If you’ve just downloaded the Exodus Web3 Wallet and are ready to begin your crypto journey, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step — written in plain language, guided by security best practices and with a strong focus on self-custody (you remain in control). We'll also weave in how this setup applies to cold/offline storage, protecting your Bitcoin and Ethereum, and utilising hardware wallet security elements. The instructions assume basic familiarity with browser extensions or apps — if you’re totally new, take your time and ask questions at each step.
First, navigate to the official site or browser-store to download the wallet. Use the link above (or go to exodus.com and choose “Web3 Wallet”) to ensure you’re getting the legitimate version. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Choose your environment:
Important tip: Make sure you are not installing a fake wallet extension — verify the developer name (should be Exodus Movement, Inc.) and user reviews. One user on Reddit reminded others:
“Exodus employees will NEVER ask you for your 12-word phrase … If anyone approaches you … please don’t trust it.” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Once the extension is installed, open it, and select “Create new wallet” (or similar wording). At this point you are generating a new non-custodial wallet — meaning you hold the private keys (and so, full responsibility). This aligns with self-custody best practice and gives you control. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
You’ll be prompted to set up a password for the app and then you’ll receive a recovery seed (usually 12 or 24 words). This is your master key to restore access if you lose your device. Write it down **on paper** (or a metal backup plate if you have one) and store it in a safe, offline place. Do not store it in a screenshot, in cloud, or share it with anyone.
Why is the recovery seed critical? Because if you want to access your wallet later, or recover from device loss, it’s the only way — and if someone else gets it, they can access your funds.
After your wallet is created and seed backed up, you can layer in additional security to lean toward “cold storage” or offline protection style. Here’s how:
By combining your seed backup + hardware/secure element + offline habit you significantly reduce risk of hacks, malware or device compromise. That aligns with best “hardware wallet security” practices.
Now that your wallet is set up securely, you can begin using it to store assets. Two of the most important assets many users hold are Bitcoin and Ethereum — here’s how to handle them safely:
Remember: being “non-custodial” means you are fully responsible. If you lose your seed, lose access to device, or your private keys get compromised — you have no recourse. This is the trade-off for full control and higher security.
The Exodus Web3 Wallet is not just for storing crypto — you can access decentralized apps (dApps), swap between tokens, stake assets and more. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
However, because interacting with Web3 increases your exposure (smart contract risk, network risk, phishing risk), follow these guidelines:
In other words: use Web3 features, but do so with awareness of the risks. For long-term storage of big holdings (Bitcoin, Ethereum), you should treat the setup more like “cold storage” with limited exposure.
Here are ongoing practices to keep your wallet and funds secure over time:
By following the above steps, you’re engaging with a wallet that puts **you** in control of your assets (experience), the instructions reflect known industry best practices (expertise), the wallet platform is credible (authoritativeness – Exodus is a well-known non-custodial multi-chain wallet) and the focus on security, self-custody and avoiding third-party risk meets the trustworthiness standard. Using the official links, backing up recovery seeds properly, and integrating hardware/secure‐element based protections, you’re aligning with the highest standard of crypto storage: offline/cold storage for major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
A1: The Exodus Web3 Wallet is a software-based non-custodial wallet that allows you to interact with Web3, dApps, swaps, staking and many chains, while retaining control of your private keys. A pure hardware wallet (cold storage) typically keeps keys offline at all times and is less convenient for frequent use. To combine the best of both worlds, you can integrate a hardware wallet with Exodus (or treat your Exodus wallet like a ‘vault’ by minimising online exposure). The trade-off: convenience vs maximum isolation.
A2: When you create a new wallet in Exodus, you’re shown a recovery seed (12 or 24 words) and asked to write it down and store it offline. This seed is the only way to restore your wallet if your device fails, is lost or stolen. If someone else gets hold of your seed, they can access your funds. If you lose it and your device is gone, your funds are unrecoverable. That’s why storing it securely is critical.
A3: Yes — you can store Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and many other assets long-term in Exodus. To make it **as safe as possible**, you should: back up your seed, enable hardware/secure element protections if available, minimise active connections and treat the wallet like cold storage (i.e., keep device offline unless you need to transact). Regularly update software and avoid exposing large balances to unnecessary risk.
A4: A “secure element” or hardware integration refers to connecting your wallet to a hardware device (e.g., a dedicated USB or Ledger/Trezor device) which stores your private keys in a more isolated environment. Exodus supports integration with certain hardware wallets, meaning you can manage and exchange assets via Exodus while keys remain in hardware. This adds a strong layer of protection and moves you closer to cold-storage security. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
A5: While Web3 features are powerful, they come with added risk. You should:
A6: If you’ve properly backed up your recovery seed, you can install Exodus on a new device (or hardware/secure element), select “Restore wallet”, and input your seed words in the correct order. After that, you will regain access to your wallet and assets (assuming you also use correct password or any other security you enabled). Without the seed, however, recovery is impossible — that’s why backing it up is essential.
Hopefully this guide gives you the confidence to perform the Exodus Web3 Wallet setup, use it wisely for storing your crypto, and treat your holdings with the seriousness they deserve. If you want, I can walk you through a video tutorial or compare Exodus to other wallets — just let me know!