Getting Started — Trezor Wallet® (Official Site®)
Welcome! This guide walks you through safely setting up your Trezor hardware wallet, installing software, creating a backup, and performing your first secure transactions. Follow each step carefully to protect your crypto assets.
1. Unboxing and safety checks
Only use a Trezor device purchased from an authorized retailer or from the official Trezor store. Before you open or plug in the device, inspect packaging for tamper-evidence seals and damage. Genuine Trezor devices include factory seals and clear tamper indicators.
Important: If the seal is broken or the device looks tampered with, do not use it—contact support immediately.
2. What you'll need
- Your Trezor device (Model One or Model T).
- A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or supported mobile device.
- USB cable to connect the device to your computer.
- A secure, private place to write down your recovery seed (pen and paper; metal backup optional).
- Internet connection for initial setup to download firmware and Trezor Suite.
3. Installing Trezor Suite
Trezor Suite is the official app that lets you manage your Trezor device, view balances, and send/receive coins. For the most secure experience, download Trezor Suite from the official website only.
Download: https://trezor.io/start
Install the Suite and open it. The first time you connect your device it may request a firmware update — this is normal and often recommended for security improvements.
4. Initial device setup
When you connect your Trezor, the on-device screen will guide you step-by-step. Key steps include:
- Confirm device model: Verify the model name on the device screen matches the packaging.
- Install firmware: If prompted, install the official firmware. Do not interrupt the process.
- Create a new wallet: Choose to create a new wallet unless you already have a recovery seed to restore.
- Write down your recovery seed: The device will generate a 12–24 word recovery seed (depending on model and settings). Write these words down exactly in order on the provided card or other secure medium.
Never store your recovery seed digitally (photos, text files, cloud storage). Anyone with access to the seed can control your funds.
5. Protecting your recovery seed
Your recovery seed is the single most important piece of information. Use one (or more) of these best practices:
- Write the seed on paper and store it in a secure, fireproof location.
- Use a metal backup plate for durability against fire, water, and time.
- Consider splitting the seed into multiple secure locations if you require extra redundancy.
- Never share the seed with anyone, including support personnel. Legitimate support will never ask for your seed.
6. PIN and passphrase
During setup you will create a PIN. The PIN prevents unauthorized access to the device interface and transactions. Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Avoid sequential or repeated numbers.
A passphrase (optional advanced feature) acts like a 25th seed word and creates a separate hidden wallet. Use it only if you understand the risks: losing the passphrase means losing access to funds. If you enable a passphrase, make sure its storage and backup are handled as securely as your recovery seed.
7. Receiving and sending funds
To receive funds, open Trezor Suite and select the account or currency you want to use. Click Receive and verify the address shown on your computer with the address displayed on your device — they must match. Only use addresses verified on the device screen.
To send funds, create a transaction in Trezor Suite, confirm the recipient address and amount, and then approve the transaction on your Trezor device. The device will show transaction details so you can verify before signing.
8. Firmware updates and maintenance
Regular firmware updates improve security and add features. Always install updates through Trezor Suite or the official website. Never install firmware from unknown sources or follow unsolicited instructions to run software on your device.
9. Troubleshooting and support
If you run into issues, consult the official support pages and knowledge base first. Common troubleshooting steps include:
- Reconnect the device and try a different USB port or cable.
- Restart the computer and Trezor Suite.
- Ensure you have the latest version of Trezor Suite installed.
- Consult the troubleshooting guides for specific error messages.
If you believe your device is compromised or your recovery seed is exposed, move your funds immediately to a new wallet with a new device and seed. Contact official support for guidance.
10. Best practices
- Keep firmware and software up to date via official channels.
- Use unique, strong PINs and consider the passphrase feature only when appropriate.
- Never enter your recovery seed into a computer, phone, or website.
- Use hardware wallets for long-term storage and keep only what you need on hot wallets for daily spending.
- Educate yourself about phishing and social engineering attacks—always verify URLs and be suspicious of unsolicited messages.