Community Guide

Getting Started with Your Hardware Wallet

This independent guide walks you through a safe, clean setup—verifying the device, installing the official companion app, creating and protecting your recovery phrase, and making your first test transaction. It is not affiliated with any vendor. Always verify the official domain and downloads.

Open Official App / Download Read FAQs
Phishing Warning: No legitimate wallet provider will ever ask for your 12/18/24-word recovery phrase or private keys outside your device. Never type the phrase into a website, form, or chat. If prompted, stop immediately.

Secure Setup in 8 Steps

  1. Inspect the box and device. Check seals and packaging, compare serial details with vendor guidance, and ensure nothing looks tampered with. If anything seems off, contact support before plugging it in.
  2. Visit the official site/app. Use a known-good bookmark or manually type the official domain. Prefer a trusted desktop over a shared/unknown machine, keep your OS and browser updated, and consider using a dedicated user profile.
  3. Install the companion software. Download from the official source only. After installation, look for integrity prompts or signatures. If your vendor provides checksums, verify them to ensure your installer wasn’t altered.
  4. Connect the device. Use the original cable. When prompted, allow firmware checks or updates from within the official app. Do not run updates from unverified pop-ups or third-party tools.
  5. Create a new wallet on the device. Generate your recovery phrase offline on the device screen. Write it down clearly on paper (or metal backup) and store it in separate, secure locations. Never take photos or store it in cloud notes.
  6. Add a PIN and optional passphrase. Choose a strong PIN that’s hard to shoulder-surf. A passphrase (if supported) creates an extra layer; record your scheme carefully to avoid accidental lock-out.
  7. Install necessary apps / enable networks. Within the companion app, enable only the networks you plan to use. Fewer surfaces mean fewer surprises. Review permissions and disable what you don’t need.
  8. Do a tiny test transaction. Send a small amount to confirm addresses, display matching on the device screen, and practice your restore procedure on a spare/temporary device if possible.
Tip: Always verify the address on the device screen before confirming. If the address on your computer doesn’t match the one on the device, cancel immediately.

Security Essentials

  • DO Keep your recovery phrase offline, split across locations if possible.
  • DO Use a dedicated, up-to-date computer profile when managing assets.
  • DO Confirm every transaction on the device screen, not just your computer.
  • DON’T Share recovery words with anyone—no support agent needs them.
  • DON’T Install wallet add-ons or “boosters” from unknown sources.
  • DON’T Store screenshots or plaintext copies of your recovery words.

Backups & Recovery

Your recovery phrase is the master key. If the device is damaged or lost, you can restore on a replacement device using the same words. Consider a fire-resistant metal backup and avoid keeping all copies in one place. If you add a passphrase, remember that both the words and the passphrase are required to recover that specific wallet.

Periodically perform a dry-run recovery on a spare device (or reset & restore your device when convenient) to confirm you can read your handwriting and that the words are correct and in order. This rehearsal dramatically reduces stress during a real emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the official site?

No. This is an independent educational template. Always cross-check with the official vendor domain and documentation.

Should I ever type my recovery phrase on a computer?

Never. Your phrase belongs only on paper (or a metal backup) and inside your hardware device during recovery. Typing it into a website or app is a major warning sign.

How do I confirm I downloaded the real app?

Use a trusted bookmark to the official domain, verify TLS (lock icon), and check release notes or signatures. If the vendor publishes checksums, compare them after download.

What if my device suggests a firmware update?

Apply updates from within the official companion app, with the device connected. Avoid firmware files from third-party sources.

What’s a good first transaction?

Send a tiny amount from an exchange or another wallet to your device address. Verify the address on the device screen, then send. Later, try a small outbound transaction to confirm everything works.

Next Steps

  • Create a labeled, offline folder for your written backups
  • Document where each backup copy lives (without exposing the words)
  • Schedule periodic security reviews and app updates
  • Teach trusted family how to locate recovery materials if needed
Replace the link above: Edit the “Open Official App / Download” button to point to the verified vendor URL you intend to use.