SeedSigner Setup Guide: Software Installation and First Boot
Get your SeedSigner from a blank screen to the Home menu. This guide walks you through choosing the right software, flashing a microSD card and starting your device.
These steps work for compatible Raspberry Pi-based SeedSigner builds from any seller, including devices you assembled yourself.
The hardware and power instructions below focus on the Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3. If you use another supported board, select its matching image in the table below and follow the hardware instructions for your build. This guide covers installation and first startup; wallet setup and transaction signing are linked at the end.
For Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3, choose the image ending in pi0.img and flash it onto the microSD card. Copying the file onto the card will not make it bootable. The official SeedSigner release notes identify this image for the Pi Zero v1.3.
1. Get everything ready
You will need:
- Your SeedSigner with its hardware assembled.
- A microSD card that you can erase.
- A Windows, Mac or Linux computer.
- A compatible card reader and an SD adapter if your reader requires one.
- For Pi Zero builds, a Micro-USB cable and a suitable 5 V USB power source.
Using a Power Mining SeedSigner? Our SeedSigner hardware wallet includes a microSD card but comes without software pre-installed. For other kits, check what your seller includes. An SD adapter only changes the card’s physical size; a computer without a card slot needs a separate reader.
2. Identify your Raspberry Pi and choose the correct SeedSigner download
Choose by the Raspberry Pi model, not the case design or seller. Check your build documentation or the board markings if you are unsure which model you have.
| Raspberry Pi board | SeedSigner image filename ending |
|---|---|
| Pi Zero v1.3 or Pi Zero W | pi0.img |
| Pi Zero 2 W or Pi 3 Model B | pi02w.img |
| Pi 2 Model B | pi2.img |
| Pi 4 Model B | pi4.img |
These mappings follow the official SeedSigner release notes. Other hardware may need different instructions.
Open the official SeedSigner releases page and expand Assets if needed.
For the Pi Zero v1.3 used in this walkthrough, select the image whose filename ends in pi0.img. For example, release 0.8.7 uses seedsigner_os.0.8.7.pi0.img. The software version may change; check the release’s hardware mapping when updating.
The other board images are not suitable for a Pi Zero v1.3. The source-code archives are not the ready-to-flash image.
pi0.img. Also download the checksum manifest and its .sig signature file. Version numbers change with new releases. View the SeedSigner download screenshot at full size.Why two different version numbers? Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3 identifies the hardware revision. SeedSigner 0.8.7, for example, identifies a software release. The 1.3-inch LCD measurement describes the screen size.
3. Verify the download
Follow SeedSigner’s SeedSigner download verification instructions before opening or mounting the image. Download the matching checksum manifest and its signature from the same release.
Verification has two parts: authenticate the signed manifest against SeedSigner’s published key, then check the image’s SHA-256 hash against that manifest. Stop if the signature or image check fails. Etcher’s later card validation checks the write; it does not authenticate the publisher.
4. Flash the microSD card
Install balenaEtcher from its official website, then:
- Insert the microSD card into your computer’s card reader.
- Open Etcher and select Flash from file.
- Choose the verified SeedSigner image for your board:
pi0.imgfor Pi Zero v1.3. - Select Select target and choose your microSD card. Double-check its capacity so you do not select another drive.
- Select Flash! and let writing and validation finish.
- Eject the card safely.
Flashing erases the selected card. Copy any unrelated files you need elsewhere first. Do not store seed backups on this installation card.
Raspberry Pi Imager is another supported option: use its custom-image option to select the downloaded SeedSigner image, rather than installing Raspberry Pi OS. See the SeedSigner microSD flashing instructions.
5. Start SeedSigner on Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3
With power disconnected, insert the flashed card into SeedSigner. Connect the Micro-USB cable to the Pi Zero’s power input, marked PWR IN, and then to your USB power source. The Pi Zero has separate Micro-USB power and USB OTG connections; see the Raspberry Pi Zero specifications.
Startup is not instant. SeedSigner’s SeedSigner installation instructions advise allowing about 45 seconds for the logo. For troubleshooting, allow a full minute before restarting.
Once the menu appears, software installation is complete.
Screenshots: SeedSigner interface screenshots. The version number and appearance may differ in newer releases.
SeedSigner blank screen: troubleshooting checks
Work through these checks in order:
| Check | What to do |
|---|---|
| Correct image | Match the image to your board using the table above. Pi Zero v1.3 needs pi0.img. |
| Successful flash | Confirm you used an image-writing application and it completed validation. A copied .img file is not an installed system. |
| Card seating | Disconnect power, reinsert the card fully and reconnect power. |
| Power and cable | Use the PWR IN connection and try a known-working 5 V supply and Micro-USB cable. |
| Startup time | Allow a full minute before deciding startup has failed. |
| Card or reader | Reflash; if writing or validation fails, try another reader or card. |
These are diagnostic checks, not a diagnosis of a failed board. Etcher also recommends trying another card, adapter or USB port when a flash fails. balenaEtcher flash-failure FAQ
Still blank? If you bought your device from Power Mining, contact Power Mining support with your order number, downloaded filename, flashing application and whether the screen is completely dark or illuminated without an image. For a device from another seller, contact that seller or consult the SeedSigner project’s support resources.
What comes after startup?
SeedSigner signs transactions offline; compatible wallet software on your computer or phone handles the network side. For a guided wallet setup and transaction walkthrough, continue with the SeedSigner Independent Custody Guide.
Before using a wallet for meaningful funds, verify your backup and practise receiving and signing with a small amount. Keep seed words and SeedQRs private: never send them to support, photograph them for a support request, or enter them on a website. A SeedQR represents your seed, not a public receiving address.
SeedSigner does not retain your keys after power is removed. You will need your own backup to load the wallet again. Its removable software card is not a seed backup. Learn more about the SeedSigner security model.
