Trezor.io/start — Getting Started & Secure Device Setup

Welcome! This guide walks you through everything you need to set up your Trezor hardware wallet securely — from unboxing to making your first backup and using Trezor Suite. Whether you're new to hardware wallets or switching from a software wallet, follow these steps to protect your crypto the right way.

Why choose a Trezor hardware wallet?

Security-first design

Trezor is a purpose-built hardware wallet designed to keep your private keys isolated from internet-connected devices. Private keys never leave the device — even when signing transactions — which dramatically reduces the risk of theft from malware or phishing.

Open, auditable firmware

Trezor uses open-source firmware and design principles so the community and security researchers can audit and verify the device's behaviour. This transparency increases trust and resilience against hidden backdoors.

Key features

Air-gapped private key storage — your keys stay on the device.
Wide coin support — Bitcoin, Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens and many altcoins.
Recovery seed (BIP-39) and passphrase support for flexible backups.
PIN protection, device passphrase, and optional hidden wallets.
Secure firmware updates and open-source code for community review.

Before you begin — prepare safely

Important: Only use the official Trezor packaging and the official Trezor Suite app or recommended third-party wallets. If your device packaging looks tampered with, contact support and do not use it. Never share your 12/24-word recovery seed with anyone — Trezor staff will never ask for your seed.

Find a quiet, private place for setup.
Have a pen and the supplied recovery card ready (or durable metal backup if you prefer metal recovery tools).
Use the official Trezor USB cable included with the product.
Ensure your computer has no suspicious software installed before proceeding.

Step-by-step setup

Unbox and inspect your device.
Confirm tamper-evident seals (if provided) and that the device model matches what you ordered.
Install Trezor Suite (recommended).
Download and install the official Trezor Suite application for desktop or use the official web interface if available. Open Trezor Suite and choose Set up new device.
Connect your Trezor.
Plug the device into your computer with the USB cable. Follow on-screen prompts to confirm the device fingerprint displayed on the Trezor screen matches the app's fingerprint.
Create a new wallet and PIN.
Choose Create a new wallet. Set a secure PIN on the device — make it long, avoid simple patterns or sequential numbers.
Write down your recovery seed.
The device will generate a 12 or 24-word recovery seed. Write every word in order on the supplied card (or your chosen backup medium). Keep the seed physically safe and never take a digital photo of it.
Confirm the recovery seed.
The Trezor will ask you to confirm several words to ensure the seed was copied correctly. Only proceed if you can confirm each requested word.
Optional: add a passphrase (hidden wallet).
For additional security you may set up a passphrase — this acts as a 25th word and creates a hidden wallet. Remember: if you lose the passphrase, the hidden wallet cannot be recovered.
Install accounts and receive funds.
In Trezor Suite you can add accounts for supported coins. To receive funds, always verify the receive address on your Trezor device screen matches the address shown in the app.

Security best practices

Never share your recovery seed. Anyone with the seed can control your funds.
Verify addresses on-device. Always confirm transaction details on the Trezor screen.
Keep firmware up to date. Install firmware updates only from the official app and follow update instructions exactly.
Consider a hardware backup. Use a metal seed backup to protect against fire, water and wear.
Use a strong PIN and unique passphrase. Do not reuse PINs or passwords you use elsewhere.

Common troubleshooting

Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable or port. Ensure any system drivers (if required by your OS) are installed. Restart the Trezor Suite app and your computer.

Forgot PIN

If you forget your PIN, you can reset the device to factory settings and restore your wallet using your recovery seed. Resetting without a seed will permanently remove access to funds stored on-device.

Seed words missing or damaged

If your seed is lost or damaged and you have funds on the wallet, funds cannot be recovered without the seed. Always store multiple physical backups in separate secure locations.

FAQs

What is the difference between a PIN and a passphrase?: A PIN protects access to the physical device; a passphrase (optional) creates an additional hidden wallet derived from your recovery seed. PIN loss can be recovered by resetting and restoring with your seed; a forgotten passphrase creates an inaccessible hidden wallet.
Can I use Trezor with my mobile phone?: Yes — Trezor supports mobile usage via Trezor Suite mobile (when available) or compatible third-party apps. Always use official or well-known wallet apps and verify addresses on the device screen.
Is my recovery seed compatible with other wallets?: Yes. Trezor uses the standard BIP-39/BIP-32 derivation schemes used by many wallets, but some coins and derivation paths may vary. If restoring to a different wallet, make sure the wallet supports the same derivation for that coin.
What happens if my Trezor is stolen?: If your device is stolen but you have a strong PIN and have not revealed your recovery seed, your funds remain secure. If you suspect the seed is compromised, move your funds to a new wallet with a different seed as soon as possible.

Conclusion & next steps

Setting up your Trezor correctly is the most important step toward long-term security for your digital assets. Follow the steps above, create multiple secure backups of your recovery seed, always verify transaction details on-device, and keep firmware up to date. Once set up, explore Trezor Suite features like portfolio view, exchange integrations, and account management.

Start setup in Trezor Suite