Setting Up Your Wallet

Wallet = Your Account

TimeProof uses wallet-based authentication instead of email and password. Your blockchain wallet address is your identity on the platform. This approach provides:

Cryptographic security — wallet signatures are unforgeable
No password to leak — authentication relies on cryptographic keys, not stored secrets
Blockchain alignment — your timestamps are linked to the same address that authenticates you
One-click convenience — sign in with Google, Apple, or your existing crypto wallet

Two Options: Custodial or External

Option 1: Custodial Wallet (Recommended for Most Users)

A custodial wallet is created for you automatically when you sign in with a social account. You never see or manage the wallet directly.

How to connect:

Visit app.timeprooflabs.com
Click Connect Wallet
Choose Google, Apple, or another social login
Authenticate with your social account
A wallet is created behind the scenes — you’re signed in

What you don’t need to do:

Install browser extensions
Write down seed phrases
Understand wallet addresses
Own any cryptocurrency

The custodial wallet is provided through Reown AppKit (formerly WalletConnect’s account abstraction). It handles key management, signing, and all blockchain interaction invisibly.

Option 2: External Wallet (For Crypto Users)

If you already use a blockchain wallet, you can connect it directly for full control over your keys.

Supported wallets:

MetaMask (browser extension or mobile)
Coinbase Wallet
WalletConnect-compatible wallets
Any Ethereum-compatible wallet

How to connect:

Install your preferred wallet (e.g., MetaMask)
Visit app.timeprooflabs.com
Click Connect Wallet
Select your wallet from the list
Approve the connection in your wallet
Sign the SIWE message when prompted

After connecting your wallet (custodial or external), TimeProof asks you to sign a SIWE message. This is a standard authentication protocol:

TimeProof generates a nonce — a random string to prevent replay attacks
Your wallet displays a message — something like “Sign in to TimeProof” with a nonce
You approve the signature — click “Sign” in your wallet
TimeProof verifies the signature — confirms you control this wallet address
Session created — an HTTP-only session cookie is set, and you’re authenticated

Signing a SIWE message:

Costs nothing — no gas fee, no blockchain transaction
Reveals nothing — it proves wallet ownership without exposing your private key
Creates a session — you stay signed in until you disconnect or the session expires

First-Time Connection

When you connect a wallet for the first time, TimeProof creates your account automatically:

Wallet address recorded as your primary identifier
Credit balances initialized to zero (IT: 0, ST: 0, LG: 0)
Identity verification set to unverified
Notification preferences set to default (all enabled)

There’s no registration form. Your wallet address is your account.

Session Management

After signing in:

Session persists across page refreshes (HTTP-only cookie)
Disconnecting your wallet signs you out completely
Multiple tabs share the same session
Session expiry — sessions are long-lived but will eventually require re-authentication

Wallet Security Best Practices

For Custodial Wallets

Use a strong password on your Google/Apple account
Enable two-factor authentication on your social account
The custodial wallet is as secure as the social account behind it

For External Wallets

Never share your seed phrase with anyone, including TimeProof (we will never ask)
Back up your seed phrase in a secure, offline location
Use a hardware wallet for high-value accounts
Keep your browser extension updated to patch security vulnerabilities
Review transaction requests carefully before signing

Switching Wallets

Each wallet address is a separate TimeProof account. If you want to use a different wallet:

Disconnect your current wallet (signs you out)
Connect the new wallet
Sign the SIWE message

The new wallet has its own credit balance, timestamp history, and verification status. Credits and timestamps do not transfer between wallets.

Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
Wallet not appearing in list	Install the wallet extension and refresh the page
SIWE signature fails	Check that your wallet is connected to the correct network
Session lost after refresh	Clear cookies may have removed the session — sign in again
”Already connected” error	Disconnect from the wallet extension and try again

For persistent issues, see Troubleshooting Common Issues.

Custodial vs External Wallets — detailed comparison
Account Settings — configure your profile
Getting Started — complete onboarding guide
Security Architecture — how TimeProof protects your data