What Happens During an Update in Atomic Wallet

A clear, security-first walkthrough explaining what an “update” (app update, not hardware firmware) does, how keys & backups are preserved, what verification to expect, and how to stay safe.

1. First — firmware vs app update: important distinction
Why the words matter

Strictly speaking, the word firmware update applies to physical hardware (a device’s embedded software). Atomic Wallet is a software wallet application (desktop & mobile), so when people say “firmware update” in this context they usually mean the app update — a new version of the Atomic executable, installer, or mobile package. Atomic itself does not manage or update hardware firmware inside the app: it historically does not provide native hardware wallet integration where Atomic controls firmware for a separate device. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Short take: expect app installers, release notes and signature checks — not on-device firmware flashing from Atomic. If you need firmware updates for a Ledger/Trezor device, use the hardware vendor’s official tools instead.
2. Where app updates come from
App stores, website, or direct APK

Atomic distributes updates via standard channels: Google Play / App Store for mobile, and their official downloads page for desktop installers (Windows, macOS, Linux). Advanced users can also download an APK or installer directly from Atomic’s site. Always use the official Atomic downloads page or your platform’s official store. Official update instructions are provided in Atomic’s support docs. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

  • Mobile: App Store / Google Play auto-update is common.
  • Desktop: download the new installer (.exe, .dmg, .AppImage) from Atomic’s site or use the app’s built-in update prompt if present.
3. Pre-update safety checks (what you should do)
Protect your seed before anything else

Before applying any update — especially a manual installer — make sure you have a tested backup of your 12-word mnemonic (or private keys) stored offline and encrypted. Atomic Wallet is non-custodial: your seed is the only way to recover funds, and updates should never require you to re-enter that seed except in a deliberate restore flow. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Action checklist: back up your seed phrase offline, verify backups, ensure you know your app password, and close unnecessary apps to reduce attack surface.
4. The update sequence — what the app does
Download → verify → replace → migrate
  1. Fetch metadata: The updater queries Atomic’s server (or the app store) for the latest version and release notes.
  2. Download package: The update package or installer is downloaded to your device.
  3. Integrity checks: Ideally the updater checks checksums or signatures. Official guidance recommends verifying source/origin of the installer. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
  4. Install / replace: The old application binary is replaced with the new one. On mobile, the store handles this atomically.
  5. Migration / schema updates: If the new version changes local databases or settings format, the app migrates your local data. This step should preserve encrypted key stores and your protected seed container.
  6. Restart & self-test: The app relaunches and often performs sanity checks (read wallets, check balances with nodes or APIs).
Atomic’s official docs show typical update flows and recommend using official channels for downloads. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
5. How private keys & seeds are handled during update
Local encryption, not server custody

Atomic stores private keys locally, encrypted under your password (or device storage). During an update, the app should not send your mnemonic to Atomic servers; the migration step re-uses the locally encrypted store and only needs your app password to unlock it. Because Atomic is non-custodial, your keys remain your responsibility. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

If an installer ever asks for your 12-word phrase to “complete an update”, treat it as a phish — you should only ever reveal your seed to restore on a trusted device.
6. Cryptographic verification — what to expect (and what Atomic does)
Checksums, signatures, and trust chains

Good update processes include checksum or signature verification: the installer is accompanied by a hash or signature you can compare against the official release note. Atomic publishes release notes and downloads (see their downloads and updates pages); users can verify origin by downloading only from the official site or official app stores. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

  • Checksum (e.g., SHA-256) — compare value shown on site with downloaded file.
  • Digital signatures — stronger, but depend on Atomic publishing public keys.
  • App store verification — mobile stores validate binaries for you.
If a direct installer’s checksum or signature isn’t published, prefer the platform store or contact support before installing.
7. Risks: the supply-chain incident & lessons learned
A real incident to heed

In 2023, researchers/public reports described incidents where malicious updates or compromised installers affected some users of Atomic Wallet, highlighting the dangers of supply-chain attacks. That case underscores why verifying source, maintaining offline seeds, and using hardware wallets for large balances are sensible precautions. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Lesson: an app update can be a vector for compromise — verify installers, keep seeds offline, and prefer small test amounts after any upgrade.
8. Post-update self-tests & sanity checks
What you should check after updating
  • Open the app and verify your wallet balance matches a block explorer for a few accounts.
  • Check that your saved addresses and transaction history load correctly.
  • Confirm that there are no new, unexplained addresses or unknown accounts present.
  • Try a small test withdrawal (or deposit) if you plan to send funds — use a tiny amount first.
9. Rollback & recovery options
If an update causes trouble

If an update breaks functionality, you can:

  • Reinstall an earlier version of the app (only from a verified archive) and restore using your seed.
  • Use your 12-word recovery phrase to restore accounts in another trusted wallet app.
  • Contact Atomic support and provide relevant logs (avoid sharing your seed!). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Always restore from your known good seed on a clean machine — never share your phrase when asking for support.
10. Best practices — safe updating checklist
Be proactive, not reactive
  1. Backup first: Confirm you have the seed phrase backed up offline and tested.
  2. Use official channels: Update via Google Play / App Store or Atomic’s official downloads page. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
  3. Verify signatures/checksums: When available, compare checksum values before running installers. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
  4. Minimize funds during risky updates: For large holdings, move a portion to a hardware wallet or wait until the update is widely vetted.
  5. Test small transactions: After updating, send/receive a tiny amount to confirm network behavior.
  6. Monitor official channels: Follow Atomic’s blog and support pages for announcements and advisories. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
11. When hardware firmware is the topic
If you do use a hardware wallet alongside Atomic

Some users split funds between Atomic Wallet and hardware wallets. Firmware updates for hardware devices (Ledger, Trezor, Tangem) must be performed using the hardware vendor’s official tools — not Atomic. Atomic does not manage or ship hardware firmware updates in-app. If you use both, keep firmware up to date via the vendor and confirm hardware signatures on the device screen before approving any action. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

12. Final summary
Short, practical takeaway

What most people call a “firmware update” for Atomic is really an app update. The safe update process is: back up your seed first, download only from official sources, verify checksums or use app store channels, and test balances after the update. Because Atomic is non-custodial (your seed stays local), recovering from a bad update is possible by restoring your seed in another trusted wallet — but prevention and careful verification are the best medicine. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

If you manage substantial crypto, consider keeping large holdings on a hardware wallet and using Atomic for convenience balances — and always keep your seed offline and verified.