# First-Time Setup

Follow this step-by-step guide to initialize your first EtheLock wallet.

#### Step 1: Initiate the Session

Navigate to the EtheLock Web Dashboard on your desktop or laptop computer.

* **URL:** app.ethelock.io
* The screen will display a unique, one-time secure QR code. This code contains the cryptographic handshake parameters required to establish an encrypted tunnel.

#### Step 2: Establish the Bridge

Open the EtheLock application on your mobile device.

1. Select **"Connect to Dashboard"**.
2. Grant camera permissions if prompted.
3. Scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen.
4. The devices will perform a cryptographic handshake. Once connected, your phone establishes a secure, end-to-end encrypted WebSocket connection with the browser.

#### Step 3: Physical Verification

The mobile app will prompt you to present your key.

1. Hold your chosen NFC card against the NFC reader on your phone (usually located near the top rear camera).
2. Hold steady until you feel a vibration or see the **"Card Detected"** confirmation.
3. The app creates a hash of the card's Unique Identifier (UID).

#### Step 4: The Knowledge Factor

You will be prompted to create your PIN.

1. Enter a secure 6-digit PIN on your mobile device.
2. Crucial: This PIN is never sent to our servers. It is combined with your card's UID to deterministically derive your Ethereum private key.
3. Confirm the PIN.

#### Step 5: Dashboard Unlocked

Upon successful derivation, your computer dashboard will instantly unlock.

* You will see your new Ethereum wallet address.
* You can now deposit ETH, manage tokens, or configure your settings.
* **Security Check:** Notice that no private keys were ever displayed, saved to a file, or uploaded to a cloud. They exist only in the temporary memory of the session.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.ethelock.xyz/2-quick-start/first-time-setup.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.