Start here: a friendly introduction
Welcome! If you've just received a Trezor hardware wallet (or you are preparing to set up a new one), this guide helps you start up your device, protect your seed, and safely manage your crypto. We intentionally keep the steps practical and visually friendly so you can follow them without stress.
This walkthrough covers everything from powering on the device, creating a strong PIN, writing down your recovery seed, installing or verifying firmware, to day-to-day use and advanced security considerations.
Why setting up your device carefully matters
Hardware wallets protect keys — not coins
Your Trezor stores private keys offline. That makes it much more secure than software wallets on a connected device. But the safety is only as strong as your setup. If you skip firmware verification, reuse weak PINs, or expose your recovery phrase, attackers can still compromise your funds.
Top reasons to follow a strict setup flow
- Ensure firmware integrity so the device runs authentic code.
- Generate the seed securely inside the device (never type seeds into a computer).
- Create a strong PIN and optionally passphrase for layered protection.
- Make an offline backup of your recovery seed and store it safely.
What you'll need before you begin
Checklist (quick)
- Your Trezor device (unopened is ideal for maximum safety).
- A clean, trusted computer or phone and a USB-C cable (or adapter) to connect the device.
- Paper and a quality pen to write your recovery seed (avoid storing seeds digitally).
- Optional: a secondary secure location to store a duplicate backup (safe deposit box, etc.).
Important safety notes
Never enter your recovery seed into a website, email, or phone. The seed must be written physically and stored offline. If someone else can read your seed, they can steal your funds.
Step-by-step: Starting® Up® Your® Device®
Step 1 — Unbox & visually inspect
Confirm the box seal is intact. Inspect the device for unusual signs. If something looks tampered with, contact the vendor or manufacturer before proceeding.
Step 2 — Connect and power on
Use the supplied cable to connect the device to your computer. Modern Trezor devices will show a welcome screen. If prompted to visit trezor.io/start
, type it manually into your browser (avoid clicking random links).
Step 3 — Install or open the official software
Open the official Trezor web-start page or Trezor Suite application. Install any official companion app if recommended. Always prefer official downloads linked from the device welcome screen or trezor.io.
Step 4 — Verify and update firmware
The device or the official app will guide you to verify firmware integrity. If an official firmware update is available, apply it. Firmware updates patch vulnerabilities and add improvements — do them from official channels only.
Step 5 — Create device PIN
Choose a PIN that is long and not easily guessable. Trezor obscures input and adds delays on wrong attempts to combat brute-force attacks. Memorize your PIN — but also store recovery seed securely; the seed can restore access even if you forget the PIN.
Step 6 — Generate & write your recovery seed
The device will display a recovery seed (12, 18, or 24 words depending on device settings). Write it down on paper immediately, in the order shown. Do not store the seed digitally. Consider using steel backup plates for physical resilience.
How to write the seed well
- Write words clearly and in order, with numbering (1–24).
- Use two copies placed in geographically separated secure locations if your threat model requires it.
- Avoid any photograph or cloud-synced document of your seed.
Step 7 — Test recovery
After setup, many users perform a recovery test to ensure the seed was recorded correctly. You can create a test wallet with a small amount of cryptocurrency and perform a restore on a separate device to validate your backup — but only after you trust the environment.
Step 8 — Add accounts and use
Use Trezor Suite or compatible wallets to add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and supported tokens. Confirm addresses on your hardware device screen (never trust addresses shown only on your computer).
Step 9 — Routine firmware checks
Periodically check for firmware updates and review official security announcements. Subscribe to official channels if you want alerts, but always verify announcements via the official site.
Step 10 — Put it away safely
When not in use, store your device in a safe place. Treat it like a high-value instrument: limit physical exposure to strangers and keep it under your control.
Security best practices (practical & prioritized)
Use a PIN + optional passphrase
The PIN protects access if your device is stolen. A passphrase adds an extra layer: think of it as a 25th seed word — unique and only known to you. However, be careful: if you forget your passphrase, your wallet becomes unrecoverable (unless you documented it).
On passphrases
Use strong passphrases that you can remember but are hard to guess. Consider passphrases that form a sentence or use a password manager (only for storing the passphrase, not your seed).
Protect your recovery seed
- Keep the seed offline — paper, metal plate, or other durable media.
- Consider redundancy (two or three copies) but store them in different secure locations.
- Be mindful of social engineering: don’t reveal that you hold crypto or where you store backups.
Verify addresses on-device
When sending funds, always verify the destination address on your Trezor screen. Malware on your computer can alter addresses shown only on-screen.
Be cautious with third-party integrations
Trezor supports many third-party wallets. Use reputable integrations and double-check for official endorsements. If a third-party asks for your seed — it’s malicious. Never share seeds.
Emergency plan
Create a simple emergency plan for heirs or co-trustees that balances security with the ability to access funds when necessary. This may include legal instruments or instructions stored in a secure lawyer's office or safe deposit box.
Troubleshooting & common questions
My device doesn't power on
Check the cable and USB port. Try a different cable or computer. If the device remains unresponsive, reach out to official support.
I lost my PIN — what now?
If you forget your PIN, you can restore your wallet using the recovery seed on a new device. This is why safe backup of the seed is crucial.
My device shows "Firmware corrupted" or unexpected messages
Do not proceed blindly. Disconnect, visit the official support resources, and follow verified recovery instructions. Never follow instructions coming from unknown sources.
When in doubt, contact official support
If something feels off, use official channels. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or social media DMs.
Advanced topics
Shamir Backup & Multisig
Advanced users can split seeds using Shamir’s Secret Sharing or use multisig wallets to distribute keys across devices. These approaches improve security and reduce single-point-of-failure risk, but they add complexity and should be tested thoroughly.
Air-gapped setup
For maximum security, advanced users use an air-gapped computer (never connected to the internet) to interact with the wallet. This reduces attack surface but requires technical skill.
Physical hardening
Use metal seed plates, tamper-evident enclosures, and secure storage options. Protect yourself against fire, flood, and theft when choosing storage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I store multiple cryptocurrencies?
Yes—Trezor supports many coins and tokens. Use the official Suite or supported third-party wallets for full compatibility.
Is a passphrase required?
No, it's optional. It offers strong protection but increases responsibility: losing the passphrase means permanent loss of access to that account.
What happens if my device is stolen?
If the thief doesn't know your PIN or passphrase, your funds are safe. If they do, recovery via seed on a new device is still the solution — showing why seed protection is critical.
10 Official links (quick access)
Use these official-style resources for downloads, support, firmware, and additional reading. (Always verify URLs and avoid third-party mirrors.)
https://trezor.io/start
https://trezor.io/support
https://trezor.io/firmware
https://trezor.io/guide
https://trezor.io/security
https://trezor.io/blog
https://trezor.io/shop
https://trezor.io/check
https://trezor.io/contact
Final thoughts: confidence, not complacency
A hardware wallet like Trezor is a powerful tool for securing your crypto — but it's not magic. Careful setup, reliable backups, and ongoing attention to security practices are what keep your assets safe long-term. Use the official links above, verify firmware and downloads, and treat your recovery seed like the most sensitive secret you own.
One small checklist before you go
- Firmware verified and up-to-date
- PIN set and memorized
- Recovery seed written down (and ideally duplicated securely)
- Addresses verified on-device before sending
- Official support bookmarked