How to Set Up Your Trezor Wallet | Trezor.io/Start Guide

Before you begin

What you'll need

• A genuine Trezor hardware device (Model One, Model T, Safe series).
• A computer with an internet connection and a USB port (or the official cable).
• Paper and a pen (for writing your recovery seed). Do not store the seed digitally.
• Time and a quiet space — setting up takes about 15 minutes. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Step 1 — Verify & install Trezor Suite

Why Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is the official app for device initialization, firmware updates, and managing assets. Download it from the official page and verify signatures if you can.

Quick steps

1. Go to the official download page (link above) and download the correct desktop file for your OS. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
2. Verify the file if provided (instructions on the download page) — this guards against tampered installers.
3. Install and open Trezor Suite, and choose “Set up a new device”.

Tip

If you prefer, the Suite also has a web flow; however, desktop is recommended for security and firmware handling.

Step 2 — Plug in your Trezor & initialize

Connect the hardware

1. Plug the Trezor into your computer using the provided cable.
2. Trezor Suite will detect the device and show a welcome screen. Follow the on-screen steps to initialize.
3. Create a new wallet when prompted; Trezor will generate a recovery seed (mnemonic phrase) offline on the device screen — never enter recovery words into your computer.

If the Suite prompts a firmware update during initialization, accept it and follow the firmware installation prompts in Suite. Firmware updates are essential to fix security issues and enable new features. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Step 3 — Securely store your recovery seed

Writing the seed

1. Write the recovery words on the supplied recovery card or high-quality paper. Use a pen — not a screenshot or digital file.
2. Store the paper in a safe, ideally in two geographically separated secure locations (safe deposit box, home safe).
3. Consider using a steel backup product that resists fire, water, and corrosion for long-term storage.

Avoid common mistakes

• Don’t photograph or copy the seed to cloud services or email.
• Don’t share the seed with anyone — Trezor staff will never ask for it.

Extra protection

If you need multi-person recovery or extra control, read about advanced setups (passphrases, Shamir, multi-sig) in official guides. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Step 4 — Set a PIN & optional passphrase

PIN

Choose a PIN to protect access to the device. A wrong PIN repeated multiple times will increase delay between attempts — this slows brute-force attempts and helps protect your seed.

Passphrase (optional)

A passphrase is an additional secret that augments your seed. Use it only if you understand the extra complexity — losing it means permanent loss of funds. Official documentation explains tradeoffs. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Step 5 — Update firmware & finalize

Firmware

When prompted, update your device firmware through Trezor Suite. Follow on-screen prompts exactly. Firmware updates are necessary for security fixes and are distributed from the official site. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Final checks

1. Confirm the device displays the same addresses as Suite when receiving (address verification).
2. Double-check your written recovery seed is complete and legible.
3. Test a small transfer before moving large amounts.

Security best practices

Do

• Only buy devices from official sources. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Verify software downloads and run firmware updates from Suite only.
• Keep backups in multiple secure locations.

Don't

• Never share your recovery seed or enter it online.
• Don’t buy used devices (they may be tampered with) — buy new from official shop or resellers. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Trezor publishes detailed security explanations and a transparency-first, open-source approach — read their security pages for deeper understanding. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Troubleshooting & support

Common issues

• Device not recognized: try a different USB cable or port, and confirm Suite is up-to-date.
• Firmware install failed: follow Suite prompts, reconnect, and retry update; see official troubleshooting pages.

Need help?

Reach out via official Trezor Support and community channels — avoid third-party support that asks for your seed or private keys. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}