Self-custody & seed backup checklist

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Before setup

Bought the device from the manufacturer or an authorised reseller, not a marketplace or second-hand.
Checked tamper seals and packaging as the maker's guide describes, and ran its genuine-device check if it has one.
Updated firmware with the official app or a signed download before creating a wallet (critical for COLDCARD after the 2026 advisory).
Device came without a pre-filled recovery phrase. A phrase printed in the box means a scam: don't use it.

Generated a new seed on the device itself, never on a phone, computer or website.
Wrote the words by hand, in order, and double-checked the spelling against the device.
Never photographed, typed, cloud-synced, emailed or pasted the words into anything, including AI chat tools.
Set a strong device PIN or password, different from the seed.

Made a durable copy (stamped or engraved metal survives fire and water better than paper).
Stored backups somewhere secure and away from the device, so one burglary or fire can't take both.
If using a passphrase: recorded it exactly (case, spaces) and stored it separately from the seed. Noted the passphrase wallet's fingerprint.
If using multisig: saved the wallet descriptor / configuration file (all xpubs). Seeds alone are not enough to restore a multisig.

Received a small test amount and verified the receive address on the device screen.
Wiped and restored the device (or a second device) from the backup and saw the same addresses and balance.
Sent a small test transaction out and back before moving the main balance.

Always check the full address on the device screen before signing. Clipboard malware swaps addresses.
Know that no support agent, wallet maker or website will ever ask for your words. Anyone who asks is a scammer.
Left instructions for heirs: where the backup is and how to use it, without writing the words into the instructions.
Check the backup's condition and the firmware advisories once a year.

This checklist is general guidance compiled with AI assistance, not advice for your situation. Your device maker's own setup guide comes first.