Wallet Management
Bolt21 supports multiple wallets, letting you organize your Bitcoin for different purposes. Each wallet has its own recovery phrase and balance.
Creating a Wallet
Your First Wallet
- Download and open Bolt21
- Tap Create New Wallet
- Write down your 12-word recovery phrase on paper
- Verify your phrase by selecting words in order
- Set up biometric authentication
- Your wallet is ready!
Additional Wallets
- Open Settings → Manage Wallets
- Tap Add Wallet
- Choose Create New or Restore Existing
- Follow the setup process
- Switch between wallets from the Manage Wallets screen
Backing Up Your Wallet
Your 12-word recovery phrase IS your backup. Without it, you cannot recover your funds.
Viewing Your Recovery Phrase
- Open Settings
- Tap Backup Wallet or View Recovery Phrase
- Authenticate with biometrics
- Your 12 words will be displayed
Backup Best Practices
DO:
- Write it on paper (or metal for fire/water resistance)
- Store in a secure location (safe, safety deposit box)
- Consider splitting between two locations
- Test your backup by restoring to a second device
DON’T:
- Take a screenshot
- Store in cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive)
- Email or text it to yourself
- Store on your computer
- Share with anyone
Switching Wallets
- Open Settings → Manage Wallets
- Tap the wallet you want to use
- Authenticate if required
- You’re now using the selected wallet
Each wallet is completely separate with its own:
- Balance
- BOLT12 offer
- Transaction history
- Lightning channels
Editing Wallet Details
- Open Settings → Manage Wallets
- Tap the edit icon next to a wallet
- Change the wallet name
- Tap Save
Wallet names are for your organization only and aren’t shared with anyone.
Deleting a Wallet
Warning: This removes the wallet from this device. Your funds are NOT deleted from the Bitcoin network.
Before Deleting
- Backup your recovery phrase if you haven’t already
- Send all funds to another wallet if you don’t want to keep the phrase
- Understand that you can restore anytime with the 12 words
To Delete
- Open Settings → Manage Wallets
- Swipe left on the wallet (or tap delete icon)
- Confirm deletion
- Authenticate with biometrics
After Deleting
- The wallet is removed from your device
- Your recovery phrase still works to restore it
- Any funds remain on the Lightning network
- Channels may close if not accessed for extended periods
Multi-Wallet Use Cases
Personal + Business
Keep business income separate from personal spending.
Savings + Spending
Hot wallet for daily use, separate wallet for larger savings.
Mining Payouts
Dedicated wallet for receiving Ocean or other mining payouts.
Testing
Create a test wallet with small amounts to learn the app.
Next: Recovery & Restore