Clear, practical instructions for securely setting up and using your Trezor hardware wallet.
Introduction
Trezor is a hardware wallet that stores private keys offline and signs transactions in a secure environment. This guide walks you through the typical user journey: verifying authenticity, initializing the device, creating a PIN and recovery seed, applying firmware updates, adding cryptocurrency accounts, sending and receiving funds, and recovering from loss — plus essential security best practices.
Follow each step carefully. Small mistakes during setup (for example writing seed words incorrectly) can make recovery impossible.
Before you begin
Work in a private, secure place — avoid public Wi-Fi and shared computers.
Have a pen and the supplied recovery card or a trusted backup medium ready.
Only use the official Trezor website or the recommended app — type URLs directly rather than using search results.
1. Unbox and inspect
When your Trezor arrives, inspect the packaging for tamper evidence. The box should be sealed with manufacturer seals and include the device, cable, recovery card(s), and documentation. If anything looks opened or damaged, do not proceed — contact the vendor or Trezor support.
2. Genuine check & connecting
Connect your Trezor to a computer using the supplied cable and open the official setup page (type the URL). The web app and device will perform a genuine check to ensure firmware authenticity. Always compare the fingerprint or message shown in the app with the device display before continuing.
Why this matters: Genuine checks prevent counterfeit or tampered devices from being used to capture secrets.
3. Initialize the device (PIN & recovery seed)
Create a PIN
Follow on-device prompts to create a PIN. Trezor will show a randomized keypad to reduce the risk of shoulder-surfing and keyloggers. Choose a PIN that is not easily guessable — avoid birthdays or simple sequences.
Write down your recovery seed
The device will generate a recovery seed (usually 12–24 words depending on model and settings). Write every word in order on the supplied recovery card. Make at least two offline copies and store them in separate secure locations (safe, bank deposit box, etc.).
Critical: The recovery seed is the only reliable backup of your wallet. Never photograph, email, or store it on a computer or cloud service. Never share it with anyone.
4. Firmware updates & verification
After initialization, Trezor may prompt a firmware update. Install updates only via the official interface. The device verifies update signatures; confirm any fingerprint or message on the device before allowing the update. Firmware patches are important for security and should be applied promptly.
5. Add accounts & supported coins
Using the official Trezor web app or compatible wallet software, add accounts for each cryptocurrency you intend to manage. Trezor supports many major chains and tokens; if you plan to hold less common assets, verify compatibility before sending funds.
Addresses generated by the device should always be confirmed on the Trezor screen. The device display is your source of truth.
6. Sending and receiving funds
To receive funds, use the receive flow to generate an address and confirm the address shown on the device.
To send funds, prepare the transaction in the app, then verify amount, fee and destination address on the device before approving.
Always test new addresses or services with a small transaction first.
Never approve a transaction unless all details match exactly on the device screen — malware can alter the desktop UI but not the hardware display.
7. Optional: passphrase & hidden wallets
Trezor supports an optional BIP-39 passphrase which acts as a 25th word and creates hidden wallets. Passphrases provide plausible deniability and extra security but add recovery complexity: if you lose the passphrase you lose access. Use passphrases only if you understand the tradeoffs and maintain secure records.
8. Recovery & migrating to a new device
If your device is lost or broken, you can restore wallets on another Trezor or a compatible wallet using your recovery seed (and passphrase, if used). Always restore on a trusted device and in a secure environment. After recovery, verify account balances and transaction history before using the wallet for significant transfers.
9. Security best practices
Buy devices only from official or trusted vendors — avoid second-hand devices.
Keep recovery seeds offline and use physically durable backups (metal plates) for high-value holdings.
Use multi-signature setups for enterprise or very large holdings.
Be cautious with browser extensions and unknown dApps — always confirm actions on the Trezor screen.
Consider air-gapped workflows for the highest security (signing on an offline machine via QR/SD when supported).
10. Troubleshooting & common issues
Device not recognized: try a different cable/USB port and ensure the web app has permissions.
Genuine check fails: disconnect and verify you are using the official site; contact Trezor support if issues persist.
Forgot PIN: you must perform a factory reset and restore from the recovery seed.
Lost recovery seed: there is no safe way to recover funds without the seed or other backup — this is why safe seed management is crucial.
Final checklist before going live
Confirm device genuine check and apply firmware updates via official app.
Create and memorize a strong PIN; keep it separate from your seed.
Write the recovery seed neatly and store multiple offline copies in separate secure locations.
Test with small transactions before sending large amounts.
Consider extra protections: passphrase, multi-sig, metal backups for seeds.
Treat your recovery seed as the highest-value secret. With careful setup and disciplined habits, a Trezor wallet provides a strong, flexible foundation for managing crypto securely.