Trezor.io/Start — Official Getting Started Guide

A clear, colorful, and secure step‑by‑step guide to set up your Trezor hardware wallet and protect your crypto.

What’s in the box

When your new Trezor arrives, verify packaging integrity. Typical contents include:

  • The Trezor device (Model One or Model T)
  • A USB cable (USB‑C or micro‑USB depending on model)
  • Recovery seed cards or blank sheets for writing your seed
  • Quick start leaflet and tamper‑evidence stickers

If packaging looks opened or tampered with, do not proceed — contact the seller or Trezor support.

Initial setup — safe first steps

Follow this secure order to initialize your device and create your wallet:

  1. Connect the device to a trusted computer using the supplied cable. Prefer a clean, offline‑free computer when possible.
  2. Open the official Trezor Suite app or visit suite.trezor.io. Download the desktop app from the official site for the best UX.
  3. Verify the device displays its own model and fingerprint. Never accept prompts that ask you to skip verification.
  4. Install firmware if prompted. The device will display a fingerprint and checksum — confirm those match the app before installing.
  5. Create a PIN — a simple but essential local lock. Use a non‑trivial PIN and do not store it with your seed.
On PIN entry: the device shows a randomized keypad; enter digits via your computer but confirm digits on the device screen to defend against host keyloggers.

Recovery seed — the single most important asset

During setup the Trezor generates a recovery seed — typically 12, 18, or 24 words. This seed is your wallet. Anyone with it can control your funds.

How to store it safely

  • Write the words by hand on the supplied card or archival paper. Print is risky — handwriting reduces mass copying mistakes.
  • Store copies in geographically separate, secure places (safe deposit box, home safe). Consider a steel backup plate for fire/water protection.
  • Do not photograph, screenshot, or store the seed on cloud or connected devices.
  • Shamir Backup (if available) lets you split the seed into multiple shares with threshold recovery — consider for high‑value holdings.

Test recovery: once you have written the seed, test restoring it on a spare device or in a controlled environment to ensure accuracy.

Trezor Suite — manage accounts and transactions

Trezor Suite (desktop and web) is the official app for managing accounts, sending transactions, and changing device settings.

Key functions

  • Portfolio overview — balances and recent activity
  • Account management — add or remove asset accounts
  • Send & receive flows — with on‑device transaction confirmation
  • Advanced settings — hidden wallets (passphrase), developer options, and device info

Always verify addresses and amounts on the device screen before confirming a transaction. The host app constructs the transaction but the device signs it locally.

Send & receive crypto — step by step

Receive

  1. Open Trezor Suite → Accounts → Receive.
  2. Select the account and request an address.
  3. Confirm the address shown in Suite matches the address on your device screen.
  4. Share the verified address with the sender.

Send

  1. Open Accounts → Send in Suite.
  2. Paste or scan the recipient address and input the amount.
  3. Review fees and transaction details in Suite.
  4. Confirm details on your Trezor device — only then sign the transaction.

For Bitcoin you may have coin control or fee selection options in advanced wallets. Always double‑check the destination address — blockchain transactions are irreversible.

Security best practices

  • Buy only from trusted sources: counterfeit or tampered devices are a risk.
  • Keep seed offline: never enter it into a computer or phone.
  • Use a passphrase carefully: this creates a hidden wallet — if you lose the passphrase you permanently lose access.
  • Consider multisig: for large sums, split control across multiple devices/parties.
  • Be privacy‑minded: reuse addresses minimally and consider wallet hygiene when interacting with exchanges or DeFi apps.

If you suspect your seed or PIN is compromised, generate a new seed on a fresh device and transfer funds immediately.

Troubleshooting & support

Device not detected

  • Try a different USB cable and port; avoid hubs.
  • Restart Suite and your computer; allow permissions in browser if using the web app.

Firmware update failed

Do not unplug during an update. If the device is unresponsive, reconnect, open Suite, and use recovery options. If necessary, contact official support.

Lost seed

Assume the wallet is unrecoverable without the seed. Move any remaining funds to a new wallet with a freshly generated seed if you have access. If not, funds are likely lost.

Short FAQ

Can Trezor be used with MetaMask?
Yes — Trezor can sign transactions in third‑party wallets while keeping keys on the device. Always verify on‑device.
What is a passphrase?
An additional secret used with your seed to create a hidden wallet. Treat it like another password and never store it with the seed.
What happens if I lose my device?
Your funds can be restored with the recovery seed on a new compatible device.