The SafePal S1 is a handy hardware wallet that keeps your cryptocurrency secure by storing your private keys offline. This means it’s safe from online threats like hackers or phishing, unlike apps on your phone or computer. With its built-in camera, battery, and a simple app to go with it, the S1 makes managing your crypto—think Bitcoin, Ethereum, or others—easy and safe. This guide will walk you through setting it up offline, adding the app, and starting to use it, all in plain English.

What Makes the SafePal S1 Special?

The SafePal S1 is like a little safe for your digital money. It keeps your private keys—the codes that unlock your crypto—offline so no one can steal them online. It’s got a touchscreen, runs on its own battery, and works with the SafePal App to let you send or receive coins anywhere. Whether you’re new to this or a crypto veteran, it’s a solid way to protect your funds.

Unboxing Check: What You’ve Got

Open the box, and you’ll find:

• The SafePal S1 device with a nice screen

• A USB-C cable for charging or connecting

• A short setup guide

• A Recovery Seed card to jot down your backup words

• A few SafePal stickers for fun

Safety First: Take a quick look at the box. There’s an anti-tamper sticker, usually near the USB port. If it’s broken, the device turns on without you touching it, or something feels wrong, stop and contact SafePal Support at support@safepal.io or safepal.io.

Setting Up Offline: Let’s Do This Step by Step

The SafePal S1 starts offline to keep things secure, and we’ll add the app later. Here’s how to get it going.

Get It Powered Up

• Plug the S1 into a 5V phone charger with the USB-C cable. Avoid laptop USBs for the first 48 hours to prevent any power hiccups. You’ll see a lightning bolt on the screen when it’s charging—let it charge fully, about 48 hours, to keep the battery strong.

• After charging, press and hold the power button (right side) for 3-5 seconds until the screen turns on. Use the arrow keys (up, down, left, right) to pick your language, then press OK.

Verify It’s the Real Deal

• The screen will show a “Device Authentication” QR code. Use your phone’s camera or a QR app to scan it, and it’ll take you to a SafePal verification page (like safepal.io/auth).

• Press OK on the S1 to get a 6-digit code. Type that into the website and click “Authenticate.” You’ll see a “Congratulations!” message with another QR code—that means your device is legit. Keep that page open for now.

Create Your Wallet

• Scroll to “Create New Wallet” using the arrow keys and press OK. You’ll choose how many backup words—go with 12 for simple, or 24 for extra security. Press OK to move forward. This sets up your wallet’s secret keys right on the device.

Save Your Backup Words

• The S1 will show your 12- or 24-word recovery seed, one word at a time (you only see it once, so pay attention!). Write each word in order on the Recovery Seed card, double-checking as you go. Use a pen that won’t fade, like a waterproof one.

• Stash the card somewhere safe and offline—a locked drawer or a metal storage case (like SafePal Metal) is perfect. Don’t take a photo or save it on your device—it’s a security risk.

• When prompted, pick the words in order on the screen to confirm. Press OK after each, then hold OK to finish.

Set Up Your PIN

• Go to “Set My PIN” and use the arrow keys to enter a 6-digit PIN. Avoid easy ones like “123456”—pick something you’ll remember but others won’t guess.

• Type it again to confirm. You’ll need this PIN every time you use the S1, so it acts like a personal lock.

Give It a Name

• Select “Name My Wallet,” type a name like “MyCryptoFund” with the arrow keys, and press OK. A QR code will pop up—save this for the app step. This name helps if you use more than one device later.

Add the SafePal App

• The S1 works offline, but the app makes it useful. Download the SafePal App from safepal.io or scan the QR code from the guide with your phone.

• Open the app, create a password (at least 8 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols), and tap “Add Wallet” > “Hardware Wallet.”

• Scan the QR code from the S1, enter your PIN on the device, and press OK to connect. Now the app and S1 are linked!

Using Your SafePal S1: Moving Crypto

Once it’s set up, here’s how to get your money in and out.

Bring Crypto to Your S1

• First Time Setup: Connect the S1 to a computer with the USB-C cable. Enter “1234” to start, then set a new 6-digit PIN to make it yours.

• Safe Connection: Plug it into a computer with no viruses, enter your PIN, and use it like a USB drive. Keep your PC secure.

• Get Your Address: Open the app, go to “Receive,” pick your coin, and copy the address. Check it on the S1 screen to be sure.

• Transfer It: Log into your exchange (like Coinbase), go to withdraw, paste the address, and add the amount. Pick the right network (e.g., ERC-20) and check fees. Confirm after a double-check.

• Check the Balance: Open the app to see your new balance. Plug in the S1 to confirm, then unplug and store it safely.

Send and Receive Crypto

• Receive Money: In the app, tap “Receive,” choose your coin, and share the address (verify on the S1 screen). It’ll appear after a short wait.

• Send Money: Tap “Send,” enter the other person’s address and amount, and review the fee. Check it on the S1, enter your PIN, and press OK. Double-check—transactions can’t be undone!

• Extra Layer: Add a passphrase in the app (Settings > Passphrase) for more security. Keep it safe with your backup words, but don’t save it digitally.

Safety Features to Know

• App Password: Set an 8+ character password (e.g., “CryptoSafe23”) for the app—keep it to yourself.

• Two-Step Verification (2FA): Turn on 2FA in the app to get a phone code, adding extra protection.

• Tamper Check: If the sticker’s broken when you get it, it might be tampered with—contact support.

• Self-Erase: Wrong PIN 15 times, and it wipes everything—use your backup words to recover.

• Backup Words: Your 12- or 24-word seed restores your wallet if you lose the S1. Hide it in a safe place.

Tips to Keep It Safe

• Set Up Privately: Do this alone, cover your phone camera, and avoid public Wi-Fi.

• Protect Your Words: Lock the Recovery Seed card in a box or use a metal case—never digitize it.

• Test First: Send a small amount (like $1) to make sure it works.

• Update Often: Check “Settings” > “Firmware Update” in the app to stay secure.

• Buy Genuine: Only get it from safepal.io to avoid fakes.

Troubleshoot

• Won’t Start?: Charge it for 48 hours with a phone charger. Still dead? Email support@safepal.io with your device ID.

• Can’t Connect?: Ensure the QR code is clear, restart the app and S1, and try again.

• Forgot PIN?: Reset with your backup words—no words, no access.

• Screen Stuck?: Hold the power button for 10 seconds to reboot; try again if needed.