Welcome! This guide walks you through the essential steps to set up your hardware device securely. It covers unboxing, initializing, creating a PIN, saving your recovery seed, updating firmware, and verifying your first transaction. Follow each step carefully — security is a habit, not a one-time action.
1. Before you begin — quick checklist
- Make sure you’re in a private place where nobody can see your screen or seed words.
- Only use official software from the device manufacturer’s site or the app recommended in the box.
- Have a pen and recovery backup material (a notebook or a metal backup plate) ready.
- Disconnect other devices you do not trust; avoid public Wi-Fi for the initial setup.
2. Unboxing and physical inspection
Open the package and inspect the device and accessories. Confirm the tamper-evident seal is intact and that the box contains the expected items (device, USB cable, quick-start card, and any postcards or stickers mentioned in the manual). If anything looks tampered with or missing, stop and contact support through official channels.
3. Powering on and initial prompts
Connect the device to your computer or phone using the supplied cable. The device will display an initial welcome screen and guide you through language selection and basic navigation. Read prompts slowly. Never accept firmware updates or actions prompted by third-party websites unless you initiated them intentionally.
4. Choose a strong PIN
The device will ask you to create a PIN. This PIN protects local access to the device. Choose a PIN that's memorable but not obvious. Avoid birthdays, sequential numbers, or repeating digits. You can change the PIN later in settings if needed.
Remember: The PIN is not a substitute for the recovery seed. If you forget the PIN and cannot unlock the device, the recovery seed is the only way to regain funds.
5. Generate and secure your recovery seed
The device will create a recovery seed — a sequence of words that acts as the ultimate backup for your wallet. Always generate this seed on the device itself (never on a computer or phone). Follow the on-screen instructions to write down each word in order on the provided card or on a backup medium you control.
- Write the words in the exact order shown.
- Double-check spelling and word order; even a single incorrect word breaks the seed.
- Store the seed in at least two secure locations (for example, a safe and a secure deposit box).
Never store your seed digitally (photographs, cloud storage, text files). Digital copies are high-risk targets for attackers.
6. Optional — enable passphrase (advanced)
Some devices let you add a passphrase on top of your seed. A passphrase functions like a 25th word and creates a hidden wallet. It provides extra security but increases complexity: if you forget the passphrase, the hidden wallet is lost forever. Consider a passphrase only if you understand the trade-offs and can store it securely.
7. Firmware and software — update safely
Check for firmware updates via the device’s official companion app or the manufacturer's website. When updating firmware:
- Use the official app downloaded from the manufacturer’s website — verified links are in the quick-start card or the official domain.
- Verify update prompts on the device screen and confirm with the physical buttons. Never accept an update that wasn’t initiated by you.
- Do not interrupt the update process. A power failure or disconnection during an update can damage the device.
8. Connect to the companion app
Open the official companion app on your computer or phone and connect your device. The app will usually guide you through account creation, naming your device, and importing accounts. When adding cryptocurrency accounts, most apps automatically detect supported coins and derive addresses from your seed.
9. Verifying addresses and transactions
Whenever you send or receive funds, verify addresses on the device screen — not only in the app. The device displays the receiving address and lets you confirm it with the physical device controls. This step prevents malicious software on your computer from substituting addresses.
10. First test transaction
Before moving large sums, send a small test transaction (often called a “shakedown” or “test send”). Confirm the transaction details on the device, check the recipient address, and then broadcast it. Wait for confirmation on the network and verify the funds arrived correctly.
11. Backups and redundancy
Keep at least one offsite backup of your recovery seed in a different physical location. Consider using durable materials like metal backup plates for long-term protection against fire, water, and time. Regularly verify that your backup method remains accessible and legible.
12. Common troubleshooting
- Device won’t power on: Try a different cable or USB port, and avoid USB hubs for the initial setup.
- App doesn’t detect the device: Ensure you’re using the official, up-to-date app and that the device is unlocked with the correct PIN.
- Firmware update failed: Reboot the device and the host computer; repeat the update using an official guide. If problems persist, contact official support.
13. Security best practices
- Never share your recovery seed, PIN, or passphrase with anyone, including people who claim to be support.
- Beware of phishing — always check the URL and use bookmarks for the official website.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on online accounts where appropriate, but remember 2FA is not a replacement for your recovery seed.
- Keep firmware and companion software up to date, and verify updates using device confirmations.
14. Long-term maintenance
Periodically check your backups and the device’s physical condition. If you move, change your backup locations accordingly. If a device reaches end-of-life or malfunctions permanently, you can restore funds to a new device using your recovery seed — provided you still have that seed and any passphrase.
15. Getting help
If you need assistance, use the manufacturer’s official support channels. When contacting support, never reveal your recovery seed or passphrase. If someone asks for your seed to fix something, treat that as a scam and disengage immediately.
Quick summary
1) Inspect the box. 2) Power on and create a PIN. 3) Write down the recovery seed on a physical backup. 4) Verify and install official firmware. 5) Connect via the official app and confirm addresses on the device before signing transactions. Take a small test transaction first — then move larger amounts once you’re comfortable.