Overview
This neutral guide outlines a safe, commonly recommended workflow for initializing and using a hardware wallet. It is intended for educational purposes and does not replace official vendor documentation; always consult the official setup pages for device-specific instructions.
Preparation — what to have ready
Before you begin, gather the following: the hardware device, the supplied USB cable, a computer you control, a small notebook or recovery card, a reliable pen, and ideally a second secure location for backup storage. Avoid public computers or unfamiliar networks during initialization.
Download official software
Obtain companion software from the vendor's official start page. Download the appropriate package for your operating system and, if available, verify the checksum or signature to ensure the file has not been tampered with. Many vendors offer a web setup or a downloadable desktop application — follow the recommended path for your OS.
Step-by-step setup
The sequence below is a standard safe flow. Your device's prompts may vary; always follow the on-screen guidance in the official application.
- Inspect the package. Check for tamper-evident seals and physical damage. If packaging looks altered, contact the vendor before proceeding.
- Install official software. Run the downloaded installer and launch the companion app. If a local connector (bridge) is required, install it as instructed.
- Connect the device. Use the provided cable to attach the device. The companion app should detect the hardware and display a guided setup option.
- Create a PIN. Choose a PIN that is not easily guessable and record it securely. Never share your PIN.
- Generate the recovery seed. Allow the device to generate the seed on-device; write the words on a physical card provided or a secure notebook. Do not store the seed digitally (photos, cloud, notes).
- Verify the seed. The app will typically ask you to confirm a subset of seed words — complete this check to ensure you recorded the correct words.
- Finalize setup. Name your device, create accounts as needed, and try receiving a small test amount to confirm everything works as expected.
Recovery seed: protection & storage
The recovery seed is the master key to your funds. Protect it like any valuable physical asset: keep it offline, avoid photos or digital copies, and consider a durable metal backup if you are protecting high-value holdings. Multi-location storage (e.g., two geographically separate secure locations) reduces single-point risk.
Common backup options
- Paper recorded on the provided recovery card (store in a locked location)
- Durable metal backup designed for seed words (fire and water resistant)
- Split backups (shamir or manual split) — requires advanced planning and understanding
Daily use & transactions
For routine use, keep the device disconnected when not in use. When you need to send funds, connect the hardware, initiate the transaction in the companion app, and confirm on the device. For recipients you interact with frequently, consider maintaining an address book within the companion app and still validate on-device.
Troubleshooting
If the device is not detected: try a different USB cable or port, reboot your computer, reinstall the local connector or companion app, and review OS security settings that might block device access. If you suspect device tampering or unexpected behavior, stop and contact official support channels.
FAQ
- Q: Can I install software on multiple computers?
- A: Yes. Companion software can be installed on any machine you trust. The recovery seed remains the key to restore access on any device.
- Q: What if I lose my recovery seed?
- A: If the seed is lost and you do not have another backup, you will permanently lose access to funds on that seed. Create redundant backups in secure locations.
- Q: Are firmware updates required?
- A: Firmware updates often include security fixes and new features; follow official guidance and verify update signatures when possible.
Support & resources
Use official support channels for account, device, or update issues. Official resources typically include setup guides, troubleshooting articles, developer documentation, and community forums. Keep an eye on official announcements for important security advisories.
This neutral guide covers typical best practices for safely getting started with a hardware wallet. For device-specific steps always consult the official setup pages and documentation published by the device vendor.