A focused, friendly walkthrough to initialize and secure your hardware wallet. Educational and unofficial — always verify downloads via official vendor channels.
Hardware wallets protect your private keys by keeping them offline inside a secure device. This guide walks you through the common setup flow: what to inspect in the box, how to download and use the companion app, setting a PIN, recording and verifying the 24-word recovery phrase, installing coin apps, sending & receiving safely, and long-term security tips.
This content is educational and independently produced — it is not an official vendor page. Use it as a practical checklist while completing your setup at the verified site recommended for your device.
A typical package includes the hardware device (model varies), a USB cable, recovery seed cards, and a quick-start guide. Some models include additional accessories such as lanyards or charging pads. Verify the box contents match the vendor's packing list and keep the packaging until you finish initial setup.
Small, tamper-resistant device used to confirm transactions and store keys securely.
Write your 24 recovery words on these — do not store them digitally.
Connector cable and quick instructions to get started.
The companion app (desktop and mobile) is the official interface to install coin apps, add accounts, and perform transactions. Download it only from the vendor's verified website or app store. After installing, open the app and choose "Set up a new device" when prompted.
⚠️ Never download wallet software from unknown sources — malicious installers can compromise your security.
Connect the device and follow the on-screen prompts to create a numeric PIN. Make it memorable to you but hard for others to guess. The PIN prevents local access if your device is lost or stolen.
The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase. Write every word down in order on the supplied recovery card. This phrase is the only backup to restore your accounts if the device is lost or damaged.
The device will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you recorded them correctly. After verification, your device is initialized and ready for use.
Open the companion app, install the blockchain-specific apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.), and add accounts. Your private keys remain on the device; the app only reads public addresses and transaction data.
Every outgoing transaction must be reviewed and approved on the device itself. This physical approval prevents malware on the host device from silently signing transactions. When receiving funds, always verify the receive address on the device display before sharing it — the device display is the final trusted source.
If the device doesn't connect, try a different cable or USB port and restart the companion app. Firmware updates sometimes require multiple attempts. For persistent issues, contact verified vendor support from the official website. Never disclose your recovery words when seeking help.
Following these steps will get your hardware wallet initialized safely. The combination of a secure offline device, a strong PIN, and a properly stored 24-word recovery phrase is the foundation of long-term crypto security. Take your time during setup, store backups securely, and treat your recovery phrase as the single most sensitive piece of information you own.