Log in

Guide

Tutorial: How to use hardware wallets

Updated: May 22, 2025
Published: May 20, 2025
0
Share:

Protect your crypto assets: a comprehensive guide to setting up, using, and maximizing security with hardware wallets

Post Feature Image

Video Tutorial

Understanding blockchain transactions

First, let’s explain how transactions on the blockchain work. Every transaction needs two key components: a private key and a partially signed transaction. The private key is unique to each wallet and fully signs the transaction, proving you're the owner of the crypto. The transaction includes details like the amount, date, and recipient's address. Together, they create a verified transaction, which is then broadcasted to the validators. Validators then confirm it and add it to the blockchain. All transactions can be publicly verified without compromising the private key by just seeing the signature, thanks to complex mathematical rules, known as cryptography. So, what does this have to do with hardware wallets? If your computer is infected with malware, your private key can be stolen, leading to the loss of your crypto. Hardware wallets protect against this by keeping your private key offline, a method known as cold storage. These devices, which look like small USB drives, are designed to store keys and sign transactions securely.

Set up you hardware wallet

When you first get your hardware wallet, you'll need to set it up. To interact with your hardware wallet, you'll need to download a program to your computer. This program acts as the intermediary between your hardware wallet and the blockchain. Since the hardware wallet itself doesn’t have internet access, the program facilitates communication, allowing you to manage your crypto securely. So connect it to your computer and follow the manufacturer's instructions. You'll create a PIN code and get a recovery phrase (12-24 words). You need this phrase to recover your wallet if you lose or damage it, so write it down on paper and store it safely.

Our Top Picks:

DOGWIFHAT

DOGWIFHAT

120,650%

SPX6900

SPX6900

17,000%

POPCAT

POPCAT

66,567%

PENDLE

PENDLE

5,002%

SOLANA

SOLANA

2,500%

HYPE

HYPE

1,740%

Don’t miss our next 100X

Trusted by 230K+ investors

Use your hardware wallet

To transfer crypto to your hardware wallet, use this program. It will provide a public address for receiving crypto. Send your crypto from your exchange or current wallet to this address. The private key used to sign the transaction never leaves the hardware wallet, keeping it secure. When you want to send crypto, use the app to enter the recipient’s address and amount. The hardware wallet prompts you to confirm the transaction, ensuring you keep the private key secure even if malware compromises your computer.

Advantages and hardware alternatives

The main advantage of hardware wallets is enhanced security. Your private key is offline, making it much less vulnerable to hacking. Even if your computer has malware, your private key remains safe. This makes hardware wallets ideal for long-term crypto storage. Regarding the two main hardware wallet options, Ledger and Trezor are the most popular. Ledger devices, like the Ledger Nano S and Nano X, offer robust security features, a sleek design, and Bluetooth functionality (Nano X) for mobile use. Trezor wallets, including the Model One and Model T, have a user-friendly interface and open-source software, offering greater transparency. Notably, the Trezor Model T includes a touchscreen, enhancing its usability and making it easier to operate directly on the device. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference regarding interface and additional features like Bluetooth or touchscreen capabilities. By using a hardware wallet, you can rest assured that your crypto is safe.

100% Success Money Back Guarantee

If our approach doesn’t outperform the overall crypto market during your subscription, we’ll give you a full refund of your membership. No questions asked. For quarterly and monthly subscribers this is applicable once your subscription runs for 6 consecutive months.

Terms & Conditions apply

Star

Trusted by 300,000+ traders

Take your next step towards crypto success

Save 50%

$799/year

Get everything you need to actively manage your portfolio and stay ahead. Ideal for investors seeking regular guidance and access to tools that help make informed decisions.

VisaCardImageMsCardImageCoinbaseCardImageSolanaCardImage

For your security, all orders are processed on a secured server.

What’s included in Pro:

  • Success Guarantee, if we don’t outperform the market, you get 100% back, no questions asked

  • 24/7 access to experts with 50+ years’ experience

  • All of our top token picks for 2025

  • Our latest memecoins pick with 50X potential

  • On hand technical analysis on any token of your choice

  • Weekly livestreams & ask us anything with the team

  • Daily insights on Macro, Mechanics, and On-chain

  • Curated list of top upcoming airdrops (free money)

Our track record speaks for itself

With over 2.4M tokens and widespread misinformation in crypto, we cut
through the noise and consistently find winning assets.

/images/advertorial/corpcomm3.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm4.webp
/images/advertorial/corpcomm5.webp

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We've consistently identified winners across multiple cycles. Bitcoin under $1,000, Ethereum under $70, Solana under $10, WIF from $0.003 to $5, PopCat from $0.004 to $2, SPX blasting past $1.70, and our latest pick has already 200X'd since June 2025. Everything is timestamped and public record.

No. When we founded Cryptonary in 2017 the market was new to everyone. We intentionally created content that was easy to understand and actionable. That foundational principle is the crux of Cryptonary. Taking complex ideas and opportunities and presenting them in a way a 10 year old could understand.

Signal vs noise. We filter out 99.9% of garbage projects, provide data backed analysis, and have a proven track record of finding winners. Not to mention since Cryptonary's inception in 2017 we have never taken investment, sponsorship or partnership. Compare this to pretty much everyone else, no track record, and a long list of partnerships that cloud judgements.

We share highly sensitive, time-critical research. Once it's out, it can't be "returned." That's why membership is annual only. Crypto success takes time and commitment. If someone is not willing to invest 12 months into their future, there is no place for them at Cryptonary.

Yes. You will have 24/7 to the team that bought you BTC at $1,000, ETH at $70, and SOL at $10. Through our community chats, live Q&As, and member only channels, you can ask questions and interact directly with the team. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience which you can tap into every single day.

Daily. We provide real-time updates, weekly reports, emergency alerts, and live Q&As when the markets move fast. In crypto, the market moves fast, in Cryptonary, we move faster.

If our approach to the market doesn’t beat the overall crypto market during your subscription, we’ll give you a full refund of your membership fee. No questions asked. For quarterly and monthly subscribers this is applicable once your subscription runs for 6 consecutive months.

Recommended from Cryptonary
This Week’s Setup: 03 Nov 2025
PRO
Market Updates
This Week’s Setup: 03 Nov 2025Markets are selling off hard: the dollar’s ripping higher, equities are rolling over, and Bitcoin’s ...
7 min read
Nov 3, 2025
BTC, ETH and More: Rangebound With Critical Supports In Play
PRO
Market Direction
BTC, ETH and More: Rangebound With ...Markets face crucial levels as volatility returns after the Fed rate cut. BTC, ETH, SOL test support...
5 min read
Oct 31, 2025
Big Market Update: What's Next?
PRO
Market Updates
Big Market Update: What's Next?Markets just wrapped a huge week: the Fed cut rates, Big Tech earnings rolled in, and Trump and Xi s...
7 min read
Oct 31, 2025