Set up your hardware wallet — fast, safe, and private
This guide walks you through the essential steps to set up a hardware wallet and protect your crypto assets. We'll keep it practical: what to do first, how to create a secure backup, and recommended ongoing habits to reduce risk.
Why a hardware wallet?
A hardware wallet stores your private keys offline so they can't be copied by malware or remote attackers. It's the single most effective step for protecting significant crypto holdings.
What you'll need
- • The hardware device and its official cable
- • A safe place to write down a recovery phrase
- • A phone or computer for companion software
Setup Steps
Unbox & verify
Check seals and packaging. Only use the official device and downloads from the manufacturer site. Do not use a device that has an unsealed box or visible tampering.
Power on & secure PIN
When the device powers up you'll be prompted to set a PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not easy to guess. Avoid reusing PINs from other services.
Write down your recovery phrase
Your recovery phrase (usually 12–24 words) is the only backup of your private keys. Write it on paper (or a metal backup) and store it in a secure location. Never photograph or type the full phrase into a device connected to the internet.
Install companion app & verify address
Use official companion software to manage accounts. Always verify receiving addresses on the device's screen — that ensures the address displayed by the computer wasn't tampered with.
Test with a small transaction
Before moving large amounts, send a small test transaction to confirm that send/receive flows work and that addresses match up as expected.