Welcome — quick orientation
Congratulations on choosing a Trezor device. This guide will walk you through the entire "Start" flow: from unboxing to confirming your first incoming and outgoing transactions. We focus on safety and practical steps so you can confidently manage your crypto.
1 — Prepare: what to have ready
Before you begin, gather a few simple items and prepare your environment to minimize risk and make the process smooth:
- A clean computer you trust (no unknown software, preferably patched and updated).
- The USB cable that came with your Trezor (or another high-quality data cable).
- Paper and a pen (or an official metal backup kit) to record your recovery seed.
- At least 20–30 minutes of uninterrupted time.
2 — Install Trezor Suite & (optional) Trezor Bridge
Trezor Suite is the official desktop and web companion app. On many systems, installing Suite is enough; on some browser workflows you may also install Trezor Bridge for smoother USB handling.
- Visit the official Trézor website or the exact URL provided in the box. Always verify the domain before downloading.
- Download the correct installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Run the installer and follow on-screen steps. After installation, launch Trezor Suite and allow it to run.
- If using browser-based apps, follow prompts to install Trezor Bridge if recommended.
Note: If you prefer a web-only approach, Suite will usually prompt you if Bridge is required; follow the official instructions presented by the app.
3 — Initialize your device (step-by-step)
This is the most important stage: creating your private keys and backup seed. Follow every on-screen instruction and verify everything shown on the physical device screen.
- Connect the device: plug your Trezor into the computer with the supplied USB cable; open Trezor Suite.
- Create a new wallet: in Suite choose "Create new wallet" (unless you are restoring an existing seed).
- Choose a PIN: the device will prompt you to set a PIN. Choose a memorable but non-obvious number. The PIN is required every time the device is connected.
- Write your recovery seed: the device will generate 12 or 24 words. Write them down in order and keep them offline. Double-check spelling and order.
- Confirm random words: the device will ask you to confirm random words to ensure you wrote them down correctly.
Always verify the seed and PIN entry prompts on the Trezor device display — that display cannot be tampered with by your computer, and is the only independent source of truth during setup.
4 — Backup & recovery best practices
Your recovery seed is the only reliable way to recover your funds if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Treat it as the single most sensitive item you own.
- Write the seed on the supplied card or an indelible sheet; never save it digitally (no photos, no cloud backups).
- Consider a metal backup plate for long-term protection against fire, water, and time.
- Store copies in separate, geographically-distinct secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box + home safe).
- Test a restoration on a spare device in a controlled environment to verify the process works for you.
5 — Using your wallet: send, receive, manage
Trezor Suite provides a polished UI to manage accounts. Every outgoing transaction must be approved on the device screen by pressing the physical buttons — this is key to security.
- Open the account for the coin you expect to receive and click
Receive. - Verify that the address shown in Suite matches the address displayed on your Trezor device. Share only the device-verified address.
- Click
Send, enter the recipient address and amount (or scan a QR code). - Review fees and details in Suite, then verify the destination address and amount on your Trezor device before approving.
- Only after physical confirmation will the transaction be signed and broadcast.
6 — Advanced options: passphrase, hidden wallets, integrations
As your comfort grows, you can enable additional features — each adds power but also complexity.
- Passphrase: an optional string that creates a hidden wallet on top of your seed. Use only if you understand the consequences; losing the passphrase equals losing access to that hidden wallet.
- Multiple accounts: create separate accounts for specific purposes (savings, trading, bookkeeping).
- Third-party integrations: connect to dApps or exchange partners if you need swaps or DeFi access. Treat external apps as untrusted and always verify on-device details.
7 — Troubleshooting common issues
- Try a different USB cable or port (avoid charging-only cables).
- Ensure Suite or your browser has permission to use the device (Bridge may be required).
- Restart Suite and, if necessary, the computer.
If you forget your PIN, you must reset the device (wiping it) and restore from your recovery seed. This is why secure seed storage and testing are critical.
Seed mistakes:If you suspect you made an error writing your seed, do not use the device for significant funds until you have verified a correct restoration on a spare device.
8 — Frequently asked questions
The physical initialization (seed generation and PIN entry) happens on the device. Installing Suite or Bridge typically requires the internet, but the critical secret material remains offline on the device.
Yes — when used correctly. The combination of a secure device, strong PIN, and properly stored seed is one of the safest ways to custody crypto.
Recover your funds by initializing a new compatible device with your recovery seed.
Final checklist before you go live
- Firmware up to date and installed from official sources.
- Device PIN selected and memorized (not written down).
- Recovery seed written correctly and stored offline in multiple secure locations.
- Test receive and send using small amounts.
- Consider a metal backup plate for long-term durability.