Trezor.io/Start

Starting Up Your Trezor Device — a practical, secure setup guide for new users

Welcome — quick orientation

This short guide explains how to safely unbox, verify, set up, and begin using your Trezor hardware wallet. Follow each step carefully: hardware wallets protect your private keys, and correct setup is essential for long-term security.

Before you begin

  • Purchase only from official or trusted retailers.
  • Have a pen and the supplied recovery card (or a metal backup) ready — do not use photos or digital notes for your seed.
  • Use a private, malware-free computer and a quality USB cable (data capable).
  • Set aside 15–30 minutes for the first-time setup.

Unboxing & inspection

Open the package in a clean area. Inspect tamper-evident seals and packaging. If the box appears opened, damaged, or tampered with, contact the seller and do not proceed until you’re sure the device is genuine.

Step-by-step setup

1
Download Trezor Suite. Visit trezor.io/start (bookmark it) and download the official Suite for your operating system. Desktop Suite offers the most robust experience; the web flow works with Bridge on compatible browsers.
2
Connect the device. Plug your Trezor into the computer. The device will display a welcome graphic and a serial number. Suite will show a matching fingerprint — verify this fingerprint on the Trezor screen to establish a secure pairing.
3
Create or recover a wallet. Choose Create a new wallet to generate a recovery seed on-device, or Recover wallet if you already possess a seed. Never enter your seed on a computer or website — only confirm words on the Trezor device when recovering.
4
Write down your recovery seed. The device will show 12/18/24 words. Write each word in order on the recovery card. Double-check spelling and sequence. Store physical copies in secure, separate locations (consider a metal backup for durability).
5
Set a PIN. Choose a PIN on the device to protect access. Avoid obvious numbers. The device will wipe after multiple incorrect attempts, protecting your funds against brute force.
6
Optional: enable passphrase. For advanced privacy or plausible deniability, a passphrase creates hidden wallets derived from the same seed. Treat passphrases like additional seeds — if lost, funds are unrecoverable.
7
Update firmware. If prompted, update firmware through Suite. Always apply official updates and verify the process on-device. Firmware updates improve security and add features.
8
Add accounts & test. Add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other assets. Make a small test transaction in both directions (send and receive) to confirm end-to-end functionality and verify addresses on the device screen.

Security best practices

  • Never share your recovery seed — no support representative will ask for it.
  • Always verify on-device — the Trezor screen is your trusted display for addresses and amounts.
  • Keep software updated — OS, Suite, and device firmware.
  • Store backups offline in secure locations; avoid cloud/photos for seeds.

Troubleshooting

  • If the device isn't detected: try another USB cable/port, avoid hubs, and restart Suite.
  • If you forget your PIN: reset and restore from your recovery seed.
  • If a restore shows no funds: verify correct seed length, passphrase usage, and derivation settings.

If something goes wrong

Pause and gather non-sensitive diagnostics: device model, firmware version, and screenshots of errors (never include your recovery seed or passphrase). Report issues through official support channels and avoid posting seeds publicly.

Daily usage tips

  • Use fresh receive addresses for sensitive transactions; confirm each on-device.
  • Send a small test amount when sending to new services or addresses.
  • Use coin control and privacy tools in Suite if available for better on-chain hygiene.

Remember: your device secures private keys but you secure the seed. Proper setup and safe handling of recovery materials are the single most important factors in keeping funds safe.