1. Before you begin — quick checklist
What you’ll need
- Your Trezor device (Model One, Model T, or Safe)
- A computer with a USB port (or supported mobile device)
- A stable internet connection to download official software
- A clean surface and pen for recording your recovery seed (if using paper)
Safety-first note
Only use official Trezor pages and the Trezor Suite (or wallet.trezor.io) to set up the device. Never reveal your recovery seed to anyone — Trezor employees will never ask for it.
2. Unboxing & physical inspection
Inspect packaging and device
Check for tamper evidence: manufacturer seals, intact packaging, and expected accessories (cable, quick start card). If anything looks tampered with, stop and contact support.
Visual checks
- Box seal intact
- Device powers up and screen is crisp
- No unexpected pre-configured PIN or pre-filled seed
3. Installing official software
Choose the official client
Use Trezor Suite or the official browser interface to initialize your device. Avoid third-party “setup” tools unless explicitly listed by Trezor as supported.
Download & verify
Download from the official site and follow any verification steps (checksums or guided installer) to ensure you have authentic software.
4. First-time setup — step-by-step
Connect and install firmware
When you first connect, the Suite typically prompts to install the latest firmware. Confirm the device displays matching messages and proceed.
Create wallet & PIN
Follow the guided flow to create a new wallet, set a strong PIN on the device, and write down your recovery seed in the order shown. Keep this seed offline and stored safely.
Do not store seed digitally
Never take photos or store the seed on cloud drives, phones, or computers. Consider using bank deposit boxes, metal backup plates, or secure offline storage for long-term protection.
5. Confirming your backup and testing
Verify recovery without exposing it
The Suite will usually ask you to confirm a small subset of the seed words or simulate recovery verification; follow instructions carefully. Only perform recovery on a device you control and trust.
Do a small test transaction
After setup, send a tiny amount to or from your wallet to confirm addresses and connection are working as expected before moving larger balances.
6. Ongoing maintenance & firmware
Keep firmware & Suite updated
Regularly update device firmware and the Trezor Suite app to get security fixes and feature improvements. Follow official update procedures; do not install firmware from unknown sources.
Changelog & release notes
Check the firmware changelog or announcement channels for details before and after updates, and read the notes for any potential compatibility changes.
7. Best security practices
Operational security (OpSec)
- Use a unique, strong PIN and enable passphrase support if you need hidden wallets.
- Keep multiple secure backups of your seed (consider geographic separation).
- Validate receiving addresses on the Trezor screen before sending funds.
When to contact support
If you see signs of tampering, unexpected behavior, or if you lose your device and seed, contact official Trezor support immediately for guidance.
8. Troubleshooting quick guide
Common issues
- Device not detected: try another cable or USB port.
- Firmware install failed: retry in Suite and follow on-device prompts.
- Seed recovery troubles: read official recovery steps and contact support if in doubt.
9. Closing notes
Trezor hardware wallets are designed to keep your cryptographic keys offline and under your control. Following the official setup flow, keeping firmware and apps up to date, and protecting your recovery seed are the three pillars of safe usage.