Welcome — why setup matters
Welcome to your secure journey with Trezor — the hardware wallet that puts you in control of your crypto. This guide walks you through starting up your new device, step by step, and explains essential concepts so you can protect your assets with confidence. Whether you’re unboxing your first hardware wallet or upgrading to the latest model, these instructions, safety tips, and practical recommendations will help you begin securely and smoothly.
Unbox and inspect
When your Trezor arrives, inspect the packaging for tamper-evidence. A sealed box and intact tamper-evident tape are indicators that your device hasn't been opened or altered. Check the package against the seller's details and make sure only official accessories are included: the device, a USB cable, recovery seed card(s), and quick-start documentation. If anything appears tampered with or missing, contact the vendor immediately — do not proceed until you are certain the device is authentic.
Power up and connect
Locate the USB cable included in the package. Connect the Trezor device to your computer or mobile device following the recommended port type. Modern devices may support USB-C — use only the supplied cable or a high-quality equivalent. The device should power on and display a welcome screen that confirms it’s in factory state. If the device shows a pre-configured wallet, stop and contact support — a brand-new device must present the factory initial screen.
Install official software
For the best security, always use the official companion app to initialize and manage your wallet. Download official software directly from the vendor’s verified website — never rely on third-party links or casual search results. Install the desktop app or use the web app according to the instructions. The first time you connect, the application will detect the device and ask you to confirm that the device serial number and firmware match what’s shown on-screen.
Initialize the device
Follow the on-screen prompts to initialize your device. The initialization process will include:
- Setting up a new wallet or recovering an existing one.
- Creating a PIN to protect physical access.
- Generating and recording a recovery seed (a sequence of words).
Create a PIN
You will be prompted to create a PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember but that’s not easily guessable — avoid birthdays, simple patterns, or repeated digits. The PIN protects the device itself: anyone with physical access will need this code to unlock it. The device is designed to resist brute-force attacks by adding increasing delays or wiping after numerous incorrect attempts, depending on settings. Memorize your PIN and avoid storing it in plain text on connected devices.
Write down your recovery seed
Arguably the most critical step is the recovery seed. The device will generate a series of words—commonly 12, 18, or 24—depending on configuration. These words are the master key to your wallet. Write them down carefully on the provided recovery card or another durable medium. Do not take a photo of the seed, do not store it on cloud services, and do not keep a digital copy that could be exposed. Store the seed in a secure, offline location — consider using a fireproof safe or geographically separated backups.
Understand seed security best practices
- Keep multiple copies in physically different, secure locations.
- Consider metal seed storage solutions for long-term durability and resistance to fire and water.
- Consider distributing seed shares using Shamir Backup if supported, which splits the seed into parts that can be combined to recover the wallet.
- Never reveal your seed to anyone — no legitimate support representative will ever ask for it.
Confirm the recovery seed
After writing the seed, the device may ask you to confirm specific words to ensure you copied them correctly. Complete the confirmation process as instructed. This ensures that your backup is accurate and that you can recover the wallet if the device is lost or damaged.
Install firmware updates
If prompted, update the device firmware using the official app. Firmware updates often include important security patches, new features, and compatibility improvements. Ensure you only apply updates from official sources and verify update signatures if prompted. Do not interrupt a firmware update once it has started — interruption can render the device inoperable without vendor recovery steps.
Create accounts and add cryptocurrencies
Once initialized and updated, you can create accounts for different cryptocurrencies within the companion app. The interface will guide you through adding Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported assets. Each account corresponds to a different derivation path and address set; manage them carefully and label accounts for clarity.
Receive and verify funds
Before receiving funds, generate a receiving address in the app, then verify the address on the hardware device display. Always confirm the address shown on the device matches the one displayed in the app to avoid malware-induced address substitution. For large transfers, consider sending a small test transaction first to confirm everything is working as expected.
Send transactions securely
When sending funds, review transaction details on the physical device screen and confirm using the device’s buttons or touch interface. The hardware signs transactions offline, so private keys never leave the device. Confirm recipient addresses and amounts manually and double-check gas or fee settings for the target network.
Safety tips and operational security (OpSec)
- Use a dedicated computer or a secure environment when handling large amounts. Keep your OS up to date and use reputable security tools.
- Beware of phishing sites and fake software — always visit the official vendor site via a bookmark or enter the URL manually.
- Disable unnecessary browser extensions when interacting with crypto wallets.
- Use passphrase protection for an additional layer. A passphrase acts like a 25th word and creates a separate hidden wallet — but be cautious: losing the passphrase means permanent loss of those funds.
- Consider a multi-signature setup for large holdings — multiple devices or parties must sign to move funds.
Recovery process
If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can recover your wallet using your written recovery seed on a new compatible hardware wallet or trusted wallet app that supports the same standard. Follow the recovery procedures carefully, then verify addresses and transactions after recovery. If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet.
Common troubleshooting
- Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable, alternate USB port, or restart the host device. Ensure the companion app is updated and required drivers are installed.
- Failed firmware update: Consult official support for device-specific recovery mode instructions.
- Forgotten PIN: Some devices support recovery using your seed. If the device is configured to wipe after X attempts, having your seed lets you restore to a new device.
- Missing funds display: Some assets require third-party integrations or manual addition within the app. If funds exist on-chain, use a block explorer with the receiving address to verify.
Responsible usage and legal considerations
Cryptocurrency regulations vary by country. Use your device and funds in accordance with local laws and tax obligations. Keep records of transactions for tax or compliance purposes where required.
Final checklist before you finish setup
- Confirm packaging integrity.
- Initialize with official software.
- Create a strong PIN.
- Write and confirm your recovery seed.
- Update firmware to the latest official release.
- Add accounts and verify receive addresses on-device.
- Perform a small test transaction.
- Store backups in secure, offline locations.
Advanced tips for power users
For those who want an extra layer of resilience and flexibility, explore advanced configurations: set up multiple hardware wallets and use them in combination; implement multisig arrangements where multiple devices or keys are required to authorize high-value transactions; and separate day-to-day funds from long-term holdings by using different wallets or accounts. Rotate small test amounts regularly to keep software and device skills fresh. Document your recovery and access plan in a secure, encrypted file that is only accessible to trusted parties. Finally, stay informed about firmware and app updates, and periodically review community best practices to keep your security posture robust and current.
Conclusion
Starting up your hardware wallet is the most important step toward protecting your digital wealth. With careful setup, secure storage of your recovery seed, and good operational practices, a hardware wallet dramatically reduces the attack surface available to thieves, malware, and careless mistakes. Keep learning, stay cautious, and periodically review your security setup as new threats and features emerge. Safe crypto custody comes from preparation, not luck — take the steps and sleep easier.