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How To Set Up Secure A Cold Wallet With AirGap Vault (Android)

In this guide we will describe the steps of how a secure offline device can be set up.

Simple Setup​

  1. Get a dedicated device, which will from now on ONLY be used for AirGap Vault, no other applications
  2. Update the device to the latest firmware and install all available updates
  3. Do a factory reset
  4. Set up the device and use a strong password, optionally protect the device with biometrics
  5. Install AirGap Vault
  6. Set device into Airplane mode and never turn it back on

You now have a secure device set up and you can proceed to set up AirGap Vault.

Advanced Setup​

  • Get a dedicated device, which will from now on ONLY be used for AirGap Vault, no other applications

  • Update the device to the latest firmware and install all available updates

  • Do a factory reset

Your device is now in a factory reset state and we can proceed to set it up again and install AirGap Vault.

  • Set a strong password and optionally protect your device with biometrics. Make sure your disk is encrypted.

  • Disable WiFi

  • Disable Bluetooth

  • Enable Airplane mode

Your AirGap Vault device should now be fully offline and not have any way to connect to the internet.

  • Make sure speakers are off - Data transmission over sound is possible, albeit with limited capacity. We recommend that you turn it off to achieve a truly air-gapped device.

  • On an online device, download a copy of the AirGap Vault application from GitHub, or build it yourself.

  • Copy the downloaded file from your online computer to the offline device via SD Card or USB Stick.

Removing AirGap Vault​

To completely remove AirGap Vault from your device, we recommend the following steps:

  1. Remove all secrets from AirGap Vault
  2. In the AirGap Vault settings, enter the "Danger Zone" and select "Wipe"
  3. Remove AirGap Vault from your device
  4. Do a factory reset

Updating AirGap Vault​

  • On an online device, download a copy of the AirGap Vault application from GitHub, or build it yourself.

  • Copy the downloaded file from your online computer to the offline device via SD Card or USB Stick and replace the old installation.