New Privacy Features and ‘A Lot More’ Coming to Bitkey

Jack Dorsey’s Block is bringing several upgrades to its Bitcoin self-custody wallet, Bitkey, over the next few months. Sharing the news on X, Dorsey highlighted some fresh features that users can expect, including transaction verification, private wallet balances, fingerprint reset options, and ways to purchase Bitkey with better privacy.

Good to know

• Bitkey will soon allow customers to buy the device without sharing their home address.
• Private wallet balances and transaction verification features are scheduled around mid-year.
• Block plans to offer a secure fingerprint reset option in May.

At the heart of these updates is the plan to make security and privacy stronger without adding unnecessary complexity. Max Guise, Bitkey’s lead developer, explained in a new blog post that transaction verification software should be ready by mid-year. Guise mentioned that the team is exploring even more secure methods, including hardware-based verification and an optional cold wallet setup for users who want tighter security. He added, “Our next step is to publish a technical proposal and solicit feedback – look out for this over the summer.”

Another focus for Bitkey is improving privacy around customer balances and purchases. Guise confirmed that Bitkey will soon allow users to manage their Bitcoin without exposing their wallet balances or transactions, even within the collaborative custody system. He expects these privacy upgrades to land soon after transaction verification goes live.

Block also wants to change how customers buy the Bitkey device. Instead of providing a home or billing address, buyers will have the option to pick up their orders at thousands of U.S. locations. Plus, Bitkey will introduce the ability to buy the wallet directly with Bitcoin. Both of these options should roll out in the coming months.

Fingerprint security is getting an upgrade too. Guise shared that a secure fingerprint reset mechanism is targeted for a May release, giving users more control if they need to reset their biometrics without compromising security.