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How to initialize and set up UKey Core 26 hardware wallet?

This guide will guide you through the boot activation, authenticity verification, wallet creation, mnemonic backup, and pairing connection with the client of the UKey Core 26 hardware wallet.

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Written by UKey Wallet

UKey Core Guide

Welcome to UKey Core 26. This tutorial will guide you through the first-time configuration of your device and help you establish a secure self-custody environment for crypto assets.

Before starting configuration, be sure to carefully check the device outer packaging and anti-counterfeiting labels. If you find any signs that the packaging is damaged or opened, please stop using it immediately and contact UKey Customer Support Get help.

Preparation

Before formal setup, please prepare the following items:

  • A complete UKey Core 26 hardware wallet device.

  • Blank mnemonic cards and writing tools included in the box.

  • Download and install the latest version of the UKey Wallet client (🔗ukey.com/download).

Note: Different versions of UKey Wallet clients support different connection methods:

  • Desktop client: supports USB data cable/Bluetooth/QR code connection.

  • Browser plug-in: supports USB data cable/QR code connection.

  • Mobile client: supports Bluetooth/QR code connection.

The first stage: device initialization and backup

Step 1: Power on and select language

  1. Press and hold the device power button for about 3 seconds to turn on UKey Core 26.

  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your preferred system language. You can also modify it at any time later in Settings - General - Language Settings.

Step 2: Verify activated device

To ensure asset security, it is recommended to verify the authenticity of the device before first use. Open your UKey Wallet client and scan the serial number QR code displayed on the device screen to confirm that the device is authentic for first-time activation.

Step 3: Create or import wallet

  1. Select Create New Wallet on the device and press Continue to start initialization.

  2. Select the number of mnemonics you wish to generate (this article uses 12 words as an example). Note: If you need to restore an existing wallet, please select the import method. Devices currently support importing via standard mnemonics, UKey Seed Card, UKey Seed Ring, or UKey Seed Ti.

Step 4: Set PIN code and enter fingerprint

  1. Read the on-screen security prompts carefully, check the box to confirm, and select Continue.

  2. Enter the new PIN you want to set and select 〖☑️〗 to finish, then re-enter the PIN and select 〖☑️〗 to confirm.

  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the entry of fingerprint biometric information (fingerprints can be used as a convenient alternative to PIN code unlocking). You can also choose to skip this step and set it up later.

Step 5: Back up and verify your mnemonic phrase

After completing the above steps, the screen will prompt "Wallet created successfully - please back up now".

  1. Select "Continue" and take out the blank mnemonic card from the box.

  2. In the order shown on the screen, accurately copy each word in the blank space of the corresponding number on the card (such as #1).

  3. After copying is completed, press "Continue" to enter the verification process. Follow the on-screen prompts and select the corresponding word you copied from the options for verification.

  4. Repeat this process until the screen displays "Verified", click "Continue" and follow the prompts to enter the wallet interface.

Phase 2: Connecting to UKey Wallet client

The following operations take using the USB data cable to connect to the desktop client as an example:

Step 6: Establish device connection

  1. Connect the UKey Core 26 device to your computer using the USB cable.

  2. Launch the UKey Wallet desktop client, Click Options - My UKey (My UKey) - Connect Device in sequence; Or directly click "Create Wallet" - "Connect hardware wallet" on the main interface.

  3. Select the device model (UKey Core 26) and click on the device name recognized by the system (for example: UKey Core 26 E850).

Step 7: Anti-counterfeiting verification and account generation

  1. Enter the PIN you just set on your UKey Core 26 device to confirm authorization.

  2. After confirmation, the system will start "Device authentication". This step is designed to confirm that your hardware device has not been maliciously tampered with.

  3. When the screen displays "Verification successful", click "Continue". UKey Wallet will automatically generate a wallet account for you, indicating that the device has been successfully connected.

Phase Three: Check and Verify Wallet Address

To ensure the security of the client's operating environment, please be sure to check the address information before collecting money for the first time:

Step 8: Verify the address on the device

  1. In the UKey Wallet desktop client, click Receive - Verify on device.

  2. Carefully compare the address displayed on the UKey Wallet software interface with the address displayed on the UKey Core 26 hardware screen.

  3. If the two addresses match exactly, click Confirm on the UKey Core 26 device. At this point, you can safely use the complete payment address and corresponding QR code.

Congratulations! Your UKey Core 26 wallet is now set up and ready to use.

Core safety tips

For the safety of your assets, please remember the following principles:

  • Mnemonic phrase is the only way to recover assets: Never take pictures or screenshots of your mnemonic phrases, or save them to your phone, computer, or any cloud network. Be sure to keep the physical card in a safe place.

  • Beware of preset traps: If the device you received came with a preset PIN or a mnemonic card with words already written on it, Never use.

  • Keep your PIN safe: If you enter an incorrect PIN code 10 times in a row, the device will trigger the security protection mechanism and automatically reset the hardware wallet, erasing all data.

Advanced usage tips: This tutorial is designed to help you complete basic initialization. You can still follow up as needed at any time. Explore and manually activate advanced features like AirGap mode or UKey Seed Ti titanium plate backup.

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