Install

The KeepKey desktop application is distributed as a signed installer for macOS, Windows, and Linux. Download the latest release from GitHub:

github.com/keepkey/keepkey-vault/releases/latest

Platform downloads

After installing, launch the application. On first run, you’ll see the splash screen while the app starts and checks for a connected device.

Plug in your KeepKey

Connect your KeepKey hardware device using the USB cable that came with it. The device powers on automatically. If the device has already been set up with a PIN, the desktop application will prompt you to enter it. Otherwise, it will walk you through the onboarding flow.

Linux notes

On Linux, USB access to HID devices requires udev rules and plugdev group membership. If the desktop application can’t detect your KeepKey, the quick fix is:

sudo curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/keepkey/udev-rules/master/51-usb-keepkey.rules \
  -o /etc/udev/rules.d/51-usb-keepkey.rules
sudo udevadm control --reload-rules
sudo udevadm trigger
sudo usermod -a -G plugdev $USER

Then log out, log back in, unplug the device, and plug it back in.

For the full explanation — what the rules mean, distribution-specific notes, and troubleshooting — see Linux Tips.

macOS notes

On macOS, the first time you launch, the system will verify the signature. This can take a few seconds. If macOS refuses to open the app, right-click the icon in Applications and choose Open — this bypasses Gatekeeper for signed apps downloaded outside the App Store.

Windows notes

On Windows, SmartScreen may show a warning for new releases. Click More info → Run anyway to proceed. KeepKey releases are Authenticode-signed — the warning goes away as more users install each release.

Next

• Onboarding — set up a new device or recover an existing one
• Linux Tips — full udev / permissions guide for Linux users