> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.everstrike.xyz/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

<Steps>
  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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](/account/limits). If the deposit passes all checks, your Everstrike account is automatically credited for the full amount.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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](/account/limits). 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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<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>

<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>

<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](/account/dex-mode-vs-cex-mode) instead, where you retain full control of your wallet and funds at all times.
</Warning>