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Wallet Setup Guide

This guide will help you set up a Stellar wallet and connect it to Nova Launch.

Why You Need a Wallet

A wallet is required to:

  • Store your XLM for deployment fees
  • Receive your newly created tokens
  • Sign transactions securely
  • Manage your token assets

Important: Nova Launch is non-custodial. We never have access to your wallet or funds.

Recommended Wallet: Freighter

Freighter is the most popular Stellar wallet and works seamlessly with Nova Launch.

Features

  • ✅ Browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Brave)
  • ✅ Easy to use
  • ✅ Secure key storage
  • ✅ Testnet and Mainnet support
  • ✅ Free and open source

Installing Freighter Wallet

Step 1: Download the Extension

  1. Visit freighter.app
  2. Click "Add to Chrome" (or your browser)
  3. Click "Add Extension" in the popup
  4. The Freighter icon will appear in your browser toolbar

Supported Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge

Step 2: Pin the Extension (Optional)

  1. Click the puzzle icon in your browser toolbar
  2. Find "Freighter" in the list
  3. Click the pin icon to keep it visible

Creating a New Wallet

Step 1: Open Freighter

Click the Freighter icon in your browser toolbar.

Step 2: Choose "Create New Wallet"

  1. Click "Get Started"
  2. Select "Create new wallet"
  3. Read and accept the terms of service

Step 3: Create a Password

  1. Enter a strong password (at least 10 characters)
  2. Confirm your password
  3. Click "Continue"

Security Tip: Use a unique password you don't use elsewhere. Consider using a password manager.

Step 4: Save Your Recovery Phrase

CRITICAL: Your recovery phrase is the ONLY way to restore your wallet if you lose access.

  1. Write down all 12 words in order
  2. Store them in a safe place (NOT on your computer)
  3. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone
  4. Click "I've written it down"

Warning: Anyone with your recovery phrase can access your funds. Keep it secret and secure!

Step 5: Verify Your Recovery Phrase

  1. Enter the requested words from your recovery phrase
  2. Click "Confirm"
  3. Your wallet is now created!

Step 6: Copy Your Wallet Address

  1. Click on your account name
  2. Click the copy icon next to your address
  3. Your address starts with "G" and is 56 characters long

Example: GXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Importing an Existing Wallet

If you already have a Stellar wallet, you can import it into Freighter.

Option 1: Import with Recovery Phrase

  1. Open Freighter
  2. Click "Get Started"
  3. Select "Import wallet"
  4. Choose "Import with recovery phrase"
  5. Enter your 12-word recovery phrase
  6. Create a new password
  7. Click "Import"

Option 2: Import with Secret Key

  1. Open Freighter
  2. Click "Get Started"
  3. Select "Import wallet"
  4. Choose "Import with secret key"
  5. Enter your secret key (starts with "S")
  6. Create a new password
  7. Click "Import"

Security Note: Never share your secret key. It provides full access to your wallet.

Funding Your Wallet with XLM

You need XLM to pay for token deployment fees.

How Much XLM Do You Need?

  • Minimum account balance: 1 XLM (Stellar network requirement)
  • Basic token deployment: 7 XLM
  • With metadata: 10 XLM
  • Recommended starting amount: 15-20 XLM

Where to Get XLM

Option 1: Buy on Exchanges

Popular exchanges that support XLM:

  • Coinbase
  • Kraken
  • Binance
  • Bitfinex
  • KuCoin

Steps:

  1. Create an account on an exchange
  2. Complete identity verification (KYC)
  3. Buy XLM with fiat currency or crypto
  4. Withdraw to your Freighter wallet address

Option 2: Use On-Ramps

Direct fiat-to-crypto services:

  • MoonPay
  • Ramp
  • Transak

Steps:

  1. Visit the on-ramp website
  2. Enter your Freighter wallet address
  3. Choose amount and payment method
  4. Complete the purchase

Option 3: Receive from Another Wallet

If you have XLM in another wallet:

  1. Copy your Freighter wallet address
  2. Send XLM from your other wallet
  3. Wait for confirmation (usually 5 seconds)

Option 4: Testnet Funding (For Testing Only)

For Testnet XLM (not real money):

  1. Visit Stellar Laboratory
  2. Paste your wallet address
  3. Click "Fund with Friendbot"
  4. Receive 10,000 test XLM instantly

Note: Testnet XLM has no real value and only works on Testnet.

Connecting to Nova Launch

Step 1: Visit Nova Launch

Go to nova-launch.app

Step 2: Click "Connect Wallet"

Look for the "Connect Wallet" button in the top right corner.

Step 3: Approve the Connection

  1. A Freighter popup will appear
  2. Review the permissions requested
  3. Click "Approve" to connect

What Nova Launch Can Do:

  • ✅ Read your wallet address
  • ✅ Request transaction signatures
  • ✅ Check your XLM balance

What Nova Launch Cannot Do:

  • ❌ Access your private keys
  • ❌ Move funds without your approval
  • ❌ See your recovery phrase

Step 4: Select Your Network

Choose between:

  • Testnet: For testing (free test XLM, no real value)
  • Mainnet: For production (real XLM, real tokens)

Recommendation: Start with Testnet to practice!

Step 5: Verify Connection

Once connected, you'll see:

  • Your wallet address (truncated) in the header
  • Your XLM balance
  • Network indicator (Testnet/Mainnet)

Network Selection

Testnet vs Mainnet

Feature Testnet Mainnet
Purpose Testing Production
XLM Cost Free (Friendbot) Real money
Token Value No value Real value
Use Case Practice, development Live deployments
Reset Can be reset Permanent

Switching Networks

  1. Click the network indicator in the header
  2. Select "Testnet" or "Mainnet"
  3. Confirm the switch in Freighter
  4. Your wallet address stays the same, but balances differ

Important: Tokens deployed on Testnet don't exist on Mainnet and vice versa.

Wallet Security Best Practices

Do's ✅

  • ✅ Write down your recovery phrase on paper
  • ✅ Store recovery phrase in a safe place
  • ✅ Use a strong, unique password
  • ✅ Lock your wallet when not in use
  • ✅ Verify transaction details before signing
  • ✅ Keep your browser and extensions updated
  • ✅ Use a hardware wallet for large amounts

Don'ts ❌

  • ❌ Share your recovery phrase with anyone
  • ❌ Store recovery phrase digitally (screenshots, cloud, email)
  • ❌ Use the same password as other accounts
  • ❌ Approve transactions you don't understand
  • ❌ Install wallet extensions from unofficial sources
  • ❌ Leave your wallet unlocked on shared computers

Warning Signs of Scams

  • 🚨 Someone asks for your recovery phrase
  • 🚨 Unexpected transaction approval requests
  • 🚨 Emails asking you to "verify" your wallet
  • 🚨 Promises of free XLM or tokens
  • 🚨 Fake wallet extensions

Remember: Nova Launch will NEVER ask for your recovery phrase or secret key!

Troubleshooting

Freighter Won't Install

  • Try a different browser
  • Disable other wallet extensions temporarily
  • Clear browser cache and try again
  • Download from official site only

Can't See My Balance

  • Make sure you're on the correct network
  • Wait a few seconds for sync
  • Refresh the page
  • Check Stellar Explorer to verify balance

Connection Failed

  • Make sure Freighter is unlocked
  • Refresh the Nova Launch page
  • Try disconnecting and reconnecting
  • Check if Freighter needs an update

Lost Access to Wallet

  • Use your recovery phrase to restore
  • Import into Freighter on a new device
  • If you lost your recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered

For more help, see our Troubleshooting Guide.

Other Supported Wallets (Coming Soon)

Nova Launch will soon support:

  • Albedo: Web-based wallet
  • xBull: Mobile and desktop wallet
  • Ledger: Hardware wallet support

Next Steps

Now that your wallet is set up:

  1. Fund it with XLM
  2. Connect to Nova Launch
  3. Follow the Token Deployment Tutorial
  4. Deploy your first token!

Need help? Check the FAQ or Troubleshooting Guide.