Hardware wallet imKey has rolled out a significant update, expanding its multi-chain capabilities to include Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and Litecoin (LTC). This enhancement arrives alongside powerful new features like custom node support and EIP3085 integration, giving users greater control and flexibility over their digital asset management.
With this release, imKey now supports a total of 10 major public blockchains, including BTC, ETH, EOS, COSMOS, FIL, TRON, DOT, KSM, BCH, and LTC. These additions reinforce imKey’s commitment to building a secure, versatile, and future-ready hardware wallet ecosystem.
👉 Discover how imKey is redefining secure crypto storage in 2025
Seamless Support for BCH and LTC
The latest update introduces full functionality for Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin directly through the imToken app—no firmware upgrade or hardware replacement required. Any existing imKey device can gain support for these two major cryptocurrencies via a simple software update in the imToken 2.8.4 release.
This means users can now securely manage their BCH and LTC holdings using the same trusted hardware isolation that imKey is known for—all without compromising on security or convenience.
How to Add BCH and LTC to Your imKey Wallet
Adding these new assets is straightforward:
- Open imToken
- Navigate to Me → Manage Wallets → imKey Management
- Go to App Management
- Click Install next to the desired application (BCH or LTC)
Once installed, you can generate addresses, send and receive funds, and interact with relevant dApps directly through imToken while keeping your private keys safely stored in the imKey hardware.
Note: Due to hardware display limitations, BCH and LTC addresses will not be shown on the physical device screen during confirmation. However, all transaction signing remains fully secure within the hardware module. Address visibility issues will be addressed in a future firmware update.
Despite this temporary limitation, the core security model remains uncompromised. Your keys never leave the secure element, ensuring end-to-end protection.
Custom Node Support & EIP3085: Unlocking Multi-Network Access
One of the most exciting advancements in this update is the introduction of custom node support and compatibility with EIP3085, significantly broadening the scope of networks accessible through imKey.
What Is Custom Node Support?
By configuring custom nodes, users can connect imKey to any Ethereum-compatible network, such as:
- Binance Smart Chain (BSC)
- Huobi ECO Chain (HECO)
- xDAI Chain
- Arbitrum
- Optimism
This opens the door to thousands of decentralized applications (dApps), yield farming opportunities, NFT marketplaces, and cross-chain bridges across Layer 2 solutions and sidechains.
What Is EIP3085?
EIP3085 is an Ethereum improvement proposal designed to simplify the process of adding custom networks to wallets. When you visit a dApp that supports EIP3085, it can automatically prompt your wallet to add the required network settings with just one click—eliminating manual input errors and improving user experience.
For example:
- Visit an Arbitrum-based DeFi platform
- The site triggers an EIP3085 request
- imToken displays the network configuration (RPC URL, chain ID, etc.)
- You confirm → instantly connected
This seamless integration makes exploring new ecosystems faster and safer than ever before.
👉 See how top wallets leverage EIP3085 for frictionless dApp access
How to Set Up a Custom Node
Follow these steps to connect your imKey to a custom Ethereum-compatible network:
- Open imToken and switch to your imKey wallet
- Tap Me → Settings → Node Settings
- Select ETHEREUM → Add Custom Node
Enter the required details:
- Network name
- RPC URL
- Chain ID
- Symbol (optional)
- Block explorer URL (optional)
- Save and switch to the new network
You’re now ready to interact with dApps on that network using your imKey-secured assets.
Security Considerations When Using Custom Nodes
While custom node functionality greatly expands usability, it also introduces potential risks. Users should remain vigilant:
- 🔒 Node Trust: imToken and imKey do not verify the legitimacy or security of third-party nodes. Always research the node provider to avoid malicious actors.
- 🔄 Asset Tracking: Cross-network asset movements are not automatically tracked by the wallet. Understand withdrawal and deposit mechanisms before transferring funds.
- 💸 Value Misconception: Assets on testnets or private chains may share ticker symbols with mainnet tokens but hold no real value. Double-check the network before transacting.
These precautions ensure you maintain full control over your digital wealth while exploring diverse blockchain environments.
Why This Update Matters
imKey’s move to support BCH and LTC strengthens its position as a truly multi-chain hardware solution. Combined with EIP3085 and custom node capabilities, users now enjoy unprecedented access to both established cryptocurrencies and emerging DeFi ecosystems—all within a hardened security environment.
This evolution reflects broader industry trends: users demand more interoperability, faster access to innovation, and stronger self-custody tools. imKey delivers on all fronts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to update my imKey firmware to use BCH or LTC?
No. The update is handled entirely through the imToken 2.8.4 app. No firmware change or hardware modification is required. Simply install the BCH or LTC app via imKey Management.
Q: Can I see my BCH or LTC address on the imKey hardware screen?
Not currently. Due to space constraints in the current firmware, address display for BCH and LTC isn't available on-device. However, all transactions are still signed securely inside the hardware wallet. Address display will be added in a future update.
Q: Is it safe to use custom nodes with my imKey?
Yes—but only if you trust the node provider. Since imKey does not validate node integrity, always use well-known, reputable RPC endpoints from official project sources.
Q: What happens if I send assets to the wrong network?
Transactions on blockchain networks are irreversible. Always double-check the network (e.g., BSC vs. Ethereum) before sending funds. Using incorrect networks may result in permanent loss of assets.
Q: Does EIP3085 work automatically with all dApps?
Only dApps that have implemented EIP3085 support will trigger automatic network setup prompts. Most major DeFi platforms on Arbitrum, Optimism, and BSC already support it.
Q: Can I use imKey with non-EVM chains via custom nodes?
No. Custom node support applies only to Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible networks. Non-EVM chains like Solana or Cosmos require native protocol support.
Final Thoughts
With native support for BCH, LTC, and advanced features like custom node configuration and EIP3085 integration, imKey continues its journey toward becoming a comprehensive self-custody solution for crypto users worldwide.
Whether you're managing core holdings or diving into Layer 2 innovations, imKey offers a secure foundation that evolves with the ecosystem.
👉 Explore next-gen wallet security features available today
Always remember:
✅ Backup your wallet
✅ Never share your private key or recovery phrase
✅ Use official resources for support: https://support.imkey.im
Stay secure, stay informed, and keep exploring the decentralized future.