Setting up your first wallet
How to create a wallet, secure your recovery phrase, receive assets, and avoid common beginner mistakes.
Choose the correct wallet first
Different wallets support different blockchain networks and assets. Before installing anything, confirm which network you need and find the wallet through its official website or verified publisher listing.
Do not install a wallet from a sponsored search result, a random direct message, or a link somebody sends while pretending to offer support.
Create a new wallet
Install the official application or browser extension and choose the option to create a new wallet. Set a strong device or application password when prompted.
The wallet may show you a recovery phrase. Write it down offline and store it somewhere private and physically secure. Anyone with that phrase can generally restore the wallet and control its assets.
- Never post your recovery phrase or send it to another person.
- Do not store it in screenshots, email, cloud notes, or chat messages.
- No legitimate support representative needs your recovery phrase.
- Confirm that your backup is readable before depending on it.
Receive assets carefully
Use the wallet's receive function to find your public address. A public address can be shared for receiving assets; your recovery phrase and private keys must never be shared.
Confirm that the sender is using the correct network. Similar-looking addresses and incompatible networks can cause permanent loss. For a first transfer, send a small test amount before moving anything more valuable.
Connecting is not the same as trusting
A website may ask to connect to your wallet, request a signature, or approve a transaction. These are different actions with different consequences. Read each request, verify the website address, and reject anything you do not understand.
For everyday experimentation, consider using a separate wallet with limited funds. Keep larger or long-term holdings away from unfamiliar applications.