> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hinkal-team.gitbook.io/hinkal/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hinkal-team.gitbook.io/hinkal/hinkal-wallet/getting-started/onboarding.md).

# Onboarding

Hinkal Wallet onboarding is designed to be simple, secure, and fully self-custodial.

You can choose between three options:

* Create a new wallet
* Import an existing wallet
* Access the legacy version (for users who had hinkal wallet before update)

### Create a New Wallet

(Welcome screen → **Create a wallet**)

1. **Set your password**\
   Create a password for your wallet. This password unlocks your wallet on this device only.\
   If you forget it, you can recover access using your recovery phrase.
2. **Review security notice**\
   Before proceeding, you’ll see an important reminder:

   * Your recovery phrase gives full access to your wallet
   * Anyone with it can control your funds

   Make sure you are in a private environment before continuing.
3. **Generate your recovery phrase**

   Hinkal generates a unique 12-word recovery phrase.

   This is the **only way** to restore your wallet.

   * Store it securely
   * Never share it
   * Never enter it anywhere except inside your wallet
4. **Save and confirm your recovery phrase**\
   After saving it, you’ll need to re-enter the phrase to confirm.

   This ensures you’ve stored it correctly.
5. **Create a username (optional)**\
   Choose a username for your wallet.

   This is used for personalization and can be changed later.
6. **Wallet ready**\
   Your wallet is now created.

   Click **Start your Privacy Journey** to continue.
7. **Unlock your wallet**\
   To access your wallet, enter your password.

   You’re now fully set up and ready to use Hinkal.

{% tabs fullWidth="true" %}
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{% tab title="Step 2 - Review security notice" %}

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{% tab title="Step 3 - Generate your recovery phrase" %}

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{% tab title="Step 4 - Save and confirm your recovery phrase" %}

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{% tab title="Step 5 - Create a username" %}

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{% tab title="Step 6 - Wallet ready" %}

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{% tab title="Step 7 - Unlock your wallet" %}

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### **Import a Wallet**

**Use this option if you already have a wallet with a recovery phrase.**\
(Welcome screen → **Import a wallet**)

1. **Set your password**\
   Create a local password for this device.
2. **Enter your existing recovery phrase**\
   Input the 12-word recovery phrase from your existing wallet.

   This restores your wallet and all associated accounts.
3. **Wallet ready**\
   Once imported, click **Start your Privacy Journey**.
4. **Access your wallet**\
   Enter your password to unlock and start using Hinkal.

{% tabs fullWidth="true" %}
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{% tab title="Step 2 - Enter your existing recovery phrase" %}

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{% tab title="Step 3 - Wallet ready" %}

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{% tab title="Step 4 - Access your wallet" %}

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### Legacy **Version**

Use this option if you created a Hinkal wallet **before the update**. Legacy option leads you to an old onboarding flow.\
(Welcome screen → **Legacy version**)

1. **Go to legacy flow**\
   Click **Back to Legacy version**, then **Get Started**.
2. **Import your previous Hinkal wallet**\
   Select **Import Hinkal Wallet**.
3. **Set a password**\
   Create a new password for your wallet on this device.
4. **Enter your old recovery phrase**\
   Input the recovery phrase from your previous Hinkal wallet.

   This restores your existing wallet.
5. **Finish setup**\
   After confirming, your wallet is ready.

   Click **Open Wallet**, enter your password, and continue.

{% tabs fullWidth="true" %}
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{% tab title="Step 2 - Select Import Hinkal Wallet" %}

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{% tab title="Step 3 - Set a password" %}

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{% tab title="Step 4 - Enter your old recovery phrase" %}

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### Connecting an existing wallet (Legacy)

You can also connect an existing external wallet through the legacy flow.

This process is similar to the standard wallet connection:

* Select your wallet provider
* Approve the connection request
* Sign the message to authenticate

The interface may differ slightly, but the functionality remains the same.

### Which path should I choose?

* **Create a wallet**\
  Best for new users. Full self-custody with a new recovery phrase.
* **Import a wallet**\
  Use an existing recovery phrase to restore a wallet.
* **Legacy version**\
  Only for users who had a Hinkal wallet before the update.

### Important Notes

* Hinkal is fully self-custodial
* Your recovery phrase is the **only backup**
* Hinkal cannot recover your wallet if you lose it