Initial Setup

Configure SatSigner with security settings, network preferences, and prepare your device for Bitcoin management

Overview

Before creating your first wallet, you’ll configure SatSigner’s security and network settings. This initial setup ensures your Bitcoin is protected and the app is connected to your preferred Bitcoin network.

The setup process takes about 5 minutes and helps secure your Bitcoin from the start.

First Launch

When you first launch SatSigner, you’ll be guided through the initial setup flow.

Security Warning

SatSigner will display an important security warning about Bitcoin self-custody:

Critical Security Information

• You are in complete control of your Bitcoin
• SatSigner does NOT store your keys on any server
• Losing your seed phrase means permanent loss of access
• Always verify receive addresses before sharing
• Never share your seed phrase with anyone

Read this carefully before proceeding.

PIN Setup

1. Choose Your PIN

   SatSigner uses a 6-digit PIN to encrypt your wallet data on-device.

   PIN Entry

   ┌─────────────────────┐
   │   SET YOUR PIN      │
   │                     │
   │   ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  │
   │                     │
   │   1  2  3           │
   │   4  5  6           │
   │   7  8  9           │
   │      0              │
   └─────────────────────┘
   

   PIN Best Practices:

   • Don’t use obvious patterns (123456, 111111)
   • Avoid birthdays or easily guessed numbers
   • Make it memorable but unique
   • This PIN encrypts your wallet with AES-256-CBC
2. Confirm Your PIN

   Re-enter your 6-digit PIN to confirm.

   If the PINs don’t match, you’ll be prompted to start over.

3. Set PIN Later (Optional)

   You can choose “Set PIN Later” to skip this step, but this is not recommended for security reasons.

   Skipping PIN setup means your wallet data is less secure. Set a PIN as soon as possible from Settings → Security.

PIN Encryption

SatSigner uses your PIN to encrypt:

• Private keys and seed phrases
• Account metadata
• Transaction signing keys
• Application preferences

All encryption happens on-device only. Your PIN never leaves your phone.

Duress PIN (Optional)

What is a Duress PIN?

A duress PIN is a secondary PIN that opens a decoy wallet or triggers specific security behaviors. This feature is useful if you’re ever forced to unlock your wallet under duress.

Coming soon - This feature is planned for a future release.

Network Configuration

Choose which Bitcoin network to use:

Mainnet

Bitcoin Mainnet - The production Bitcoin network with real economic value.

Configuration

{
  "network": "mainnet",
  "backend": "electrum",
  "server": "auto"
}

Recommended for real Bitcoin usage

Testnet

Bitcoin Testnet - Test network for development and experimentation.

Configuration

{
  "network": "testnet",
  "backend": "electrum",
  "server": "testnet.aranguren.org:51001"
}

Use testnet coins (no real value) for learning and testing

Signet

Bitcoin Signet - More stable test network with controlled block production.

Configuration

{
  "network": "signet",
  "backend": "electrum",
  "server": "signet.aranguren.org:50001"
}

Ideal for developers and advanced testing scenarios

Backend Selection

SatSigner supports two backend types:

Electrum Protocol

Default backend - Fast, lightweight protocol

• Connects to Electrum servers
• Efficient SPV validation
• Wide server availability

Esplora API

Alternative backend - HTTP-based block explorer API

• REST API interface
• Compatible with Blockstream servers
• Good for custom server setups

Server Configuration

You can choose between:

1. Automatic Server Selection (Recommended)

   • SatSigner connects to trusted public servers
   • Automatic failover and load balancing

2. Custom Server

   • Connect to your own Bitcoin node
   • Maximum privacy and sovereignty
   • Requires Electrs or Esplora server

1. Open Network Settings

   Navigate to Settings → Network

2. Select Network

   Choose Mainnet, Testnet, or Signet

3. Configure Backend

   Select Electrum or Esplora backend type

4. Set Server (Optional)

   For custom servers, enter:

   Host: your-server.com
   Port: 50001 (Electrum) or 443 (Esplora)
   SSL: Enabled (recommended)
   

Privacy Settings

SatSigner is privacy-first by default:

No Tracking

Zero third-party analytics or tracking

On-Device Only

All data stored encrypted on your device

Tor Support

Connect through Tor for maximum privacy (coming soon)

No Cloud Sync

Your keys never leave your device

Developer Settings (Optional)

Enable Developer Features

For advanced users and developers:

1. Go to Settings → Developer
2. Enable developer mode
3. Access additional features:
   • Storybook: Component development environment
   • Network Comparison: Compare different networks
   • Debug Logs: View detailed application logs
   • Network Parameters: View blockchain parameters

Developer features are for testing and development. Don’t enable unless you know what you’re doing.

Feature Flags

Customize SatSigner’s behavior:

Feature	Description	Default
BIP39 Passphrases	Enable optional 25th word passphrase	Off
Currency Formatting	Customize sat/BTC display	Sats
History Charts	Show balance evolution over time	On

Configure these in Settings → Features.

Verification Checklist

Before creating your first wallet, verify:

✓ PIN is Set and Secure

• 6-digit PIN configured
• PIN is memorable but not obvious
• You understand PIN protects encrypted wallet data

✓ Network Configured

• Correct network selected (Mainnet for real Bitcoin)
• Backend type chosen (Electrum recommended)
• Server connection successful

✓ Permissions Granted

• Camera access (for QR codes)
• NFC access (if using NFC features)

✓ Security Warning Understood

• You understand self-custody responsibilities
• You know SatSigner doesn’t store keys remotely
• You’re aware of seed phrase backup importance

Next Steps

Create Your First Wallet

Now that setup is complete, create your first Bitcoin wallet

Configuration Files

For reference, SatSigner stores configuration in:

File Structure

/data/data/com.satsigner.satsigner/
├── encrypted/          # Encrypted wallet data (PIN-protected)
├── mmkv/              # App preferences and settings
└── cache/             # Temporary blockchain data

All sensitive data is encrypted with AES-256-CBC using your PIN-derived key. The encryption happens on-device and keys never leave your phone.

Troubleshooting

Can’t Connect to Server

1. Check Internet Connection

   Ensure your device has internet access

2. Try Different Server

   Go to Settings → Network → Server and select a different server

3. Check Network Selection

   Verify you selected the correct network (Mainnet/Testnet/Signet)

4. Restart App

   Close and reopen SatSigner to retry connection

Forgot PIN

There is no PIN recovery mechanism. If you forget your PIN:

1. Your encrypted wallet data cannot be accessed
2. You MUST have your seed phrase backup to recover
3. You’ll need to uninstall/reinstall and restore from seed phrase

This is by design for security - write down your seed phrase!

Getting Help

Documentation

Browse complete documentation

GitHub Issues

Report bugs or request features