Start your SecureVault device in minutes

SecureVault protects your private keys offline. This guide walks you through unboxing, initializing a secure recovery seed, verifying device authenticity, and completing first transactions safely.

Why secure device setup matters

A hardware wallet stores your private keys offline, making them significantly less vulnerable to online attacks. Proper startup and initialization protect your crypto assets from device tampering, phishing, and accidental loss. During setup you'll confirm your device's authenticity, set a PIN to prevent local access, and create a recovery seed — a sequence of words used to restore your wallet if the device is lost or damaged. Each of these steps is essential: authenticity ensures the device hasn't been compromised, the PIN protects physical access, and the recovery seed gives you a reliable backup.

Step-by-step overview

Follow this simple flow for an effective start:

  1. Unbox & Inspect. Confirm tamper-evident seals and packaging. If something looks altered, stop and contact support.
  2. Verify Authenticity. Use the companion app or device verification tool to check firmware signatures and manufacturer certificates.
  3. Initialize Device. Choose a new device setup (never restore from an unknown seed) and set a strong PIN. The device will show a recovery seed phrase — write it down exactly.
  4. Store Recovery Seed Safely. Use durable media (stainless steel or dedicated seed plates) and keep copies in separate secure locations. Never store your seed digitally or share it online.
  5. Install Companion App Securely. Only install the official companion application from a verified source and keep it updated.
  6. Test with a Small Transaction. After setup, send a small amount to/from the device to confirm correct behavior before moving larger sums.

Best practices and recovery

Use a unique, strong PIN different from other device passcodes. Consider a passphrase (optional on some wallets) to add an extra layer of cryptographic protection — but be aware that a passphrase acts as an extra secret: if lost, recovery may be impossible. Avoid sharing images or photos of your recovery seed. If you must transfer backup words between locations, use physical transport rather than cloud services. If your device is lost or stolen, you can restore funds to a new hardware wallet using your recovery seed — so keeping the recovery seed secure but accessible only to you is critical.

Privacy and updates

Keep firmware and companion software up to date to receive security patches and feature improvements. Only apply updates signed by the device manufacturer. Use privacy-conscious practices: when possible, avoid connecting to public or untrusted networks during setup; use a trusted computer; and double-check addresses on the device screen before confirming transactions.

This setup guide is designed to be clear and actionable for users of all experience levels. By following these steps you reduce common risks and make your crypto holdings much safer.