How to Set Up Argent

Step-by-step Argent setup for 2026: install Argent Mobile (or Argent X for Starknet), create a smart-contract account, set up guardians for social recovery, and complete a test deposit. With common errors and fixes.

What you'll need (prerequisites)

• Up-to-date browser (Chrome, Brave, Firefox) or smartphone
• Access to at least one guardian (another wallet you control or a trusted person's Argent wallet)
• 15 minutes of uninterrupted time

Step-by-step

1. Step 1: Download Argent from the official source

   Browser extensions: only from chrome.google.com or addons.mozilla.org with the verified publisher badge. Mobile: only from the App Store / Play Store under the verified developer. Phishing copycats are everywhere — check publisher details before installing.

2. Step 2: Create a new wallet

   Choose "Create new wallet". Argent deploys a smart-contract account for you, protected by a device key plus a password or biometric lock on this device. There is no 12/24-word seed phrase in Argent's smart-account mode — access is protected by your device key and your guardians.

3. Step 3: Set up guardians for social recovery

   Instead of a seed phrase, Argent uses guardians for social recovery. Add one or more guardians — another wallet you control, a trusted person's Argent wallet, or a hardware wallet. If you lose your device, your guardians can help you recover the account onchain. Never approve a recovery you did not start.

4. Step 4: Confirm your recovery setup

   Review your guardians and your recovery settings so you can regain access if your device is lost. Onchain recovery includes a built-in security time-lock.

5. Step 5: Pin Argent X and set up auto-lock

   On Argent X (the Starknet browser extension) pin it to your toolbar so phishing fakes are obvious. On Argent Mobile, enable biometric unlock and auto-lock so the app locks when you walk away.

6. Step 6: Test with a small deposit

   Send a small test amount before moving large balances. Confirm the receive address matches what you copied — clipboard malware swaps addresses.

7. Step 7: (Optional) Connect a hardware wallet

   For larger balances you can add a Ledger as a signer or guardian. Argent provides the interface; the hardware device holds the signing key.

Common errors and fixes

• Lost access to your device. Re-install Argent and use social recovery — your guardians approve the recovery onchain (subject to a security time-lock) to restore access. Keep your guardians reachable and up to date.
• Suspect a fake / phishing wallet. Move funds to a freshly installed wallet on a clean device. Disconnect the suspect wallet from every dapp via Etherscan token-approval revoker.
• Hardware device not recognised. Try a different USB cable (data, not charge-only), different port, or USB-A↔USB-C adapter. Reinstall the bridge software.
• Forgot your app password. Argent has no seed phrase to re-import from — regain access through social recovery with your guardians. The device password is local; guardians are your recovery path.
• Sent to the wrong network. A smart-contract account is deployed on a specific chain, so funds sent on a chain where your account does not exist may be unrecoverable. Double-check the network before every deposit.

FAQ