Start Up Your Hardware Wallet — Clear, Secure Steps
This guide walks you through powering up, initializing, and securing your hardware wallet. Follow each step carefully to protect your recovery phrase, update firmware, and confirm transactions. The instructions are device-agnostic and prioritize security best practices.
Quick Overview
- Unbox and verify packaging.
- Power on and choose Create new wallet or Restore from recovery.
- Write down the recovery phrase on the provided card; never store it digitally.
- Install official firmware and apps, then verify device integrity.
Step-by-step Setup
Open the box and check tamper-evidence. Connect via USB or Bluetooth only as instructed in official documentation. Power on the device using its button and follow the on-screen prompts.
Choose to create a new wallet or restore with your recovery phrase. If creating new, accept the randomly generated seed shown in small parts and write it down in order on the supplied card.
Keep the recovery phrase offline, in multiple secure physical locations. Do not photograph, screenshot, or type it into any computer or cloud service.
Connect to the official companion app and install any firmware or application updates. Verify update signatures when prompted by the device.
Confirm setup by sending/receiving a small, low-value test transaction. Confirm the address shown on the device screen matches the address in your application.
Troubleshooting & Good Practices
If your device does not power or the UI freezes, unplug and retry. For persistent hardware issues contact official support channels. Never share your PIN or recovery phrase with anyone — support staff will never ask for your seed.
FAQ
Can I store my recovery phrase digitally?
No. Storing a recovery phrase digitally exposes it to malware and cloud compromise. Use physical, fireproof storage if available.
How often should I check for updates?
Check regularly, and enable update notifications in the official companion app. Updates often contain security improvements.
Why follow these steps?
Starting your hardware wallet with care prevents permanent loss. The recovery phrase is the master key to funds — loose handling, unclear backup strategy, or skipping firmware verification can result in theft or irrecoverable loss. This guide aims to be practical, short, and actionable so you can start confidently.
Pro tip: Keep your recovery card in a separate location from the device. Use two-person custody for large holdings if you are managing funds for multiple stakeholders.