Self-custody workshop
Set up a wallet, back it up and restore it, with coins that have no value.
Self-custody workshop, with test coins
On Saturday mornings we set up a wallet together using testnet coins, which have no value, so a mistake costs nothing. You write the recovery words on paper, wipe the wallet, restore it from the words and send a test payment to your neighbour.
- A charged laptop or phone, and a pen
- No bitcoin, no exchange account, no card details
- Two hours, twelve seats, two teachers
Holding your own keys means nobody can reverse a mistake or recover lost words for you. Bitcoin’s value can rise and fall sharply, and you can lose all the money you put in. Nothing on this site is financial advice: we explain how bitcoin works, never whether to buy it.
What happens on the day
Two hours, in this order, with a teacher for every six people.
Make a test wallet
On your laptop or phone, using testnet coins that have no value.
Write the words
On a paper card, by hand, in order.
Wipe the wallet
Delete it, so the words are the only way back.
Restore it
From the paper card, word by word.
Send a test payment
To your neighbour’s address, checked character by character.
Watch it confirm
On a public block explorer, block by block.
Holding your own keys means nobody can reverse a mistake or recover lost words for you. Bitcoin’s value can rise and fall sharply, and you can lose all the money you put in. Nothing on this site is financial advice: we explain how bitcoin works, never whether to buy it.
Questions are the point of the course
Bring yours to an evening class in Springfield library. Seats are limited to twenty so everyone gets an answer.