Trezor.io/Start — Official Setup Guide for Trezor Wallet

Step-by-step, security-first instructions to safely unbox, configure, and use your Trezor hardware wallet. Covers Trezor Model One and Model T, Trezor Suite, seed backup, passphrases, firmware updates, connecting to web dApps, troubleshooting and best practices.

Introduction — what to expect

Welcome to the Trezor start guide. This document is designed to walk you—carefully and deliberately—through everything required to get your Trezor hardware wallet up and running securely. The goal is to ensure that the most critical element of self-custody—your recovery seed—is created and stored safely, that your device firmware and software are authentic and up to date, and that you understand how to perform routine tasks like sending and receiving crypto or connecting to decentralized applications without exposing secrets.

1. Unboxing: check package integrity

When your Trezor device arrives, inspect the box for tamper evidence. Official packaging is sealed; if the tamper-evident sticker, shrink wrap, or packaging looks damaged or altered, pause. Don’t proceed until you verify the package authenticity with the vendor or Trezor support. Use only devices bought from authorized resellers or the official Trezor store.

Key point: If anything about the packaging seems off, don’t initialize the device. Contact support and verify the purchase source.

What you’ll need

  • Your new Trezor hardware device (Model T or Model One)
  • A computer with modern browser (recommended) or the official Trezor Suite desktop app
  • USB cable (included) — avoid untrusted cables with unknown adapters
  • Quiet, private area to write down your recovery seed (pen & seed card or metal backup)
  • Approximately 20–40 minutes to complete setup and backups

2. Initial setup — create your wallet

Follow these steps to initialize your device using Trezor Suite (recommended) or the web interface at suite.trezor.io. We use Trezor Suite terminology below but web flows are similar.

Step A — Download Trezor Suite

  1. Visit trezor.io/trezor-suite and download the correct installer for your operating system (Windows/macOS/Linux) or use the web version at suite.trezor.io.
  2. Verify the installer authenticity if you are concerned (checksums / signatures are published on official channels).
  3. Install and launch Trezor Suite.

Step B — Connect and power on your device

  1. Plug the Trezor into your computer using the supplied cable.
  2. The device screen will light up and show a welcome logo. Trezor Suite should detect the device and start the onboarding flow.

Step C — Choose initialization type

You will be offered two main options: Create a new wallet or Restore wallet. Choose Create a new wallet if this is a brand new device. Choose Restore if you already have a recovery seed from a previous Trezor or other compatible seed-based wallet.

Step D — Generate recovery seed

When creating a new wallet, the Trezor device will generate your recovery seed (the number of words depends on the device/settings—commonly 12, 18, or 24 words). The device presents the words on its screen in order—write them down on the supplied recovery card or a secure metal backup. Never take photos, store the seed digitally, or type it into a computer. Keep the seed offline and physically secure. Trezor Suite will ask you to confirm several words to verify the backup.

Security warning: anyone with the recovery seed can recreate your wallet and steal funds. Treat it like the ultimate secret: offline, discrete, and redundant backups are recommended for significant holdings.

Step E — Set a PIN

The device will prompt you to set a PIN to protect against unauthorized local use. Choose a PIN that is not trivial but memorable. If you forget the PIN, you can restore using the recovery seed; however, the PIN itself cannot be recovered.

3. Restoring an existing wallet

If you are restoring from an existing seed, choose the restore option in Suite and enter the words on the device when prompted. Be careful to enter the exact words in the correct order. If you restore using a passphrase-protected wallet (see below), ensure you also provide the passphrase correctly; otherwise the restored wallet will not match the one you expect.

4. Core security concepts

Understanding the security model helps you make safer choices:

  • Hardware isolation: private keys are generated and stored inside the Trezor device and never leave it.
  • On-device confirmation: every transaction or sensitive operation requires explicit approval on the device screen—this is the last line of defense.
  • Seed backup: the recovery seed is the single backup of all your keys—protect it offline.
  • Firmware authenticity: always update firmware via Trezor Suite and verify prompts on the device; official firmware is signed by Trezor.

Passphrase (advanced feature)

Trezor supports an optional passphrase (a user-specified word or phrase) that augments the recovery seed to produce additional, hidden accounts. A passphrase acts like a 25th (or extra) word and creates a separate wallet derivation. Use cases include plausible deniability and multiple independent wallets from one seed.

Important: a passphrase is a separate secret; losing it is equivalent to losing access to funds in the associated hidden wallet. Do not store passphrases with the recovery seed.

Firmware updates

Firmware updates patch security issues and sometimes add features. Install them only through Trezor Suite (or official installer). The device displays update information and requires your confirmation; malicious firmware installations are unlikely if you use official channels.

5. Daily use — send, receive, and manage assets

Receiving funds

  1. Open Trezor Suite and choose the account you want to receive to.
  2. Click Receive, then verify the address displayed in Suite matches the one shown on your Trezor device screen.
  3. Share the on-device verified address with the sender (never share an address only copied from clipboard without verifying).

Sending funds

  1. Create a transaction in Suite or a supported dApp that interfaces with your device.
  2. Review the transaction details (amount, recipient, network fees) in the app and on the Trezor device display.
  3. Only press confirm on the Trezor device after thoroughly verifying the on-device information—this prevents UI/clipboard malware from tricking you.

Interacting with dApps

Many decentralized applications integrate with Trezor via browser or standard connectors. When connecting, the dApp will prompt Trezor Suite to recognize the device. Always verify contract interactions on the Trezor device screen—avoid blind-signing. For new dApps, consider trying a small test transaction first.

6. Backup & redundancy strategy

For small balances a single paper backup may suffice. For larger holdings consider a hardened strategy:

  • Write the recovery seed on at least two physical backups (seed cards, steel plates).
  • Store copies in geographically separated, secure locations (home safe, bank safety deposit box).
  • Consider multi-party custody for extremely large holdings (multi-sig with hardware devices).

Never keep a digital copy (photo, cloud, email). If you must store a digital hint, make it non-recoverable alone and protect with strong encryption separate from the seed itself.

7. Troubleshooting & common issues

Device not detected

  • Try another USB port and cable (prefer the included cable).
  • Restart Trezor Suite and the computer.
  • Ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN) when prompted.

Firmware update failed

Reconnect the device and relaunch Suite. If problems persist, consult official support resources and use your recovery seed to restore on another device if needed.

Suspicious prompts or requests for seed

Never reveal your recovery seed. If a website or person requests your seed, treat it as a scam and disconnect the device. Use official support channels only.

8. Advanced topics

Using multiple devices & multi-signature

You can combine multiple hardware wallets and create multi-signature wallets for enhanced security. Multi-sig reduces single-point failure risk but increases operational complexity; test thoroughly on testnet or with small amounts first.

Integrations & third-party wallets

Trezor works with a range of wallets and services. Prefer well-known, audited integrations and check community feedback. Confirm all actions on-device regardless of the integration.

Developer notes

Developers can integrate with Trezor using documented APIs and libraries. When building integrations, ensure the UI clearly explains actions and that users are always prompted to confirm sensitive operations on-device.

9. Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I use Trezor Suite without the hardware device?
A: Suite has a limited watch-only mode, but signing transactions always requires the hardware device because the private keys are stored in the device.
Q: What if I lose my Trezor device?
A: If you have your recovery seed, you can restore your wallet on a new Trezor or compatible hardware wallet. If you lose both the device and the seed, the funds are unrecoverable.
Q: Are firmware updates safe?
A: Official firmware updates distributed by Trezor are signed and safe; apply updates only via Trezor Suite and verify on-device prompts.
Q: Should I use a passphrase?
A: Passphrases provide extra security and plausible deniability but come with operational risks. Use them only if you understand the consequences and have a secure way to store the passphrase.

10. Pre-transaction quick checklist

  • Is Trezor Suite downloaded from trezor.io or official source?
  • Is your device firmware up to date?
  • Have you verified the receive address on the device screen?
  • Have you confirmed the transaction details on the device before signing?
  • Is your recovery seed backed up offline and securely stored?

Final note: the security of self-custody depends on both hardware and user practices. Trezor devices give you cryptographic guarantees—your job is to maintain sensible physical backups, verify on-device prompts, and keep software authentic and up to date.