How to Set Up and Use Cake Wallet

# Step-by-Step Security Checklist for Self-Custody.

Setting up a new self-custody wallet incorrectly is the #1 way people lose their funds. Because Cake Wallet is non-custodial, you are entirely responsible for your security. There is no customer support team who can recover your keys or reset a password. Follow this bulletproof setup guide.

AI Summary

How to Setup Cake Wallet (Quick Steps):

To use Cake Wallet safely, follow these 4 steps:

  1. Download: Get Cake Wallet strictly from official stores (iOS App Store, Google Play, or GitHub APK).
  2. Pin Decryption: Launch the app, click "Create New Wallet," and set a secure 4-to-6 digit PIN.
  3. Secure Seed: Write down the 25-word (Monero) or 12-word (Bitcoin) seed phrase onto physical paper. Store it in a safe place.
  4. Sync: Allow the wallet to synchronize with the blockchain using automatic nodes or custom nodes.

Step 1: Download & Verify

Scammers frequently create lookalike clone applications in app stores to hijack your funds. Always verify the publisher:

  • Apple iOS: Publisher must be Cake Technologies LLC.
  • Android Play Store: Publisher must be Cake Technologies.
  • Android APK: Only download from the official verified GitHub releases page of Cake Technologies.

Never trust third-party APK sharing sites!

Step 2: Local Encryption PIN

When you create a new wallet, the software generates your private keys. The app will prompt you to set a 4-to-6 digit local PIN.

This PIN is incredibly important because it is used to encrypt your wallet files on your local device using AES-256-GCM. If someone steals your phone, they cannot steal your assets without knowing this PIN. Biometrics (FaceID/Fingerprint) can be enabled to bypass typing this every time.

Step 3: The 25-Word Mnemonic Backup Seed

⚠️ CRITICAL RULES FOR YOUR SEED PHRASE:
  • 1. Write it on paper. Never copy it into text files or cloud drives.
  • 2. Never take screenshots or photo backups of the seed phrase.
  • 3. Never share your seed phrase with ANYONE, including anyone claiming to represent Cake Wallet support.

After setting your PIN, you will be shown a sequence of words. This is your **backup seed phrase** (25 words for Monero, 12 words for Bitcoin). It is the raw mathematical representation of your private key.

If your phone breaks, is stolen, or gets wiped, this seed phrase is the **only way** to recover your coins. Write it down in order, double-check every word, and store that paper in a waterproof and fire-resistant location.

Step 4: Blockchain Syncing

Because Cake Wallet runs on your mobile phone, it does not download the entire multi-gigabyte Monero or Bitcoin ledger. Instead, it connects to a **daemon node** to retrieve your transaction details.

By default, Cake Wallet connects automatically to reliable public nodes. Once connected, your wallet will begin "Syncing" from the block height. This may take from 2 to 15 minutes depending on your internet connection speed. Let the application stay open until the status bar says "Synchronized."

Setting a Custom Node

For maximum privacy, you can configure your own remote Monero node or use custom trusted community nodes:

  1. Go to Settings -> Connection.
  2. Turn off Auto-select nodes.
  3. Click Add Node.
  4. Input the Daemon Address & Port (e.g., `node.community.xmr.to:18089`).
  5. Click Save.
CUSTOM NODES ALIVE

How to Send and Receive Assets

Receiving Assets:

Click on the **Receive** icon inside the app. You will see your wallet's public address and a matching QR code. For Monero, it is highly recommended to click **Subaddresses** and generate a new address for each sender. This stops anyone from linking your deposits together on public platforms.

Sending Assets:

Click on the **Send** icon. Enter the recipient's public address (or scan their QR code), type the amount, and choose your network fee (for Monero, "Medium" or "Slow" is incredibly cheap and processes in minutes). Click Send, review the transaction details, and input your local security PIN to authorize the transaction.