Trézor.io/Start® | Setting Up and Securing Your Trézor® Device

Purpose: This guide will walk you through the complete process of setting up your new Trézor® hardware wallet, creating backups, updating firmware, and ensuring long-term digital asset safety. Every step follows the official Trezor.io/Start recommendations.

1. Welcome to Your New Trezor®

What makes Trezor special?

Trézor® hardware wallets are designed for maximum cryptocurrency security. Your private keys never leave the device, and all transactions must be confirmed on the device screen itself. This “trusted display” ensures attackers cannot redirect your funds without your physical confirmation.

Checklist before setup

Always verify that you are on the official website with HTTPS and the correct domain: trezor.io.

2. Starting the Device for the First Time

Step 1 — Connect to Trezor Suite

Visit trezor.io/start and download the Trezor Suite application. Once installed, connect your device via USB. Suite will automatically recognize your device and prompt you to begin setup.

Step 2 — Firmware installation

If your Trezor doesn’t have firmware pre-installed, Suite will ask to install it. This ensures that your device is running authentic software directly from Trezor. Wait until the installation completes, then follow the on-screen verification process.

Firmware is digitally signed by Trezor. If your device ever shows an “invalid signature” message, stop immediately and contact official support.

3. Creating Your Recovery Backup

Step 3 — Backup generation

During setup, the Trezor device will generate a unique recovery seed of 12, 18, or 24 words. Write these words down exactly as shown on your device screen. Never take a photo or store them digitally.

Protecting your seed

Anyone with your seed can restore and steal your funds. Trezor will never ask for your recovery words in email, chat, or phone.

4. Setting Your Security Options

Device PIN

After backup, you’ll create a PIN. This 4-9 digit number prevents unauthorized physical access. You’ll use it every time you connect your device.

Optional Passphrase

A passphrase adds an extra layer of encryption to your wallet, acting as a “25th word.” Only advanced users should use it, as forgetting it means permanent loss of access.

Combine a strong PIN and a unique passphrase only if you understand how to manage both safely.

5. Updating Firmware and Suite

Keeping your firmware and Trezor Suite updated ensures optimal protection and access to the latest features.

To update:

  1. Open Trezor Suite.
  2. Connect your device.
  3. If prompted, click Update Firmware and follow on-screen steps.
  4. Verify firmware version after restart.
Additional resources:

Read the detailed update guide on the official site: Firmware update instructions.

Always keep a backup written down before any update. In case of power loss or disconnection, you can safely recover using your recovery seed.

6. Using Your Wallet Safely

Receiving crypto

Generate receiving addresses in Trezor Suite. Always double-check that the address displayed on your computer matches the one on your Trezor screen before sharing it.

Sending crypto

Privacy best practices

Keep your wallet software and operating system updated. Avoid browser extensions or “airdrops” that request wallet connection. Trezor does not require Chrome extensions or mobile apps outside of Suite.

7. Recovery Process Explained

Restoring a lost or replaced Trezor

In Trezor Suite, choose Recover wallet and carefully enter each recovery word. Your device will recreate all accounts associated with your seed phrase.

Verification steps

Never enter recovery words on any website. The process must be done only through your hardware device screen.

8. Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Common issues

Support resources

Access the official Trezor knowledge base and contact support at trezor.io/support.

9. Best Practices for Long-Term Security

Physical safety

Backup duplication

Store duplicate backups in two geographically separate secure places. Test your recovery process once a year with a spare device to ensure backups work.

Keep learning

Trezor frequently updates guides and introduces new features. Regularly visit trezor.io/guides for new tutorials.