Getting Started — Secure Setup for Your Trezor Hardware Wallet (Guide)

Why use a hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets such as Trezor keep your private keys offline in a dedicated device. That dramatically lowers the risk of key theft from malware or phishing attacks on your computer or phone. When you create transactions, the wallet signs them inside the device so the private keys never leave the hardware.

Key point: A hardware wallet increases security, but it’s not a substitute for safe habits — back up your recovery seed, verify addresses on the device screen, and never share your seed.

What you’ll need

• Your new Trezor device (Model One or Model T) and original USB cable.
• A computer (or supported mobile device) with an internet connection.
• A pen and a physical way to record the recovery seed (the included seed card or a metal backup plate).
• Time and a quiet space — setup takes a few minutes and requires careful attention.

Step 1 — Verify the box and source

1. Buy directly from the manufacturer or an authorized reseller. Avoid second-hand or unknown marketplaces.
2. Inspect any tamper-evident seal and packaging for signs of alteration. If anything looks suspicious, contact the seller or the official support page before proceeding.

Warning: If the device appears tampered with, do not enter any seed words or use it to store funds until you confirm authenticity with the vendor or manufacturer.

Step 2 — Connect and start

1. Plug the device into your computer using the supplied cable.
2. Open a browser and type trezor.io/start yourself; do not click links from emails or search results. This page will point you to the official Trezor Suite download.
3. Download and install the recommended Trezor Suite application for your OS (desktop is preferred for security).

If you prefer the browser experience, follow only links that originate from the official site. Scammers create lookalike pages — type the URL manually when in doubt.

Step 3 — Install official firmware

New devices usually require a first-time firmware installation. Firmware updates include security patches and improvements.

1. Start Trezor Suite and follow its instructions to install the latest firmware.
2. Confirm the firmware signature and device prompts. Only accept firmware from the official Suite.
3. Do not disconnect the device while the firmware installs.

After firmware installs, your device is ready to initialize a wallet.

Step 4 — Create a new wallet

1. In Trezor Suite choose Create new wallet. The device will generate a recovery seed and keys inside the device.
2. The device will prompt you to set a PIN. Pick a PIN you can remember but that others can’t guess.
3. Your device will display your recovery seed words on its screen — write them down in order on the provided card. Do not photograph or store them digitally.

Critical: The recovery seed is the master key for your funds. If someone obtains the seed, they can take your assets. Keep it offline and secure.

Step 5 — Confirm and test

1. The device will ask you to confirm a few seed words to ensure you copied them correctly.
2. Set any optional settings (device label, passphrase if you understand the risks and benefits).
3. Try a small receive and send transaction to verify everything works before moving larger amounts.

Testing with a small amount reduces risk while you learn the workflow of verifying addresses on-device and approving transactions.

Optional — Passphrase protection

Some users enable a passphrase — an additional secret that combines with your seed to generate a separate hidden wallet. This improves privacy and plausible deniability but requires careful management.

• If you choose a passphrase, treat it like an extra password — do not forget it. Losing it means losing access to funds in that hidden wallet.
• Use passphrase only if you understand that it cannot be reset or recovered by the device maker.

Security best practices

• Never enter your recovery seed anywhere online — not in emails, websites, or apps.
• Always verify receiving addresses on the device screen before accepting funds. Malware can change addresses on your computer.
• Keep firmware up to date using the official Trezor Suite only.
• Store copies of your seed in secure, geographically separate locations (e.g., safe and safety deposit box).
• Do not share your PIN, seed, or passphrase with anyone — official support will never request them.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port, avoid USB hubs, or restart the Suite app.
• Firmware update failed: Retry through the official Suite. If it still fails, consult the manufacturer’s support.
• Forgot PIN: The device can be reset and the wallet restored using the recovery seed. Resetting erases device state.
• Seed lost: If your seed is lost and funds remain, move funds to a new wallet immediately if possible. If seed is irretrievable, funds may be unrecoverable.

Maintenance and routine checks

• Regularly open Trezor Suite to check firmware status and device health.
• Consider periodic test restores on a spare device or simulator (using small amounts) to verify backups work.
• Be vigilant for phishing: emails or messages claiming urgent security issues are often scams.

Final checklist before using your wallet

• Recovery seed written down exactly and stored offline.
• PIN set and tested.
• Firmware updated to the latest official release.
• At least one small test transaction completed successfully.
• Device purchased from a trusted source and packaging checked for tampering.

Once these are complete, your Trezor device is configured to provide strong protection for your crypto holdings.