Get started: Secure Hardware Wallet Guide

Step-by-step wallet setup, best practices for crypto security, backup and recovery — a friendly guide for new and returning users.

Quick start: from box to secure wallet in 6 steps

Follow these concise, secure steps to initialize your hardware wallet, create a backup seed, and connect to your desktop or mobile companion app. Designed for clarity — recommended for both beginners and experienced users who want safe, reliable cold storage.

1
Unbox & inspect

Confirm tamper-evident seals are intact. Only use the official packaging and accessories included in the box. If packaging looks altered, stop and contact support.

2
Power on & create new wallet

Choose “Create a new wallet” on the device display. Set a secure PIN (6+ digits recommended) to protect the device from local access attempts.

3
Write your backup seed

Write the 12 or 24 words displayed by the device onto the provided recovery card or durable medium. Do not photograph, store digitally, or type them into a website or cloud service.

4
Verify the seed

Use the device’s verification step to ensure the words were copied correctly. Many devices ask you to confirm a few words in random order — complete this to finalize your recovery setup.

5
Connect to companion app

Install the official desktop or mobile companion app from the vendor’s website or app store. Pair with a USB cable or secure Bluetooth flow and install the crypto apps you plan to use.

6
Receive & verify

When receiving funds, always verify the receiving address on the hardware device screen — never trust addresses shown only in the companion app or on web pages.

Deep dive: setup best practices & security explained

Using a hardware wallet is the recommended way to store long-term crypto (cold storage). A hardware wallet stores private keys in a secure element and never exposes them to your internet-connected device. That means signing transactions happens on-device and your private keys remain offline even when you trade, stake, or interact with decentralized apps.

Backup seed: do this, not that

Your backup seed is a human-readable recovery key (12 or 24 words). It is the most critical piece of information for your crypto recovery. Treat it like a bank vault key:

  • Do: write the words clearly on the recovery card and store it in a safe, fireproof location.
  • Do: create two physical copies stored in separate secured locations (safe deposit box, trusted family safe).
  • Don't: type, photograph, email, or store your seed phrase digitally (phones, cloud, USB drives).
  • Don't: share the seed phrase with anyone, including support staff; legitimate support will never ask for it.

Connecting devices: mobile & desktop

For desktop, use a direct USB connection and the official companion software. On mobile, follow the pairing workflow using the official app and secure Bluetooth pairing (if supported) or a cable. Always verify app package names and official website domain names before installing.

Advanced options

Advanced users may choose options like passphrase protection (an additional secret layered on top of your seed), Shamir backup, or multi-sig setups. These increase security but add complexity — document your chosen approach securely and test recovery in a controlled manner with a small test amount first.

Troubleshooting common issues

  • Device won't power on: try a different cable and power source; if the device uses replaceable batteries, check them.
  • App can't connect: ensure official app version, confirm USB permissions, or re-pair via the secure pairing flow.
  • Forgot PIN: the only recovery method is to reset the device and restore using the backup seed — keep the seed safe.
  • Seed verification fails: re-check the written words carefully; if words were transcribed wrong, do not proceed — create a new wallet and seed on the device and start over.

Why use a hardware wallet? Key benefits

Hardware wallets provide robust protection against malware and phishing. Keys never leave the device, reducing the attack surface and providing a trusted environment to sign transactions. Combined with strong custody practices, hardware wallets are excellent for storing everything from small holdings to institutional cold storage.

What to do next (recommended)

  1. Complete the 6-step setup above and verify your backup seed.
  2. Transfer a small test amount to verify the receiving and sending flow.
  3. Set up an off-site backup and consider a second device for redundancy.
  4. Learn about phishing and social engineering attacks — never enter your seed online.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a full setup take?
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From unboxing to verified backup, most users finish in 10–30 minutes depending on how carefully you record the backup seed and complete verification steps. Take your time — correctness is more important than speed.

Can I restore my wallet on any compatible device?
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Yes — if you have your seed phrase, you can restore on any compatible hardware wallet or software wallet that supports the same seed standard (BIP39/BIP44 etc.). Be mindful: restoring on software wallets exposes the seed to an internet device; do this only on a secure, trusted machine.

Is Bluetooth safe for wallet pairing?
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Modern hardware wallets that implement Bluetooth pairings use secure protocols and confirm transactions on-device. For maximum security, prefer direct USB connections or wired mobile connectors when available.

What if someone finds my backup seed?
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If someone obtains your seed and passphrase (if used), they can access your funds. If compromise is suspected, transfer assets to a new wallet with a new seed immediately and secure the new seed safely.

Can I use multiple accounts on one device?
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Yes — a single seed can derive multiple accounts and addresses. Use the companion app to manage accounts, and always confirm each receiving address on the device screen before accepting funds.