Introduction
Welcome! If you purchased a Trezor hardware wallet, you’ve chosen one of the most secure ways to store cryptocurrency private keys offline. This guide covers everything: safe unboxing, secure initial setup, firmware updates, creating a backup, using the Trezor Suite or compatible wallets, and practical security tips.
Before you begin: only use the official setup page when initializing your device. Official setup page: trezor.io/start
Why Use a Hardware Wallet?
Security benefits
- Private keys never touch an internet-connected device.
- PIN protection prevents immediate physical theft.
- Recovery seed allows secure recovery if your device is lost or damaged.
When to use a hardware wallet
Use it for long-term holdings, frequent high-value transactions, or any time you need a higher level of protection than a software wallet can provide.
Unboxing & Physical Checks
What should be in the box?
- Trezor device (Model One or Model Model T depending on purchase).
- USB cable (or USB-C cable for Model T).
- Recovery seed cards and stickers (to write down your seed).
- Instruction pamphlets and authenticity stickers.
Physical inspection checklist
- Check that tamper-evident seals are intact.
- Look for physical damage or unusual marks.
- Buy only from official channels or verified resellers to avoid tampered devices.
If anything looks suspicious, do not power up the device. Contact the vendor or Trezor support and return the item.
Official Setup — Step-by-step
Always start with the official setup site. It will guide you through firmware installation, PIN creation, and seed generation.
Open the official start page:
trezor.io/start trezor.io/start
Step 1 — Connect and verify
- Go to
https://trezor.io/start
. - Connect your Trezor device to your computer using the included cable.
- Follow on-screen instructions; your device may prompt you to confirm model and device serial.
Step 2 — Install or update firmware
- If firmware is missing or out-of-date, the official site will prompt you to install the correct version.
- Follow the exact onscreen instructions. Do not interrupt the firmware update.
Step 3 — Create a new wallet
- Select Create a new wallet on the official flow.
- Write down your recovery seed exactly as it appears on the device; do not store the seed on any digital device.
- Confirm the seed by following prompts on the device; this confirms you have a correct copy.
Important page reminder
Always verify you are on the official site: trezor.io/start
Step 4 — Set PIN and passphrase (optional)
- Create a PIN when prompted. This protects the device if stolen.
- Optional advanced users can enable a passphrase (adds another layer, but if lost it can permanently lock funds — handle cautiously).
Step 5 — Install Trezor Suite or connect to compatible wallets
Trezor Suite is the official desktop/web app to manage your device. Alternatively, you can use third-party wallets (e.g., Electrum, Wasabi, Exodus) following compatibility instructions.
Official starting link for Suite and instructions: trezor.io/start
Using the Wallet — Receive & Send
Receiving funds
- Open Trezor Suite (or compatible wallet) and select the currency account.
- Click "Receive" and verify that the address shown in the app matches the address shown on your Trezor device screen.
- Only use the address after you’ve verified it on the device display.
Sending funds
- Create a transaction in the app by entering recipient address and amount.
- Check the transaction details on the Trezor device display.
- Confirm the transaction using the buttons on your Trezor device.
Advanced Topics
Passphrase vs. PIN
The PIN protects the device from unauthorized use. The passphrase is an additional secret word that alters the generated wallet — treat it like another seed.
Shamir Backup & Multisig
Advanced users may use Shamir Backup (SLIP-0039) features or set up multisignature wallets with compatibility libraries. These require careful planning and secure storage of all shares/keys.
Troubleshooting & Frequently Asked Questions
My device is not recognized by my computer
- Try a different USB cable or USB port.
- Check browser permissions (if using web-based Suite).
- Install Trezor Bridge or the latest Trezor Suite (official page: trezor.io/start ).
What if I lose my device?
If you lose your device but have the recovery seed, you can recover funds using a new Trezor device or any compatible recovery tool that supports BIP39/SLIP-0039 as applicable. If you lose both device and seed, the funds are unrecoverable.
Firmware update failed — what now?
- Do not disconnect immediately; follow on-screen steps if any.
- Try the official firmware reinstall flow at trezor.io/start .
- Contact Trezor support if the device is unresponsive after multiple attempts.
Security Best Practices
Seed storage
- Write the seed on the provided recovery card(s) or a metal backup plate — paper can degrade or be lost.
- Store seed backups in physically separate secure locations (e.g., home safe, bank deposit box).
- Do not photograph or copy your seed to cloud storage or email.
Device hygiene
- Only connect your Trezor to trusted devices.
- Verify firmware updates on official sources; never install firmware from unknown places.
- Be cautious of phishing sites: always check the URL and use bookmarks for important pages like the official start page: trezor.io/start .
Accessibility, Tips & Shortcuts
Keyboard and screen-reader friendly tips
- Use the Trezor Suite desktop app if you need better keyboard control than the browser flow provides.
- When writing secrets, use clear handwriting and double-check each word in the seed phrase.
Quick checklist before first transaction
- Device firmware updated and verified.
- PIN set and backed up.
- Seed written down and verified on another device if possible.
- Test with a small transaction first to confirm send/receive flows.
Example: Verifying address in a script (conceptual)
<!-- Example pseudo-code showing that address verification must be done on-device -->
<pre class="code">
// PSEUDO-CODE: Never send private keys to a remote service
const wallet = connectToTrezor();
const address = wallet.getAddress("m/44'/0'/0'/0/0");
// Always display and verify address on the Trezor device display
console.log("Verify the address on your Trezor device:", address);
</pre>
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trezor compatible with mobile wallets?
Yes — Trezor Model T has USB-C and works with mobile devices that support OTG and with the Trezor Suite mobile options or certain compatible mobile wallets.
Can Trezor hold all cryptocurrencies?
Trezor supports many major coins (Bitcoin, Ethereum, many ERC-20 tokens, and others). For very new tokens, check compatibility and manage them using compatible interfaces or third-party wallets that accept Trezor signing.
Final Reminders
Setup carefully, verify everything on the device screen, and never share your recovery seed with anyone. Bookmark the official setup page and always refer to it for firmware, Suite, and security notices:
Official start page (use this link whenever setting up or updating your Trezor): trezor.io/start
You've now seen the official link several times — here's one last reminder: trezor.io/start