Get started with your Trezor hardware wallet

Congratulations — you now have one of the most practical tools for owning cryptocurrency responsibly: a dedicated hardware wallet. This page guides you through the first-time setup and essential security habits so you can confidently store, send, and manage crypto without guesswork. The steps below are concise, practical, and crafted for both beginners and experienced users who want a clean, secure start.

Why a hardware wallet matters

A hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline in a tamper-resistant device. That isolation drastically reduces risks from phishing, malware, and online account takeovers. Unlike exchange custody or software-only wallets, a hardware wallet makes you the sole holder of your keys — which also means you control your recovery process and must protect it carefully.

What you’ll need before you start

• Your Trezor device (Model T or Model One).
• A computer or smartphone with a supported browser or the official Trezor Suite app.
• A reliable USB cable (or adapter for your device).
• Paper and pen for writing your recovery seed — do not store it digitally.
• A secure, private place to complete setup (avoid public Wi-Fi and open workspaces).

Step-by-step setup

1. Unbox and inspect: Only use the device that arrived sealed in its original packaging. Verify tamper-evident stickers and ensure nothing looks altered. If anything looks wrong, stop and contact support.
2. Connect to Trezor Suite or start.trezor.io: Use the official software. For most users the desktop Trezor Suite app provides the smoothest experience; you can also use the browser-based workflow at the official start URL. The software will detect your device.
3. Install firmware: The device will prompt you to install or update firmware. Firmware updates contain important security improvements — install them when instructed. The installer verifies authenticity before flashing.
4. Create a new wallet: Follow on-screen prompts to create a new wallet. The device will generate a recovery seed — a series of words that represent your private key backup. Write these words in order on paper; never photograph or type them into a computer or cloud service.
5. Set a PIN: Choose a PIN that you can remember but is not trivially guessable. The PIN protects access to the device if physically stolen. Some devices allow a passphrase in addition to the seed for an extra layer of protection — consider enabling it only if you understand how to manage passphrases securely.
6. Verify your recovery seed: The device will ask you to confirm random words from your written seed. This ensures you recorded it correctly. If there's any mismatch, do not proceed until the seed and written copy are consistent.
7. Finish and test: After setup, send a small test transaction to and from your device to confirm everything works as expected. This is the moment to verify addresses and ensure transactions are shown on the device display before confirming.

Recovery seed — treat it like gold

Your recovery seed is the only complete backup of your wallet. Anyone who obtains it can take your funds. Best practices:

• Write the seed on paper and store it in a safe, offline location (safe, deposit box, or split between trusted locations).
• Consider metal backup plates for long-term durability against fire, water, and time.
• Never enter the seed into a phone, computer, or browser. Do not email, photograph, or store the seed online.
• Test recovery on a different device or using the recovery process to ensure your backup works before transferring significant funds.

Daily security habits

Once your wallet is set up, use these habits to maintain security:

• Always verify the transaction details on your device screen before approving — do not trust host software alone.
• Keep your device firmware up to date and review release notes for security fixes.
• Use unique, strong passwords for related accounts (email, exchange, backup services) and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
• Be skeptical of any message that urges immediate action with threats or guaranteed returns — these are common phishing tactics.

Troubleshooting and recovery

If you lose or damage your device, your recovery seed allows you to restore funds to a new hardware wallet. Keep a spare plan: know where the seed is stored and who (if anyone) should be notified in an emergency. If the device shows unexpected behavior, disconnect it and consult official support channels; do not follow advice from unknown sources.

Advanced options

Experienced users may enable a passphrase (creating plausible deniability and hidden wallets), set up multiple accounts, or use coin-specific advanced features. These features increase flexibility but require strong personal operational security. If you choose advanced setups, document your process and store any additional secrets securely.

What to avoid

• Never share your recovery seed or PIN with anyone.
• Avoid entering your seed on web pages or into apps for “backup” purposes.
• Do not buy a hardware wallet from auction sites or marketplaces where the device could be tampered with — buy only from official vendors or authorized resellers.