Welcome! This guide walks you through setting up your Trezor hardware wallet, securing your crypto assets, and ensuring safe usage from day one.
Trezor is a trusted hardware wallet created by SatoshiLabs. It is designed to protect your cryptocurrencies from online threats such as phishing, malware, or hacking attempts. Unlike mobile or web wallets, your private keys remain entirely offline — inside your Trezor device — keeping them immune from remote attacks.
Before setup, verify that your Trezor packaging is sealed and untampered. Each genuine Trezor comes with a holographic seal, unique QR codes, and serial information that you can verify on trezor.io.
To begin, connect your Trezor device (Model One or Model T) to your computer using the provided USB cable. Once plugged in, visit trezor.io/start in your browser. The page will guide you to download the Trezor Suite — the official desktop and web interface for managing your crypto wallet.
If a firmware update is required, Trezor Suite will prompt you automatically. Always update firmware from within the app itself — never from unofficial sources.
When Trezor Suite detects your device, you’ll see two options: Create new wallet or Recover wallet. For first-time users, choose “Create new wallet.”
Your device will display a sequence of prompts — confirming that you wish to initialize a new wallet. The process generates a unique recovery seed — a list of 12, 18, or 24 words — that acts as the only backup to your entire wallet.
Write these words carefully on the provided recovery card. Never photograph, print, or store the seed digitally. Anyone who gains access to these words can access your funds.
Your recovery seed is the cryptographic foundation of your wallet. It can restore all balances, tokens, and transaction histories in the event your device is lost or damaged. Store it securely in a fireproof, waterproof, and hidden location.
Consider using a metal seed backup plate instead of paper. This ensures durability against fire and moisture. Never share the seed words through email or cloud storage — even encrypted versions can be compromised.
Once your wallet is created, you’ll be asked to set up a device PIN. This 4–9 digit code protects your Trezor from unauthorized physical access. Each incorrect attempt doubles the delay time, making brute-force attacks virtually impossible.
You can further enhance security by enabling a passphrase — an extra password that acts as an additional layer of encryption. With this feature, even if someone obtains your recovery seed, they cannot access the hidden wallets without the correct passphrase.
Remember: a forgotten passphrase cannot be recovered — write it down carefully and store it separately from your seed.
Once your device setup is complete, you can begin adding cryptocurrencies to your wallet. Trezor Suite supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, ERC-20 tokens, and many more. To add a new coin:
Each coin generates a unique address within your device — no two wallets share the same private keys. You can view balances, send and receive funds, and track transaction history within Trezor Suite’s secure environment.
To receive crypto, go to your chosen coin’s account and click Receive. Trezor Suite will show a new address and display it on your device screen. Always verify that both addresses match before sharing it with anyone.
To send crypto, click Send, enter the recipient address, amount, and confirm transaction details on your Trezor device. This ensures your funds can’t be redirected by malware or clipboard hijacking attacks.
Transactions are signed inside your Trezor, not your computer — meaning your private keys never leave the secure chip.
Regular updates keep your Trezor secure and compatible with new cryptocurrencies. When prompted, install firmware only via Trezor Suite or the official site. Each firmware update is cryptographically signed by Trezor’s developers and verified by your device before installation.
After updating, Trezor Suite will restart, and your wallet will remain safe. You’ll re-enter your PIN, and all balances will reappear automatically — no need to re-import your seed.
Owning a Trezor is only the first step toward responsible crypto security. Follow these best practices to protect your digital assets for the long term:
By following these habits, you’ll drastically reduce risks of phishing and malicious access. Your Trezor acts as your fortress — but your online behavior completes the defense.
If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore your wallet on a new Trezor using your recovery seed. During setup, choose “Recover wallet,” and carefully enter the seed words using the device interface. Your entire account structure, balances, and transaction history will reappear.
Remember: if your seed words were compromised, move funds to a new wallet immediately after restoring. This ensures full control over your private keys remains with you.
Setting up a hardware wallet like Trezor marks your transition to true self-custody — the ability to control your crypto independently of third parties. Unlike centralized exchanges, Trezor keeps your keys offline and under your authority.
Take time to understand your device’s features, double-check recovery procedures, and remain cautious with every click online. Cryptocurrency freedom comes with responsibility — and Trezor gives you the tools to embrace it securely.