Practical overview
When it fits
Use CipherStick when you want to set up Bitcoin Core within Tails on removable media and need the associated offline-signing or backup workflows.
Who it is for
- Bitcoin users seeking a removable-media setup that combines Bitcoin Core with Tails.
- People who want workflows for offline signing, backups or codex32 wallet recovery.
- Technically capable users interested in a Shell-based, MIT-licensed project.
Documented uses
- Install Bitcoin Core into Tails Persistent Storage.
- Create and use an offline-signing CryoStick.
- Create backup or synchronized CipherSticks.
- Use codex32 shares in the documented wallet restore flow.
Requirements & limits
The public repository identifies the project as open source under the MIT license.
- The documented installation requires at least 32 GB removable storage and a computer with 3 GB of RAM.
- Setup includes installing Tails, connecting to a network and Tor, and running a terminal command.
- The project’s codex32 restore instructions use a separately stored wallet fingerprint record for comparison when available.
- The repository identifies Shell as its primary language.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Install CipherStick on Tails
Set up Tails on removable media and run the CipherStick installation script.
Before you start
- A USB stick or memory card with at least 32 GB capacity.
- A computer with 3 GB of RAM, made within the last 15 years.
- A smartphone or tablet to follow instructions, plus paper and a pen or pencil.
- Network access during setup.
Steps
Install Tails on the USB stick or memory card.
Start Tails, connect to a local network, and connect to Tor when prompted.
Open a terminal and run the repository’s documented clone-and-start command.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.
Expected outcome
CipherStick setup installs Bitcoin Core into Tails Persistent Storage.
Guide limitations
- The project estimates about an hour for setup, including downloads and Tails installation.
- The computer restarts during the instructions, so the project advises keeping the instructions available on another device or on paper.
Restore a wallet with codex32
Use the codex32 application to restore a wallet from its required shares.
Before you start
- CipherStick with Bitcoin Core started.
- The required codex32 shares.
- A separately stored wallet master fingerprint record, if available.
Steps
On first use, let the codex32 application install its pinned Python GUI into Persistent Storage.
Open codex32 and choose “Restore my wallet.”
Enter the required shares and compare the recovered master fingerprint with the separately stored wallet record before changing Bitcoin Core.
Expected outcome
The GUI presents the recovered master fingerprint and supports the documented wallet restore flow.
Guide limitations
- The legacy codex32 create/restore flow has been removed.
- If the separate fingerprint record is unavailable, the GUI displays the recovered fingerprint and requires explicit warning acknowledgement before restore.
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 7 October 2026
- Original website title
- BenWestgate/Bails · Official homepage title · retained in its source language