Setup Guide

Creating your offline Bitcoin key in 5 steps

Quick Start Summary

Assemble - Randomly insert bits to create unique binary sequence
Convert - Read bits offline to derive BIP-39 seed phrase
Backup - Create multiple secure copies before proceeding
Protect - Store in steel case, add passphrase for max security
Use - Generate addresses using offline signing software

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Critical: Once assembled, keep your key offline. Never share photos or configuration details.

Step 1

Make Your Key

Randomly insert the physical bits into your key's eight slots. Each bit can be read as either 0 or 1 depending on its orientation, creating a binary number that becomes the foundation of your Bitcoin private key.

Understanding Your Key

Your key has eight numbered faces (0-7), each containing:

256-bit key: 32 bit positions per face
128-bit MINI key: 16 bit positions per face

Choose Your Reading Order

Before inserting bits, decide your reading order—this determines your unique private key.

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Recommended:

Start at face 7 (top or bottom) as your most significant digit, and end at face 0 (opposite end) as your least significant digit.

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Important: Write down your chosen reading order and store it securely—you'll need it to access your Bitcoin.

Step 2

Convert to Seed Phrase

Using pen and paper (remain offline), read your key to generate your seed phrase.

Starting at your most significant digit position, read 11 consecutive bits from your key

(Optional) Convert these 11 bits to a decimal number (0-2047)

Find the corresponding word in the BIP-39 wordlist

Repeat for a total of 11 words (128-bit) or 23 words (256-bit)

You'll have 7 bits (128-bit) or 3 bits (256-bit) remaining. The final word contains these remaining bits plus a checksum. Use offline tech such as SeedSigner or an offline calculator to determine your complete seed phrase with the final checksum word.

Resources

📄 Decimal Seed Phrase Generation PDF 📄 Binary Seed Phrase Generation PDF 📄 BIP-39 Word List

Step 3

Backup Your Key

Your key is your only access to your Bitcoin. Create backups before proceeding.

Physical Key Backups

Purchase additional modulo keys and assemble them identically, or document the bit positions securely.

Seed Phrase Backups

Write your seed phrase on durable material (metal plates, waterproof paper) and store in geographically separate secure locations.

Distributed Security

Consider using multi-signature setups or splitting backup information among trusted parties to prevent single points of failure.

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Critical: Store all backups with the same security as your primary key.

Step 4

Protect Your Key

Physical Protection

Store your modulo key in the included stainless steel protective case
Keep in a fire-resistant safe, preferably bolted down
Store backups in separate geographic locations
Never photograph or discuss your key publicly

Add a Passphrase

Adding a BIP-39 passphrase (also called "25th word" or "salt") provides crucial additional security. Even if someone obtains your physical key or seed phrase, they cannot access your Bitcoin without your passphrase.

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Important: Your passphrase must be memorized or stored separately from your key. There is no recovery if you forget it.

Operational Security

Maintain privacy about your Bitcoin holdings
Document key details using coded language only you understand
Consider a decoy strategy for home security

Step 5

Use Your Key

Use your seed phrase with offline signing software to:

Generate Bitcoin receiving addresses
Sign transactions without exposing your key to the internet
Maintain complete privacy and security

Click the "Usage" button below for additional instructions on working with offline signers and learn how addresses are generated based on the key and derivation.

Advanced Usage Guide →