# Self Custody Labs > Independent, vendor-neutral guides to Bitcoin self-custody: cold storage, > hardware wallets, seed phrases, multisig, running your own node, and privacy. > No affiliate links and no sponsored placement. Every page below is also > available as Markdown by appending .md to its URL. Site: https://selfcustodylabs.com Full corpus in one file: https://selfcustodylabs.com/llms-full.txt Generated: 2026-08-23 ## Learn: Bitcoin Fundamentals - [Learn Bitcoin Self-Custody](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn.md): Comprehensive educational content about Bitcoin self-custody. From fundamentals to advanced concepts. Everything you need to truly own your Bitcoin. - [Start Here: Bitcoin Self-Custody](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/fundamentals.md): New to Bitcoin self-custody? Start here. Learn what self-custody means, assess your needs, and find the right path for your situation. - [What is Bitcoin?](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/fundamentals/what-is-bitcoin.md): Understand what Bitcoin is, how it works, and why it matters. A beginner's introduction to digital money that no one controls. - [What is Bitcoin Self-Custody?](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/fundamentals/what-is-self-custody.md): Learn what Bitcoin self-custody means: controlling your own private keys, seed phrases, and taking full ownership of your Bitcoin without third parties. - [Why Holding Your Own Bitcoin Matters](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/fundamentals/holding-bitcoin.md): Understand the difference between holding Bitcoin yourself vs on an exchange. Learn why 'not your keys, not your coins' is essential for true ownership. - [Choose Your Self-Custody Setup](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/fundamentals/choosing-your-path.md): Interactive decision tree to help you choose the right Bitcoin self-custody setup based on your holdings, technical comfort, and security needs. - [Assess Your Threat Model](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/fundamentals/threat-models.md): Determine what level of Bitcoin security you actually need. Match your setup to your real risks. Not everyone needs maximum security, but some people do. - [Bitcoin Keys: Private Keys, Seeds, Derivation Paths](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/keys.md): Learn how Bitcoin keys work: private keys, seed phrases (BIP39), extended keys (xpub/xprv), and derivation paths. The foundation of Bitcoin ownership. - [Understanding Bitcoin Private Keys](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/keys/intro.md): Learn what Bitcoin private keys are, how they work, and why they're essential for controlling your Bitcoin. The foundation of self-custody explained. - [Bitcoin Seed Phrases Explained (BIP39)](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/keys/seed.md): Understand how BIP39 seed phrases work: converting private keys to memorable words. Learn the 2048-word list and how seeds protect your Bitcoin. - [Extended Private Key (XPRV)](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/keys/xprv.md): Practical guide: Extended Private Key (XPRV). Covers Why the Extended Private Key Matters, Security Considerations, Generating and Testing an Extended Private. - [Extended Public Key (XPUB)](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/keys/xpub.md): Practical guide: Extended Public Key (XPUB). Covers Security Considerations, Identifying Extended Public Keys, Final Thoughts. - [Derivation Path](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/keys/derivation-path.md): Practical guide: Derivation Path. Covers The BIP32 Standard, Anatomy of a Derivation Path, Common Derivation Paths. - [Bitcoin Passphrase (25th Word): Diceware Generation](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/keys/passphrase.md): Learn what a Bitcoin passphrase is, when to use it, and how to generate a strong one with dice and the EFF word list. Full 3-step DIY guide. - [Generate Your Own Bitcoin Seed Phrase with Dice](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/keys/random.md): Generate a BIP39 Bitcoin seed phrase from dice rolls. True randomness, verifiable checksum, fully offline, no need to trust the wallet RNG. - [Number Systems: Binary, Decimal, Hex](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/keys/number-systems.md): Understand binary, decimal, and hexadecimal number systems used in Bitcoin private keys. Essential foundation for understanding seed phrases. - [Bitcoin Wallets: Hardware, Software, Air-Gapped, Multisig](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/wallets.md): Bitcoin wallet types compared: hardware wallets, software wallets, air-gapped setups, and multisig vaults. Pick the right security model for your needs. - [Software Wallets Explained](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/wallets/software-wallets.md): Understand software wallets for Bitcoin: what they are, when to use them, recommended options, and security best practices. - [Hardware Wallets Explained](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/wallets/hardware-wallets.md): Understand hardware wallets for Bitcoin self-custody: how they work, why they're secure, popular options compared, and how to choose the right one. - [Air-Gapped Wallets: Complete Guide](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/wallets/air-gapped-wallets.md): Understand and build a Bitcoin air-gapped wallet. Concepts, hardware options (laptop, Raspberry Pi, desktop), and a full step-by-step air-gapped computer setup. - [Coldcard Entropy Incident: What Happened, Who's Affected](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/wallets/coldcard-entropy-incident.md): The 2026 Coldcard entropy flaw explained: which devices and firmware are affected, how $116M was stolen, and how to migrate your funds safely. - [Bitcoin Multisig: Complete Guide](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/wallets/multisig.md): Understand and set up a Bitcoin multisig wallet. Concepts, 2-of-3 configurations, hardware devices, and a full step-by-step setup guide. - [Multisig Hardware Setup](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/wallets/multisig/hardware-setup.md): Prepare your hardware wallets for multisig. Learn how to initialize signing devices from different manufacturers for maximum security. - [Multisig in Sparrow Wallet](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/wallets/multisig/sparrow-setup.md): Step-by-step guide to creating a 2-of-3 multisig wallet in Sparrow. Learn to configure your multisig, verify addresses, and make transactions. - [Multisig Backup & Recovery](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/wallets/multisig/backup-recovery.md): How to properly backup your multisig wallet and recover it if needed. Critical information for protecting your bitcoin long-term. - [Bitcoin Transactions: How They Work](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/transactions.md): How Bitcoin transactions work end to end: UTXOs, transaction creation, signing, broadcasting, fees, and the transaction types you will actually encounter. - [UTXOs Explained](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/transactions/utxos.md): Understand Bitcoin's UTXO model. Learn how Unspent Transaction Outputs work, why Bitcoin isn't an account balance, and how UTXOs affect fees and privacy. - [How Bitcoin Transactions Work](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/transactions/understanding.md): Understand how Bitcoin transactions work: inputs, outputs, change, fees, and the complete lifecycle from creation to confirmation. - [How Bitcoin Transactions Are Created](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/transactions/create.md): Practical guide: Creation. Covers Manually Building Transactions, Using Wallets to Send Transactions, RBF – Replace-by-Fee. - [How Bitcoin Transaction Signing Works](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/transactions/sign.md): How Bitcoin transaction signing works: what signing means, online vs offline signing flows, and single-sig versus multisig signing. - [How to Broadcast a Bitcoin Transaction](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/transactions/broadcast.md): Practical guide: Broadcasting. Covers Broadcasting via Your Own Node vs. Third-Party Servers, Privacy Considerations, bitcoin. - [Bitcoin Transaction Fees Explained](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/transactions/fees.md): Understand how Bitcoin transaction fees work, why they vary, and how to minimize costs. Learn fee estimation, RBF, CPFP, and fee optimization strategies. - [Bitcoin Transaction Types Explained](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/transactions/types.md): Bitcoin transaction types explained: pre-signed, fully signed, and partially signed (PSBT). When each type is used and how they differ. - [Bitcoin Privacy: Chain Analysis, CoinJoin, UTXO Control](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/privacy.md): Bitcoin privacy fundamentals: what is exposed on the public blockchain, how chain analysis works, and how CoinJoin and UTXO control protect you. - [Why Bitcoin Privacy Matters](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/privacy/why-privacy-matters.md): Why financial privacy matters for Bitcoin users. What information is exposed on the public blockchain and how it affects your security. - [Chain Analysis Explained](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/privacy/chain-analysis.md): Learn how blockchain surveillance works. Understand the heuristics and techniques used to track Bitcoin transactions and link addresses to identities. - [Protecting Your Privacy](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/privacy/protecting-privacy.md): Overview of Bitcoin privacy techniques. Learn the principles and methods for protecting your financial privacy when using Bitcoin. - [Bitcoin UTXO Management: Coin Control & Consolidation Guide](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/privacy/utxo-management.md): Bitcoin UTXO management for lower fees and better privacy. Coin control in Sparrow, consolidation strategies, dusting attacks, and source separation rules. - [Bitcoin CoinJoin: How It Works & Best Practices](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/privacy/coinjoin.md): How Bitcoin CoinJoin works: equal outputs, anonymity sets, the 2026 tools (JoinMarket NG, Jam, Ashigaru Whirlpool, Wasabi), and post-mix rules. - [CoinJoin Tutorial: JoinMarket NG and Jam Step by Step](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/privacy/coinjoin-tutorial.md): Step-by-step Bitcoin coinjoin with JoinMarket NG and Jam: your own node, a dedicated hot wallet, funding, mixing rounds, and sweeping out cleanly. - [Bitcoin PayJoin (BIP78): Stealth Privacy for Payments](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/privacy/payjoin.md): Learn how PayJoin (BIP78) enhances Bitcoin privacy by breaking the common-input-ownership assumption. Set up PayJoin with Sparrow Wallet and BTCPay Server. - [Bitcoin Nodes: What They Are and Why They Matter](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/nodes.md): What Bitcoin nodes do, why running your own matters for self-custody, and how a personal node verifies every transaction without trusting third parties. - [What is a Bitcoin Node](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/nodes/what-is-node.md): Understand what a Bitcoin node does, how it differs from a wallet, and its role in the network. Essential knowledge before running your own node. - [Why Run Your Own Node](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/learn/nodes/why-run-node.md): Understand why running your own Bitcoin node matters for privacy, security, and true self-custody. Learn the risks of using third-party nodes. ## Wallet Setup - [Bitcoin Wallet Setup: Hardware Wallet & Backup Guides](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/wallet-setup.md): Step-by-step Bitcoin wallet setup guides. Learn to configure hardware wallets, verify backups, and complete the pre-deposit security checklist. - [Hardware Wallet Setup: Step-by-Step Bitcoin Security Guide](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/wallet-setup/hardware-wallet.md): Step-by-step guide to setting up your first hardware wallet. Learn how to initialize, secure, and use a hardware wallet for Bitcoin self-custody. - [How to Test Your Bitcoin Seed Backup (Before You Need It)](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/wallet-setup/backup-verification.md): Learn how to properly verify your Bitcoin seed backup works before trusting it with significant funds. Step-by-step guide to testing your recovery process. - [Before You Deposit: Critical Checklist](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/wallet-setup/before-you-deposit.md): Essential verification steps before sending Bitcoin to any new wallet. This checklist can save you from catastrophic, irreversible mistakes. ## Security - [Bitcoin Security: DIY Seed Generation & Advanced Protection](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/security.md): Advanced Bitcoin security: generate seeds with dice, add passphrase protection, and apply operational and physical security best practices. - [Operational Security for Bitcoiners](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/security/operational-security.md): Essential operational security practices for Bitcoin holders. Learn how your behavior affects your security and how to minimize your attack surface. - [Physical Security for Bitcoin Holders](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/security/physical-security.md): Protect your Bitcoin from real-world threats. Home security, backup storage, travel considerations, and defense against physical attacks. ## Reference - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/reference/faq.md): Common questions about Bitcoin self-custody, seed phrases, recovery, and security. Get answers to the questions that could save your Bitcoin. - [What Happens If You Lose Your Seed Phrase?](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/reference/faq/lost-seed.md): The hard truth about losing your Bitcoin seed phrase. What you can do, what you can't do, and how to prevent this from happening to you. - [Bitcoin Recovery Scams: How to Protect Yourself](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/reference/faq/recovery-scams.md): Why almost every 'Bitcoin recovery service' is a scam. Learn to recognize fraud and understand what legitimate recovery actually looks like. - [Wallet Recovery Troubleshooting](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/reference/faq/recovery-troubleshooting.md): Common problems when recovering a Bitcoin wallet and how to solve them. Empty wallet after recovery, wrong addresses, and other troubleshooting steps. - [Bitcoin Reference Guide: Glossary, FAQs & Comparisons](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/reference.md): Bitcoin self-custody reference: 100+ term glossary, hardware wallet comparisons, address type explanations, and frequently asked questions answered. - [Bitcoin Glossary: 100+ Terms Explained](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/reference/glossary.md): Complete glossary of Bitcoin and self-custody terminology. Definitions for UTXO, seed phrase, hardware wallet, multisig, and 100+ other terms. - [Bitcoin Address Types Explained](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/reference/address-types.md): Understand the different Bitcoin address types: Legacy, SegWit, Native SegWit, and Taproot. Learn which to use and why it matters for fees and compatibility. - [Coldcard vs Trezor vs Jade vs Passport: 2026 Compared](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/reference/hardware-wallet-comparison.md): Compare Bitcoin hardware wallets after the 2026 Coldcard incident: Trezor Safe 7, BitBox02 Nova, Jade Plus, Passport, SeedSigner, Bitkey, and more. ## Advanced - [Advanced Bitcoin Security: Multisig & Air-Gapped Setups](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/advanced.md): Advanced Bitcoin self-custody: 2-of-3 multisig setup, inheritance planning for heirs, air-gapped signing computers, and open-source firmware guides. - [Dedicated Bitcoin Computer Guide](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/advanced/bitcoin-computer.md): Build a dedicated Bitcoin computer for secure transactions. Learn why using a regular computer is dangerous and how to protect your Bitcoin. - [Choose Your Bitcoin Computer](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/advanced/bitcoin-computer/choice.md): How to choose the right laptop for Bitcoin self-custody. Hardware recommendations and security precautions for your dedicated Bitcoin machine. - [Bitcoin Computer Setup Guide](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/advanced/bitcoin-computer/setup.md): Set up your dedicated Bitcoin computer with Libreboot BIOS, Linux Mint, and LUKS encryption for maximum security and privacy. - [Bitcoin Inheritance Planning: Pass Bitcoin to Heirs](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/advanced/inheritance-planning.md): Plan Bitcoin inheritance for your heirs. Approaches from sealed instructions to family multisig, plus how to write recovery instructions. ## Run a Bitcoin Node - [Run Your Own Bitcoin Node: Complete Setup Guide](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/bitcoin-node/.md): Complete guide to running your own Bitcoin node. Learn why it matters, compare software options, and follow step-by-step setup instructions with Parmanode. - [Parmanode Setup Guide](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/bitcoin-node/parmanode-setup.md): Step-by-step guide to setting up a Bitcoin node with Parmanode. Easy installation for Linux, Mac, and Raspberry Pi with automatic wallet configuration. - [Node Software Options](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/bitcoin-node/node-software-options.md): Compare Bitcoin node software options: Parmanode, Umbrel, RaspiBlitz, Start9, and DIY setups. Find the right approach for your skill level and needs. - [Electrum Server Explained](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/bitcoin-node/electrum-server.md): Understand Electrum servers (Electrs, Fulcrum): what they do, why you need one, and how to choose between options for your Bitcoin node setup. - [Tor Configuration for Bitcoin Nodes](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/bitcoin-node/tor.md): Configure your Bitcoin node to run over Tor for enhanced privacy. Hide your IP address and enable secure remote access to your node. - [Connect Sparrow Wallet to Your Node](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/bitcoin-node/connect-sparrow-wallet.md): Connect Sparrow Wallet to your own Bitcoin node and Electrum server so transactions stay private and verified by your own infrastructure. ## SeedSigner - [SeedSigner: Our Favourite Bitcoin Signing Device](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/seedsigner/.md): Why SeedSigner is the Self Custody Labs favourite signing solution: stateless, air-gapped, fully verifiable, and built by you from commodity parts. - [Build Your Own SeedSigner](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/seedsigner/build-guide.md): Source the Raspberry Pi parts, verify and flash SeedSigner OS, and assemble an air-gapped Bitcoin signing device for about $50 in parts. - [Using SeedSigner: Seeds, SeedQR, and Signing](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/seedsigner/using-seedsigner.md): Generate a seed with dice on your SeedSigner, back it up as a SeedQR, and sign transactions with Sparrow over an air-gapped QR workflow. ## Nostr Signing Device - [Build a Nostr Signing Device (NSD)](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/nostr-signing-device/.md): Build your own Nostr Signing Device to keep your private key secure. Hardware-based signing for Nostr using LILYGO T-Display and Horse extension. - [Arduino IDE Setup for NSD](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/nostr-signing-device/arduino-ide.md): Install and configure Arduino IDE to flash your Nostr Signing Device. Download the legacy version and set up ESP32 board support. - [ESP32 Board Support Setup](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/nostr-signing-device/esp32-module.md): Add ESP32 board support to Arduino IDE so you can compile and flash firmware for the LILYGO T-Display module used by the Nostr Signing Device. - [Prepare the NSD Firmware](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/nostr-signing-device/setup.md): Clone the NSD repository and flash the firmware to your LILYGO device. Step-by-step instructions to prepare your Nostr Signing Device. - [Install Horse Browser Extension](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/nostr-signing-device/horse-extension.md): Install the Horse Chromium browser extension to connect your Nostr Signing Device to web clients and sign Nostr events from your browser. - [Connect NSD to Nostr Clients](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/nostr-signing-device/client-connect.md): Connect your Nostr Signing Device to clients like Coracle and NoStrudel. Final step to start using your hardware-secured Nostr identity. ## Libreboot - [Libreboot Installation Guide](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/libreboot/.md): Install Libreboot open-source firmware to replace your BIOS. Remove Intel ME backdoors and enhance security for your Bitcoin computer. - [Libreboot Hardware Requirements](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/libreboot/requirements.md): Hardware list for flashing Libreboot: supported laptops, Raspberry Pi Pico H programmer, Pomona SOIC8 clip, and required cables. - [Build Libreboot](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/libreboot/build.md): Build a Libreboot ROM from source on Linux: install dependencies, clone the lbmk repository, and run a multi-threaded compile. - [Build Libreboot ROM Images](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/libreboot/roms.md): Generate Libreboot ROM images for your specific laptop model. Compile custom BIOS firmware using the lbmk build system, ready to flash. - [Build Flashprog for Libreboot](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/libreboot/build-flashprog.md): Compile Flashprog from the Libreboot build system. Required tool for reading and writing BIOS chips during Libreboot installation. - [Prepare a Raspberry Pi Pico for Libreboot Flashing](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/libreboot/raspberry-pico.md): Set up a Raspberry Pi Pico H as an SPI programmer for flashing Libreboot: build the serprog firmware and wire the Pico to your laptop's BIOS chip. - [Build Serprog](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/libreboot/raspberry-pico/build-serprog.md): Build serprog firmware for the Raspberry Pi Pico H so it can act as an SPI programmer for flashing Libreboot to a laptop chip. - [Pico-Pomona Clip Connection](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/libreboot/raspberry-pico/connection.md): Practical guide: Pico-Pomona Clip Connection. Covers The Bios Chip, PIN Map on Raspberry Pico, Models X230, T420, T430, T440p and T480s. - [Flash Libreboot to Your Laptop BIOS](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/libreboot/flashing-bios.md): Flash a Libreboot ROM onto your laptop with an external SPI programmer: locate the chips, split the ROM, detect, and write the new firmware. - [Update Libreboot Firmware](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/libreboot/update-bios.md): Practical guide: Update. Covers Disable security protections before flashing, Flash Chip Size, Read the Current Chip Contents. ## Coreboot - [Coreboot Installation Guide](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/coreboot/.md): Install Coreboot open-source firmware for a fast, secure, and transparent boot process. Perfect for Bitcoin nodes and security-focused setups. - [Coreboot Hardware Requirements](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/coreboot/requirements.md): Practical guide: Requirements. Covers Internal Flashing, External Flashing, bitcoin. - [Build Coreboot](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/coreboot/build.md): Practical guide: Build Coreboot. Covers Step 1: Install tools and libraries needed for coreboot, Step 2: Download Coreboot Source Tree, Step 3: Build the. - [Internal Coreboot Flashing](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/coreboot/internal.md): Flash Coreboot from inside a running system: downgrade your stock BIOS, unlock the Intel Flash Descriptor, and write the new firmware safely. - [Downgrading BIOS](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/coreboot/internal/downgrading-bios.md): Downgrade your laptop's stock BIOS to a version with an unlocked Intel ME region, a prerequisite for internal Coreboot flashing. - [Unlocking BIOS](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/coreboot/internal/unlocking-bios.md): Unlock the Intel Flash Descriptor BIOS region with CHIPSEC so Coreboot can be flashed internally without an external SPI programmer. - [Flash Coreboot to Your Laptop BIOS](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/coreboot/internal/flashing-bios.md): Flash Coreboot from inside a running system after the BIOS region is unlocked. Includes safety checks and verification of the flashed image. - [External Flashing](https://selfcustodylabs.com/docs/coreboot/external-flashing.md): Practical guide: External Flashing. Covers Detect the Chip, Backup the Factory Bios, Neutralize Intel ME.