DIY Bitcoin Hardware Wallet with Blockstream Jade Firmware: A Low-Cost, Open-Source ESP32-S3 Project

Introduction

Building your own Bitcoin hardware wallet is now achievable with Blockstream Jade firmware and affordable ESP32-S3 development boards. This guide walks you through hardware selection, firmware flashing, 3D-printed casing, and security optimization—all while keeping costs minimal and maintaining open-source transparency.

Hardware Components

Here are the tested ESP32-S3 boards compatible with Jade firmware:

T-Display-S3 (LilyGO)
- Compact size with built-in display.
M5Stack CoreS3 (M5Stack Shop)
- Touchscreen, camera, and battery support.
CrowPanel-ESP32 3.5" SPI (Elecrow)
- Larger display for enhanced UI.

👉 Best ESP32-S3 boards for crypto projects

Software Setup

Firmware Tools

Jade DIY Web Flasher: Browser-based tool for quick setup (GitHub).
ESP-IDF: Required for advanced configurations (Official Guide).

Repositories

Jade Firmware: (Blockstream GitHub)
Custom Modifications: (3rdIteration GitHub)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Web-Flash Method (Beginner-Friendly)

Connect T-Display-S3 via USB.
Use the Jade Web Flasher to install firmware.
Note: Web-based tools have security limitations—use offline methods for production devices.

2. ESP-IDF Compilation (Advanced)

Install ESP-IDF (v5.1+ recommended).

Clone the Jade repository:

git clone https://github.com/Blockstream/Jade

Resolve common issues:
- Python not found: Ensure PATH variables are set.
- Command-line too long: Shorten directory names.

3. Custom Display Drivers

For Elecrow 3.5" SPI Terminal:

Modify the ili9488 graphics driver for correct colors.
Assemble hardware in a 3D-printed case (Printables).

Security Enhancements

Secure Boot & Flash Encryption

Debug Profile: Test functionality first.
Production Profile: Enable Secure Boot + Flash Encryption via idf.py menuconfig.
Flash the secured bootloader:
```
idf.py flash monitor  
```

👉 ESP32 security best practices

FAQ Section

Q1: Is a DIY wallet secure?

A: While functional, DIY wallets lack tamper-proof chips. Use for small amounts only.

Q2: Which board is best for beginners?

A: T-Display-S3—simple setup with Web Flasher.

Q3: How to troubleshoot flashing errors?

A: Check USB drivers, ESP-IDF version, and Python dependencies.

Conclusion

This project democratizes Bitcoin security with open-source firmware and low-cost hardware. Whether you’re a hobbyist or developer, Jade on ESP32-S3 offers a customizable, transparent alternative to commercial wallets.

Next Steps: Explore multi-signature setups or integrate with Blockstream Green.


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