How to use the SafePal hardware wallet? (Cold storage setup)

Initial Device Setup

1. Unbox the SafePal S1 hardware wallet and verify all components: device, USB-C cable, recovery seed card, and quick start guide.

2. Power on the device by pressing and holding the side button until the SafePal logo appears.

3. Navigate to Settings > Device Setup using the physical buttons and confirm with the center button.

4. Choose “Create New Wallet” to generate a new 12-word mnemonic phrase directly on the device—never typed or displayed on any connected screen.

5. Carefully write down each word in exact order on the provided recovery card, verifying spelling and sequence before proceeding.

Secure Seed Phrase Backup

1. The device will prompt you to verify your seed phrase by selecting three random words from the list in correct positions.

2. Perform this verification twice—once immediately after writing and again after powering off and restarting the device.

3. Store the physical seed card in a fireproof, waterproof, and tamper-evident location—never digitally photograph or save it on cloud services.

4. Avoid sharing the seed phrase with anyone, including SafePal support staff, as no legitimate representative will ever request it.

5. Consider engraving the phrase onto stainless steel for long-term durability against environmental degradation.

Connecting to SafePal App

1. Install the official SafePal mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store—avoid third-party APKs or unofficial sources.

2. Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone and open the SafePal app, then select “Hardware Wallet” and choose “SafePal S1”.

3. Confirm pairing on the device screen by comparing the six-digit code shown on both the app and hardware display.

4. Once paired, the app displays your wallet address and balance without exposing private keys—the device remains air-gapped during transaction signing.

5. Disable automatic Bluetooth reconnection in phone settings to prevent unintended pairing attempts from unknown devices.

Signing Transactions Offline

1. Initiate a transfer within the SafePal app by entering recipient address, amount, and network fee.

2. Tap “Confirm & Sign”—the transaction details are sent via Bluetooth to the S1 device for offline approval.

3. Review all fields on the hardware screen: destination address, token type, amount, gas limit, and network ID.

4. Press the center button to approve if everything matches; rejection requires a long press of the side button.

5. After approval, the signed transaction is transmitted back to the app and broadcast to the blockchain—private keys never leave the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I recover my SafePal wallet using another brand’s hardware wallet?Yes—if the other device supports BIP-39 standard and uses the same derivation path (e.g., m/44'/60'/0'/0 for Ethereum), your 12-word seed will restore access.

Q: What happens if my SafePal S1 stops responding or becomes physically damaged?You retain full control through your written seed phrase—purchase a new SafePal S1 or compatible wallet and input the original words to regain access.

Q: Does SafePal store my private keys on its servers when I use the cloud backup feature?No—SafePal Cloud Backup only stores encrypted metadata such as wallet labels and transaction history; private keys and seed phrases remain strictly offline and device-bound.

Q: Is it safe to update the firmware over Bluetooth?Firmware updates must be initiated manually through the official SafePal app and verified via SHA-256 checksums displayed on the device screen before installation—no remote or automatic updates occur.