How to Set Up Frame
Step-by-step Frame setup for 2026: install the desktop app, add a hot or hardware account, secure backups, and complete a test deposit. With common errors and fixes.
What you'll need (prerequisites)
- Desktop computer running macOS, Windows, or Linux
- Pen and paper for seed backup
- 15 minutes of uninterrupted time
Recommended for this tutorial
Tools and accounts referenced in the steps below:
Step-by-step
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Step 1: Download Frame from the official source
Frame is a desktop wallet — download it only from the official website (frame.sh) or its linked GitHub releases for macOS, Windows, or Linux. If you add the browser companion extension, install it only from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons under the verified publisher. Phishing copycats are everywhere — check publisher details before installing.
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Step 2: Create a new wallet
Choose "Create new wallet". Set a strong password — this encrypts the wallet on this device only. The password is not the seed; losing the password just means re-importing from seed.
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Step 3: Back up your seed phrase
Frame shows you a 12 or 24-word seed phrase. Write it on paper, never digitally. Anyone with this phrase has full control of your funds. Never type it into a website, email, or screenshot it.
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Step 4: Verify the seed phrase
Frame asks you to re-enter the phrase to confirm you have it. Triple-check spelling.
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Step 5: Lock Frame and (optionally) add the companion extension
Frame runs as a desktop app in your system tray or menu bar and serves every browser and dapp on the machine. Set it to lock after a few minutes of inactivity. If you use the optional companion browser extension to route dapp connections, pin it so phishing fakes are obvious.
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Step 6: Test with a small deposit
Send a small test amount before moving large balances. Confirm the receive address matches what you copied — clipboard malware swaps addresses.
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Step 7: (Optional) Connect a hardware wallet
For balances over a few thousand dollars, link a Ledger or Trezor inside Frame. The hot wallet acts as the UI; the hardware device signs.
Common errors and fixes
- Lost the seed phrase. If still logged in, immediately move funds to a new wallet whose seed you backed up properly. If logged out and no seed, the funds are permanently inaccessible — there is no recovery.
- Suspect a fake / phishing wallet. Move funds to a freshly installed wallet on a clean device. Disconnect the suspect wallet from every dapp via Etherscan token-approval revoker.
- Hardware device not recognised. Try a different USB cable (data, not charge-only), different port, or USB-A↔USB-C adapter. Reinstall the bridge software.
- Forgot password (software wallet). Re-install the wallet and import using your seed phrase. The password is local; the seed is the only true backup.
- Sent to wrong network. If both networks share the same address format (e.g. ERC-20 to BSC), funds may be recoverable by importing the same seed on the other chain. If not, funds are usually lost.
FAQ
Is Frame safe in 2026?
Frame is an open-source desktop wallet. Safety depends on the user: keep your seed phrase offline on paper, never store it in the cloud or screenshot it, and verify every transaction prompt before approving.
What if I lose my Frame?
As long as you have your 12/24-word seed phrase, you can re-install Frame on a new device and restore your wallet. The seed is the only thing that matters.
Can Frame be hacked?
Frame runs as a desktop app on your computer — the security boundary is that machine. Malware, phishing sites, or malicious approvals can drain a hot wallet. Connect a hardware wallet through Frame for large balances.
What chains does Frame support?
Frame supports Ethereum and most EVM L2s (Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Polygon, Avalanche). Multi-chain support varies — check the official docs.
Do I need to back up the seed if I use Frame with a hardware wallet?
If you create a new account inside the software wallet, you create a new software-controlled key with its own seed — back that up. If you connect a hardware wallet as the signer, the hardware seed is your only backup; the software wallet is just the UI.