How to Set Up Your Trezor Wallet
| Trezor.io/Start Guide
Welcome
This short step-by-step guide helps you safely set up a Trezor hardware wallet. Follow every step carefully — hardware wallets protect your private keys offline, and the initial setup is the most important moment for your long-term security. For the official, up-to-date resources visit: Trezor Start.
1 — Unboxing & Verification
Inspect packaging
When your device arrives, confirm that the tamper-evident seals are intact. Check the device’s serial number against the label and do not use a device if the packaging looks altered.
What to look for
- Official seal and holographic elements
- Included accessories: USB cable, recovery card (or paper), quickstart leaflet
- Device model and serial number
If anything looks suspicious, contact vendor support or Trezor support before continuing.
2 — Connect & Open Trezor Start
Use the official page
Go to trezor.io/start in your browser. Choose your device model and follow the on-screen prompts. Depending on the model, you may be asked to install Trezor Bridge or Trezor Suite. Only download software from the official domain.
Connection steps
- Connect the Trezor device via USB.
- Allow any browser prompts to access the device (only on this trusted page).
- If requested, install the official bridge/app per the instructions.
3 — Initialize Device
Create or restore
You will be offered two choices: create a new wallet or recover from an existing seed. Choose Create a new wallet if this is a fresh device. The device will generate a new recovery seed — write it down exactly, in order.
Important: Recovery seed
The recovery seed (most often 12, 18 or 24 words) is the only way to recover your funds if the device is lost or damaged. Store it offline, in a secure place. Do not photograph, screenshot, or store it digitally.
4 — Set a PIN
Why a PIN matters
The PIN prevents local access if someone physically obtains the device. Choose a PIN with enough complexity to deter guessing, but that you can reliably remember. Trezor devices support PIN entry via the device screen so the input cannot be intercepted by the host computer.
Best practices
- Avoid simple sequences (1234) or repeated digits.
- Don’t write your PIN next to the recovery seed.
- Enable passphrase support only if you understand how it alters recovery.
5 — Write Down Your Recovery Seed
Recording the words
When the device displays each word, write them in order on the provided recovery card (or a dedicated recovery metal backup). Double-check each word and its sequence. This is critical — an incorrect order will render recovery impossible.
Where to store it
- Safe, fireproof, water-resistant location (safe box or safe-deposit box)
- Consider splitting across multiple trusted physical locations
- Use a metal backup (optional) for long-term durability
6 — Verify & Finalize
On-device verification
Confirm the seed words and follow prompts to finalize initialization. The device will show a confirmation that setup succeeded. Install Trezor Suite if you want a graphical interface for managing accounts, or use a supported wallet that integrates with Trezor.
Link to official app
Use only official downloads from trezor.io/start or the Trezor GitHub repositories listed on the official site.
7 — Add Accounts & Receive Funds
Creating addresses
Open Trezor Suite or a supported wallet, add an account for the cryptocurrency you want to use, and create a receive address. Always verify the address on the device screen before sharing it — the host computer could be compromised and display a tampered address.
Receive safely
- Send a small test amount first.
- Check transaction details on the Trezor device display before signing.
8 — Maintenance & Security Tips
Keep software up to date
Regularly update firmware and Trezor Suite when official updates are released. Firmware updates can include security fixes; always verify updates via the official website and confirm update details on-device.
Do not share
Never share your recovery seed, PIN, or passphrase. Beware of phishing attempts, and double-check domain names and URLs before entering sensitive information.
9 — Troubleshooting & Support
Common issues
If your device is not recognized, try a different USB cable or port, and ensure any required bridge/app is installed. If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet after creating a new seeded device and transferring assets.
Official support
Visit https://trezor.io/start and Trezor support pages for official guides, firmware, and contact details. For critical issues, use the official support flow — do not follow instructions from random messages.