Overview
A hardware wallet stores private keys on a dedicated device and provides a strong barrier against online attacks. The setup steps below describe common, vendor-agnostic best practices for initializing such a device safely. This guide is intentionally neutral — check the device manufacturer’s official start page for model-specific instructions and verified downloads.
Preparation — what to prepare
Before you begin, gather the device, the supplied USB or cable, a trusted computer, a notebook or recovery card, a pen, and a secure place to store backups. Avoid public computers and untrusted networks while initializing the device. Consider planning for at least two secure physical locations for backups if you are protecting substantial value.
Download companion software and verify
Use the device vendor’s official start page to download the companion app (for example, a desktop app or web-based wallet). Prefer official links and verify checksums or signatures if provided. Verifying the installer helps ensure you did not download a tampered file and is an important step for secure setup.
Step-by-step setup (typical flow)
The following sequence is a recommended, typical flow for initializing a hardware wallet. Exact prompts and options vary by device model.
- Inspect the package. Examine packaging and tamper-evident seals. If packaging looks altered or suspicious, contact the vendor before continuing.
- Install verified software. Run the verified installer for the companion application and launch it. If a local connector (bridge) is required, install that per vendor guidance.
- Connect the device. Attach the device to your computer using the supplied cable. The companion app should detect the device and present an onboarding flow.
- Create a device PIN. Choose a PIN that is not easily guessable and store it securely in memory only; do not write the PIN next to the seed.
- Generate the recovery phrase on-device. Allow the device to generate the recovery phrase (also called seed) on-device. Write the words exactly as shown on the supplied recovery card or notebook. Do not photograph or store the phrase digitally.
- Verify the recovery phrase. Most apps will prompt you to confirm a few words — this ensures you recorded the phrase correctly.
- Finish setup and test. Name the device in the companion app, add an account, and receive a small test amount to confirm the receiving address and flow.
Recovery phrase: storage and protection
The recovery phrase is the key to restoring the wallet. Treat it as you would a critical physical asset. Keep it offline, avoid photos or cloud storage, and consider a durable metal backup for fire/water resilience if you are protecting large holdings. Consider storing redundant backups in geographically separated secure locations.
Backup options
- Record the phrase on the provided recovery card and store it in a locked location.
- Use a certified metal backup kit for long-term durability.
- Advanced users may employ split backups (e.g., Shamir or manual splits), but understand the trade-offs and recovery complexity.
Daily use & transaction hygiene
For daily operations, keep the device disconnected until needed. When sending funds, connect the hardware, create the transaction in the companion app, and confirm each detail on the device. For recurring recipients, use an address book in the companion app but verify addresses on-device for significant transfers.
Troubleshooting
If the device is not detected, try a different USB cable or port, reboot your system, reinstall the companion software or bridge, and check OS-level permissions. If you see unexpected firmware messages or device behavior, stop and consult official support resources instead of following unverified third-party fixes.
FAQ
- Can I install the companion app on multiple computers?
- Yes — you can install the app on any trusted computer. The recovery phrase allows you to restore access on another device if needed.
- What if I lose my recovery phrase?
- If all backups are lost and you do not have the recovery phrase, you will likely lose access to funds. Maintain redundant, secure offline backups.
- When should I update firmware?
- Firmware updates often include security fixes. Follow vendor guidance and verify update prompts in the official companion app before applying updates.
Support & resources
Use the device manufacturer’s official support pages, knowledge base, and community forums for model-specific guidance, verified troubleshooting steps, and security advisories. Official resources typically include step-by-step articles, video walkthroughs, and downloadable documentation — prefer these over untrusted third-party content.
This guide is educational and neutral. For exact, device-specific instructions and official downloads, use the manufacturer’s official start page and support channels.