Can I use a hardware wallet with multiple cryptocurrencies?

Yes — most hardware wallets support many blockchains via their official companion apps or third-party wallets that integrate with the device.

Is it safe to buy a hardware wallet from a reseller?

Buy only from authorized sellers or the manufacturer's store. Check seals and firmware on first power-up to ensure the device hasn't been tampered with.

What should I do if I lose my hardware wallet?

Use your recovery phrase to restore funds to a new device. If you suspect compromise, move funds to a fresh wallet after restoring on a new device.

Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started

Q: How do I initialize a hardware wallet safely?

Always initialize your device in a secure, offline environment, verify firmware with the vendor's official app, and write the recovery phrase on paper — never store it digitally.

Q: What is a recovery (seed) phrase and how do I protect it?

A recovery phrase is the sequence that restores your wallet. Keep it offline, store it in a safe or metal backup, and never share it with anyone.

Why use a hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets keep your private keys offline in a tamper-resistant device. That means even if your computer or phone is compromised, attackers cannot extract your keys. This guide walks you through a clean, repeatable setup routine: unbox, verify the firmware, initialize, protect your recovery phrase, and confirm addresses before any transfer.

Step-by-step setup

1

Unbox & verify

Only open devices purchased from trusted sellers. Look for tamper-evident seals. Power the device first in an offline environment and use the official companion app (download from the vendor site) to verify firmware authenticity before proceeding.

2

Initialize & create a PIN

Follow the on-device prompts to initialize a new wallet and choose a strong PIN. Never reuse this PIN on other devices.

3

Record the recovery phrase

Write the seed phrase exactly as shown, in order, on paper or a metal backup. Do not photograph or store the phrase digitally. Consider multiple offline copies in separate secure locations (safe deposit box, home safe).

4

Verify addresses before sending

When you send funds, verify the receiving address on the device screen — not just the app on your computer. This prevents address-replacement malware.

5

Keep firmware updated

Install vendor firmware updates from official sources, and read release notes. Only update when you can verify the source and checksum.

Practical security tips

Never share your recovery phrase — support teams will never ask for it.
Test a small transfer first to learn the workflow.
Consider multisig or separate wallets for long-term storage versus daily spending.
Store one backup away from your main location (but not in a mailbox).

Top FAQs

How do I initialize a hardware wallet safely? ▸

Initialize in a private space, verify firmware with the vendor app, choose a strong PIN, and record the recovery phrase offline.

What is a recovery (seed) phrase and how do I protect it? ▸

The recovery phrase restores your wallet; keep it offline, never share it, and use durable storage such as metal plates for long-term backups.

Can a hardware wallet be hacked remotely? ▸

Remote hacks are extremely difficult because keys never leave the device. The main risks are phishing, social engineering, and compromised computers used to interact with the wallet.

How do I safely update firmware? ▸

Download updates only from the official vendor site, verify signatures if provided, and follow the vendor's update instructions in order.

What if my device is lost or stolen? ▸

Restore your wallet using your recovery phrase on a new device. If you suspect the phrase was exposed, move funds to new addresses after restoring on a secure device.