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Wallet Setup Guide

To use Staxiq with your real Bitcoin DeFi portfolio, you need a Stacks-compatible wallet. This guide covers installation, connection, and security best practices for both Leather and Xverse wallets.
Security First: Never share your seed phrase with anyone. Staxiq will never ask for your seed phrase or private keys. All transactions are signed locally in your wallet.

Supported Wallets

Leather Wallet

Best for: Desktop users, developersFeatures:
  • Native Stacks and Bitcoin support
  • Open source
  • Hardware wallet integration
  • Advanced transaction controls

Xverse Wallet

Best for: Mobile users, beginnersFeatures:
  • Excellent mobile experience
  • Built-in sBTC bridge
  • NFT gallery
  • Simple, clean interface

Installing Leather Wallet

1

Download the Extension

Visit leather.io and click “Download”.Choose your browser:
  • Chrome / Brave / Edge: Install from Chrome Web Store
  • Firefox: Install from Firefox Add-ons
Click “Add to Chrome” (or your browser) and confirm the installation.
2

Create New Wallet

After installation, the Leather extension will open automatically.Click “Create new wallet” or “I’m new”.
If you already have a Stacks wallet, click “I have a wallet” and enter your 12 or 24-word seed phrase to restore.
3

Save Your Secret Key

Leather will generate a 24-word seed phrase (also called a secret recovery phrase).Critical Security Steps:
  1. ✅ Write down all 24 words on paper in the correct order
  2. ✅ Store the paper in a secure location (safe, safety deposit box)
  3. ✅ Never take a screenshot or store digitally
  4. ✅ Never share with anyone, including “support” staff
  5. ✅ Verify you wrote it correctly by re-entering words when prompted
This seed phrase is your ONLY way to recover your wallet. If you lose it and your device breaks, your funds are permanently lost. There is no “reset password” option.
4

Set a Password

Create a strong password to encrypt your wallet on this device.This password:
  • Unlocks Leather on your current device only
  • Should be unique (not used elsewhere)
  • Can be reset using your 24-word seed phrase
  • Is required every time you open Leather
5

Choose Network

Select Testnet or Mainnet:
  • Testnet: For testing with fake STX (recommended for first-time users)
  • Mainnet: For real funds and production use
Staxiq automatically detects your wallet’s network and adjusts accordingly. Make sure your wallet network matches the network you intend to use.
6

Get Your Wallet Address

Click on your wallet in Leather to view your Stacks address.It looks like: SP2X4Y8... (mainnet) or ST2X4Y8... (testnet)This is your public address for receiving STX and sBTC - safe to share.

Installing Xverse Wallet

1

Download Xverse

For Mobile (iOS/Android):
  • Visit xverse.app on your phone
  • Download from App Store or Google Play
  • Install and open the app
For Desktop (Browser Extension):
  • Visit xverse.app on desktop
  • Click “Download for Chrome”
  • Install from Chrome Web Store
2

Create Wallet

Open Xverse and tap “Create new wallet”.Accept the terms of service and privacy policy.
3

Backup Your Seed Phrase

Xverse will show you a 12-word seed phrase.Security Checklist:
  • ✅ Write all 12 words on paper in order
  • ✅ Store securely offline
  • ✅ Never screenshot or save digitally
  • ✅ Confirm backup by selecting words in correct order
Losing your seed phrase means losing access to your funds forever. No one can recover it for you - not Xverse, not Staxiq, not anyone.
4

Set Up Security

For Mobile: Enable biometric unlock (Face ID / Fingerprint)For Desktop: Create a password to protect the extensionThis adds an extra layer of security when accessing your wallet.
5

Select Network

In Xverse settings:
  1. Tap the profile icon
  2. Go to “Network”
  3. Choose “Mainnet” or “Testnet”
For first-time users, start with Testnet to practice without risking real funds.
6

Copy Your Address

On the home screen, tap your Stacks address to copy it.Example: SP3FGQ8... (mainnet) or ST3FGQ8... (testnet)Use this address to receive STX, sBTC, and other Stacks tokens.

Connecting Wallet to Staxiq

Once your wallet is set up, connecting to Staxiq is seamless.
1

Open Staxiq

Navigate to Staxiq in your web browser (desktop for Leather, mobile browser or desktop for Xverse).
2

Click 'Connect Wallet'

In the top-right navbar, click the “Connect Wallet” button.This triggers the authentication flow using Stacks Connect protocol.
3

Approve in Wallet

Your wallet will prompt you to approve the connection.Permission Request Details:
App Name: Staxiq
Permissions Requested:
- store_write: Save session data
- publish_data: Interact with smart contracts
These permissions allow Staxiq to read your public wallet data and prepare transactions for you to sign. They do NOT give Staxiq access to your private keys or ability to move funds without your explicit approval.
Click “Approve” or “Connect” in your wallet popup.
4

Connection Confirmed

Once approved, Staxiq will:
  1. Display your shortened address in the navbar (e.g., SP2X4...3K4J)
  2. Fetch your STX and sBTC balances
  3. Load your transaction history
  4. Detect active protocol positions (StackingDAO, Zest, ALEX, etc.)
You’ll see a success indicator and your live portfolio dashboard.

Connection Code Example

Here’s how Staxiq implements wallet connection using @stacks/connect:
// src/hooks/useWallet.js:31-60
import { authenticate, AppConfig, UserSession } from '@stacks/connect';

const appConfig = new AppConfig(['store_write', 'publish_data']);
const userSession = new UserSession({ appConfig });

function connectWallet() {
  setLoading(true);

  authenticate({
    userSession,
    appDetails: {
      name: 'Staxiq',
      icon: window.location.origin + '/favicon.ico',
    },
    onFinish: (payload) => {
      const userData = payload.userSession.loadUserData();
      const addr = network === 'testnet'
        ? userData?.profile?.stxAddress?.testnet
        : userData?.profile?.stxAddress?.mainnet;

      if (addr) {
        setAddress(addr);
        setConnected(true);
      }
      setLoading(false);
    },
    onCancel: () => {
      setLoading(false);
    },
  });
}
Key points:
  • Uses authenticate() from @stacks/connect
  • Requests minimal permissions (store_write, publish_data)
  • Handles both mainnet and testnet addresses
  • Provides loading states and cancel handling

Security Best Practices

Seed Phrase Security

  • Never share with anyone
  • Store offline only (paper, metal backup)
  • Never enter into websites or apps
  • Verify website URL before connecting wallet

Transaction Verification

  • Always review transaction details in wallet before signing
  • Verify contract addresses match official protocol addresses
  • Check amounts and fees carefully
  • Never sign suspicious transactions

Phishing Protection

  • Bookmark the official Staxiq URL
  • Check for HTTPS and correct domain
  • Be wary of DMs offering “support”
  • Never enter seed phrase to “validate” wallet

Device Security

  • Use strong wallet password
  • Enable biometric unlock on mobile
  • Keep browser extensions updated
  • Use antivirus software
Common Scams to Avoid:❌ “Support” asking for your seed phrase❌ Websites claiming you won a prize and need to “validate” your wallet❌ Fake token airdrops requiring approval signatures❌ Phishing sites with similar URLs (staxlq.com vs staxiq.com)

Switching Networks

Staxiq supports both Mainnet and Testnet. Here’s how to switch:

In Your Wallet

Leather:
  1. Click the Leather extension icon
  2. Click settings (gear icon)
  3. Select “Network”
  4. Choose Mainnet or Testnet
  5. Refresh Staxiq page
Xverse:
  1. Open Xverse app or extension
  2. Tap profile icon
  3. Go to “Network”
  4. Select Mainnet or Testnet
  5. Refresh Staxiq page
Staxiq automatically detects your wallet’s network and displays the corresponding address and balances. You don’t need to change anything in Staxiq itself.

Disconnecting Your Wallet

To disconnect your wallet from Staxiq:
1

Click Your Address

In the Staxiq navbar, click on your shortened wallet address (e.g., SP2X4...3K4J).A dropdown menu will appear.
2

Select 'Disconnect'

Click “Disconnect Wallet” in the dropdown.This removes the session and clears your data from Staxiq.
3

Confirm Disconnection

Your wallet is now disconnected. The page will refresh and show the landing hero section.To reconnect, click “Connect Wallet” again and approve in your wallet.
Disconnecting is implemented using the signUserOut() method:
// src/hooks/useWallet.js:62-71
function disconnectWallet() {
  try {
    userSession.signUserOut();
  } catch (err) {
    console.error('Logout error:', err);
  }
  setConnected(false);
  setAddress(null);
  window.location.reload();
}

Troubleshooting

Solutions:
  1. Ensure your wallet extension is installed and enabled
  2. Check if the wallet is unlocked (enter your password)
  3. Try refreshing the Staxiq page
  4. Disable ad blockers temporarily (they sometimes block wallet popups)
  5. Check browser console for errors (F12 → Console tab)
For Brave Browser Users: Brave’s aggressive privacy settings can block wallet popups. Go to brave://settings/shields and allow popups for Staxiq’s domain.
Cause: Your wallet is connected to a different network than expected.Solution:
  1. Check if you’re on Mainnet or Testnet in your wallet
  2. Testnet addresses start with ST...
  3. Mainnet addresses start with SP...
  4. Switch networks in your wallet and refresh Staxiq
Common Reasons:
  • Insufficient STX for transaction fees
  • Network congestion on Stacks blockchain
  • Incorrect nonce (transaction order)
Solutions:
  1. Ensure you have at least 0.5 STX for fees
  2. Wait 10-15 minutes and try again
  3. Check transaction status on Stacks Explorer
  4. Try increasing the fee in wallet settings (advanced)
Solution: This happens when you deny the permission request.
  1. Disconnect wallet from Staxiq
  2. Click “Connect Wallet” again
  3. Approve all requested permissions
  4. These permissions are necessary for Staxiq to function
Solutions:
  1. Verify you’re on the correct network (mainnet vs testnet)
  2. Check your balance directly in your wallet - if it’s correct there, Staxiq’s API may be delayed
  3. Wait 30-60 seconds and refresh the page
  4. Check Stacks Status for API outages
  5. Try disconnecting and reconnecting your wallet
For Leather:
  • Ensure you’re using a supported browser (Chrome, Brave, Firefox, Edge)
  • Check if you have enough disk space
  • Try installing from the direct Chrome Web Store link
For Xverse:
  • Check your device meets minimum requirements
  • Ensure you have the latest OS version
  • Try uninstalling and reinstalling

Hardware Wallet Integration

For maximum security, you can use a hardware wallet with Leather:
1

Supported Devices

Leather supports:
  • Ledger Nano S / S Plus / X
Ensure your Ledger has the Stacks app installed via Ledger Live.
2

Connect Hardware Wallet

  1. Open Leather extension
  2. Click “Add account”
  3. Select “Connect hardware wallet”
  4. Plug in your Ledger and unlock it
  5. Open the Stacks app on your Ledger
  6. Approve the connection
3

Use with Staxiq

Once connected in Leather, connect to Staxiq normally.All transactions will require physical confirmation on your Ledger device - providing maximum security.
Hardware wallet support in Xverse is coming soon. Currently only available in Leather.

Next Steps

Now that your wallet is connected:

Explore Your Dashboard

Learn how to navigate your portfolio, view protocol positions, and understand the AI copilot recommendations.

Using the Yield Calculator

Simulate compound returns across different Stacks DeFi protocols and optimize your earnings.

Understanding Stacking

Learn how to stack STX to earn BTC rewards and track your stacking cycles.

API Integration

Build your own integrations using Staxiq’s wallet connection patterns.

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