Initialize Your Device Securely
This setup guide walks you through the essential steps of getting your hardware wallet ready for everyday use. Whether you are securing your first digital assets or upgrading your security practices, this page provides clear explanations that help you understand not only what to do, but why each step is important. Your journey toward full self-custody begins here.
1. Power Up and Start the Initialization
Once you plug your device into your computer, you will see a greeting displayed on its screen. At this moment, the device begins an internal verification procedure to confirm that its firmware is authentic and has not been altered. This process happens behind the scenes but plays a crucial role in building your foundation of trust. Hardware wallets depend on uncompromised firmware to ensure that malicious actors cannot influence key generation or transaction approval.
After confirmation, you will be prompted to choose between setting up a new wallet or restoring an existing wallet using a recovery phrase. New users should select the “create” option to generate a fresh set of private keys. Returning users who previously backed up their wallet can select the restore option, allowing them to regain access to their addresses and balances safely.
2. Install the Management Interface
To interact with your device, you will use a secure desktop application designed to give you control over your assets without sacrificing safety. The interface acts as a bridge between the digital world and your offline keys. It lets you review accounts, send funds, receive transactions, and adjust preferences while keeping security tasks anchored to your physical device.
When you install and launch the application, it will automatically recognize your device and display step-by-step instructions. These instructions simplify initial setup by walking you through network connections, firmware checks, and dashboard previews. Although the interface is designed to be intuitive, it also provides helpful tips along the way so you always know what is happening and why it matters.
3. Your Recovery Phrase: Protect It Carefully
During wallet creation, your device generates a recovery phrase. This phrase is a sequence of words that functions as the ultimate backup for your account. If your device is ever reset, replaced, or lost, the recovery phrase is the only method to restore access to your funds. For this reason, you must record the phrase with extreme care.
Write the words down in the exact order shown, ensuring legibility and accuracy. Do not type them into your phone or computer, as storing the phrase digitally introduces unnecessary security risks. Instead, store the written copy in a secure physical location. Many users choose to create duplicate copies and place them in separate safe environments to protect against environmental hazards.
4. Explore Your Dashboard and Strengthen Security
After completing the setup steps, you will have access to your dashboard. Here, you can personalize your experience by renaming accounts, adjusting currency formats, enabling labeling, and reviewing transaction history. The interface also provides helpful indicators, such as network fees and address details, giving you full visibility into your activities.
Most importantly, your hardware device remains the final authority for every transaction. Even if your computer becomes compromised, no funds can be moved without physical confirmation on the device itself. This principle—“transactions require touch”—is at the heart of strong self-custody. As you explore more features and learn your regular workflow, your confidence in managing digital assets will grow naturally.