Welcome
This guide walks you through the essential steps to get your Trezor device ready for managing crypto. It covers unboxing, creating a PIN, recording your recovery seed, installing Trezor Suite, adding accounts, and best security practices. Follow official downloads at trezor.io/start to avoid unofficial sources.
Unboxing & inspection
When your package arrives, verify the seal and packaging. Inside you should find the Trezor device (Model One or Model T), a USB cable, recovery card(s), and documentation. If anything appears tampered with, do not use the device and contact official support.
Initial setup: power, PIN, and recovery
- Power on the device: Connect your Trezor to a computer or mobile device using the supplied cable. The device will display welcome screens and a prompt to start initialization.
- Create a device PIN: Choose a PIN when prompted — this protects access to the device. Use a PIN you can remember but which is not easily guessable. If you forget the PIN, you will need to reset the device and restore from your recovery seed.
- Generate your recovery seed: Trezor will display a 12–24 word recovery seed (depending on model/option). Write the words in order on the provided recovery card. Do not photograph, copy into a file, or store the words digitally. The seed is the only way to recover your funds if the device is lost or damaged.
- Confirm the seed: The device may ask you to confirm one or more words from your recovery seed to ensure accurate recording.
Tip: Consider using a metal backup plate for long-term durability against fire and water damage.
Install Trezor Suite
Trezor Suite is the official desktop and web app for device management, firmware updates, and transactions. Download it from trezor.io/start. After installation, open Suite and follow the onboarding flow to pair your device.
- Open Trezor Suite and select "Set up a new device" or "Recover wallet" depending on your situation.
- When prompted, allow Suite to communicate with your Trezor and follow on-device instructions.
- Install any required firmware updates; these may be necessary for security and compatibility.
Add accounts & manage assets
Inside Trezor Suite you can add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other supported coins and tokens. Use the "Accounts" tab to create separate wallets for different blockchains and to monitor balances and transaction history.
- Install coin apps if required (some integrations need external wallet connections for token support).
- To receive funds, generate a receive address in Suite and always verify the address on your device’s screen before sharing.
- For sending, enter the recipient address in Suite, review the transaction details, and confirm on the device.
Backup & security best practices
Security is about layers. Protect your recovery seed and follow these best practices:
- Store recovery words offline, ideally in a secure location like a safe or deposit box.
- Never share your recovery seed. Trezor support will never ask for it.
- Prefer a metal backup for long-term durability.
- Use a passphrase (advanced): It adds an extra secret to your seed and creates hidden wallets — powerful for privacy but risky if forgotten.
- Keep Trezor Suite and device firmware up to date.
Daily use: send, receive, and third-party integrations
Trezor integrates with many wallets and dApps. When using third-party software (like MetaMask or exchange withdrawal pages), always confirm transaction data on your device. Your Trezor signs transactions locally — the private key never leaves the device.
- For DeFi and NFTs, connect using supported integrations and verify every signature on-device.
- For large transfers, perform a small test transaction first.
Troubleshooting & common issues
- Device not detected: Try another USB cable or port, check for blocked drivers on Windows, or relaunch Trezor Suite.
- Forgot PIN: Reset the device and recover from your recovery seed.
- Recovery mismatch: Ensure words are spelled exactly and in correct order. If in doubt, try restoring on a new device with a small balance first.
- Firmware update failed: Follow on-screen instructions in Suite, and contact support if the device becomes unresponsive.
FAQ
What if I lose my device?
If you have your recovery seed, restore on a new Trezor or compatible wallet. Without the seed, funds cannot be recovered.
Can Trezor be hacked remotely?
The device is designed to keep private keys isolated; remote extraction is extremely unlikely. The most common risks are phishing, malicious software, or users revealing their recovery information.
Further resources
- Trezor.io/start — official downloads and setup instructions.
- Trezor Help Center — verified guides, firmware notes, and support.
- Community forum and developer docs for integrations and advanced workflows.