Scatter stands out as one of the most powerful and versatile wallets for managing EOS assets. It supports three major public blockchains: ETH, EOS, and TRX, and seamlessly integrates with various web-based decentralized applications (DApps). Its functionality extends to authorizing transactions on decentralized exchanges. Available as a desktop application and a Chrome browser extension, Scatter offers a user experience similar to MetaMask but with advanced features tailored for more sophisticated users.
The wallet boasts a robust account system. Within Scatter's Identity feature, users can create multiple identities, each containing EOS account information and personal address details. Furthermore, Scatter includes a comprehensive Permission management system, allowing users to delegate specific access rights to different DApps. While Scatter requires the import of a private key for management, it employs strong encryption and multiple layers of protection to safeguard user privacy and secure sensitive information.
In addition to its Chrome extension and desktop versions, the Scatter project is developing a mobile app and building an ecosystem around its native token, RIDL. This makes it a promising and evolving project within the blockchain space.
As the EOSIO ecosystem continues to grow and mature, having a reliable EOS wallet becomes increasingly important. Many new projects airdrop tokens directly to Scatter EOS accounts, and more EOS-based applications are launching regularly. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough for setting up the desktop version of Scatter.
Downloading the Scatter Application
The first step is to acquire the official Scatter software.
- Navigate to the official Scatter download page. Always ensure you are downloading software from the official source to avoid security risks.
- Select the version compatible with your computer's operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux). For this guide, we will use the Windows 64-bit version as an example.
- If the link directs you to the homepage, look for a prominent "Download Scatter" button to proceed.
- Once the download is complete, locate the installation file on your computer. If you are using Chrome, the file typically appears at the bottom of the browser window.
- Run the installation file by clicking "Execute" or "Run".
- You will be prompted to choose who can use the application on this device. Select "Only for me" for a single-user installation. If multiple people use the computer and should each have access, choose "Anyone who uses this computer (all users)".
- The installer will suggest a destination folder. You can proceed with the default location unless you have a specific reason to change it. Click "Install" to continue.
- After the installation is complete, click "Finish" and launch the Scatter application.
Initial Scatter Setup and Configuration
Upon launching Scatter for the first time, you will need to configure its core security settings.
- Set a Strong Password: You must create a password of at least eight characters. This password will be required every time you log into Scatter to connect with a DApp or authorize a transaction. After setting your password, click "Let's go!".
- Backup Your Seed Phrase: Scatter will generate a 12-word seed phrase (mnemonic recovery phrase). Write these words down in the exact order shown. This phrase is the ultimate key to restoring your wallet. If you lose this seed phrase and forget your password, you will permanently lose access to your wallet and all assets within it. It is highly recommended to write this phrase on a piece of paper and store it in a very secure place. For maximum security, consider using a device that has never been connected to the internet to record it. Anyone who obtains these 12 words can gain full control of your wallet. Once you have securely recorded the phrase, click "Okay".
- Accept the Terms of Service: You will be presented with Scatter's terms of use. Read through them and click "Accept" to continue.
- Configure Automatic Backups: You will be prompted to choose a folder on your computer where Scatter can automatically save encrypted backup files of your settings. Click "Choose Folder" to select a location. This provides an additional layer of redundancy for your configuration.
Creating a New EOS Account
With Scatter installed and configured, you can now create a new EOS account directly within the application.
- From the main Scatter interface, locate and click the "Add Key" button.
- A new menu will appear. Select the "EOS account" option from this menu to begin the account creation process.
- Record Your Keys: Scatter will generate a new public and private key pair. It is absolutely critical that you immediately click "Copy Private Key" and save this private key in a secure, offline location, just like your seed phrase. Your private key is essential for accessing your account. After saving your keys, click "Create Account".
- Choose an Account Name: You must choose a unique 12-character name for your EOS account. The name can only contain lowercase letters (a-z) and numbers from 1 to 5. This is a requirement of the EOS protocol. Once you have entered an available name, click "Use Name".
Fund the Account Creation: Creating an account on the EOS network requires a small amount of EOS to reserve the blockchain resources. Scatter will instruct you to send a specific amount of EOS (e.g., 1.6807 EOS) to a designated account (e.g., "createbridge"). Crucially, you must include the exact memo code provided by Scatter in this transaction. If you omit the memo or use an incorrect one, your EOS may be lost permanently.
- When sending from an exchange, you would enter "createbridge" as the withdrawal address and paste the Scatter-provided memo into the exchange's "MEMO" field.
- Always account for the exchange's withdrawal fee to ensure the net amount received by "createbridge" meets the minimum requirement. 👉 Explore more strategies for managing transaction fees effectively.
- Finalize the Account: After the transaction is confirmed on the blockchain (this can take a few minutes), return to Scatter and click "Create Account". If the transaction has not yet been confirmed, you will need to wait. Once successful, your new EOS account will be created.
- Name Your Key for Management: Finally, you can assign a friendly "Key Name" to help you identify this specific key pair within your Scatter wallet, especially useful if you manage multiple accounts. In the "Account Name" field, confirm your EOS account name. Click "Add" to complete the process. Your Scatter wallet is now ready to use with your new EOS account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of using Scatter over other wallets?
Scatter's primary advantage is its powerful identity and permission management system. It allows users to create multiple profiles and grant specific, limited permissions to different DApps, enhancing both convenience and security when interacting with the decentralized web.
Is it safe to type my seed phrase or private key onto my computer?
For optimal security, it is strongly advised to write down your seed phrase and private keys on paper. Storing them on any internet-connected device, even in a file, increases the risk of theft by malware or hackers. An offline, physical copy is the most secure method.
I sent the EOS for account creation but it's not working. What should I do?
First, double-check the transaction on a block explorer using your sending account's public address. Confirm the transaction was successful and that the correct memo was used. If the memo was wrong, you will likely need to contact the recipient account's owner for support. Always be patient, as network congestion can sometimes delay transactions.
Can I use the same Scatter wallet on multiple computers?
Yes, you can. You would need to install Scatter on the other computer and then restore your wallet using the 12-word seed phrase you backed up during the initial setup. This will give you access to your same keys and identities.
What happens if I forget my Scatter password?
Your Scatter password can be reset using your 12-word seed phrase. This is why backing up the seed phrase is so critical. Without it, there is no way to recover a forgotten password, and the wallet will be permanently inaccessible.
Does Scatter support hardware wallets?
Yes, recent versions of Scatter offer support for popular hardware wallets like Ledger. This provides an even higher level of security by keeping your private keys isolated on a dedicated device.