Unboxing and First Look 📦
Inspect packaging, seals, and included accessories before you begin.
When your Trezor arrives, inspect the packaging for the official seal and tamper-evident stickers. Carefully remove the protective materials and set aside the included accessories: the USB cable, recovery seed card, and quick start pamphlet. Hold the device and note the screen, buttons, and USB-C or USB micro connector depending on the model. If anything looks suspicious, contact support before proceeding. 🧐📲
Charge and Connect ⚡
Most Trezor devices are powered via the connected computer or phone—plug the USB cable into a reliable port. If you’re using a phone, ensure it supports USB OTG. Open a modern browser and navigate to trezor.io/start. Connect your device when prompted. The device screen should show a welcome message and a logo. If the device stays blank, try another port or cable. 🔌💻
Install Trezor Suite (optional but recommended) 🖥️
For a richer interface and firmware management, download Trezor Suite from the official site. Install and open the app, then follow on-screen instructions to connect your device. Trezor Suite helps manage accounts, check firmware updates, and interact with supported cryptocurrencies. Always download software from trezor.io to avoid malicious copies. ✅📥
Create a New Wallet or Restore 🌱
When prompted, choose whether to create a new wallet or restore from an existing recovery seed. To create new, select “Create a new wallet” and set a strong passphrase when offered. If restoring, carefully enter your seed words in the exact order shown on your recovery card. Typing errors can permanently lock access. Take your time and verify each entry. 📝🔁
Write Down Your Recovery Seed 🔐
The recovery seed is the single most important piece of information for restoring your funds. Write down the 12, 18, or 24 seed words exactly as shown on the device. Store the seed card in a safe, separate location from your device—never store it digitally or share it online. Consider using steel backup plates for improved fire and water resistance. If you choose to use a passphrase, remember it — losing a passphrase may make recovery impossible. 🗝️🗂️
Set Up a PIN 🔒
Set a strong PIN on the device to protect it from physical access. The device will show a randomized keypad on the screen; enter your PIN carefully, and confirm it when requested. A good PIN balances memorability and unpredictability—avoid birthdays or simple sequences. If you forget the PIN and you have your recovery seed, you can restore the wallet on a new device. Otherwise, funds may be inaccessible. 🔢🚫
Verify Firmware and Authenticity 🧾
The device will prompt you to verify firmware. Only accept firmware updates via official Trezor channels and verify the device authenticity with the provided instructions. Trezor implements measures to ensure firmware is genuine. If any step seems off or the device prompts unexpected messages, pause and contact Trezor support. Authenticity checks protect you from tampered devices or malicious firmware. 🛡️🔍
Receive and Send Cryptocurrency 💱
To receive funds, generate a receiving address from your Trezor-connected wallet and share it with the payer. Verify the address on the device screen before sharing—this prevents malware from modifying addresses on your computer. To send funds, choose the account, enter the recipient address, set fees according to desired confirmation speed, and confirm the transaction on the device. Always double-check amounts and addresses. ⏱️📩
Use Passphrase for Extra Security (Advanced) 🧠
A passphrase can act as a 25th recovery word, adding a hidden layer to your wallet. Use this only if you understand the tradeoffs — it increases security but also adds risk: losing the passphrase means losing access. Treat passphrases with the same care as seed words and avoid typing them on unknown devices. ✳️🔏
Secure Storage and Best Practices 🏦
Keep your device firmware up to date and avoid connecting to unknown or public computers. Store your recovery seed in a physically secure location. Consider splitting the seed and storing parts in secure places, using a safe deposit box, or trusted custodial backups for non-custodial redundancy. Use multi-sig solutions for larger holdings. Educate yourself on phishing and never enter your seed on a website. 🧯🚪
Troubleshooting Tips 🔧
If the device is unresponsive, try a different cable, USB port, or computer. For software issues, reinstall Trezor Suite and update your browser. If you suspect your device is compromised, stop using it and contact support. For forgotten PINs, restore from your recovery seed on a new device. Keep firmware updated and follow official guides closely. 🩺🛠️
Privacy and Offline Use 👤
Trezor devices are designed for privacy—your private keys never leave the device. Use Tor or VPNs for additional privacy when transacting. Consider using air-gapped setups for highest security: use a dedicated offline computer and transfer unsigned transactions via microSD or QR codes when supported. Balance convenience and security depending on your threat model. 🕵️♂️🌐
Final Checklist ✅
- Verify packaging and device authenticity.
- Connect and power the device, visit trezor.io/start.
- Create or restore a wallet and write down your recovery seed.
- Set a secure PIN and optional passphrase.
- Verify firmware only via official channels.
- Keep backups and consider hardware backups and steel plates.
- Practice safe receiving and sending—always verify on-device.
- Contact support for anything suspicious.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Quick answers to common setup concerns.
Q: Can I recover funds if I lose my hardware? A: Yes—if you have your recovery seed, you can restore the wallet on another Trezor or compatible wallet.
Q: Is the recovery seed stored online? A: Never. The seed is shown on the device for you to write down.
Q: What if I forget my PIN? A: Recover with your seed on a new device.
Need More Help?
Visit trezor.io/support or reach out through official support channels for personalized assistance. Stay safe and welcome to secure self-custody. 🌟🔐