This guide shows you how to create a Monero (XMR) wallet, back it up safely, and connect it to a node for private, reliable syncing. Pick the path that fits your needs and follow the checklist.
Quick Start: Choose Your Path
- Beginner / Mobile: Monero.com (Cake) (iOS/Android), Monerujo (Android), or Stack Wallet. Fast to set up—treat as a spending wallet.
- Desktop (privacy features): Feather Wallet or the official Monero GUI. Great for regular use—connect to your own node for best privacy.
- Maximum safety (cold): Offline/air-gapped wallet with the Monero CLI (offline signer) or a hardware wallet (Ledger/Trezor Model T) used via the Monero GUI.
What You’ll Need
- A clean device (updated OS, no unknown software).
- Paper or metal to back up your 25-word seed.
- (Optional) Access to a trusted node—your own is best.
1) Download the Wallet (from the Right Place)
- Mobile: Monero.com (Cake) • Monerujo • Stack Wallet
- Desktop: Feather Wallet • Monero GUI
- Advanced / Cold: Monero CLI (offline) • Ledger / Trezor Model T with Monero GUI
Security tip: Verify hashes/PGP signatures where provided, especially for desktop downloads.
2) Create Your Wallet & Back Up the Seed
- Install and open the app. Choose “Create New Wallet.”
- Write down the 25-word seed (and any passphrase) offline. Do not screenshot or store in cloud notes.
- Confirm the seed in-app if prompted. Consider a metal backup for long-term storage.
- Set a strong app password/PIN and enable biometric/app lock where available.
3) Connect to a Node (Privacy & Reliability)
Monero wallets sync with the network through a node. You have two choices:
- Your own node (best): Maximum privacy. Run a full node on desktop or a server and point your wallet to it (Tor/I2P recommended).
- Remote node: Faster to start but leaks some metadata to the node operator. If you must, use a trusted remote node and route via Tor (supported by Feather/Monero GUI; many mobile wallets let you set a custom node).
Where to set it: In wallet settings, find Node/Daemon/Remote Node and enter the address/port (and Tor socks proxy if applicable).
4) Set Important Preferences
- Subaddresses: Generate a fresh subaddress for each counterparty to keep flows compartmentalized.
- Restore height: If restoring a seed, set an approximate block height (or date) from when the wallet first saw funds to speed up scanning.
- Fiat display & fee priority: Optional, to make sending simpler.
- Backup files: Besides the seed, back up any wallet files (optional)—but the seed alone restores funds.
5) Receive Your First XMR
- Tap/click Receive and copy or show your subaddress QR.
- Share only addresses (never your seed or keys). For invoices, you can generate a new subaddress per payment.
- Wait for the wallet to sync. Funds appear after the transaction is seen; they become reliably spendable after ~10 confirmations (~20 minutes).
6) Send a Test Transaction
- Tap Send, paste the recipient’s address/QR, enter a tiny amount.
- Check the fee and confirm. Your wallet will create a private transaction by default.
- Save the TXID in case you or the recipient need to verify delivery.
7) Optional Hardening (Worth It)
- Hardware wallet + Monero GUI: Keys stay in the device; you approve on-screen.
- Offline / air-gapped signer: Create a wallet on an offline machine with the CLI, export a view-only wallet to your online PC, then use offline signing to spend.
- Tor/I2P: Route wallet traffic through Tor/I2P (supported by Feather/Monero GUI; some mobile wallets allow Tor via Orbot/VPN).
Platform-Specific Mini-Guides
Mobile (Monero.com / Monerujo / Stack)
- Install from the official store/site. Create wallet → write down seed.
- In Settings → Node, enter your node (or choose a reputable remote node). Enable app lock.
- Use a new subaddress per payment (Receive → Add).
Desktop (Feather / Monero GUI)
- Verify the download (hash/PGP), install, and create a new wallet.
- Point to your own node (Settings → Network/Daemon). Optionally enable Tor.
- Export view-only wallet for auditing; keep the spend key offline or use a hardware wallet.
Cold Storage (CLI offline or Hardware Wallet)
- CLI: On an offline PC, generate wallet & seed. On an online PC, create a view-only wallet. Prepare unsigned tx online → sign offline → broadcast online.
- Hardware: Initialize Ledger/Trezor, then open Monero GUI → “Create a wallet from hardware” → connect and follow prompts.
Common Questions
Do I need my own node? No, but it’s better for privacy. Remote nodes are fine for getting started; switch to your own when you can.
Are web wallets safe? They’re convenient but not the safest—you’re trusting remote infrastructure and exposing more metadata. Prefer desktop/mobile with your own node for meaningful balances.
Windows flags the wallet? False positives happen with crypto tools. Verify signatures/hashes, then whitelist the app if you’re confident it’s genuine.
Best Practices to Remember
- Seed = funds. Anyone with the 25 words controls your XMR. Store offline; never type it into websites or share it.
- Use subaddresses and payment proofs when you need to show you paid.
- Keep spending money hot (phone/desktop) and store savings cold (hardware or air-gapped).
- Update software regularly and verify official releases.
Useful Links
That’s it—you’ve set up your XMR wallet. Start with a small test, get comfortable, then scale up with your own node and (optionally) a hardware or offline signer for long-term funds.
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