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Quick Start Summary

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Creating Your Offline Bitcoin Key in 5 Steps:

  1. Assemble - Randomly insert bits into your key's eight slots to create a unique binary sequence

  2. Convert - Read the bits offline using pen and paper to derive your BIP-39 seed phrase

  3. Backup - Create multiple secure copies of your key or seed phrase before proceeding

  4. Protect - Store in the included steel case and add a passphrase for maximum security

  5. Use - Generate addresses and sign transactions using offline signing software

 

Important: Once assembled, keep your key offline and never share photos or details of your configuration.

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. Your key has eight numbered faces (0-7), each containing 32 bit positions (GENESIS) or 16 positions (GENESIS MINI). Before inserting bits, decide your reading order—this determines your unique private key. We recommend: Start at face 7 (top or bottom) as your most significant digit, and end at face 0 (opposite end) as your least significant digit. 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: 1. Starting at your most significant digit position, read 11 consecutive bits from your key Optional 2. Convert these 11 bits to a decimal number (0-2047) 3. Find the corresponding word in the BIP-39 wordlist links adjacent. 4. Repeat for a total of 11 words (128-bit key) or 23 words (256-bit key) 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.

Step 3. Backup your key

Your key is your only access to your Bitcoin. Create backups before proceeding: **Physical key backups:** Purchase additional GENESIS 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. Store all backups with the same security as your primary key.

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Step 4. Protect your key

**Physical protection:** - Store your GENESIS 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. 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

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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.

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