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Starting Up Your Device | Trezor®

Starting Up Your Trezor Device

This comprehensive start guide helps you get your Trezor device ready for secure self-custody. It covers the unboxing, first-time setup, recovery seed handling, PIN and passphrase choices, and tips for making your first safe transaction.

Welcome — Why Hardware Wallets Matter

Hardware wallets, like Trezor®, provide a secure environment for generating and storing private keys offline. They reduce risk by ensuring private keys never leave the device. Starting up your Trezor properly — following verified downloads, firmware checks, and secure seed handling — is essential to preserve the integrity of your funds.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, prepare the following:

  • Your unopened Trezor device and original USB cable.
  • A computer with internet access to visit official setup pages or to install Trezor Suite.
  • Pen and the included recovery card (or a steel backup if you have one) to write down your recovery seed.
  • Time and a secure, private space — never rush the seed backup step.

Step 1 — Verify Packaging and Unbox

When your Trezor arrives, visually inspect the packaging for tamper-evidence. Ensure seals are intact and nothing appears altered. Open the box and verify that the model, serial number, and included accessories match the order and the documentation. If anything looks suspicious, contact the seller or official support immediately.

Step 2 — Download Trezor Suite

For desktop setup, download Trezor Suite from the official source. You can also use the web app version if preferred, but downloading the official desktop app ensures a controlled environment for firmware installation and device management. Visit the downloads page listed below and verify you are on the manufacturer domain before installing.

Step 3 — Connect & Check Firmware

  1. Connect your Trezor to your computer with the included USB cable.
  2. Open Trezor Suite; the app will detect the device and check the installed firmware.
  3. If an update is required, follow the prompts to install the latest firmware. The Suite verifies firmware signatures so you can trust the update.

Step 4 — Create a New Wallet

Choose Create a new wallet in Suite to initialize a fresh seed. The device will generate a recovery seed (typically 12, 18, or 24 words depending on the device and your preferences). Carefully follow on-screen and device prompts during seed generation.

Writing Down Your Recovery Seed

Write every word in order on the recovery card that shipped with your device. Do not store the seed digitally or take pictures. Consider the following practices:

  • Keep multiple physical copies in separate secure locations (e.g., safe, deposit box).
  • Consider using steel backups for durability against fire or water damage.
  • Avoid describing the seed in ways that could be reconstructed by an attacker (e.g., leaving the unencrypted seed near your device).

Step 5 — Set a Device PIN

Create a PIN to protect access to your Trezor. A PIN stops casual physical attackers from using the device. Use a PIN that is memorable to you but not easily guessable. Trezor devices implement rate limiting on PIN attempts to make brute-force attacks impractical.

Optional — Passphrase (Hidden Wallets)

Advanced users can enable a passphrase that functions like an extra word appended to the recovery seed, creating hidden wallets. Use passphrases only if you understand the risks — if you forget the passphrase the hidden wallet is irretrievable. Document your passphrase strategy separately and securely.

Step 6 — Add Accounts and Receive Funds

In Suite, add accounts for the coins you plan to use (BTC, ETH, etc.). To receive funds, generate a receiving address in Suite and verify the address on the device screen. Always check that the address shown on your computer matches the address displayed on your Trezor before sharing it.

Step 7 — Perform a Test Transaction

Before moving large sums, send a small test amount from another wallet or exchange to your new Trezor address. Confirm the transaction on-chain, then practice sending it back to get comfortable with the signing flow and confirmations. This reduces the chance of mistakes when handling larger transfers.

Troubleshooting

If Suite cannot detect your device or the connection is unstable, try these steps:

  • Use the original USB cable and try a direct USB port.
  • Restart Bridge (if installed) or the Suite app, and reboot your computer if needed.
  • Check firewall or antivirus settings that might block local connections.
  • Refer to the official support articles if the issue persists.

Security Checklist — Before Adding Significant Funds

  • Recovery seed securely written and stored offline.
  • Firmware verified and up to date via Suite.
  • PIN set and tested.
  • Performed test sends/receives with small amounts.
  • Understood passphrase implications if used.

Maintenance & Best Practices

  • Regularly update Suite and Bridge to receive security patches and compatibility fixes.
  • Store backups across multiple secure locations for redundancy (but avoid multiple online copies).
  • Consider multi-sig or professional custody solutions for very large holdings.
  • Keep your recovery plan documented for trusted family or executor arrangements, but avoid revealing seed details in the documentation.

Official Resources

Quick Start Trezor Suite Downloads Support Center Security Guide FAQ Official Blog GitHub Store Compatibility

Final Remarks

Starting up your Trezor device correctly is the single most important step in securing your crypto assets. Follow official download links, verify firmware, protect your recovery seed, and always verify transaction details on the device screen. With careful setup and disciplined habits, a hardware wallet significantly strengthens your security posture and gives you direct control over your assets.