you live outside Glasgow but still want screen-shared guidance. Either way, you alone will see your recovery words.
Gather paper materials
Bring two index cards or a small notebook and a pen with dark ink. Avoid pencils that smudge. We provide backup card stock in the studio, but using your own pen helps muscle memory if you recreate the backup at home later.
Install from official sources only
During your session we install Phantom, Solflare, or another wallet matched to your device. If you experiment beforehand, download only from verified publishers. Never follow links from unsolicited messages.
Practise on devnet first
Before sending meaningful SOL, we practise on Solana devnet — a test network with no real value. You receive test tokens from a faucet, send them back, and confirm addresses on an explorer. This builds confidence for mainnet.
Plan phrase storage before mainnet
Decide where your paper copy lives, whether you need a metal duplicate, and who in your household knows the location without knowing the words. Geographic separation matters: two drawers in the same flat is not two locations.
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