¶ Introduction
¶ In a nutshell
Samourai Wallet is a free and open source (FOSS), non custodial bitcoin wallet software.
Designed to provide users increased privacy when interacting with the bitcoin network while also keeping them in full control of their private keys at all times.
Due to the nature of FOSS our software and can be built, run, and hosted completely independently of the our software development team.
- Prior to 1 Jan 2021 Samourai Wallet is published under the Unlicense
- After 1 Jan 2021 Samourai Wallet is published under the GNU General Public License 3.0
¶ Blockchain Privacy
Just like curtains are privacy technology for windows and envelopes are privacy technology for letters, Samourai Wallet is privacy technology for bitcoin. With an emphasis on transactional privacy; multiple tools that compliement each other are offered to users in an effort to help them achieve greater blockchain privacy.
¶ No Personally Indentifying Information
Samourai Wallet doesn’t collect any PII (Personally Indentifying Information) such as Name, Email Address, or Phone Number to use the software.
¶ Install
Requirements:
- Android 6.0 +
Navigate to Settings > Repositories > +
Repository Address:
https://repo.samourai.io/fdroid
Fingerprint:
5318AFA280284855CF5D0027AA54517769F461D735980B1FB0854CEAE8E072A5
If you see "unverified" after adding the repository simply refresh your F-Droid client app under the Categories tab.
¶ Permissions
This permission is requested so the wallet can scan QR codes.
This permission is requested so the wallet can automatically save an encrypted backup of your wallet onto your device.
¶ Create New Wallet
¶ New Welcome Screen
Our new welcome screen gives a preview of our wallet features. When you have read these, tap 'Get Started'.
¶ Permissions
Grant the neccessary permissions so that the wallet can automatically create an encrypted backup of your wallet.
¶ Tor
Most users should then enable Tor for network level privacy. Then tap Create a New Wallet.
¶ Creating a passphrase
Create a secure but memorable passphrase. This passphrase will provide additional security to your wallet and is compatible with any wallet that has implemented the widely supported BIP39 specification.
Your passphrase is a required component when restoring by mnemonic (sometimes called Recovery Words) or when pairing to Whirlpool Desktop apps. It is essential you do not lose or forget your passphrase.
We do not have knowledge of your passphrase, if you forget your passphrase we cannot help you reset it.
Do not forget your passphrase!
¶ Create a PIN Code
You will now be asked to create and confirm a PIN code between 5 and 8 digits long. The PIN code is used to easily unlock your wallet without needing to enter your passphrase.
If you forget your PIN code you can always access your wallet with your passphrase.
¶ Create a Paper Backup
You have now created a brand new Bitcoin wallet. You will be shown 12 random words. It is crucial that you write down and secure these 12 secret words.
These words when used together with your passphrase can regenerate your entire wallet, balance, and history in any compatible wallet software.
Your secret words must be kept a secret. Anyone who knows your secret words and your passphrase will be able to steal your bitcoin. Never keep your words saved on a computer or the cloud.
¶ Claim your PayNym Bot
A PayNym is a type of stealth address that is unlike normal bitcoin addresses in that it is safe to share publicly without revealing anything about your wallet including balance or transaction history.
After your wallet is successfully created you will be asked to claim a PayNym Bot. This is a visual representation of the SHA-256 hash of your wallet PayNym address.
Once claimed you will be assigned a unique Bot Name that is uploaded to the public directory of PayNym bots, which can be found at https://paynym.is
¶ First Steps
¶ Receiving Bitcoin
First things first. You cannot buy bitcoin from within the Samourai Wallet software. You can only store bitcoin you already own.
¶ Get your latest bitcoin address
Your Samourai Wallet contains an infinite amount of bitcoin addresses that get used once and then are archived. To get your latest bitcoin address press the blue + button on the bottom right of the main balance and transactions screen. Then press the green Receive button to open the Receive screen.
¶ Scan or share your address
Samourai Wallet will display a QR code of your latest bitcoin address. Above the QR code is the actual address text. You can scan this QR code with any other bitcoin wallet or you share the QR code or address manually by tapping the text of the address.
¶ Send from your other wallet
With your other wallet or service either scan the QR code on the Receive screen or paste the address. We recommend depositing at least 0.001 BTC to unlock the full potential of the wallet.
If you receive an error when trying to send to the address generated by Samourai Wallet press the button and change the
Address Typetosegwit compatibility
¶ Sending Bitcoin
If you have a QR code of the recipient's bitcoin address, the quickest way to send is to tap in the toolbar. This will activate the camera and scanner. Focus the camera on the QR code until it successfully scans.
¶ The Send Screen
To get to the Send Screen without activating the Quick Scan camera simply tap the blue + button on the bottom right of the main balance and transactions screen. Then, press the red send button. This will open the Send Screen.
On the send screen, you can activate the QR scanner by pressing in the toolbar. You can also manually paste any bitcoin address into the To field.
Once a valid address and send amount are entered in, the Review Transaction button at the bottom will no longer be grey, and will become blue. Tap it to continue to the review screen.
¶ Review & Send Transaction
Double check that the bitcoin address and amount are correct.
Use the fee slider to increase or decrease the transaction priority. The lower the priority, the longer it will take for the transaction to confirm. Increase the fee for more urgent transactions that need to be confirmed quickly.
Underneath the fee slider, there will be a green SEND button across the bottom of your screen. Tap it to continue.
You will be asked to confirm the details of your send one last time. Take a moment to review those details before sending. Press OK to broadcast your transaction to the bitcoin network, and then wait for your transaction to confirm.