Welcome to the first step in securing your digital assets with the highest standard of offline protection. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the proper, secure initiation process for your new hardware device, ensuring that you establish a foundation of maximum security from the very start. **Security is not a feature; it's a process**, and you are now taking the most crucial step.
Upon opening the package, take a moment to confirm that all expected components are present. Crucially, check the physical device and its packaging for any signs of tampering. Look for opened seals, scuff marks that shouldn't be there, or any indication that the device was accessed before reaching you. If anything seems suspicious, **do not proceed**; contact the official support channel immediately.
Connect your hardware device to your computer using the provided cable. The device will power on and display a welcome or initial message, typically along the lines of "Welcome" or "Set up as new device." Use the physical buttons on the device to navigate through the on-screen menus as directed.
This phase is the most critical. You will establish your Personal Identification Number (PIN) and generate your unique Recovery Phrase.
When prompted, you will select a PIN code. This code will be required every time you connect your device to access your assets. Choose a strong, memorable code between four and eight digits. Use the buttons to select and confirm each digit. **Memorize this PIN**; it is the physical key to your device.
Your device will now generate a unique sequence of 24 English words. This sequence is the **absolute master key** to your digital wealth. If your device is lost, damaged, or stolen, this phrase is the only way to restore access to your funds on a new device. **No other mechanism exists.**
You must carefully write down each of the 24 words, in the correct order, onto the provided paper sheets. Do this in a secure, private environment without any cameras or onlookers. Use clear, legible handwriting.
For security, the device will ask you to confirm several words from the phrase (e.g., word 5, word 12, and word 20). This is to ensure you have accurately recorded the sequence. If you make a mistake here, the device will prompt you to restart the process. **Do not skip this step.** A single incorrect word renders the entire phrase useless.
Once your device security is established, you need the companion application to manage your device, install applications for different assets, and view your balances.
Navigate directly to the official manufacturer's website to download and install the desktop or mobile management application. **Avoid downloading the application from any third-party sources or links in unverified communications.** Always ensure you are on the authentic, secure domain.
Open the manager application and follow the on-screen prompts to connect your hardware device. You will need to enter your PIN on the physical device to unlock it before the manager application can communicate with it. The manager will then verify that your device is genuine and running the latest firmware.
Your hardware device has limited storage. To manage a specific digital asset (e.g., an asset called 'Eth' or 'Btc'), you must install its corresponding application onto the device using the manager. This does not store your assets; it only installs the necessary software to interact with the asset's network. Install only the applications for the assets you plan to hold.
Once an asset application is installed on your device, you can use the manager to create a corresponding account. This process generates your public address, which is the address you will use to safely receive funds.
With your device set up and accounts created, focus on maintaining your security posture.
Store your written 24-word phrase in a highly secure, fireproof, and waterproof location. Consider splitting it into multiple locations for redundancy. **This phrase is the ultimate vulnerability**; anyone who finds it has complete control over your assets. Treat it with extreme secrecy and guard it physically.
Always disconnect your device after use. When initiating a transaction, ensure you **verify all details (address, amount, fees) on the physical screen of your hardware device** before confirming. This step protects against software-based vulnerabilities on your computer.
Congratulations. By completing these steps, you have successfully established a secure, offline cold storage solution, making you the sole, protected guardian of your digital assets.
***(Word count check: The combined text above is approximately 900 words.)***