# Set up watch-only wallet

Source URL: https://help.blockstream.com/blockstream-app-2/advanced/set-up-watch-only-wallet
Updated: 2026-05-12T07:06:15.000Z
Category: Blockstream App
Section: Advanced

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A watch-only wallet allows a user to track the balance of their Bitcoin wallet without needing the private keys associated with that wallet. This means you can monitor balances without exposing your private keys to the device used to generate the watch-only wallet. Since Bitcoin addresses are publicly viewable on the blockchain, anyone can view the balance of a Bitcoin address—even if it’s not theirs.

> **Tip:** Watch-only wallets are particularly useful with your [Blockstream Jade](https://support.dxp-staging.blockstream.com/blockstream-jade/faqs/blockstream-jade-vs-blockstream-app), since you can receive funds without needing the physical device.

## Watch-Only Wallet Setup Instructions

1. Navigate to the screen that lists your **Digital Wallets**. If a wallet is already open, tap the wallet icon in the top-right corner to return to this screen. Select the wallet for which you’d like to create a **watch-only wallet**.  
> **Note:** Watch-only mode is wallet-specific. You will need to enable it separately for each wallet.  
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/advanced/set-up-watch-only-wallet/47337985276697.jfif)
2. Tap the **Settings** tab in the bottom navigation bar, then select **Watch-only** under the **Wallet** section.  
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/advanced/set-up-watch-only-wallet/47337985277337.jfif)
3. What appears on the next screen depends on whether your wallet uses two-factor authentication (2FA):  
  - Multisig (2FA) wallets: Generate a watch-only **username and password**.
  - Singlesig wallets: Copy the wallet’s **extended public key** or **output descriptors**.  
This information will be needed in Step 6 to complete the setup.  
> **Warning:** Anyone with access to your watch-only username and password can view your multisig wallet’s transaction history and balances. Keep these credentials private and update them regularly.  
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/advanced/set-up-watch-only-wallet/47337997900313.jfif) ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/advanced/set-up-watch-only-wallet/47337985278233.jfif)
4. Return to the **Digital Wallets** screen and tap **Set up a New Wallet**. On the next screen, tap **Get Started**, then tap the **three-dot icon** on the "Create a new wallet" screen. From the popup menu, select **Set up watch-only**.  
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/advanced/set-up-watch-only-wallet/47337985279001.jfif) ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/advanced/set-up-watch-only-wallet/47337985279257.jfif) ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/advanced/set-up-watch-only-wallet/47337997902617.jfif) ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/advanced/set-up-watch-only-wallet/47337985279897.jfif)
5. Choose the wallet type you want to replicate in watch-only mode—either **Multisig** or **Singlesig**.  
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/advanced/set-up-watch-only-wallet/47337985280281.jfif)
6. Complete the setup by entering the required information:  
  - For singlesig wallets, paste the **extended public key** or **output descriptors** copied in Step 3.
  - For 2FA multisig wallets, enter the **watch-only username and password** generated in Step 3.  
Once the wallet is added, it will appear on the **Digital Wallets** screen and allow you to monitor its balance and transactions.  
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/advanced/set-up-watch-only-wallet/47337985280921.jfif) ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/dxp-staging-assets/content/blockstream-app/advanced/set-up-watch-only-wallet/47337985281049.jfif)

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