> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://earthlinc.gitbook.io/protocol/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://earthlinc.gitbook.io/protocol/using-earth-linc/claim-and-custody.md).

# Claim & custody

*Receiving a star takes an email address. Owning your keys is always one step away — never forced.*

## When a star is Cast to you

You get an email: someone has Cast a NaviStar to you. Click the claim link, sign in (or create an account in a minute), and the star moves into your **Realm**. That's the whole thing. No keys, no seed phrase, no crypto knowledge.

## Custody-by-default

Until and after you claim, your stars are held in **custody**: managed custody infrastructure that keeps them safe on your behalf. Custody exists for one reason — *a recipient with no keys must still be able to receive.* While in custody:

* the stars are recorded on-chain as yours, in your Realm;
* we safeguard the keys and act only on your instructions through the Service;
* custody is not a bank account and earns nothing — it simply holds what's yours.

You can stay in custody indefinitely. There is no deadline and no pressure; sovereignty is offered, never forced.

## Self-custody — taking your keys

Whenever you're ready, move to **self-custody**: your Realm (the Signet that controls it, the account that holds your stars) transfers under keys you control. From that moment, you alone hold the keys.

What changes:

* **Full sovereignty** — your Realm answers to your keys and the public chain, and to nothing else.
* **Full responsibility** — no one can recover lost keys. Not us, not anyone. Lost keys mean lost access, permanently. (See *Keys & custody* before you make the move.)

What doesn't change: the stars were already yours. Self-custody changes who holds the keys, not who owns the sky.

## Declining

No one is forced to claim. If a star was Cast to you and you don't want it, simply don't claim it — and you can ask not to receive further Casts from a sender (see the *Acceptable Use & Content Policy*).

***

*A protocol anchored by YuCROWN Corporation · 501(c)(3) — anchored, never owned.*


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