Documentation

Installation

Installing IDEX Wallet is fast and straightforward. The application runs entirely on your device and initializes a secure environment for managing and trading digital assets. During setup, the wallet encrypts your configuration and key data locally, ensuring that sensitive information never leaves your computer. This section walks you through system requirements, installation steps, and best practices to ensure a safe and successful first launch.

Overview

The IDEX desktop wallet provides a dedicated platform for on-chain asset management, trading, and staking. Setup takes only a few minutes and prepares the secure storage environment the wallet relies on. Since there are no accounts or server-side authentication, your device becomes the sole location where wallet access and key recovery are controlled. Once installation is complete, the application automatically generates and encrypts a local data directory that supports wallet functionality while keeping your digital assets under your full control.

System Requirements

Before proceeding, confirm that your system meets the basic performance and security requirements. IDEX runs efficiently on most modern hardware but performs best in a clean, updated environment. The wallet depends on direct peer communication with blockchain networks, so up-to-date components ensure consistent connectivity and optimal speed.

Preparing for Installation

A smooth setup starts with verifying your system integrity. Make sure your OS is updated, unnecessary background apps are closed, and administrative privileges are available for installation only (they are not required to run the app later). It’s recommended to disable aggressive antivirus or sandboxing modes during installation to prevent interference with file creation and signature verification. IDEX Wallet does not alter system files, but certain platforms (notably Windows) may request permissions to write configuration data to your user directory.

Before installing:

1. Confirm you are downloading from the official IDEX Wallet website or verified GitHub release.
2. Check the build version and date listed on the release page.
3. Keep a note of the installation path, as you may need it for logs or updates later.

Installation Process

After downloading the correct package for your operating system, follow the installation steps relevant to your platform. The process is quick and identical across systems, differing only in file extension and signature method. Before proceeding, verify the package checksum to ensure the integrity of the downloaded file. Once installation is complete, launch IDEX Wallet to initialize your local data directory and begin setup.

Windows

The Windows version is distributed as a ZIP archive, not a traditional installer. Download the ZIP file, right-click it, and select Extract All. Inside the extracted folder, launch IDEXWallet.exe directly – no setup wizard or registry entries are created. All configuration data, cache, and sync information stay within the same folder, so the app remains fully portable.

macOS

Open the .dmg image, drag IDEX Wallet into your Applications folder, and then eject the image. If you receive a warning stating that the app is not from an identified developer, open System Settings → Privacy & Security, locate the IDEX Wallet installation notice, and click Allow Anyway. This will permit macOS to launch the application safely.

Linux

For Ubuntu-based systems, download either the .AppImage or .deb package.

First Launch and Synchronization

Upon first launch, IDEX Wallet immediately begins blockchain synchronization – establishing secure connections with verified network endpoints. This process downloads token registries, contract metadata, gas price feeds, and other public data required for wallet functionality. Synchronization may take several minutes depending on connection speed but involves no private keys or credentials. Once complete, the wallet transitions automatically to the setup stage, allowing you to create or import a wallet.

Each instance of IDEX Wallet remains cryptographically unique. Even identical versions produce distinct configuration hashes and salts, ensuring full isolation and eliminating the risk of key collisions.

Updating and Maintenance

Keeping IDEX Wallet up to date is essential for performance and security. Updates are digitally signed and distributed through the same official channels. When a new version is available, the application notifies you upon startup, displaying release notes, patch details, and estimated installation time.

You can:

• Enable automatic updates in Settings → General → Updates
• Check manually from Help → About
• Or download the latest build directly from the Release Portal

Minor updates install seamlessly. For major updates, you may be asked to restart or reauthorize the wallet. Your data remains encrypted and preserved through all updates.

Initial Setup

Once the installation is complete, IDEX Wallet guides you through an intuitive setup process that ensures your environment is properly synchronized with supported blockchains and secured before you perform any transaction. Everything takes place locally on your device – no account creation, no cloud connections, and no third-party data exchange.

Quick Setup Overview

Follow these five steps to complete your IDEX Wallet initialization:

Launch and Blockchain Synchronization

When you open IDEX Wallet for the first time, the application immediately begins synchronizing with multiple blockchain networks. This step retrieves essential public information – block height, gas fees, node latency, and available tokens – so your wallet always operates on accurate, real-time data. Synchronization also validates your network connection and prepares the interface for your chosen chains.

Once synchronization finishes successfully, the wallet automatically transitions to the setup wizard.

Creating a New Wallet

Select Create New Wallet to generate a brand-new, locally encrypted wallet vault. Your private key and wallet address are produced securely on-device – never transmitted or stored externally. You’ll be asked to define a strong password, which is then used to encrypt your vault.

Next, the app generates a 12- or 24-word recovery seed phrase. This phrase is the ultimate backup for your wallet and the only means to restore access in case of device loss. You must confirm several words from the phrase to ensure you’ve written it down correctly.

After confirmation, your wallet setup is complete and automatically linked to all synchronized networks.

Importing an Existing Wallet

If you already use another non-custodial wallet, choose Import Existing Wallet.
You can restore your account using either:

• a seed phrase (recommended)
• a private key

When imported, IDEX instantly encrypts your credentials locally and verifies address integrity before establishing network sync. All balances, token lists, and transaction histories are retrieved automatically from the blockchain – no manual uploads or imports are required.

Network Configuration

Once your wallet is active, you can configure supported blockchain networks. By default, IDEX Wallet connects to Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, and BSC using verified RPC endpoints. Each connection is displayed with a live status indicator (Online, Syncing, or Disconnected). You can enable or disable any network from Settings → Networks, or add custom RPC endpoints if you operate your own node.

Advanced users may adjust network priorities for faster transactions or better latency, but this is optional – the wallet handles optimization automatically.

Final Checks and Dashboard Overview

Before completing setup, IDEX Wallet verifies that all local files are properly encrypted and that at least one blockchain connection is active. Once validation is complete, you’re redirected to the main dashboard.

You can always revisit these options through Settings → Wallet Management if you wish to modify network connections or restore another wallet.

Wallet Management

Learn how to manage multiple wallets, view your assets, and organize your crypto portfolio within IDEX Wallet. The Wallet Management system gives you full control over your accounts, balances, and transaction activity across every connected network — all while keeping your private keys secure and local. Whether you use IDEX for trading, staking, or long-term storage, the wallet’s unified dashboard helps you stay organized, synchronized, and in control of your assets.

Managing Multiple Accounts

IDEX Wallet supports multiple wallet accounts, allowing you to separate your funds for different purposes such as trading, savings, or testing. Each account is derived from your existing recovery phrase and remains fully encrypted within your local vault — no external servers or custodians are ever involved. This design lets you scale your portfolio securely, without the risk of exposing keys or credentials.

Viewing Your Assets

The IDEX Wallet dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of your portfolio across all supported networks. Unlike simple balance trackers, IDEX Wallet aggregates multi-chain data in real time, allowing you to monitor holdings, market performance, and NFT collections — all from one secure interface.

Backup and Security Essentials

Every wallet action inside IDEX is underpinned by strict security and recovery mechanisms. Backups are local and fully encrypted, ensuring that your wallet’s data never leaves your control.

Your backup includes:

• encrypted wallet configuration,
• recovery phrase (seed),
• labels and address data,
• and optional custom network settin gs.

The app automatically reminds you to back up after critical actions, such as creating new accounts or re-encrypting your vault. It’s recommended to store your backup and seed phrase offline, in multiple secure locations.

Trading on IDEX

Experience high-performance decentralized trading with IDEX’s hybrid execution model — combining off-chain speed with on-chain transparency. Every trade is executed directly through your wallet, meaning your private keys never leave your device. You gain the responsiveness of a centralized exchange while maintaining the full self-custody of decentralized finance.

Order Types

IDEX Wallet supports multiple order types to suit diverse trading strategies. Each order is signed locally and processed through a hybrid matching layer to balance efficiency with trustless finality.

Placing a Trade

Follow these four steps to execute a trade on IDEX:

Low Gas & Aggregated Fees

IDEX minimizes network fees through off-chain matching and batched settlement. Instead of paying full gas for each transaction, a small, unified trading fee is applied — it already includes the necessary network cost. This makes trading predictable and affordable even when gas prices spike.

Execution Model

Trading Dashboard Overview

The trading dashboard provides everything you need in one interface:

• Live Market Data — Real-time price charts, liquidity depth, and trade volume.
• Trade Execution Panel — Configure orders, review estimated costs, and confirm with one click.
• Order & Transaction History — Access on-chain confirmations and PnL metrics.
• Analytics View — Track trade performance, average entry price, and total portfolio change.

Staking $IDEX

Staking within IDEX Wallet allows users to earn passive income while directly supporting the network’s decentralized infrastructure. All operations are executed locally through your non-custodial wallet — no custody transfers, no off-chain accounting, and no third-party access. When you stake $IDEX, you contribute to the validation and liquidity mechanisms that maintain secure, high-performance trading for all users.

How Staking Works

When tokens are staked, they’re locked in a verified smart contract that tracks your participation and calculates rewards automatically. Each participant’s reward share is proportional to the amount and duration of their stake, and payouts are funded by the trading fees generated across the IDEX platform. You can either host your own validator node or delegate tokens to an existing one for easier management. Hosting provides greater control and potentially higher yield, while delegation offers the convenience of passive staking with minimal setup.

Key benefits include:

Participation Requirements

IDEX staking is open to all users, with minimal entry barriers but strict technical reliability. To maintain a fair and efficient environment, several requirements apply to every participant:

• Minimum Stake: 10,000 $IDEX tokens.
• Lock Period: A mandatory 14-day minimum staking period.
• Unstaking: A 7-day waiting period before funds can be withdrawn after unstaking.
• Supported Networks: Ethereum, Polygon, and Arbitrum are currently supported, with cross-chain staking fully integrated into IDEX Wallet.

Staking Process

The staking workflow in IDEX is designed for clarity, transparency, and complete user control. Below is the typical process for a first-time user.

Reward Mechanics

For example, staking 20,000 $IDEX tokens in a 30-day cycle at a 15% annualized APY may yield around 250 $IDEX, automatically credited after the bi-weekly distribution. Actual results fluctuate depending on overall platform activity and validator uptime.

Unstaking and Withdrawals

After your lock period ends, you can initiate an unstake at any time. Once initiated, a 7-day cooldown period begins. After it completes, both your principal and accumulated rewards become fully available. You may also choose between full or partial unstaking — or enable auto-restake to reinvest rewards automatically after each cycle.

• Regular Unstake: Withdraw all tokens after cooldown completion.
• Partial Unstake: Unstake a portion while leaving the rest to continue earning rewards.
• Auto-Restake: Automatically re-stake your rewards for continuous compounding.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Depositing and withdrawing funds in IDEX Wallet is designed to be fast, transparent, and fully non-custodial. All transactions occur directly on-chain — meaning you always retain ownership of your assets, and every movement of funds can be verified through public blockchain explorers. Whether you’re funding your account for trading or transferring assets back to cold storage, IDEX Wallet provides complete visibility and control over every step.

Understanding On-Chain Balances

When you deposit tokens into IDEX Wallet, they are not held by IDEX or any centralized intermediary. Instead, your funds are transferred to your personal smart-contract vault that only your wallet can access. This design allows seamless integration with trading, staking, and bridging functions without ever compromising custody.

Your total balance is displayed in the Portfolio Overview, categorized by:

• Wallet Balance: Assets stored directly in your wallet.
• Exchange Balance: Funds actively allocated for trading within the IDEX protocol.
• Staked Balance: Tokens currently locked in staking contracts.

Depositing Funds

Depositing is the first step before trading or staking on IDEX. The process varies slightly depending on the network you’re using, but follows the same principle: you approve token access, then confirm a single on-chain transfer.

How to Deposit

Once confirmed, the deposit instantly appears in your Exchange Balance and becomes available for trading, staking, or bridging. If you’re depositing from a cold wallet or hardware device, simply connect it via WalletConnect or a supported interface — the process remains identical.

Withdrawing Funds

Withdrawals are equally simple — you can move funds back from your IDEX exchange balance to your main wallet or to any compatible external address. Every withdrawal is executed directly on-chain, ensuring full transparency and non-custodial control.

Withdrawals are processed through the same decentralized smart contracts that handle trading liquidity, guaranteeing that IDEX cannot block, delay, or alter your transaction. All confirmations are performed by blockchain validators, not centralized servers.

Cross-Chain Transfers

If your funds are on a different supported network, IDEX offers built-in cross-chain functionality that routes transfers through the IDEX Bridge. This allows you to move tokens between Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, and BSC seamlessly, all within the wallet interface.

Bridge Overview:

• Automatic Routing: The wallet detects when a token exists on multiple networks and suggests the optimal bridge route.
• Transparent Fees: All bridge costs are displayed before confirmation — no hidden markups.
• Real-Time Tracking: Progress indicators show confirmations, relay status, and expected arrival time.

Security Basics

Security in IDEX Wallet is built around a self-custodial model — you remain the sole owner of your assets, keys, and recovery phrase. The wallet never uploads your seed phrase, private keys, or sensitive data to the cloud; everything stays encrypted locally on your device. Because of this, your personal security practices play a critical role: the system protects you cryptographically, while you protect it operationally. In simple terms, the wallet provides the vault — but you hold the key.

This also means your behavior and environment directly affect your safety. The system protects you cryptographically — you protect it operationally.

Think of it this way: the wallet gives you the vault, you hold the key.

Threats to Be Aware Of

Most crypto incidents don’t happen because the blockchain fails — they happen because someone gains access to a device, tricks a user into signing a malicious transaction, or extracts a seed phrase. Common risks include phishing links, fake wallet interfaces, compromised browser extensions, and malware designed to capture keystrokes or clipboard data. Staying alert to these threats is essential, as even the most secure wallet cannot protect assets if an attacker deceives the user or gains control of their environment.

Typical risks include:

• Malware or clipboard hijackers stealing wallet data
• Fake wallet updates / phishing pages
• Signing malicious smart-contract approvals
• Saving seed phrases as screenshots or in cloud notes
• Losing access to wallet backup due to poor storage practices

Goal: understand what the real threats are, and eliminate them with simple habits.

Core Security Principles

Protecting Your Seed & Password

Your recovery phrase and wallet password are the ultimate keys to your assets — anyone who obtains them can take full control of your funds. Never store your recovery phrase in a digital file, photo, email, or cloud service; a compromised account or device means immediate risk. Write it down on paper or use a dedicated hardware seed backup, and keep it in a secure, offline location. Avoid entering your seed phrase into websites or software other than the official wallet interface — no legitimate support agent, dApp, or update will ever request it. Treat your seed phrase like a physical safe key — if anyone else touches it, assume your funds are no longer safe.

Correct storage:

• Hand-written on paper or metal plate
• Stored in two secure locations
• Never copied into devices, screenshots, messengers, or email

Device & Network Hygiene

Before you trust the wallet, make sure the machine is trustworthy:

• Keep OS updated
• Turn on full-disk encryption (BitLocker, FileVault, LUKS)
• Use an antivirus / defender if running Windows
• Don’t install random “crypto tools” or Discord files
• Bookmark official IDEX links

If you hold large amounts — use a separate "wallet laptop", or at least a separate user profile.

Smart-Contract Awareness

Blockchain gives permission-based access. Mistakes here cost money.

• Prefer limited token approvals
• Revoke unused contract permissions occasionally
• Double-check transaction previews before signing
• For new dApps — test with small amounts first

Quick Security Checklist

Account Recovery

Account recovery in IDEX Wallet is entirely based on self-custody principles. There are no usernames, emails, or centralized recovery options — no one, including IDEX support, can restore your wallet or reset your password. Your access depends solely on your recovery phrase and private keys, which act as the cryptographic proof of ownership for your funds.

These credentials are never stored on any IDEX servers, synced to cloud storage, or transmitted over the internet. They exist only within your local, encrypted environment and remain under your exclusive control. If you lose your recovery phrase, there is no way to recreate or retrieve it — the blockchain recognizes only the keys themselves, not the person behind them. For this reason, securely backing up your seed phrase is not optional but essential. Keep multiple offline copies in safe, private locations, and periodically verify that they are still accessible and intact.

So recovery works like this:

The seed phrase is the wallet. Passwords and files are simply layers around it.

Key Concept: Responsibility = Ownership

When you create a wallet, you generate a 12- or 24-word recovery phrase — this phrase is your single point of access to every balance, network, and account connected to that wallet. It serves as the cryptographic root of your identity on the blockchain, and anyone who possesses it effectively becomes you in the eyes of the network.

IDEX Wallet never stores or transmits this phrase to any external system. It is not saved on servers, not synced to the cloud, and never leaves your device unless you manually expose it. This design ensures that only you can access or restore your wallet, but it also means that your security habits directly determine your level of protection. Losing your recovery phrase is equivalent to losing your assets — there is no reset, no retrieval, and no central authority that can intervene.

Backup Strategy

To safeguard your access, create at least two offline backups of your recovery phrase and store them in separate, secure locations — for example, a safe deposit box and a private, locked container at home. Avoid storing it in digital form, such as screenshots, notes, or cloud drives. If possible, use a metal seed storage device resistant to fire and water damage. Review your backups periodically to ensure they remain legible and intact. Remember: the durability of your backup equals the durability of your ownership.

Recommended storage practices:

• Write seed on paper or metal, never digital notes
• Keep 2 physical copies in separate safe locations
• Do not store in wallets, backpacks, or obvious “crypto folders”

Avoid at all costs:

• Screenshots
• Photos
• iCloud/Google Drive
• Messenger chats
• Password managers (unless hardware-encrypted & offline-stored)

Recovery Scenarios

Below — how recovery actually happens in real life.

This is not a limitation — it’s the feature that guarantees nobody but you controls your money.

Best Practices

To ensure a secure experience with IDEX Wallet, approach every on-chain interaction with intention and caution. Always access dApps through verified sources and double-check URLs before connecting your wallet. Maintain a clean device environment by limiting browser extensions, keeping your operating system updated, and using a dedicated browser profile for blockchain activity. Before signing any transaction, take a moment to review what you're approving and confirm the contract address and permissions match your expectations. If you're exploring new protocols or interacting with unfamiliar contracts, start with a small amount of funds to minimize exposure. Finally, regularly review your wallet permissions and revoke access for applications you no longer use — strong habits are your most effective defense in a decentralized environment.

Security Behavior Guide

Best-in-class wallet safety comes from habits, not just technology. Practice intentional actions and avoid risky behaviors to protect your assets.

Recommended System Setup

For the most secure and stable IDEX Wallet experience, follow these environment guidelines. These aren’t minimum requirements — they’re best-practice standards for maintaining professional-grade wallet security.

Best practices:

• Use a dedicated device for crypto operations — avoid mixing personal browsing, gaming, or work accounts with wallet activity.
• Keep your OS and drivers on stable, supported versions — outdated builds often contain unpatched vulnerabilities.
• Enable full-disk encryption and secure boot to prevent offline data extraction if your device is lost or stolen.
• Run an up-to-date security suite with a minimal, trusted configuration — unnecessary background apps increase the attack surface.
• Restrict network exposure — use wired or private Wi-Fi, disable auto-connect, and prefer a reputable VPN when traveling.
• Maintain an offline backup routine — store recovery materials on physical media, verify readability, and rotate them periodically.

Operational Security (OpSec)

Operational security is the discipline of protecting your wallet through awareness, intention, and consistent personal practices. Even with hardened software, secure hardware, and advanced encryption, your decisions remain the final defense. OpSec means treating every interaction as potentially sensitive, verifying information before acting, and maintaining separation between trusted and untrusted environments. Think of it as the mindset of a professional operator: assume nothing, validate everything, and never rush a transaction, approval, or connection. The majority of crypto losses happen not because blockchains fail, but because users are tricked, distracted, or overconfident — OpSec makes sure you never become the easy target.

Follow these rules:

1. Never sign transactions or messages you don’t fully understand.
2. Carefully verify token contract addresses before interacting.
3. Use only official dApp links — bookmark them for repeated use.
4. Enable phishing-protection or secure DNS
5. Double-check the network before sending assets.
6. Always confirm the receiving address — never “paste and trust.”
7. Keep wallet operations separate from work or shared devices.

Avoid:

1. Connecting your wallet to random airdrop or claim pages.
2. Approving unlimited spending allowances blindly.
3. Clicking “Sign” without reviewing the request.
4. Using public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks for transactions.

One careless signature or misplaced trust can compromise your entire wallet — operational security is the discipline that keeps control in your hands.