Step 1: Open the Solflare mobile app
If you are new to Solflare, download the app and tap “Solflare Shield” on the initial home screen.
If you already use Solflare go to “My wallets” → “Edit”→ “Add Wallet” → “Connect Solflare Shield”.
Scan your card with your phone by holding it against the back of the phone.
You’ll see two options:
Create New
Import Existing
Choose Create New.
Step 2: Generate your recovery phrase
Your Solflare Shield will generate a new 12–word recovery phrase (stored offline in the secure element).
Write it down on the recovery sheet included in the box (or on any other piece of paper)
Do not:
Screenshot it
Save it to your phone
Upload it to the cloud
Show it to anyone
Solflare will guide you through a quick verification step to ensure you wrote everything correctly.
This is the first and only time your recovery phrase will be visible. You can’t see it or export it any time after this, so make sure to write it down and keep it safe!
Step 3: Set up your PIN
Create a PIN that (alongside you tapping your Solflare Shield) will be required for:
Signing transactions
Approving sensitive actions
Unlocking the Shield’s secure chip
Choose something memorable but not easily guessable.
You can also enable biometrics to make signing transactions even more secure and simple by just pressing your finger on the screen or showing your face.
Step 4: Scan again to complete Shield setup
You’ll be prompted to tap your Solflare Shield to the back of your phone using NFC.
This links your hardware wallet to your Solflare Mobile app. Your private keys stay inside the Shield and the app only reads public data needed to display your accounts.
Step 5: Your vault wallet is ready
After the pairing succeeds, you’ll see your hardware wallet account. You can manage it inside the Solflare app.
You’re now using true cold storage through a familiar Solflare experience.
