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

# CEX Mode: Everstrike's Custodial Account Option Explained

> Everstrike CEX mode manages your wallet for you. Deposits are credited automatically; withdrawals are signed offline. Requires trusting Everstrike Labs.

CEX mode is Everstrike's custodial trading option. Instead of connecting your own wallet, Everstrike creates and manages a wallet on your behalf. You deposit to an Everstrike-generated address, trade normally, and withdraw to any blockchain address, all without needing a self-custodied wallet. CEX mode is ideal if you prefer a simpler onboarding experience and are comfortable trusting Everstrike Labs with custody of your funds.

## How CEX Mode Works

**1. Account creation and key generation**

When you create an account, Everstrike generates a new public key for your account. This public key is stored on Everstrike's servers and is used to derive your CEX mode deposit address.

**2. Private key derivation**

Your public key has an associated private key. This private key is derived programmatically from an Everstrike-controlled master private key stored in a highly secure, fully offline environment.

**3. Deposits are credited automatically**

When you send funds to your CEX mode deposit address, Everstrike's off-chain infrastructure checks the transaction, verifying that it is final and within the CEX mode [deposit limits](https://docs.everstrike.io/account/limits.md). If the deposit passes all checks, your Everstrike account is automatically credited for the full amount.

**4. Withdrawals are manually signed offline**

When you submit a withdrawal, Everstrike's infrastructure verifies that it does not exceed your available balance and is within the CEX mode [withdrawal limits](https://docs.everstrike.io/account/limits.md). An Everstrike Labs employee then manually derives your private key from the master key and signs the withdrawal transaction in a fully offline environment. No private key is ever exposed to the internet at any point.

**5. Confirm, or cancel, by email**

After you request a withdrawal, Everstrike emails you a link to confirm it. Until the withdrawal is approved, you can cancel it from the email or from **Withdrawals** in the app, and the amount returns to your balance. Once it is approved and shows as processing, it can no longer be cancelled.

**6. Transaction is published to the blockchain**

Once signed and verified, the transaction is manually transferred to an online environment and published to the blockchain. Your funds arrive at the destination address you specified.

> [!WARNING]
>
> **The Everstrike master private key is stored in a highly secure offline environment and is never exposed to the internet.** This means your individual private key is likewise never internet-accessible: a remote attacker cannot obtain it.

> [!WARNING]
>
> **Funds sent to your CEX mode deposit address remain there until you withdraw.** Everstrike does not sweep funds into a separate hot wallet or cold wallet. Your deposit address is your address for the lifetime of your account.

> [!WARNING]
>
> **CEX mode requires trusting Everstrike Labs.** You do not control your private key, and that brings custody risk. If you are not comfortable with this, use Everstrike in [DEX mode](https://docs.everstrike.io/account/dex-mode-vs-cex-mode.md) instead, where you retain full control of your wallet and funds at all times.


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