> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.bitcoincontrolcenter.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# First run and Electrum

> Set your PIN, pick an Electrum server, and set up the app.

## 1. Set your PIN

Choose a 6-digit PIN. You enter it each time you open Control Center. See [PIN and lock](https://help.bitcoincontrolcenter.com/security/pin.md).

## 2. The introduction

A short introduction appears the first time. It shows sample data, not yours.

![Introduction screen titled Your Bitcoin, in one place, with Skip and Continue buttons](https://mintcdn.com/hoseki-corp/UfUbkRUza9CJFqpH/images/first-run-intro-overview.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=UfUbkRUza9CJFqpH\&q=85\&s=bd949c47af8b79a04ea2a115b53fc193)

The first-run introduction. Select Skip or Continue.

![Introduction step titled It can see, not spend, with a sample Kraken key showing read-only permissions](https://mintcdn.com/hoseki-corp/UfUbkRUza9CJFqpH/images/first-run-intro-watch-only.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=UfUbkRUza9CJFqpH\&q=85\&s=43bf12f662a402652d5911949f62ba7f)

Wallets are watch-only. Exchanges use read-only keys.

It covers three promises:

* **It can see, not spend.** Wallets are watch-only. Exchanges need a read-only key.
* **Your data stays with you.** History is saved on your device.
* **Start with one account.** Have your hardware wallet, an exchange API key, or a balance ready.

![Introduction step titled Start with one account, with Not Now and Add Account buttons](https://mintcdn.com/hoseki-corp/UfUbkRUza9CJFqpH/images/first-run-intro-start.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=UfUbkRUza9CJFqpH\&q=85\&s=5c17a87a65f40daf79d4fda634d626f1)

The last step takes you to Add Account.

Select **Not Now** to look around first. The introduction does not come back after you finish or skip it.

## 3. Choose an Electrum server (desktop)

Control Center reads wallet balances from an **Electrum server**. Your choice affects privacy.

> [!WARNING]
>
> On desktop, Control Center starts on **Blockstream's public server** (`electrum.blockstream.info`). It is saved as **Current connection**. Blockstream can see which addresses you check. Switch to your own server for the most privacy.

| Option | Privacy | Notes |
| - | - | - |
| Your own node | Best | Electrs, Fulcrum, or Electrum Personal Server. |
| Your own node over Tor | Best, works away from home | Use the `.onion` address. Turn on **Connect via Tor**. |
| Public server | Lower | The operator sees the addresses you check. |

StartOS and Umbrel always use your own Electrs. Skip this step there.

### Add your server

1. Open **Settings** (gear icon, top right).
2. Under **Electrum Server**, select **New connection**.
3. Enter a **Name**, **Host**, **Port**, and **Protocol**.
4. Select **Test Connection**. Then select **Save & Connect**.

![Electrum Server settings with the New connection form: name, start with, host, port, protocol, and Connect via Tor](https://mintcdn.com/hoseki-corp/UfUbkRUza9CJFqpH/images/settings-electrum-new-connection.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=UfUbkRUza9CJFqpH\&q=85\&s=90594da54e44024ce914ab24e8d0c7ba)

Add a saved connection in Settings.

* **Port:** SSL usually uses `50002`. Plain TCP usually uses `50001`.
* **Protocol:** use **SSL** for any server not on your own network. **TCP** is not encrypted.
* **Connect via Tor:** required for `.onion` addresses. Tor can take up to two minutes to start the first time.

![Electrum connection showing a connected status](https://mintcdn.com/hoseki-corp/XCQqCRepRDP5H4K0/images/first-run-electrum-connected.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=XCQqCRepRDP5H4K0\&q=85\&s=4537fd9b7f50f0b99d5fdbadd7928d19)

Connected.

You can save up to 5 connections. Only one is active at a time. See [Settings](https://help.bitcoincontrolcenter.com/settings/app-settings.md#electrum-server-desktop) for every option.

## 4. Add your name

Open **Settings**. Under **Personal information**, enter **Your name**. Select **Save name**. It pre-fills the name on new [statements](https://help.bitcoincontrolcenter.com/statements/statements-and-hoseki-verified.md).

![Settings page with the statement name field](https://mintcdn.com/hoseki-corp/XCQqCRepRDP5H4K0/images/first-run-statement-name.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=XCQqCRepRDP5H4K0\&q=85\&s=7a7a3c69b0362afc2c44e4e84dfca0cd)

Your name on statements.

## 5. Add your first account

Select **Add Account** on **Home**. Start with [How accounts work](https://help.bitcoincontrolcenter.com/accounts/how-accounts-work.md).


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