Getting started — Secure Setup Guide

Welcome — what this guide does

This practical guide shows you how to set up your device, create and verify your recovery phrase, install the companion app on your computer or phone, and perform your first secure transaction. It's written for people new to self-custody as well as returning users who want a fast refresher.

Quick start — 6 clear steps

Unbox & verify your device

Open the package in a well-lit area. Inspect the tamper-evident seal and packaging. If the device or seal looks altered, stop and contact support from the original vendor. Never use a device with signs of tampering.

Power up & choose a PIN

Power the device and follow the on-screen prompts. Select a PIN you can remember but that is hard to guess — avoid simple patterns, birthdays, or repeated digits. Your PIN protects the device from local access if lost or stolen.

Write down your recovery phrase — and keep it offline

The device will display a recovery phrase (usually 12, 18, or 24 words). Write these words by hand on the supplied recovery card or a secure metal backup and store them in a safe, offline location. Never take a photo, never store the phrase on cloud services, and never share it with anyone.

Recovery best practices

Write words in order and use the exact spelling shown.
Store duplicates in separate, secure locations (safe deposit box, home safe).
Consider an indestructible metal backup if your holdings are high value.

Install the companion app (Ledger Live style)

Download and install the official companion app for your operating system. Use the official website or the app store. The companion app allows you to manage accounts, install additional blockchain apps on the device, and send/receive transactions. When asked, connect your device by cable or Bluetooth, then confirm the pairing on the hardware device.

Add accounts & check balances

Within the companion app, add the coins or tokens you'd like to use. The app will derive addresses from your recovery phrase; the hardware device still signs transactions. Always visually verify destination addresses on the device screen for outgoing transactions.

Try a small transaction

Before sending large amounts, perform a test transaction with a small amount. Confirm the address on both the app and the hardware device. This validates your workflow and ensures addresses are displayed correctly.

Security essentials — protect your keys

Your recovery phrase is the only way to restore access to your crypto if the device is lost or damaged. Treat it like the master key to your funds. Below are critical rules to follow:

Never enter your recovery phrase on a computer, phone, or website.
Never share the phrase with anyone claiming to be support. Legitimate support will never ask for it.
Use a passphrase (optional advanced feature) for extra security — it's like a 25th word that creates a different wallet.
Keep firmware up to date — updates patch security issues and add features. Update only from the official application.
Consider splitting the backup using secure, well-documented methods if you need distribution (e.g., multi-location storage or secret sharing with trusted custodians).

Troubleshooting & common scenarios

Lost or damaged device

If your hardware device is lost or destroyed, use your recovery phrase with a compatible device or software that supports your wallet standard (e.g., BIP39/BIP44). Restore to a new device and immediately set a new PIN. If you suspect the recovery phrase was exposed, move funds to a newly generated wallet as soon as possible.

Device asks for the recovery phrase

Never reveal your recovery phrase on a website or to a person. When a website or support chat asks for it, that's a scam. If you completed a recovery on a device, ensure you restored only on a genuine device and that the environment is secure.

Frequently asked questions

How long should my PIN be?: Choose a PIN that's at least 4 digits long — more is better. Avoid repeating digits or obvious sequences.
Can I back up my wallet to a password manager?: No — password managers and cloud storage are not secure for holding your recovery phrase. Keep backups offline.
What is a passphrase?: A passphrase is an optional extra word or phrase you add to your recovery phrase to create a separate wallet. It's powerful but must be remembered exactly; losing it means losing access to funds in that passphrase-protected account.
Is Bluetooth safe?: Bluetooth can be convenient but adds an attack surface. Use cable connections for high-value transactions when possible, and ensure your firmware and companion app are up to date.

Example — what a recovery card looks like

Below is a mockup example — never use a photographed or copied phrase for a real backup.

1. voice  2. galaxy  3. river  4. cactus  5. bright
6. maple  7. shield  8. canyon  9. oyster  10. winter
11. orbit 12. silver 13. ember 14. lucky 15. pilot
16. brass 17. velvet 18. anchor 19. honest 20. harvest
21. coral 22. timber 23. motion 24. canyon

Next steps & recommended reading

After setup, explore the companion app's features: manage multiple accounts, explore staking or DeFi integrations where supported, and learn how to verify contract interactions. Always validate third-party services before connecting your wallet. For institutional or very large holdings, consider professional custody or multisig solutions.