> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nimbus.trade/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Account Setup & Connection to Hyperliquid

> Complete guide to securely connecting your Hyperliquid account to Nimbus

## Setting Up Your Trading Account

Follow these steps to securely connect your Hyperliquid account and start automated trading.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

<CheckList>
  * A compatible wallet (MetaMask, WalletConnect, or Ledger) - An active
    Hyperliquid account - Basic understanding of DEX trading - Test funds for
    initial setup (recommended)
</CheckList>

## Step 1: Wallet Connection

### Supported Wallets

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="MetaMask" icon="ethereum">
    Most popular option with browser extension support.
  </Card>

  <Card title="WalletConnect" icon="link">
    Connect mobile wallets and hardware wallets.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Ledger" icon="shield">
    Hardware wallet for maximum security.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Connection Process

1. Click "Connect Wallet" in the Nimbus dashboard
2. Select your preferred wallet type
3. Approve the connection request
4. Sign the message to verify ownership

<Warning>
  Never share your private keys or seed phrase. Nimbus only needs
  read/write permissions for trading, not wallet access.
</Warning>

## Step 2: Hyperliquid API Configuration

### Creating API Keys

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="key" title="Generate New API Keys">
    1. Log into [Hyperliquid](https://app.hyperliquid.xyz)
    2. Navigate to Account → API Settings
    3. Click "Create New API Key"
    4. Set permissions: **Trading** (required), **Read Account** (required)
    5. **Do not** enable withdrawals for safety
    6. Copy the API Key and Secret immediately

    <Tip>Store your API credentials securely using a password manager.</Tip>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="server" title="Testnet vs Mainnet">
    **Testnet (Recommended for Beginners):**

    * Risk-free environment
    * Test tokens provided
    * Full feature access
    * Perfect for learning

    **Mainnet (Production Trading):**

    * Real funds and real profits/losses
    * Live market conditions
    * Production-ready strategies only

    Start with testnet to familiarize yourself with the platform.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Adding API Keys to Nimbus

1. Navigate to Settings → API Configuration
2. Select "Hyperliquid" as your exchange
3. Choose Testnet or Mainnet
4. Enter your API Key and Secret
5. Click "Test Connection" to verify
6. Save your configuration

<Note>
  API keys are encrypted and stored securely. Nimbus cannot access your
  funds for withdrawal.
</Note>

## Step 3: Account Verification

### Trading Permissions

Verify your account has the correct permissions:

<CheckList>
  * ✅ Spot Trading (required) - ✅ Perpetual Trading (for advanced strategies)
  * ✅ Account Reading (required) - ❌ Withdrawals (not recommended)
</CheckList>

### Initial Deposit

For testnet:

1. Request test tokens from Hyperliquid faucet
2. Minimum recommended: 1000 USDC equivalent

For mainnet:

1. Bridge funds to Hyperliquid L1
2. Start with small amounts (\$100-500)
3. Increase as you gain confidence

## Step 4: Security Best Practices

### API Key Security

<Warning>
  **Critical Security Rules:** - Never enable withdrawal permissions - Use
  unique API keys only for Nimbus - Regularly rotate your API keys
  (monthly) - Monitor your account for unexpected activity
</Warning>

### Account Protection

* Enable 2FA on your Hyperliquid account
* Use a dedicated trading wallet
* Set position size limits
* Enable email notifications for trades

### IP Whitelisting

For maximum security, restrict API key access:

1. In Hyperliquid API settings, add Nimbus's IP addresses:
   * `52.91.45.123` (Primary)
   * `3.87.156.201` (Backup)
2. This prevents unauthorized access from other locations

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="exclamation-triangle" title="Connection Failed">
    **Possible causes:**

    * Incorrect API credentials
    * Network/firewall issues
    * API key permissions insufficient

    **Solutions:**

    * Verify API key and secret
    * Check Hyperliquid service status
    * Regenerate API keys if needed
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="ban" title="Trading Restrictions">
    **Possible causes:**

    * Insufficient balance
    * VPN/geo-restrictions
    * Account limitations

    **Solutions:**

    * Ensure adequate trading balance
    * Check Hyperliquid's supported regions
    * Contact Hyperliquid support if restricted
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

Once your account is set up:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Risk Management Setup" icon="shield-check" href="/getting-started/risk-management">
    Configure essential risk controls before trading.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Deploy Your First Bot" icon="rocket" href="/getting-started/first-bot">
    Launch your first automated trading strategy.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>