Complete Sia Wallet Guide

Sia Wallet is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is distributed exclusively through our official website and repositories. Because this is non-custodial software that manages private keys locally, downloading only from official sources is essential to avoid counterfeit or tampered binaries. We strongly recommend verifying file integrity before installation.

Supported Operating Systems

• Windows: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later
• macOS: macOS 11 Big Sur or later (Intel & Apple Silicon supported)
• Linux: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS / Debian 11 or newer (64-bit)

Minimum Requirements

• 64-bit dual-core processor (Intel/AMD or Apple Silicon)
• 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended for smoother performance)
• 500 MB free disk space for wallet files (more if running a full Sia node)
• Stable internet connection
• Up-to-date operating system with latest security patches

Installation Process

1. Download the installer from the [official Sia Wallet website](#).
2. Verify file integrity using the provided checksum or digital signature. This step is optional but strongly recommended to protect against tampered binaries.
3. Run the installer with administrator privileges (Windows) or grant execution permissions (macOS/Linux).
4. Follow the installation wizard, which will guide you through the setup.
5. Launch Sia Wallet from your applications folder or system menu.

Initial Launch

When you first open Sia Wallet after installation, you will be greeted with a welcome screen. From this point, the Wallet automatically establishes a connection to the Sia blockchain network. This connection does not involve any custodial servers or intermediaries — all communication is handled directly between your device and the decentralized network.

Network Synchronization

Before the Wallet can be used, it must synchronize with the current state of the blockchain. This process ensures your wallet is up-to-date with the latest blocks, transactions, and contracts on the network.

• Duration: The time required depends on your internet speed and system performance. On a modern connection, initial sync typically takes from several minutes to a few hours.
• Progress: A synchronization bar will display real-time status so you can track how much of the blockchain has been processed.
• Partial Use: You can explore the interface while syncing, but transactions (sending or receiving) will not be fully confirmed until synchronization is complete.

Why Synchronization Matters

Synchronization is crucial for ensuring your Wallet is aligned with the blockchain consensus. Without it, balances and transactions may appear outdated or incomplete. Once synchronization reaches 100%, you can create or restore wallets, view balances accurately, and broadcast transactions with full network confirmation.

When synchronization has started, you can either create a new wallet or restore an existing one. Creating a wallet is the first step to securely managing Siacoins.

New Wallet Creation

1. On the main screen, select “Create New Wallet.”
2. Choose a strong password — at least 12 characters, ideally with a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
3. Confirm your password to ensure accuracy.
4. The Wallet will then generate a unique recovery seed phrase.

Understanding Seed Phrases

Your seed phrase is a sequence of 12 words generated at random. It is the master key to your wallet — anyone who has access to it can restore your funds from any device.

• Purpose: The seed phrase allows full recovery of your wallet if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Security Level: Unlike your password, which protects the local wallet file, the seed phrase grants complete access to your funds.

How to Store the Seed Phrase Safely

• Write the words down on paper and store them in a secure location.
• Create multiple copies and keep them in different physical locations (e.g., a safe at home and a safety deposit box).
• For advanced users, consider a metal backup plate for fire- and water-resistant storage.
• Never store the seed phrase in digital form (text files, cloud storage, screenshots). Digital copies are the most common attack vector.

By completing this step, you establish both encryption for your wallet file (via password) and a secure backup method (via seed phrase). Together, these measures ensure that only you have control of your assets.

Proper backup practices are essential in a non-custodial wallet. Since no third party can recover your keys, your seed phrase is the only path to restoring access if your device fails or your password is forgotten.

Creating Backups

Immediately after wallet creation, back up your seed phrase:

• Write it down by hand on paper, exactly in the order presented.
• Create multiple copies and store them in different secure locations (e.g., one at home, another in a safety deposit box).
• Avoid digital storage — never save the seed phrase as a screenshot, in cloud services, or in plain text on your computer.
• Consider advanced methods: For long-term durability, some users engrave or etch their seed phrase onto metal plates, making it resistant to fire and water damage.

Restoring a Wallet

If you need to access your wallet on a new device or after reinstalling:

1. Install Sia Wallet on the device.
2. Select “Restore Wallet”.
3. Enter your 12-word seed phrase in the correct order.
4. Set a new password to encrypt the local wallet file.
5. Allow the Wallet to synchronize with the blockchain, which may take time depending on your internet speed.

Once synchronization completes, your balances and past transactions will appear exactly as before.

Recovery Best Practices

• Always test your backup: try restoring the wallet on a second device to confirm that the seed works.
• Keep your backup locations updated if you move or change storage methods.
• If using physical paper, check occasionally for fading ink or deterioration.

By following these steps, you guarantee that your funds remain recoverable, even if your original device is compromised or destroyed.

Sia Wallet provides a straightforward interface for transacting with Siacoin. Because it is non-custodial, every transaction is signed locally on your device and then broadcast directly to the blockchain.

Receiving Siacoin

1. Open the Wallet and select “Receive”.
2. Copy your unique wallet address (a long alphanumeric string).
3. Share this address with the sender. You may also use the QR code option if supported.
4. Once the transaction is broadcast, it will appear as pending in your Wallet until confirmed by the network.

Sending Siacoin

1. In the Wallet, select “Send”.
2. Paste the recipient’s address carefully — always double-check for accuracy.
3. Enter the amount of Siacoin you want to send.
4. Review the automatically calculated transaction fee.
5. Confirm and sign the transaction with your password.
6. The Wallet will broadcast it to the Sia blockchain.

Transaction Fees

• The Sia network requires a small fee for each transaction.
• Fees are dynamic, based on transaction size and current network activity.
• The Wallet automatically suggests an appropriate fee to balance speed and cost.

Confirmation Times

• Transactions on the Sia blockchain are confirmed as part of new blocks.
• A single block typically takes \~10 minutes to be mined.
• Most transactions are considered secure after 6 confirmations (\~1 hour), though smaller amounts may be trusted with fewer.

Transaction Records

Once confirmed, your transaction:

• Appears in your Wallet’s transaction history.
• Is permanently recorded on the blockchain.
• Can be independently verified using a Sia block explorer.

Because Sia Wallet is non-custodial, your security depends entirely on how you manage your device, password, and recovery seed. Following best practices greatly reduces the risk of loss or theft.

Core Best Practices

• Verify downloads: Always obtain the Wallet from the official website or repository. Use provided checksums or signatures to confirm authenticity.
• Use strong passwords: Protect your wallet file with a password of at least 12 characters, combining letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Keep software updated: Run the latest version of Sia Wallet to benefit from bug fixes and security improvements.
• Secure your seed phrase: Write it down offline, never store it digitally, and keep backups in multiple safe locations.
• Protect your device: Use antivirus software, enable full-disk encryption, and keep your operating system patched.

Common Threats

• Phishing websites or fake wallets: Criminals may clone official sites to trick users into downloading malware. Always double-check URLs.
• Malware and keyloggers: Malicious software can capture passwords and seed phrases if your device is compromised.
• Social engineering: Attackers may impersonate support staff or community members to request your seed phrase — no legitimate team member will ever ask for it.
• Unsecured networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi without a VPN when accessing your wallet.

Additional Precautions

• Cold storage: For long-term holdings, consider keeping your seed phrase offline and only opening the Wallet when needed.
• Test your backups: Periodically attempt to restore your wallet on a separate device to ensure your recovery seed works.
• Compartmentalization: If possible, dedicate a specific device for crypto use, minimizing exposure to general-purpose threats.

Even with stable software, issues can occur due to network conditions, local system configuration, or blockchain synchronization. This section outlines common problems and how to resolve them.

Common Issues

Using a non-custodial wallet puts you in full control of your cryptocurrency. That control comes with both freedom and responsibility. By following the steps in this guide — from installation and wallet creation to backups, security, and troubleshooting — you are equipped with the knowledge to operate safely and independently.

Sia Wallet is designed for transparency and resilience. Transactions are enforced by the blockchain, private keys never leave your device, and your seed phrase remains the ultimate safeguard of your funds.

Keep in mind:

• Stay updated: Always use the latest release for security and stability.
• Stay vigilant: Treat your seed phrase like the keys to your home — protect it and never share it.
• Stay connected: Join the community to learn from others and share your experience.