A hardware wallet is the most secure way to store your ETH. The private key never leaves the physical device — even if your computer is compromised, your coins remain safe. This guide takes you from unboxing to your first transaction.
Before You Start: Security Rules
Only buy directly from the manufacturer. Ledger, Trezor, GridPlus — always through the official shop. Never used or from third-party sellers. A tampered device can steal your coins.
Check the packaging. Is the seal intact? Does the device look new? When in doubt, return it.
Setting Up a Ledger Nano
Step 1: Connect the Ledger via USB to your computer and follow the instructions on the display.
Step 2: Set a PIN (4-8 digits). Remember it well — after three incorrect entries, the device resets.
Step 3: The Ledger displays a 24-word seed phrase. Write each word on the included card. Verify the order.
Step 4: Install the Ethereum app via Ledger Live and create an Ethereum account.
Step 5: Connect the Ledger to MetaMask: MetaMask → Settings → Connect Hardware Wallet → Ledger.
Setting Up a Trezor
The process is similar: connect the device, set a PIN, write down the seed phrase. Trezor runs setup through trezor.io/start. The Model T shows everything on the touchscreen — the seed phrase is never displayed on your computer.
Trezor optionally supports Shamir Backup: the seed phrase is split into multiple shares, of which you only need a certain number to recover. Ideal for advanced users.
MetaMask + Hardware Wallet
The best combination: you use MetaMask for DeFi interaction, but every transaction must be physically confirmed on the hardware wallet. This gives you the convenience of a browser wallet with the security of a hardware device.
Last updated: February 2026. Affiliate links disclosed.