Welcome & Safety First
Why a hardware wallet matters
Protection from online threats
Short summary
A hardware device keeps your private keys offline and under your control. This reduces the risk of remote attacks, phishing, and malware. Treat your Trezor as the root of trust for signing transactions: keep it physically secure, never share your PIN or recovery seed, and always verify addresses on the device screen before approving.
Unboxing & First Look
What’s in the box
Inspect packaging and tamper-evidence
Takeaway
Confirm the package is sealed and contains the Trezor device, a USB cable, recovery card, and quick-start guide. If the seal is broken or something looks different, contact the vendor immediately. Authentic devices display a model name on the device screen during initial power-up — verify that before proceeding.
Connect & Visit Start Page
Use the official URL
Go to: trezor.io/start
Why this matters
Always use the official start page for setup. The web-based setup walks you through firmware installation and device initialization. Do not follow links from email or social media; manually type or click from a verified source. The start page detects your model and guides you through the latest recommended steps.
Firmware & Updates
Install official firmware
Follow on-screen prompts
Note
When prompted, install the latest firmware. Firmware updates contain security improvements. The official site will verify signatures; never install firmware from an unknown source. If you already have funds on the device, the update process is designed to preserve accounts; still, read messages carefully and ensure the update originates from the official Trezor servers.
Initialize: New Device vs. Recovery
Choose initialization type
New device
Recovery
Select whether you are creating a new wallet (generate a new seed) or restoring from an existing seed. For new wallets, the device generates a recovery seed — write it down on the supplied recovery card and store it in a secure location. For recoveries, enter your seed exactly as recorded; be patient and precise: missing or transposed words can render recovery impossible.
PIN & Passphrase
Set a strong PIN
Optional passphrase
Best practice
Create a PIN to protect against local access. Consider an optional passphrase for additional security — this acts as an extension to your seed, creating a hidden wallet. However, if you forget a passphrase you lose access to coins under that passphrase. Balance convenience with security and store passphrases separately and carefully.
Backup & Seed Management
Write it down, don’t screenshot
Multi-copy strategy
Where to keep it
Your recovery seed is the single most important piece of information. Write it on paper or metal storage solutions designed for seeds. Keep multiple copies in geographically separated, secure places (safe deposit box, home safe). Avoid digital copies that can be exfiltrated. Periodically verify that recovery methods remain intact and legible.
Using Your Device
Receive, send, and verify
Always confirm on-device
Routine checks
When sending funds, check that the receiving address shown on your computer matches the address on your Trezor screen. The device screen is the trusted display; malware cannot alter it. Use the official wallet app or supported third-party wallets that explicitly support Trezor. Keep your device firmware and host software up to date.
Troubleshooting & Support
Common issues
Connection problems
Contacting support
If the device is not recognized, try a different USB cable or port and ensure browser extensions aren’t interfering. For persistent problems, use official documentation and support channels. Never share your recovery seed with support staff; legitimate support will never ask for it. Record error messages and screenshots for faster support response.
Final Checklist & Good Habits
Before you go live
Confirm backups & security
Summary
Confirm firmware is up-to-date, PIN is set, seed is securely backed up, and you can recover from your seed in a test scenario if needed. Treat any unknown prompts or pop-ups with suspicion. Keep software current, and adopt a habit of verifying addresses and transactions on the device screen. For authoritative guidance and updates, visit the official start page anytime.