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Documentation

Everything you need to install safely, understand the ecosystem, and run clean operator workflows.

Independent project.

Quick start

Install & first launch

  1. 01 Download for your OS
  2. 02 Verify hash & signature
  3. 03 Open & create/import wallet
Open install guide

Verify builds

  1. 01 Compare SHA256
  2. 02 Check signature file
  3. 03 Match release metadata
Open verification guide

Ledger signing

  1. 01 Install Ledger Live + Solana app
  2. 02 Connect via USB
  3. 03 Confirm on device screen
Open Ledger guide

Install & updates

Download the correct build for your operating system, verify the release file, and complete first launch with confidence.

1

Download from trusted source

Navigate to the latest release page and grab your OS specific installer.

2

Verify file

Check the SHA256 checksum against the published release values.

3

First launch: create or import

Generate a new seed phrase locally or import an existing Solana path wallet.

Exact first-launch steps may vary slightly by operating system and security settings.

Download the .dmg build. Because of platform security controls, macOS may warn on first launch depending on signing and notarization state.

VERIFY CHECKSUM
shasum -a 256 HeliumDesktop-mac.dmg

Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Open Anyway.

3-Step Verification

Hash Verification

Ensure your local file's SHA256 hash matches the published checksum perfectly.

Signature Validation

Check the digital signature against the project's public key.

Release Metadata

Confirm the release tag and binary sizes align with expected parameters.

* "Verified" in this project strictly means the cryptographic artifacts match. It does not imply external audits.

Verify builds

The single source of truth for software safety. Because this is an independent desktop client handling private keys natively, verification is your strongest defense against compromised binaries.

We provide exact checksums and signature files for every release. Do not install the application if these do not match.

Open the full verification page

Helium ecosystem basics

Helium assets exist on the Solana blockchain. Understanding token vs. utility types prevents sending errors.

HNT

The primary transferable network token. Burned to create Data Credits.

MOBILE

Transferable reward token for 5G/Mobile hotspot network coverage.

IOT

Transferable reward token for LoRaWAN/IoT network coverage.

Data Credits (DC)

Fixed-value utility unit. Burned for network usage. Cannot be transferred.

Hotspot operator workflows

Running hardware involves managing assertion fees and sweeping rewards. Using distinct accounts limits blast radius if keys are compromised.

Recommended Account Structure

  • Rewards Landing Hot
  • Treasury / Cold Storage Ledger
  • Operations (SOL + DC) Utility

Common Mistakes

  • • Mixing personal funds with operator revenue.
  • • Not leaving enough SOL in the ops wallet for transaction gas.
  • • Trying to send Data Credits (DC) to a treasury wallet.
Open Hotspot Operators page
Accounts
Fleet Treasury
Ledger
4aX...91B
NYC Landing
Hot
9zT...pQw
Ops / Assertions
DC + SOL
2fR...mk1

Ledger signing

Keep private keys securely on your hardware device. Helium Desktop interfaces safely with the standard Solana Ledger App.

Build Tx
Transport
Confirm
Signed
1

Update Ledger Live firmware.

2

Install latest Solana App.

3

Connect USB & unlock.

4

Add Ledger account in UI.

5

Review & sign safely.

Open Ledger page

Troubleshooting

Fast fixes for common setup, signing, and visibility issues.

Needs Attention

Device not detected

Ensure the device is unlocked and the Solana app is actively open before initiating a transaction.

Open docs
Critical

Hash mismatch

If the downloaded SHA256 hash does not match, delete the file immediately. Do not launch.

Open docs
Info

RPC connection issues

Public endpoints can be rate-limited. Switch to a private RPC endpoint in settings.

Open docs
Needs Attention

Account not showing

Check derivation paths if importing from a different wallet. Standard Solana path is m/44'/501'/0'/0'.

Open docs
Info

Transaction rejected

Ensure your account has at least ~0.02 SOL to cover network gas and rent exemptions.

Open docs

Still stuck?

Never share your seed phrase to get help from community members.

Documentation Hub

Download & Install

Get the latest binary for your operating system safely.

Feb 12, 2024 3 min
Install

First Launch & Wallet Import

How to generate a new wallet or import an existing 12/24 word phrase.

Feb 14, 2024 4 min
Install

Verify SHA256 Hash

Compare downloaded file hash against published checksums to prevent tampering.

Feb 10, 2024 3 min
Verify

Verify Signature File

Validate the binary was signed by the official project key.

Feb 10, 2024 4 min
Verify

Data Credits (DC)

Understand the non-transferable utility unit used for network assertions.

Jan 22, 2024 3 min
Ecosystem

HNT, MOBILE, IOT Tokens

The core transferable reward tokens of the Helium network.

Dec 12, 2023 3 min
Ecosystem

Recommended Account Structure

Isolate risk by separating ops, landing, and treasury wallets.

Dec 15, 2023 4 min
Operator

Local-only Labels

Organize accounts locally without broadcasting metadata.

Dec 18, 2023 2 min
Operator

Ledger Setup Guide

Step-by-step guide to connecting your Ledger hardware device.

Jan 28, 2024 5 min
Ledger

Device Not Detected

Fix connection issues between the app and hardware wallet.

Feb 05, 2024 2 min
Troubleshooting

RPC Connection Issues

How to switch to a private endpoint for reliable broadcasting.

Feb 10, 2024 3 min
Troubleshooting

Missing Accounts

Check derivation paths if importing from a different Solana wallet.

Feb 12, 2024 2 min
Troubleshooting

Need help fast?

Jump directly to our most critical operational guides.

Docs Category

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