Ideal Security: How to Create A Cold Storage Wallet for Monero (XMR)

Creating a Monero Cold Storage wallet using Feather Wallet involves setting up an offline (air-gapped) computer to securely store your private keys, ensuring they remain isolated from potential online threats. This method enhances the security of your Monero holdings by preventing unauthorized access.

Requirements:

1. Offline Computer: An old laptop or desktop, ideally with a webcam, designated to remain permanently offline.
2. Online Computer: Your regular internet-connected device.

Step 1: Prepare the Offline Computer

1. Install a Linux Distribution: For enhanced security, install a lightweight Linux distribution such as Tails, PeppermintOS or MX Linux on your offline computer.
2. Disable Network Interfaces: Physically remove or disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules to ensure the device remains offline. This can often be done through the BIOS settings or by physically disconnecting the hardware.

Step 2: Install Feather Wallet on the Offline Computer

1. Download Feather Wallet: On your online computer, download the latest version of Feather Wallet from the official website.
2. Transfer and Install: Use a USB drive to transfer the Feather Wallet installation file to your offline computer. Install the software following the provided instructions.

Step 3: Create a New Wallet

1. Launch Feather Wallet: Open the application on your offline computer.
2. Create New Wallet: Select “Create a new wallet” and follow the prompts.
3. Securely Store Seed Phrase: Write down the 25-word seed phrase on paper and store it in a secure location. This seed is crucial for wallet recovery.
4. Set Wallet Password: Choose a strong, unique password to encrypt your wallet file.
5. Enable Offline Mode: In Feather Wallet, navigate to the network settings and select “Disable all network connections (offline)” to ensure the wallet operates in offline mode.

Step 4: Set Up a View-Only Wallet on Your Online Computer

1. Export View-Only Keys: In Feather Wallet on your offline computer, export the view-only wallet keys. This allows you to monitor your balance and generate receiving addresses without exposing your private keys.
2. Transfer View-Only Keys: Use a USB drive to transfer the view-only keys to your online computer.
3. Install Feather Wallet Online: Install Feather Wallet on your online computer and import the view-only wallet using the transferred keys.

Step 5: Receive Monero

1. Generate Receiving Address: In the view-only wallet on your online computer, generate a receiving address.
2. Share Address: Use this address to receive Monero. The view-only wallet will display incoming transactions and balances.

Step 6: Prepare to Send Monero

1. Create Unsigned Transaction: In the view-only wallet on your online computer, initiate a transaction and save the unsigned transaction file.
2. Transfer Unsigned Transaction: Use a USB drive to move the unsigned transaction file to your offline computer.

Step 7: Sign the Transaction Offline

1. Open Feather Wallet Offline: On your offline computer, open Feather Wallet and load your wallet.
2. Import Unsigned Transaction: Load the unsigned transaction file into Feather Wallet.
3. Sign Transaction: Sign the transaction within Feather Wallet.
4. Export Signed Transaction: Save the signed transaction file to a USB drive.

Step 8: Broadcast the Transaction

1. Transfer Signed Transaction: Move the signed transaction file to your online computer.
2. Broadcast Transaction: In Feather Wallet on your online computer, import and broadcast the signed transaction to the Monero network.

Security Considerations:

• Maintain Offline Status: Ensure the offline computer remains disconnected from all networks at all times to protect your private keys.
• Secure Backups: Store your seed phrase and any backups in secure, offline locations to prevent unauthorized access.
• Verify Software Integrity: Always verify the integrity of downloaded software by checking cryptographic hashes to ensure authenticity.

By following these steps, you establish a secure cold storage solution for your Monero holdings using Feather Wallet, minimizing exposure to online threats.