Coinkite rolls out major Coldcard firmware updates

Coinkite has released new firmware for its Coldcard Mk4, Mk5 and Q hardware wallets, adding Secure Notes upgrades, stronger backup options and a long list of bug fixes. The updates are available now and are aimed at improving both usability and security for Bitcoin users.

Why it matters: - The update expands Coldcard’s security-focused feature set while reducing friction for users who manage sensitive data on-device. - The changes matter most for Bitcoin holders who rely on hardware wallets for air-gapped storage, backups and transaction signing.

What happened: - Coinkite released firmware version 5.5.1 for Coldcard Mk4 and Mk5 devices and version 1.4.1 for the Coldcard Q on July 2, 2026. - The update adds new Secure Notes and Passwords tools on the Q model and delivers bug fixes across the Coldcard lineup. - The firmware is available immediately for all Coldcard Mk and Q devices. - Users can download the latest firmware from the official Coldcard documentation site.

The details: - The update improves NFC export tag reliability with iOS devices. - The firmware adds support for exporting WIF watch-only descriptors to blockchain-connected wallets. - The BIP-322 Proof of Reserves implementation now requires the PSBT_GLOBAL_GENERIC_SIGNED_MESSAGE field. - WIF Store address detection now works without requiring PSBT_IN_BIP32_DERIVATION. - The Coldcard Q now supports customizable groups for Secure Notes and Passwords. - The Q model can create standalone encrypted backups for Secure Notes and Passwords as 7z files with AES-256 protection. - The backup files are separate from wallet seed backups, which helps preserve air-gapped security practices. - Secure Note text can now be applied directly as a BIP-39 passphrase on the Q model. - The Q model also gets major QR scanner improvements, including better recovery from setup failures and fewer scanner sleep command conflicts. - The Q update improves seed word cursor alignment for 12-word seeds. - The Q update also improves QR scan import error messages and fixes keyboard debounce issues that could cause stuck keys. - Across all models, the firmware restores P2PK signing for both compressed and uncompressed keys. - The update fixes custom address default menu positioning. - The update resolves Delta Mode Trick PIN backup restoration failures. - The firmware improves error handling for incorrect 7z headers and backup verification. - The update adds better handling of malformed JSON message-sign requests. - The firmware fixes display issues with non-standard OP_RETURN outputs. - The Q model also fixes BIP-21 QR amount rendering on the Payment Address screen.

Between the lines: - Coinkite is pushing the Coldcard line deeper into security workflows that go beyond wallet signing and into note storage, passphrase handling and backup management. - The new Q features suggest continued emphasis on making advanced security tools easier to use without weakening the hardware wallet model. - The bug-fix list shows the company is still tuning core wallet functions, not just adding new features.

What's next: - Coldcard users can update now and start using the new Secure Notes, backup and signing features right away. - Coinkite is likely to keep refining the Q model as the product line absorbs more advanced wallet-management tools.

The bottom line: - The latest Coldcard firmware is a broad update that improves both security workflows and everyday usability across Coinkite’s hardware wallet lineup.