FAQ
Frequently asked
questions.
Guides, troubleshooting, and answers to the most common questions about your KeepKey.
How-To Guides
How do I initialize my KeepKey?
Connect your KeepKey and open Vault Desktop. The app walks you through generating a new seed or recovering an existing wallet step by step.
How do I recover my KeepKey?
Open Vault Desktop, select "Recover Wallet," and enter your 12-word recovery phrase. Full guide: KeepKey Device Recovery.
How do I update my firmware?
Connect your device, open Vault Desktop, and follow the on-screen firmware update prompt. Full guide: Updating Your KeepKey Firmware.
How do I use ShapeShift with my KeepKey?
Open Vault Desktop and launch the ShapeShift dapp from the Apps section. Guide: How to Open ShapeShift Dapp from Inside KeepKey Desktop.
Troubleshooting
My KeepKey is not being recognized by my computer.
Try a different USB cable, port, or computer. Make sure Vault Desktop is running. Full guide: Troubleshooting Connecting Your KeepKey.
KeepKey is not recognized by ShapeShift.
Use the KKCLI debug tool. Guide: Using KKCLI to Debug Your KeepKey.
I forgot my PIN.
You can wipe and restore the device using your recovery phrase. Guide: KeepKey Device Recovery.
I lost my device. How do I recover my funds?
Your funds are on the blockchain, not the device. Use any BIP39-compatible wallet with your 12-word recovery phrase. Guide: KeepKey Device Recovery.
I lost my recovery phrase.
Unfortunately, there is no way to recover your wallet without the recovery phrase. This is why securely backing it up on paper and storing it in a safe place is critical.
Security
How do I validate my firmware?
You can reproduce the build from source and compare hashes. Guide: Verifying KeepKey Firmware.
Is a hardware wallet really more secure than a software wallet?
Yes. Private keys are generated and stored on the device and never exposed to your computer. Guide: 5 Myths About Hardware Wallets.
Does KeepKey support multisig?
How do I protect against physical attacks?
Use a BIP39 passphrase for an extra layer of protection. Guide: BIP39 Passphrase and Physical Attack Protection.
Web3 & DeFi
Can I use Uniswap with KeepKey?
Yes. Open Vault Desktop and connect to Uniswap through the browser extension or WalletConnect. Guide: How to Use Uniswap in KeepKey Desktop.
Developer Community
Does KeepKey have a REST API?
Yes. Vault Desktop exposes a local REST API on port 1646. Guide: Understanding the KeepKey REST API.