This guide covers practical setup steps, security tips, and common troubleshooting notes you should know before you move significant funds. Treat private keys and recovery phrases as highly sensitive—never share them. The text below outlines a recommended, conservative approach to device setup and long-term safety.
1) What you'll need
- A genuine hardware wallet device purchased from an authorized seller.
- A secure, private workspace where nobody can observe or record your screen or keyboard.
- A computer or phone to interact with the wallet's companion application.
- A small notebook or backup card to write your recovery phrase (avoid digital copies).
Tip: Avoid buying second-hand wallets or devices from auction sites—these can be tampered with.
2) Unboxing and initial checks
Inspect the packaging for tamper evidence and compare included materials against the manufacturer's packing list. Power the device on and verify the model matches what you ordered. If anything looks suspicious, stop and contact the seller.
3) Creating a new wallet & recovery phrase
Follow the device prompts to create a new wallet. You will be asked to generate and display a recovery phrase (usually 12, 18, or 24 words). Write the words down in order on physical media—not on a screenshot, not in a cloud document, and not in an email.
Security note: Anyone with the recovery phrase can access your funds. Keep it offline, stored in at least two secure physical locations if the funds are valuable.
4) Installing companion software safely
Install the wallet's official companion application only from the vendor’s official website or an official app store. Verify the download URL carefully. When connecting your device, expect to confirm device prompts manually—never approve transactions shown only on your computer or phone without confirming them on the hardware device itself.
5) Receiving and verifying addresses
When receiving funds, always verify the receiving address on the hardware device display, not only on your screen. For sending, check the transaction details (amount and destination) on the device display before approving. Small test transfers are a good habit when using any new workflow.
Best practices summary
- Never share your recovery phrase with anyone or enter it into a website/app.
- Use a dedicated, updated computer or phone to manage your device; keep operating systems updated.
- Enable multi-factor protection for any accounts that interact with your wallet services.
- Consider splitting the backup phrase (with secure redundancy) or using a metal backup device for fire/water resistance.
Troubleshooting & support tips
If you encounter errors during setup, try another USB cable/port or a different computer. Do not provide your recovery phrase to anyone claiming to offer remote assistance. For advanced issues, consult official vendor documentation or verified community support channels. Keep all firmware updates checked via official tools only.