Getting started with your Trezor hardware wallet

What is a Trezor and why use one?

Trezor is a hardware wallet built to store private keys for cryptocurrencies in a secure, offline environment. Unlike web or mobile wallets, a hardware wallet keeps cryptographic secrets on a dedicated device, isolated from the internet and common malware. If you care about preserving long-term access to your coins and protecting them against theft from a hacked computer or phishing site, a hardware wallet is a strong security upgrade.

Before you begin — checklist

• Buy your Trezor from an official reseller or directly from the manufacturer to avoid tampered devices.
• Set aside a quiet, private space for setup where no one can see your recovery phrase.
• Have a pen and the supplied recovery card (or a trusted backup medium) ready to write down your seed.
• Use a trusted computer and update its operating system and browser before connecting the device.

Unboxing and inspection

When you open the box, inspect the device and packaging for tamper-evidence. Genuine packaging includes a sealed anti-tamper sticker or seal — if the seal is broken, contact the vendor or manufacturer before using the device. The device should look and feel solid, with a physical screen and buttons. Do not accept second-hand devices for high-value holdings unless you can confirm they were factory-reset and the tamper-evidence is intact.

Step-by-step setup (quick overview)

The following steps outline the typical initialization flow for a new Trezor device. Exact wording and UI may vary slightly by model and firmware version, but the security principles remain the same.

1. Connect the device — plug Trezor into your computer using the supplied cable. The device will display a welcome screen and prompt you to open the official companion (Trezor Suite or the manufacturer’s start page).
2. Open the official start page — always open the official start URL recommended in the box. The setup will walk you through firmware verification and device initialization.
3. Install firmware — if firmware is missing or outdated, the device will instruct you to install an authentic firmware image. Verify that the device displays matching confirmation codes and messages during firmware installation.
4. Create a new wallet — choose to create a new wallet. The device will generate a recovery seed (a list of words) and display them only on the device screen.
5. Write down the recovery seed — transcribe the words exactly, in order, on the supplied recovery card or another durable medium. Do not store the seed electronically or photograph it.
6. Confirm seed on device — the device will typically ask you to confirm several words to ensure you copied them correctly.
7. Set a PIN — choose a PIN to protect the device if it is physically connected. A PIN mitigates attacks where an adversary has the device but not the recovery seed.

Understanding your recovery seed

The recovery seed is the single most important element of your wallet security. It is a human-readable representation of the private keys and can be used to restore access to your accounts on any compatible wallet. Treat it like valuable physical property:

• Write it down on the recovery card supplied or on an equally durable medium.
• Store copies in separate, secure locations (for example, a home safe and a safe deposit box) — but avoid creating many copies that increase the chance of leakage.
• Never enter your seed into a computer, phone, or cloud service. Any digital copy is a potential theft vector.
• Consider using a metal seed backup for stronger physical durability against fire and water.

Using Trezor daily — sending, receiving and confirmations

For daily use, open the official companion app (Trezor Suite or the recommended interface) and connect your device. Transactions always require manual confirmation on the device screen; this prevents remote malware from silently sending funds. When you prepare a transaction, carefully review the address and amount on the Trezor screen before confirming — never trust only the computer’s display. For added protection against supply-chain attacks, compare the address’s checksum or use address verification options provided in the Suite.

Best security practices

• Keep firmware updated and only accept updates that are cryptographically verified by the device and official sources.
• Enable a PIN and, if supported, a passphrase (an optional extra word that acts like a 25th seed word). A passphrase increases security but also adds complexity — if you forget it, the funds are irrecoverable.
• Use different wallets/accounts for varying levels of risk: keep a small spending wallet separate from a long-term savings wallet.
• Beware of phishing sites. Bookmark the official start page and never follow links from unsolicited messages.
• Consider multisig or additional hardware devices for large holdings or institutional custody needs.

Troubleshooting & common questions

Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable and port, ensure the host computer has the latest browser and OS updates, and trust only the official companion app. If the problem persists, test on a second computer to rule out host issues.

Lost recovery seed: If you lose the recovery seed and still have access to the device, immediately transfer funds to a new wallet with a newly generated seed. If you have lost both the device and the seed, there is no way to recover the funds.

Firmware warnings: Always follow on-device prompts and only approve firmware installations that the official setup recommends. If any firmware prompt looks suspicious or mismatched, stop and contact support.

Advanced options — passphrase and multisig

Advanced users can enable a passphrase or use the device as part of a multisignature (multisig) setup. A passphrase acts as an extension of your seed and creates entirely separate wallets depending on the passphrase entered. Multisig requires coordination across multiple devices/wallets and provides strong protection against single-point failures. Use these features only when you fully understand the recovery implications and record all necessary information securely.

Final checklist before you finish setup

• Confirm firmware and authenticity prompts during the first boot.
• Have you written your recovery seed in order and verified it on the device?
• Have you set a PIN and optionally a passphrase?
• Have you tested a small transfer in and out to verify the full workflow?

Quick FAQ

Q: Can I restore my Trezor on another device? A: Yes — the recovery seed can restore your wallet on a compatible hardware or software wallet that supports the same standards.

Q: Is the recovery seed vulnerable if I back it up digitally? A: Digital backups are vulnerable. Never store your seed in cloud storage, email, or photos. Prefer offline physical storage.