Your First Steps: Installation and Securing Your **Recovery Phrase**
Phase 1: Download & Creation
Start by downloading the **Trust Wallet** mobile application from the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Ensure you are downloading the correct, verified application to avoid phishing risks. Once installed, you will be prompted to either **"Create a new wallet"** or **"I already have a wallet."** For a new user, selecting **"Create a new wallet"** begins the generation of your unique cryptographic identity. You'll be asked to set a strong passcode or enable biometric security for local access to the app.
Phase 2: The Critical **Seed Phrase** Generation
This is the most crucial step in adopting **self-custody**. **Trust Wallet** will generate your **12-Word Recovery Phrase** (often called the **Seed Phrase**). This phrase is the master key to all your **private keys** and, consequently, all your **Digital Assets** across every supported chain. You must write these 12 words down **manually** on paper, in the exact order they appear, and store them securely offline.
**Recovery Phrase** Protocol (MANDATORY)
- **NEVER** store the **Seed Phrase** digitally (no screenshots, no email, no cloud storage).
- Write it down on **multiple pieces of paper** and store them in separate, secure locations (e.g., a fireproof safe).
- You will be required to confirm the words to verify your transcription accuracy.
- If you lose this phrase, no one—not Ledger, not Binance, and certainly not **Trust Wallet** support—can recover your funds. It represents true **self-custody**.
Unlocking **Web3**: Core **Trust Wallet** Capabilities
Unmatched **Multi-Chain** Access
**Trust Wallet** supports a vast ecosystem of blockchains, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, Solana, Polygon, Avalanche, Arbitrum, and many more. This comprehensive support means you only need one application to manage all your diverse **Digital Assets**, from major **Cryptocurrency** to small altcoins. The unified interface makes cross-chain management simple, ensuring all your balances are viewable instantly in one secure place.
Integrated **DApp** Browser
Seamlessly connect to decentralized applications (**DApps**) and **DeFi** platforms directly from within the **Trust Wallet** interface. This built-in browser is your gateway to DEXs (Decentralized Exchanges), lending protocols, yield farming opportunities, and NFT marketplaces. **Wallet Connect** functionality ensures secure connection to any **Web3** site without exposing your **Recovery Phrase** or **private keys**. You can access the entire decentralized economy quickly and securely.
Staking and Passive Income
Earn rewards on your idle **Cryptocurrency** directly through the wallet interface. **Trust Wallet** facilitates staking for popular Proof-of-Stake assets like BNB, Cosmos, Tezos, and more. This feature allows you to participate in network security and governance while generating passive income, all without transferring your assets to a third-party platform. Your assets remain under your **self-custody** at all times.
Integrated **NFT** & Collectible Gallery
View, manage, and transact with your non-fungible tokens (**NFTs**) directly within **Trust Wallet**. The integrated gallery supports various standards (ERC-721, ERC-1155, etc.) and networks. Unlike centralized exchanges, your **NFTs** are stored on the blockchain and controlled by your **private keys**, giving you immediate, permissionless access to the entire collectible market.
Security Model: The Power of **Self-Custody** and **Private Keys**
The fundamental difference between **Trust Wallet** and an exchange wallet is **self-custody**. When you hold assets on an exchange, they hold the **private keys**, making it a custodial service. **Trust Wallet**, a decentralized wallet, ensures that your **private keys** are encrypted and stored only on your mobile device, controlled entirely by your **12-Word Recovery Phrase**. This means **Trust Wallet** itself cannot freeze your funds, access your assets, or prevent transactions.
The core security principle is that the wallet never transmits your **private keys** over the internet. When you initiate a transaction—such as sending **Cryptocurrency** or signing a **DApp** interaction—the signature process happens locally on your device, isolated from the network. Only the signed, broadcast-ready transaction is sent to the blockchain. This isolation is critical for preventing common phishing and hacking attacks.
Furthermore, **Trust Wallet** implements robust internal safeguards:
- **Biometric Security:** Integration with Face ID or fingerprint readers ensures only you can open the application and authorize local actions.
- **Open-Source Code:** Key parts of **Trust Wallet** are open-source, allowing the wider **Web3** community to audit the code for vulnerabilities and confirm that the wallet functions exactly as advertised.
- **No KYC/AML:** Since it is non-custodial and operates without central servers, there are no mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) or Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks, preserving user privacy.
**Remember:** The responsibility for securing the **Recovery Phrase** is solely yours. The strength of **Trust Wallet** lies in the fact that it puts 100% of the security power, and risk, back into the hands of the owner. True **self-custody** is the highest form of **Cryptocurrency** security available.
Advanced Features for the Experienced User
Instant Swap & Exchange
**Trust Wallet** integrates multiple decentralized exchange services (DEXs) and swap aggregators, allowing you to instantly exchange one **Cryptocurrency** for another without leaving the app. This feature streamlines the trading process and ensures you get the best available rate across various protocols, minimizing friction in your **Digital Assets** management strategy.
WalletConnect V2 Support
Connect your mobile **Trust Wallet** to desktop **Web3** applications easily and securely using **WalletConnect**. By scanning a QR code, you can authorize transactions on a desktop browser, with the private signing process remaining isolated on your secured mobile device. This is the industry standard for safe interaction with large-screen **DApps** and **DeFi** platforms.
Token Importing & Customization
While **Trust Wallet** automatically detects most tokens, it gives advanced users the ability to manually import custom tokens (e.g., new **DeFi** project tokens) by providing the contract address. This functionality ensures that you have comprehensive control over displaying and interacting with any **Digital Asset** on any of its supported **Multi-Chain** networks.