Quantum Key Vault

Phase 1: Unboxing and Preliminary Checks

Your journey into self-custody begins with ensuring the integrity of your new device. This critical initial step safeguards you against tampering and ensures you are ready for the crucial seed phrase generation process. Take your time, there is no need to rush this foundational step.

• Inspect the Packaging Integrity. Before opening, carefully examine the outer packaging. Look for any signs of tampering, resealing, or previous opening. The device seal must be intact and unbroken. If anything looks suspicious, **do not proceed** and contact the official manufacturer support immediately. This is your first line of defense against supply chain attacks.
• Verify Box Contents. Open the box and ensure all expected components are present: the hardware wallet device, a USB cable, recovery sheets (for writing down your seed phrase), and a getting started guide. Familiarize yourself with the physical buttons and screen.
• Power On the Device. Connect your device to your computer or a power source using the provided USB cable. The device should display a welcome screen or a message prompting you to set it up as a new device. **If the device asks for a PIN or a seed phrase upon first power-up**, stop immediately! This indicates the device has been pre-configured, which is a major security risk. Contact support immediately for a replacement. A genuine, new device will guide you through creating a new PIN and generating a new seed phrase.
• Install the Companion Software. On your computer (desktop or laptop), download and install the official companion application (e.g., Ledger Live) **only from the official website**. Never download the software from third-party app stores or shared links. This software acts as the secure interface between your computer and your hardware wallet.
• Firmware Check. Once the software is installed and connected, it will often check your device's firmware. Ensure you update to the latest firmware version. This is critical for security and accessing the newest features. Always perform firmware updates via the official companion app only.

The unboxing phase is not merely an administrative task; it is the **fundamental security audit** you perform as the custodian of your digital assets. Confirming the authenticity of your hardware is paramount.

Phase 2: Generating Your Secure Access Keys

The **24-word Recovery Phrase (or Seed Phrase)** is the master key to all your crypto assets. It is the one and only backup of your private keys. **Treat this phrase like the equivalent of a million dollars in cash.** The security of your assets depends entirely on the secrecy and security of this phrase.

• Choose a Strong PIN. On your hardware device, you will be prompted to choose a PIN (typically 4-8 digits). Use the device buttons to select each number. Choose a PIN that is **difficult to guess** but easy for you to remember. Do not use sequential numbers (1234) or common dates (birthdays). You will need this PIN every time you access your device. The device will be wiped after a few incorrect PIN attempts, protecting your assets from physical theft.
• Generate the Recovery Phrase. The device screen will now display your 24-word recovery phrase, one word at a time. This is the **most critical step** in the entire process. The words are cryptographically generated and are completely random.
• Meticulous Transcription. Use the official recovery sheets provided in the box. Write down each of the 24 words **very clearly and accurately**, noting the number corresponding to the word. Double-check your spelling; a single misspelled word renders your backup useless. Use a pen, not a pencil.
• Verify the Seed Phrase. After writing all 24 words, the device will prompt you to confirm a random selection of words (e.g., "What is word 12?" or "What is word 19?"). This step ensures you have written the words correctly and in the correct order. **Do not skip this verification step.** This is the only time the device ensures your transcription is correct.
• Secure Storage. Once verified, **immediately store the recovery phrase in a highly secure, private location**. This phrase should be kept **offline** at all times. Never take a photo of it, store it on a computer, email it, or enter it into any website or application. Consider a fireproof safe or a professionally secured vault. Many users choose to engrave the phrase onto metal for maximum physical durability.

Phase 3: Connecting, Installing Apps, and Transaction Security

With your device initialized and your recovery phrase safely stored, you are now ready to install the necessary applications on the device and begin securing your funds. The hardware wallet functions as a vault and needs small applications (apps) installed to interact with specific blockchain protocols (like Bitcoin or Ethereum).

• Access the Manager. Open the companion application on your computer and unlock your hardware wallet with your PIN. Navigate to the **"Manager"** or **"App Catalog"** section within the software. This is where you will manage the specific blockchain apps on your device.
• Install Necessary Apps. Search for the cryptocurrencies you wish to hold (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Click 'Install' for each. Note that the physical hardware device has limited storage, so you may need to uninstall and reinstall apps occasionally, but **this does not affect your funds**, as they are stored on the blockchain, not the device itself. The device merely stores the key.
• Create Accounts. Once an app is installed on your device, use the companion software to add a corresponding account. The software will sync with the blockchain via the key on your device and generate public receiving addresses for you. These addresses are what you share to receive funds.
• Perform a Small Test Transaction. **Extremely important:** Before transferring a large amount, always send a very small test amount (e.g., $5 or $10) to your new hardware wallet address. Wait for the transaction to confirm. Then, perform a test withdrawal back to another wallet. This confirms your setup, address, and recovery phrase are all working correctly.
• Verifying Sending Transactions. When you send funds, the companion software prepares the transaction, but **the final confirmation and signing must happen on the device's screen**. This isolation is the core security feature. Always verify that the **recipient address and the amount** displayed on the small screen of your hardware wallet match exactly what you intend to send. If the addresses do not match, a piece of malware on your computer may be attempting a 'man-in-the-middle' attack, and you must stop the transaction immediately. **Trust the screen on the device, not the screen on your computer.**