Trezor.io/Start® | Starting Up Your Device®

Why a hardware wallet?

A hardware wallet like Trezor stores your private keys offline so your cryptocurrency can be managed without exposing secrets to a network-connected computer. This guide walks through every stage of the initial setup: unboxing, verifying authenticity, installing firmware, creating a recovery seed, connecting to Trezor Suite, and simple best practices to keep your funds safe. Read carefully and follow the steps exactly.

Unboxing & Authenticity Checks

Start by examining the package for tamper-evident seals and authentic Trezor branding. Genuine Trezor devices arrive in a sealed box with a tamper-evident sticker. Check the device serial number against any documentation included. If anything looks altered, damaged, or inconsistent, stop and contact official support.

Security note: Never accept a pre-initialized device from a stranger. A new device should ask you to initialize it during setup.

Installing or Updating Firmware

The firmware is the trusted code that runs on your device. On first connection, Trezor will prompt you to install the official firmware. Use only the official website or the Trezor Suite desktop app to update firmware. Firmware updates can include important security fixes — keep your device current.

Step 1 — Connect

Use the supplied USB cable to connect the device to your computer. Do not use public or shared computers for initialization if you can avoid it.

Step 2 — Visit Trezor Suite

Open Trezor Suite (desktop recommended). You will be guided through any firmware installation automatically.

Step 3 — Confirm on Device

When the device prompts, confirm actions using the physical buttons. Physical confirmation ensures malware cannot complete sensitive actions silently.

Create and Secure Your Recovery Seed

The recovery seed (also called seed phrase) is the master backup of your wallet. It is typically 12, 18, or 24 words. Write these words down on the supplied recovery card or a durable metal backup, and store them offline in a safe, private place. Never store the seed on a computer, phone, cloud storage, or take photos of it.

Write words legibly and in the exact order shown.
Do not share the seed phrase with anyone under any circumstance.
Consider splitting backups between geographically separate secure locations.

Important: If your seed is compromised, an attacker can spend your funds. Treat it like the keys to a safe deposit box.

Connecting to Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is the official companion application for managing accounts, sending and receiving funds, and interacting with advanced features. After initialization you can create one or more accounts, manage multiple coin types, and enable additional options such as passphrase protection.

Basic actions in Trezor Suite

Create an account for the currency you want to use and follow on-screen addresses for receiving funds.
Always verify that the receiving address shown in Suite matches the address displayed on the device screen.
Use the built-in transaction preview and device confirmation for every outgoing transaction.

Passphrase (Optional Advanced Protection)

A passphrase adds another secret to your seed and creates a hidden wallet. It offers plausible deniability and stronger protection if used correctly, but if you lose the passphrase you lose access to funds. Only use a passphrase if you understand risks and can securely store that additional secret.

Troubleshooting & Common Questions

Connection problems are typically resolved by trying a different cable or USB port, running the latest Trezor Suite, or restarting your machine. If your device fails to respond, power cycle and retry. For firmware update failures follow the official recovery steps in the support documentation.

Quick FAQ

Q: Can I initialize Trezor offline? A: Firmware must be installed via a trusted host, but seed creation happens on-device offline.
Q: Can I restore my Trezor from a seed? A: Yes — any standard BIP39 seed can restore supported wallets, but follow on-screen guidance carefully.

Best Practices & Final Checklist

Use these concise reminders as you finish setup. Keep firmware updated, store your seed offline, confirm addresses on-device, and never enter your seed into a computer. Consider additional protections such as passphrase, multi-sig, or splitting funds across multiple devices for high-value holdings.

Checklist

Device is genuine and box untampered.
Official firmware installed and verified.
Recovery seed written and stored offline.
Test a small transaction before larger transfers.