Once you have chosen your wallet, the next step is to place the order. It is considered safest to purchase directly from the official website of the wallet manufacturer. This ensures the device is genuine and has not been tampered with. Be cautious when ordering from unknown third-party retailers, especially online marketplaces, to avoid counterfeit or compromised devices.

OpSec (Operational Security) is crucial when making your purchase. To protect your privacy and security, consider the following precautions:

• Use an alias instead of your full legal name. This helps maintain anonymity in case your information is exposed.
• Avoid using your regular email address - instead, create a dedicated, anonymous email for Bitcoin-related activities.
• Ship to a PO Box rather than your home address to keep your physical location private.
• Use a VoIP number rather than your personal mobile number to avoid linking your phone number to your identity.
• Always use end-to-end encrypted communication when discussing sensitive topics like wallet setup or Bitcoin transactions.

Remember, security breaches like the Ledger leak have shown just how important it is to keep personal information under wraps. Using these tactics will make it much harder for anyone to track your identity or compromise your assets.

Additionally, if you’re looking for expert assistance, our Skippy Expert Parman sells BitBox02 devices and can help with setup. You might also want to check out Skippy Experts for professional guidance and support with your wallet.

 

Step 2: Delivery and Unboxing

After placing your order, the anticipation builds as you wait for your hardware wallet to arrive. In Australia, shipping typically takes a few days to a week, depending on the retailer and location.

When your hardware wallet arrives, it is essential to unbox it carefully and verify that everything is in its proper place. Ensure that the packaging is sealed, and inspect the device for any signs of tampering. Most brands include tamper-evident seals to provide peace of mind that your device has not been compromised. If there are any signs of damage or tampering, do not use the device, and contact the manufacturer for a replacement.

 

Step 3: Setting Up Your Hardware Wallet

With your hardware wallet now in your hands, it is time to set it up. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as each wallet has its own setup procedure. Generally, the setup involves:

 

1. Installing the Software

Most hardware wallets require you to install a companion app on your computer or mobile device to manage your bitcoin. For example, Trezor uses the Trezor Suite software, and BitBox2 uses BitBox App.

 

2. Creating Your Wallet

During the setup process, you will create a new wallet on the device. This typically involves generating a recovery phrase (a series of 12 or 24 words) that acts as a backup to recover your wallet in case the device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Write this recovery phrase down and store it in a secure, offline location. Never store it digitally or share it with anyone. The security of your bitcoin depends on the safety of this phrase.

 

3. Setting a PIN

Most hardware wallets will ask you to set a PIN code to access the device. Choose a strong, unique PIN to further protect your wallet from unauthorised access. It is important to note that the PIN only protects the device and does not provide access to your bitcoin. If you lose the device or forget the PIN, you can still access your bitcoin using the recovery phrase (also known as the seed phrase), as long as you have it stored securely.

 

Step 4: Testing the Wallet

Before transferring your bitcoin to your hardware wallet, it is important to test that everything is working correctly. Start by checking the device’s display and ensuring that the recovery phrase was correctly written down and can be accessed if needed.

A good practice is to send a tiny amount of bitcoin to the wallet from an exchange or software wallet. By doing so, you can confirm that the wallet is functioning properly and that you can access the funds stored on it. While this may incur small fees, it is a step worth taking - after all, nothing costs more than a poorly executed self-custody setup.

Testing doesn’t end with receiving the funds. To ensure everything is fully functional, send that tiny amount back out from your hardware wallet. This step confirms that you can both receive and send funds, giving you the confidence that your wallet is set up correctly and fully operational.

If you have chosen a more advanced wallet like ColdCard, ensure that you are comfortable with the wallet’s more complex features, such as air-gapped transactions.

 

Step 5: Transferring Bitcoin

Once you have tested your wallet and are confident that it is functioning correctly, it is time to transfer your bitcoin.

 

1. Generate a Receiving Address

Open the wallet’s app (e.g., Trezor Suite or BitBox App) and generate a receiving address for bitcoin you wish to store. This address is where you will send the funds from your exchange or software wallet.

 

2. Send Bitcoin

Using your exchange or software wallet, send bitcoin to the generated receiving address. Always double-check that the address is correct, as sending bitcoin to an incorrect address can result in permanent loss.

 

3. Verify the Transfer

After the transaction is complete, check your hardware wallet to confirm that the funds have arrived. Most wallets will display a transaction confirmation, ensuring that the transfer was successful.

 

For added verification and transparency, you can use Mempool.bitaroo. See the real-time status of your transactions, get network info, and more - providing you with extra peace of mind while monitoring your transfer.

 

Step 6: Ongoing Maintenance and Health Checks

The journey does not end once your bitcoin is safely stored. Ongoing maintenance and regular health checks are essential for ensuring the continued security of your bitcoin.

 

1. Backup Your Recovery Phrase Regularly

If your recovery phrase is lost or damaged, you could lose access to your bitcoin. Periodically check your backup to ensure it remains safe and intact.

 

2. Firmware Updates

Hardware wallet manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that include security enhancements and bug fixes. Be sure to keep your device up to date by checking for new firmware versions in the wallet’s companion software.

 

3. Physical Security

Store your hardware wallet in a secure, offline location, such as a safe. Consider using a safe deposit box or other secure, fireproof, and waterproof storage methods to protect the device from physical damage.

 

4. Periodic Testing

Occasionally, you may want to test your wallet by sending a small amount of bitcoin to ensure it is still functioning correctly. This is especially important if you have not accessed your wallet in a while.

 

5. Periodic Review of Your Setup

Regularly review your security setup to ensure it still meets your needs. Consider adding extra layers of protection, such as a passphrase or multi-signature (multi-sig) setup, to enhance your security over time.

 

Important things to remember

1. Use software with a transparent and open approach to security, ensuring it has been reviewed and trusted by independent developers for maximum protection.
2. Purchase your hardware wallet directly from the manufacturer or an authorised reseller listed on their website. Avoid third-party platforms like Amazon to reduce the risk of counterfeit or compromised devices.
3. Store your hardware wallet securely, keeping it in a hidden and safe location to protect it from theft or damage.
4. Keep your seed phrase private and secure. While it’s essential to protect it from unauthorised access, consider discussing with trusted individuals (like your spouse) how to share and safeguard this information in case of emergencies.
5. Make sure no one can easily locate or access your hardware wallet, ensuring its physical security at all times.
6. Keep your PIN confidential to prevent unauthorised access to your device.
7. Protect your hardware wallet from physical damage or accidental loss by storing it in a secure, durable location.
8. Create a secure backup of your 12-word (or 24-word) seed phrase to ensure you can recover your wallet in the event of loss or destruction. Store the backup in a reliable and secure location, and keep it confidential to protect against unauthorised access.
9. Practice privacy hygiene by conducting sensitive activities offline, away from cameras and microphones, to enhance your security.
10. Finally, set up an inheritance plan for your hardware wallet and backup to ensure it can be passed on securely in case of your death.

 

Looking for a Way to Secure Large Amounts of Bitcoin Without Rushing the Setup?

If you have significant funds to move into self-custody but don’t want to rush the learning or setup process, consider using Bitaroo’s Vault service. Our Vault service allows you to securely store your bitcoin temporarily while you take the time to learn about and set up your hardware wallet. This offers peace of mind knowing your funds are secure as you prepare for full self-custody.

Additionally, if you need expert guidance during the setup process, Skippy Expert can assist you, ensuring your security and helping you make the most informed decisions along the way.

 

Conclusion

Getting your first hardware wallet and securing your bitcoin is an exciting and empowering journey. By following the steps outlined above, from ordering your wallet to testing and regular maintenance, you can ensure that your bitcoin remains safe and secure. Whether you opt for an affordable option like Blockstream Jade, a commercial solution like Trezor or BitBox2, or a more advanced techy option like ColdCard or Passport, the key is to stay vigilant and take responsibility for the security of your wealth.

Stay sovereign.

 

Common Terminology for Hardware Wallets

• Address Generation: Address generation refers to the process of creating public addresses where you can receive bitcoin. Hardware wallets can generate multiple addresses from the same recovery phrase, allowing you to manage your assets more efficiently.

• Air-Gapping: Air-gapping refers to the practice of keeping your hardware wallet completely offline when performing sensitive operations, like signing transactions.

• Backup: Creating a backup is the process of securely saving your recovery phrase, PIN, or any important information related to your hardware wallet. Backups should be stored in multiple secure, offline locations to prevent loss.

• Cold Storage: Cold storage refers to keeping your bitcoin offline and away from the internet. Hardware wallets are a form of cold storage, as they do not expose your private keys online, unlike software wallets or exchange wallets.

• Firmware: Firmware is the software that runs on your hardware wallet. Manufacturers periodically release firmware updates to fix bugs, improve security, and add new features. It is essential to regularly update your hardware wallet’s firmware to maintain security.

• Hot Wallet: A hot wallet is any wallet connected to the internet. This can include software wallets and wallets provided by exchanges. Hot wallets are less secure than hardware wallets because they are always online and vulnerable to hacking.

• PIN Code: The PIN code is a security feature used to access your hardware wallet. You set up this PIN during the initial setup. It adds an additional layer of protection in case your device is lost or stolen, as the device cannot be accessed without entering the correct PIN.

• Private Key: The private key is the most critical piece of information when it comes to securing bitcoin. It is a cryptographic key that allows you to sign transactions and prove ownership of bitcoin. Hardware wallets are designed to keep your private keys offline, which protects them from online threats like hacking.

• Public Key: The public key is derived from the private key and is used to create your public address. This address is where you or others send bitcoin. You can share your public key freely, as it is used only for receiving assets, not for spending them.

• Recovery Phrase (Seed Phrase): A recovery phrase (also known as a seed phrase or mnemonic phrase) is a set of 12, 18, or 24 words generated by your hardware wallet. It acts as a backup for your private key. If your device is lost or damaged, you can use the recovery phrase to restore your wallet and access your assets on a new device. It is crucial to store this phrase securely offline and never share it with anyone.

• Transaction Fee: Transaction fees are small amounts of bitcoin that you pay to miners or validators to have your transaction processed. When you send assets from your hardware wallet, you may need to adjust the fee to ensure timely confirmation on the blockchain.

• Transaction Signing: Transaction signing is the process by which the hardware wallet uses your private key to sign a transaction, authorising the transfer of bitcoin. This action occurs entirely offline on the device, ensuring that your private key never leaves the hardware wallet.