A concise, step-by-step walkthrough to safely set up your Trezor hardware wallet. Follow these instructions closely to protect your crypto assets.
Before you start
Make sure you are in a private, secure location and have a modern computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) with a USB port, or a mobile device if using Trezor Model T with USB-C / adapter. Block public cameras and prefer a network you control—avoid public Wi‑Fi. Have a pen and the supplied recovery card ready to write down your seed phrase; do not store the seed on a digital device.
Required: Original Trezor device, USB cable, recovery card (or paper), stable internet.
Recommended: A separate device for storing a copy of your recovery information offline.
1. Unboxing & inspection
Verify the packaging is sealed and untampered. Trezor ships in tamper-evident packaging—any signs of prior opening should be treated as suspicious.
Inspect the device physically. Look for scratches, dents, or loose components. If anything looks wrong, contact the vendor or Trezor support immediately.
Note: Never use a device received from a third party unless you reset it and confirm it’s genuine through the official initialization flow.
2. Connect & install official software
Open your browser and visit the official Trezor site. Always type the URL manually or use a saved bookmark—avoid clicking links from emails or ads.
Install Trezor Suite (desktop app) or use the official web suite if recommended by the Trezor website for your model and OS.
Connect your Trezor to your computer using the supplied cable. Approve the USB connection on the device if prompted.
Security: Only install software from trezor.io or the official GitHub. Double-check signatures and checksums if you are installing manually.
3. Update firmware
When you first connect, Trezor Suite will check if the firmware on your device is current. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Firmware updates fix security issues and add features—do not skip them.
Start the update from Trezor Suite and confirm the action on the device screen.
Wait until the update completes before disconnecting. The device will reboot automatically.
Important: If you already have an existing recovery phrase (from a previous device), do not enter it until you are asked to import or restore. For new wallets, choose the option to create a new wallet.
4. Set a PIN and create a recovery seed
Set a PIN: Your device will prompt you to choose a PIN. Use a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessable. The PIN is entered on the device; the computer shows a scrambled keypad to prevent keylogging.
Write down the recovery seed: For a new device, Trezor will generate a recovery seed (typically 12, 18, or 24 words). Carefully write each word on the recovery card in order. Never take a photo or store the seed digitally.
Confirm the seed when prompted. Trezor will ask you to verify some words to ensure you recorded them correctly.
Do not share your seed with anyone. Anyone with access to your seed can control your funds. Trezor or official support will never ask for your seed phrase.
5. Optional: Passphrase (advanced)
A passphrase acts as a 25th word and creates a hidden wallet. It adds an extra layer of security but increases complexity and responsibility—if you lose the passphrase, the hidden wallet is irrecoverable even if you have the seed. Use this only if you understand the risks.
6. Receive and send funds
Receive: In Trezor Suite, choose the account and click "Receive." Always verify the receiving address on the device screen matches the address shown in the app before sharing it.
Send: To send funds, enter the destination address and amount. Confirm all transaction details on your Trezor device before approving. Check network fees and use custom fees only if you know how they affect confirmation times.
Tip: For large transfers, consider sending a small test amount first to confirm everything is correct.
Security best practices & maintenance
Keep your recovery seed offline in at least two geographically separated secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box and home safe).
Regularly update Trezor Suite and your device firmware when official updates are released.
Enable a device passcode/PIN and consider a strong passphrase for added protection.
Beware of phishing—always verify URLs and never enter your seed anywhere online.
Create a written plan for heirs or trusted contacts in case of emergency, but avoid sharing seeds directly.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Device not recognized
Try a different USB port/cable, restart your computer, and ensure Trezor Suite is up to date. On some systems you may need to re-authorize browser USB permissions.
Forgot PIN
If you forget your PIN, you must perform a device reset and restore from your recovery seed. This is why securely storing the seed is critical.
Lost recovery seed
Without your recovery seed (and passphrase if used), funds are irretrievable. Contacting support cannot restore lost seeds—this is a fundamental property of self-custody.