This guide walks you through the initial startup for your Trezor hardware wallet, from unboxing through secure backup and first transaction checks. It is written to be straightforward and practical; treat it as a checklist to follow during your first setup session.
Overview — what to expect
When you first power a Trezor device it will ask you to connect to Trezor Suite or go to trezor.io/start. You’ll confirm firmware, set a PIN, and write down the recovery seed. This document explains each step, with security tips to avoid common mistakes like photographing your seed or entering it on a connected computer that may be compromised.
Before you begin
What to prepare
Set aside a clean, private desk. Bring a pen and physical paper (or the official recovery card that came with the device). Do not use screenshots or cloud-synced notes for your seed phrase. Ensure your computer is updated and use a direct USB cable that came with the device.
Unboxing & first connection
Inspect the package
Confirm seal intact. If packaging looks tampered with, contact vendor support before proceeding. Only connect to the official site trezor.io/start for setup. Avoid third-party clones or mirrored sites.
Step 1 — Connect and verify
Connect the Trezor to your computer and go to the official setup page. The device should prompt you to install or confirm firmware. Always accept firmware only when verified by the official Suite and when the device displays the same fingerprint. If prompts differ or you see unexpected messages, stop and check support resources.
Step 2 — Firmware and device verification
Update firmware
If a firmware update is required, follow on-screen instructions. Firmware updates improve security—do not skip. Verify the firmware hash when prompted and confirm on the device itself before approving.
Step 3 — PIN setup
Choose a secure PIN that you will remember but is not easily guessable. The PIN is used as a local access control on the device — it is not a recovery secret. Avoid sequential numbers, repeated patterns, and personal dates. The Trezor prompts you with a layout on the device that prevents keylogging; follow the hardware display instructions.
Step 4 — Create your recovery seed
Write down your seed
When Trezor generates the recovery phrase, write it down in the exact order on the provided recovery card or high-quality paper. Store this card offline in a safe place (preferably physically separated from the device). Do not photograph, scan, or upload the seed. If you lose your seed and your device is lost or destroyed, you will lose access to funds.
Step 5 — Confirm recovery phrase
The device will require you to confirm a few words from the seed to ensure it was recorded correctly. Take your time and verify each word carefully. This confirmation prevents accidental loss from transcription errors.
Step 6 — Optional features & passphrase
A passphrase is optional extra security but functions like an additional secret — losing it means losing the funds protected by that passphrase. Only enable passphrase if you understand the implications and have secured both the seed and the passphrase separately.
Using the Trezor Suite
Install Trezor Suite on your computer (or use the web version if you prefer). The Suite will let you manage accounts, send transactions, and view device health. Always verify transaction details on the device screen before approving—this prevents man-in-the-middle attacks from a compromised host.
Daily usage & transaction checks
For routine transactions, always check recipient addresses carefully and confirm amounts on the device screen. When receiving funds, verify the receiving address in the hardware display not only on your computer. Treat your hardware wallet as the single root of truth.
Security best practices
Never share your recovery phrase. Use tamper-evident storage for your card, consider geographic separation (store copies in different secure locations), and avoid digital backups. Periodically check device firmware for updates, but only via official channels.
Recovery & emergency plan
Store recovery information in a way that trusted heirs or legal representatives can access it if necessary. Consider a sealed envelope inside a safe deposit box or a trusted attorney’s custody with clear instructions. Remember that explicit instructions and access to the seed grant complete control of funds.
Troubleshooting quick tips
If your device is not detected, try a different USB cable and port, ensure drivers are installed, or boot the Trezor into bootloader mode if instructed by support. For unexpected firmware errors, consult official support — do not install random firmware or connect to unknown sites.
Final checklist
- Firmware verified and up-to-date
- PIN set and memorized (not stored digitally)
- Recovery seed written down and stored offline
- Passphrase considered and stored securely (if used)
- Suite installed and transactions verified on-device
The instructions above cover the typical first-time setup flow and the security habits you should maintain. Following them will help ensure that your Trezor hardware wallet is set up in a secure and resilient way.