Quick setup — step by step
Below you'll find a clear, practical sequence to unbox and initialize your Trezor device. Each step explains what to do and why it matters. Read through everything once, then follow along with your device.
1. Unbox & inspect
Open the package and check the device seal. Confirm nothing looks tampered with: packaging should be intact, the device should be clean, and accessories (USB cable, recovery card or metal plate if included) should be present. Keep the box and original receipt in case you need to contact support.
2. Choose a secure workspace
Set up on a private desk, away from cameras and public Wi-Fi networks. Avoid crowded areas and don't let strangers see your screen. Physical privacy is the first line of defense when handling recovery seeds or PINs.
3. Connect and power the device
Use the included USB cable to connect the device to your computer. Your Trezor will power on and display on-screen prompts. Only proceed if the device shows a welcome message and an option to begin setup; if it instead asks for a seed or shows unexpected content, stop and contact support.
4. Install the official companion (Trezor Suite)
On your computer, open the official management app recommended for your Trezor model. Always download from the official source. The app will guide firmware checks and installation, and later help you send/receive coins. Avoid third-party apps until you are comfortable and have verified their legitimacy.
5. Verify and install firmware
Firmware is the device’s internal software. The companion app will check whether your device has the latest signed firmware. Follow the prompts to install updates if needed. Confirm firmware signatures on the device display when prompted — this ensures authenticity and prevents tampered firmware from being installed.
6. Create a new wallet (never reuse existing seeds)
Choose the option to create a new wallet. The device will generate a recovery seed — a list of words that represents your private key. This seed is the single most important thing: anyone with it can access your funds. Write the words down in the order presented, on the supplied card or a more durable medium. Do not store the seed as a photo, in cloud storage, or in digital text.
7. Set a PIN
Choose a numeric PIN for the device. A PIN prevents unauthorized use if your device is lost or stolen. Pick something memorable but not trivial; avoid common sequences (like 1234) or dates. Trezor devices implement PIN retry limits and time delays to slow brute-force attempts.
8. Confirm the recovery seed
The device will ask you to confirm a subset of the recovery words to verify you recorded them correctly. This step ensures you have a valid backup. Only proceed if the words match what you wrote down. If anything is wrong, power off and start again — do not skip the confirmation.
9. Optional: Add passphrases or use advanced features
Advanced users may add a passphrase (an optional extra word/phrase) that acts as a 25th seed word. This greatly enhances security but also adds complexity: losing the passphrase = losing access. Use passphrases only if you understand the tradeoffs and have secure storage for that passphrase.
10. Receive small test transaction
Before sending or receiving large amounts, do a small test transfer. Confirm the funds appear in your wallet through the companion app and match addresses shown on the device screen. This ensures everything is functioning as intended.
Security best practices
Protecting your crypto is mostly about reducing opportunities for attackers. Follow these simple habits:
- Only use official software downloads — verify checksums when provided.
- Never reveal your recovery seed or enter it on any website or device; your seed belongs only on the physical recovery card or metal backup.
- Keep multiple offline backups of your seed in separate secure locations (bank safe deposit box, home safe), or consider using a metal backup for fire and water resistance.
- Use a PIN and enable passphrase only if you can securely store that passphrase.
- Beware of phishing: always verify website addresses and never trust links received in email or social media unless you initiated the action.
What to do if things go wrong
If your device is lost or stolen, your funds remain safe if you set a strong PIN and you have a properly stored recovery seed. If you suspect firmware tampering or see unexpected prompts, disconnect the device and contact official support before entering any seed or sensitive information. If your recovery seed is exposed, move funds to a new wallet as soon as possible using a clean device.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I set up the device without internet?
- Initial setup, including generating the recovery seed and setting a PIN, happens locally on the device and does not require the internet. Firmware updates and software companion usage will need internet connectivity for downloads and signature verification.
- Is the recovery seed the same as my private key?
- Yes — the recovery seed encodes the private key(s) for your wallet. Treat it with the same protection you would give to a bank safety deposit key.
- What if I forget my PIN?
- Resetting a Trezor device will wipe it; you can then restore your wallet using your recovery seed. If you lose both the PIN and the recovery seed, the funds are irretrievable.
After setup — what next?
Once your Trezor is initialized, explore the companion’s features: manage multiple accounts, check transaction history, and integrate with trusted third-party apps if needed. Start small — send small amounts to get comfortable with the flow. Over time you can use advanced features like coin-specific settings, UTXO management for Bitcoin, and multi-account organization.
A final reminder: the security of your crypto depends more on your routines and backups than on any single device. Keep things simple, stay cautious, and if in doubt consult official documentation or support resources.