Skip to main content

Creating Your Identity

This guide walks you through setting up your mwen.io identity for the first time. The whole process takes about five minutes.

Before you start​

You will need:

  • Google Chrome (the mwen.io wallet is a Chrome extension).
  • A pen and paper to write down your 24-word phrase.

Step 1 — Install the extension​

  1. Open the Chrome Web Store and search for mwen.io.
  2. Click Add to Chrome and confirm the prompt.
  3. The mwen.io icon (a small m badge) will appear in your browser toolbar.

Step 2 — Open the wallet​

Click the mwen.io icon in the toolbar. If this is your first time, you will see the Welcome screen with two options:

  • Create a new identity — start fresh.
  • Import from backup — restore an existing identity from a .mwen file.

Click Create a new identity.

Step 3 — Set a password​

Your password protects the wallet when biometrics are not available. Choose a strong password — at least 16 characters. The wallet will reject weak passwords.

Your password encrypts your identity on this device. It is not sent anywhere.

Enter and confirm your password, then click Continue.

Step 4 — Write down your 24-word phrase​

The wallet generates your 24-word identity phrase. This is the only time the full phrase is shown in sequence.

Stop here and write every word down, in order, on paper.

Take your time. When you are done:

  • Double-check each word against what is shown.
  • Put the paper somewhere safe before continuing.

Click I've written it down when ready.

Step 5 — Complete the 3-word verification​

The wallet asks you to re-enter 3 randomly selected words from your phrase. This confirms you wrote them down correctly.

Find the words on your paper and enter them. If any word is wrong, go back and re-check your notes.

Step 6 — Set up biometric unlock (recommended)​

If your device supports fingerprint recognition or facial recognition, the wallet will offer to set up biometric unlock. This is the fastest and most secure way to unlock your wallet.

Click Set up biometrics and follow your device's prompts.

  • If the biometric setup succeeds, unlocking will use your fingerprint or face scan going forward. Your password remains as a fallback.
  • If the setup fails or you skip it, your identity is still fully created with password-only unlock. You can enable biometrics later at any time — click the toolbar icon while your wallet is unlocked and look for the Enable biometric unlock link.

Step 7 — Your identity is ready​

You will land on the wallet dashboard. Your identity is active. No registration was sent to any server. No account was created anywhere.

From here you can:

  • Sign in to apps that support mwen.io.
  • Add personal information (name, email, date of birth, etc.) to your profile.
  • Export a backup in case you ever need to restore on a new device.

What to do next​