Step-by-step instructions for setting up your new hardware wallet
Setting up your hardware wallet properly is crucial for ensuring the security of your cryptocurrency assets. Follow these steps carefully to initialize your device and create the necessary security measures.
Before starting the setup process, carefully inspect your device packaging for any signs of tampering. All our devices come in tamper-evident packaging that will show clear signs if it has been opened or manipulated.
If you notice any signs of tampering, do not proceed with setup and contact our support team immediately.
Connect your hardware wallet to your computer using the USB cable provided in the package. Most devices will automatically power on when connected.
For devices with built-in batteries, you may need to press and hold the power button to turn on the device.
Download and install the appropriate companion software for your device from our official website. Never download software from third-party websites or email links.
The companion software will guide you through the rest of the setup process and is required for managing your device and cryptocurrency assets.
When prompted, create a strong PIN code for your device. This PIN will be required whenever you use the device to protect against unauthorized physical access.
Note: Many devices use a randomized PIN entry method to prevent keyloggers from capturing your PIN.
Your device will generate a recovery seed phrase (typically 12-24 words) that serves as a backup for all the private keys stored on your device. This is the most critical step in the setup process.
Critical Warning: Anyone who has access to your recovery seed can access all your cryptocurrency assets. Protect it as you would protect your most valuable possessions.
Your device will ask you to verify your recovery seed by entering specific words from the phrase. This ensures you've correctly recorded your seed phrase and can use it for recovery if needed.
Once your device is set up, you can install applications for the specific cryptocurrencies you want to manage. These apps enable your device to generate addresses and sign transactions for each cryptocurrency.
Before storing significant assets, we recommend performing a small test transaction to ensure everything is working correctly. Send a small amount of cryptocurrency to your hardware wallet and then try sending a portion back to verify that you can both receive and send.
If you encounter any of these issues, please consult our FAQ section or contact our support team.
For visual step-by-step guidance, visit our YouTube channel for detailed setup videos specific to your device model.
View Video GuidesAdditional recommendations to maximize your hardware wallet security
Consider adding an optional passphrase (sometimes called a "25th word") to your recovery seed for additional security. This creates a completely separate wallet that can't be accessed without both the seed phrase and the passphrase.
Remember that if you forget your passphrase, even with the recovery seed, you won't be able to access those funds.
Consider creating multiple copies of your recovery seed and storing them in different secure locations. This protects against loss due to natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances.
For critical holdings, some users split their seed phrase into multiple parts and store them in separate locations for maximum security.
Never reveal which cryptocurrencies you own, how much you hold, or that you use a hardware wallet. This information can make you a target for physical or digital attacks.
Consider using a separate device for cryptocurrency transactions that isn't used for general browsing or email.