Introduction — why careful setup matters
A Trezor hardware wallet places your private keys into a secure, offline environment and requires physical confirmation on the device for any signing operation. The initial setup is the moment that defines long-term safety: generating and safeguarding the recovery seed, applying firmware updates through official software, and choosing local protections such as a PIN and optional passphrase. This guide mirrors the safe flow at trezor.io/start while offering practical tips and colorful visuals to make the process easier to follow.
What you'll do in this guide
- Inspect and unbox your device safely.
- Download and install Trezor Suite from the official site.
- Initialize your device — create or restore a wallet.
- Securely record your recovery seed and choose a PIN.
- Use everyday features and adopt best security habits.
1. Unboxing & inspection
When your Trezor arrives, inspect the packaging for tamper evidence before connecting the device. Genuine devices arrive sealed and include a Trezor unit (Model One or Model T), a USB cable, recovery seed cards, and brief setup materials. If the seal looks broken or contents are missing, stop and contact official support at the link above. Prepare a private, comfortable workspace with the seed cards ready — you will write your recovery words during setup.
2. Visit the official start page
Open a secure browser and type trezor.io/start exactly (or use a trusted bookmark). This prevents phishing attempts. The start page provides downloads for Trezor Suite (desktop and web), platform instructions, and links to official documentation. Never download Suite or installers from third-party websites or follow links in unsolicited messages.
3. Install Trezor Suite
Trezor Suite is the recommended application for initializing the device, applying firmware updates, managing accounts, and making transactions. Choose the appropriate installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and follow the onscreen instructions. Suite will walk you through each step of the device setup safely.
Why Suite matters
Suite coordinates firmware updates and provides a consistent user interface that minimizes the chance of mistakes. It also enforces the rule that recovery words are only entered on the device when recovering a wallet — not on your computer.
4. Connect your device & update firmware
Connect the Trezor with the supplied cable and open Trezor Suite. If firmware is available, Suite will prompt you to install it. Firmware updates deliver security improvements — accept and install updates only when initiated through the official Suite app, and confirm the update on the device's screen.
5. Create a new wallet or restore an existing one
Suite will give you two options: create a new wallet (generate a new recovery seed) or restore a wallet using an existing seed. If you create a new wallet, your device will display the recovery words. Write them down in order on the supplied recovery cards. If you restore, enter your existing seed using the device interface when prompted — never type seed words into your computer.
- DO write the words legibly and in order on the supplied cards.
- DO NOT photograph, save, or store the seed digitally.
- Consider metal backup plates for long-term durability (fire/water resistant).
- Store copies in separate secure locations for redundancy.
6. Set a PIN and optional passphrase
After recording the seed you will set a device PIN. The PIN protects local use if the device is lost or stolen. Choose a PIN that is memorable but not easily guessable. For advanced privacy and security, Trezor supports an optional passphrase that creates a hidden wallet — powerful, but treat it carefully because losing the passphrase means losing access to that hidden wallet forever.
7. Daily use — receiving and sending
Receiving
To receive funds, generate a receiving address in Trezor Suite and verify the same address is shown on your Trezor device screen. This prevents address-substitution malware from tricking you. Only share addresses that match on-device.
Sending
Build a transaction in Suite and then confirm the final details on your device. The device will show recipient address, amount, and fee — inspect these carefully before approving. The device screen is the single source of truth.
8. Security best practices
- Always download Suite from trezor.io/start.
- Verify addresses and contract parameters on the device, not only in the app.
- Keep firmware and Suite updated to receive important fixes.
- Use trusted computers for significant transactions; avoid public Wi-Fi.
- Revoke dApp permissions and disconnect websites when finished.
9. Troubleshooting — quick fixes
Device not detected: try a different USB cable or port and ensure the device is unlocked.
Firmware update stuck: restart Suite and the device, then retry the update.
Forgot PIN: recover your wallet on a replacement device using your recovery seed.
10. Long-term backups and inheritance
For long-term custody consider: metal backups for durability, geographic separation of copies, clear documented instructions for trusted heirs (without revealing the seed), and optionally multisig or custodial fallbacks for very large holdings. Plan for human factors: ensure trusted parties know how to recover funds if warranted, but never share the seed itself.
Final notes — start secure, stay secure
The initial setup at Trezor.io/Start is straightforward but requires attention. Inspect packaging, use the official Suite application, write and protect your recovery seed, set a strong PIN, confirm everything on-device, and adopt the security habits described above. With disciplined setup and ongoing care, your Trezor device will be a reliable cornerstone for self-custody.