HardwareWallet Start — Secure Setup Guide

Welcome to HardwareWallet Start

This guide walks you through initializing your hardware wallet safely, from initial unboxing checks to installing apps and confirming transactions. The instructions are intentionally vendor-agnostic so you can apply them to most reputable hardware wallets.

Before you begin, create a private, camera-free workspace. Use a trusted computer or mobile device, and avoid public Wi-Fi when performing sensitive steps. This document emphasizes principles: verify package integrity, use official software, secure your recovery phrase offline, and always confirm actions on the physical device screen.

1. Verify the device & packaging

When you receive a hardware wallet, inspect packaging for tamper evidence. Trusted vendors ship sealed, factory-sealed packages with clear tamper indicators. If the packaging appears compromised, contact the vendor's official support before powering on the device.

Checklist

• Confirm the seller and purchase channel (authorized retailer or vendor site).
• Check serial numbers and any tamper labels against vendor instructions.
• Never accept a used or second-hand device as new without instructions from the vendor.

2. Initialization & first setup

This is the hands-on initialization stage. Use a trusted host (offline or your personal computer). Most devices let you choose between "create a new wallet" or "restore from existing recovery phrase". For a fresh setup, choose "create" and follow the device prompts.

Once initialized, optionally create a small test transaction to confirm the flow before moving significant funds. This reduces risk from misconfiguration or network errors.

3. Security best practices

Security is layered. Below are pragmatic, high-impact rules to reduce common threats:

• Never reveal your recovery phrase. No legitimate support will ever ask for these words. Treat them like cash—never store them digitally or online photos.
• Verify software sources. Always download firmware and companion apps from the official vendor site and verify checksums or signatures when provided.
• Keep firmware updated. Firmware updates patch critical vulnerabilities. Read release notes and update from official sources.
• Use a metal backup for long-term resilience. Paper can burn, water damage, or degrade—metal plates are resilient to physical risks and recommended for high-value holdings.
• Consider a passphrase (optional, advanced). Some wallets support an additional passphrase (BIP39 passphrase) as an extra secret added to the seed. Understand the tradeoffs—if you lose the passphrase, funds are unrecoverable.

4. Receiving & confirming transactions

When receiving funds, generate a receiving address via your device's official app and confirm the address on the physical device screen before sharing it. For outgoing transactions, always verify the amount, destination address, and network fee directly on the device. Confirming on the device mitigates risks from host malware or clipboard hijackers.

For higher security, consider these additional steps: use address checksum checks, make small test transactions, and maintain a transaction log.

5. Backups, storage & disaster planning

Store backups in geographically separated locations where feasible (e.g., one safe at home, one in a bank deposit box). Use tamper-evident sealing for critical backups and consider redundant metal backups for highest resilience.

Document a disaster recovery plan: who is authorized to act, where keys/backups are stored, and how heirs or trusted contacts can access funds if you become incapacitated (without revealing sensitive data in plain text).

FAQs