imKey Manager User Guide: How to Perform COS Upgrade

This article highlights the importance of upgrading the COS firmware of the imKey hardware wallet, explaining COS's role in security management. It emphasizes that regular upgrades can fix vulnerabilities and add features, while providing specific steps and security measures through imKey Manager to protect user assets.

To ensure that the imKey hardware wallet always maintains the highest level of security and stable operation, upgrading the firmware (COS) is a crucial step. This guide will detail how to safely and conveniently complete the firmware (COS) upgrade through imKey Manager, ensuring optimal protection for your device and assets.

What is COS?

COS (Card Operating System) is the operating system running on the secure chip, responsible for managing the core security functions of the hardware wallet.

Why Upgrade COS?

Firmware (COS) upgrades not only introduce new features but also fix potential security vulnerabilities. Therefore, users should upgrade the firmware (COS) to the latest version through imKey Manager to enjoy new functionalities and patch newly discovered vulnerabilities or security risks, preventing exposure to potential threats from outdated firmware.

How to upgrade COS firmware via imKey Manager?

Step 1. Download and Install imKey Manager

1. Download imKey Manager according to your device (Mac/Windows).
2. Double-click on the installation package and wait for the installation to complete
   

Step 2. Connect imKey Pro

1. Open imKey Manager and click "Use Now"
   
2. Use a USB cable to connect to your computer and complete the operation according to the prompts.
   
3. Enter the PIN code on imKey Pro and wait for the connection to complete.
   
   
4. Enter the binding code to access the main interface of imKey Manager.

Step 3. Firmware Update

Note: Firmware upgrades take some time, so please ensure you do not unplug the USB data cable until the upgrade is complete.

1. Go to the imKey Manager homepage, click "Settings" on the left, and then click "Upgrade."
   
2. Click the "OK" button on imKey Pro to confirm the upgrade, and enter the PIN code to wait for the upgrade to complete.
   
   
   Note: This upgrade includes both Bluetooth and firmware upgrades, requiring you to enter the PIN code twice.
3. Open your phone's settings, go to Bluetooth, find the corresponding imKey device name, and click "Forget this device."
4. Return to the previous page and click "Allow new connections."
5. Open imToken App to re-pair with imKey. If you see the message "The binding information of this device has changed, please unpair first," simply unpair and then re-pair.

If you encounter any issues during the upgrade process, you can submit a request or contact us via email: support@imkey.im.

imKey Manager FAQs and Solutions

Q1. Will the COS firmware upgrade affect my private key?

No. The COS firmware upgrade only updates the device's operating system and does not access or modify the private key or mnemonic information stored in the wallet.

Q2. What should I do if the COS firmware upgrade fails?

Before upgrading COS, make sure you have an offline backup of your mnemonic. If an issue occurs during the upgrade process, try reconnecting the device and restarting the upgrade. If the problem persists, it's recommended to contact imKey customer support for assistance.

Q3. How can I confirm that my COS firmware is up to date?

You can check the current COS firmware version at any time through imKey Manager, and you will receive update notifications when a new version is available.

Q4. What is imKey Manager?

"imKey Manager" is a desktop management tool for imKey Pro. It allows you to manage your imKey Pro firmware version, supported cryptocurrency list, view basic information about imKey Pro, and handle application installation and updates, helping you better understand your imKey Pro.

Q5. Prompt: USB Connection Error?

• Reinsert the data cable and check if it is in good condition.
• Ensure that the imKey Pro device is not in "Bluetooth Connection" mode; you need to disconnect Bluetooth first.
• Try powering on the imKey Pro and entering the PIN code before connecting the USB.
• After plugging in the USB, wait a few seconds.

Q6. Can the imKey Standard Edition use "imKey Manager"?

No, only the imKey Pro version is supported.

Q7. What is a firmware upgrade? Why should I upgrade the firmware? What are the benefits after upgrading the firmware?

A firmware upgrade updates the operating system of the imKey Pro's secure chip. Upgrading the firmware helps fix existing bugs, expand new algorithms and applications, improve user experience, and enable support for more cryptocurrencies.

Q8. Is it unsafe to connect via USB while online?

No, it is safe. The "sensitive data" stored in imKey Pro is already stored offline in the hardware wallet's secure chip when the wallet is created, isolated from the network. Even when connected to a computer via USB, no "sensitive data" will be exchanged. You can rest assured about the security.

Q9. Can I still connect to imToken after connecting to "imKey Manager"?

Yes, the imKey Pro version supports both USB and Bluetooth connections. With a backup of the "binding code," you can switch between PC and mobile connections at any time.

Q10. Is it safe to use imKey Manager?

No need to worry. The "sensitive data" stored in imKey Pro is securely stored offline in the hardware wallet's secure chip, isolated from the network. Even when connected to a computer via USB, no "sensitive data" will be exchanged.