Hardware Wallet Start Guide

Follow these clear, vendor-style steps to securely unbox, initialize, and start using your hardware wallet. This guide focuses on practical security, setup, and first transactions without vendor branding.

Before you begin: safety and preparation

This guide outlines recommended practices you should take before powering on a hardware wallet. It is not an official vendor page — treat this as a security-first setup checklist.

Critical: Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or phone. Keep your recovery phrase offline and stored in a secure, fire-resistant place.

Unboxing and verification

When you receive your hardware wallet, verify the packaging integrity and tamper-evidence seals. Confirm the device model and serial number match any purchase records. If packaging looks tampered with or the device boots to an unexpected prompt, stop and contact the vendor’s official support channel immediately.

Install companion software

Download the wallet's official companion app or desktop client from the vendor's official website only. Do not follow links from emails or search results without verifying the destination. For increased safety, bookmark the official download page before installing.

Initialize the device

Power the device and follow the on-screen prompts to set a PIN and generate a recovery phrase. Use a PIN that is easy for you to remember but not obviously tied to personal data. For recovery phrases, write them down on the included recovery card or a durable metal backup if available.

Create or restore?

If this is a new device, choose Create new wallet. To move an existing wallet onto the device, choose Restore from recovery phrase and enter the full phrase as prompted — only on the device screen when required.

Set a secure PIN

Choose a PIN length supported by the device and avoid obvious sequences. Most devices allow PIN changes; update it if you suspect compromise.

Record the recovery phrase

Copy the recovery words exactly in order. Never save the recovery phrase in cloud storage, photos, or online notes. The recovery phrase is the ultimate key for wallet recovery.

Verify recovery

Many devices request you confirm a subset of recovery words. Complete verification on-device to ensure the backup is correct.

Connect and use companion app

Open the companion application and follow the guided connection steps. When prompted to connect, confirm the device displays the same request. Always review transaction details on the hardware device screen before approving — the device is the source of truth for transaction integrity.

First transaction checklist

  • Use a small test transaction when sending funds for the first time.
  • Confirm receiving addresses on both devices or apps before sending.
  • Review gas/network fees and only proceed when you understand the cost.

Ongoing maintenance and updates

Keep device firmware and companion apps updated via official channels. Firmware updates may include security patches and new features; install updates only after verifying the release on the vendor’s official site.

Advanced security considerations

Consider using a dedicated offline machine for creating sensitive backups and use hardware or metallurgical backup solutions for long-term recovery phrase storage. For enterprise use, deploy multi-signature wallets to distribute custody across independent devices or keyholders.

When something goes wrong

If you suspect compromise, immediately move remaining funds to a new wallet initialized on a clean device. Revoke any suspicious approvals made to decentralized apps. Contact the vendor’s official support center only via the contact information on the vendor’s verified website.