Getting Started with Bitcoin Keeper

Welcome to Bitcoin Keeper! This guide will walk you through setting up the app for the first time and understanding its core concepts.

1. Install and Secure Your App: After installing Keeper, open the app and you’ll be prompted to create a passcode – a PIN that locks the app. Choose a strong PIN that’s hard to guess. This passcode will be required whenever you open Keeper.

2. Recovery Key: Next, Keeper will generate a 12-word Recovery Key (also called a mnemonic or seed phrase) automatically. Write these 12 words down on paper (in the exact order) and store them safely offline. These words are the master key to all your funds in Keeper. Tip: Do not take screenshots or save them digitally to avoid theft. You’ll be asked to confirm some words to ensure you wrote them correctly – this is a critical safety step, so don’t skip it.

3. Create Your First Wallet: With the security basics done, it’s time to create a wallet (a place where your bitcoin will live). Keeper will guide you to add a wallet. You have options:
 - Hot Wallet (single-key) – Easiest to start: Keeper will use your Recovery Key to make a simple wallet for day-to-day use . 
 - Vault (multi-key) – More secure: e.g., a 2-of-3 multisig vault where you’ll use multiple keys/ devices. Great for larger savings .
 - Collaborative Wallet – A multisig wallet shared with others (for example, family or business partners). For your first time, we recommend a Hot Wallet so you can get familiar with sending/receiving bitcoin. You can always add vaults later.

4. Receiving Bitcoin: Once your wallet is set up, tap on it and click Receive. You’ll see a QR code and a Bitcoin address. You can show the QR to someone to send you bitcoin, or copy the address and send it to them. Always double-check you’re using the right address for the right wallet.

5. Sending Bitcoin: To send bitcoin, tap Send in the wallet, enter the recipient’s address or scan their QR code, and input the amount. Keeper will then guide you through confirming the details and finalizing the transaction with your key(s).

6. Backup and Recovery: Your Recovery Key (12 words) is your ultimate backup. If you ever lose access to the app or forget your passcode, you can recover your wallets by reinstalling Keeper and choosing “Recover Existing App”, then entering the 12 words . Keep those words safe! Additionally, if you’re a Hodler tier subscriber, you can use Cloud Backup to save wallet configuration files (multisig setups) securely to your cloud – but note this does not replace the 12-word Recovery Key.

7. Next Steps: Now that you’re set up, explore the app! You can add more wallets or vaults, connect hardware keys, and even plan inheritance. Check out the Help Center articles on specific features as you go. And remember – never share your 12-word Recovery Key or passcode with anyone. Keeper’s team will never ask for them. By following these steps, you’ve taken control of your bitcoin. Congrats on starting your selfcustody journey with Keeper!