What is Anonero?
Anonero is a "Monero Only" wallet designed for maximum privacy and security. It removes all third-party services, enforces mandatory Tor/I2P connections, and utilizes Polyseed for advanced mnemonic storage.
Its most powerful feature is the ability to function as a DIY Airgapped Hardware Wallet using animated QR codes. This guide requires two Android devices:
- Device A (Hot): Your daily phone with internet access (View-Only).
- Device B (Cold): An old phone with NO internet connection (The Key Keeper).
Monero Only
Tor / I2P
Airgapped
Polyseed
Setup Instructions
1 Step 1: Prepare the Cold Device
Take Device B (Cold). Perform a factory reset to ensure it is clean.
- Install Anonero via APK (transfer via USB or SD card).
- Permanently enable Airplane Mode.
- Forget all WiFi networks and disable Bluetooth.
- This device must never touch the internet again.
2 Step 2: Generate the Wallet (Cold Side)
On the offline Device B:
- Open Anonero and select Create New Wallet.
- Set a strong Passphrase (Required). This encrypts your local files.
- Write down your Polyseed mnemonic. This is a 16-word seed that includes the restore date and other metadata.
- The wallet is now created. Since it is offline, it will show "Not Synced". This is normal.
3 Step 3: Export to View-Only (Hot Side)
Now we link the devices using QR codes without connecting them electronically.
The Handshake:
- On Device B (Cold): Go to Settings -> Wallet Details -> "Show View Key / Export". Select "Animated QR".
- On Device A (Hot): Open Anonero. Select "Restore Wallet" -> "Restore from QR".
- Scan the animated QR code displayed on Device B using Device A's camera.
- Device A will now sync the blockchain via Tor/I2P and show your balance, but it cannot spend funds without Device B.
4 Step 4: Signing Airgapped Transactions
To spend XMR, you must physically sign the transaction with the cold device:
- Initiate (Hot): Create a transaction on Device A. It will generate an unsigned transaction QR code.
- Sign (Cold): Open Anonero on Device B. Tap "Sign Transaction" and scan the QR code from Device A.
- Confirm (Cold): Verify the address and amount on the Cold device screen. Confirm to generate a "Signed Transaction" QR code.
- Broadcast (Hot): Scan the "Signed" QR code with Device A. The transaction is now broadcast to the Monero network.
Where to Spend XMR
Anonero provides Stealth Mode and Coin Control, making it ideal for interacting with these verified XMR markets.
Additional Resources
Verify the source code and development status:
Conclusion
You have successfully built a DIY Anonero Hardware Wallet. By keeping your keys on an airgapped device and using animated QR codes for signing, you have achieved one of the highest levels of security possible for Monero storage.
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