Before you start — checklist
Take a moment to prepare. A safe setup reduces risk.
- Your new Trezor device (Model One or T).
- USB cable or adapter included with the device.
- A computer or mobile device with internet access and a modern browser.
- The recovery seed card (paper) included in the box and a pen.
- A private, distraction-free workspace to write down your seed — do not use photos or cloud storage.
trezor.io/start URL and the Trezor Suite app for setup. Scammers create fake pages and apps — double-check URLs and file sources.1. Unbox & inspect
Open your package and inspect the device and accessories. Look for tamper-evident seals and packaging integrity. If something looks opened, damaged, or suspicious, contact the vendor or Trezor support before proceeding.
- Verify seal and packaging.
- Confirm that the device screen powers on when connected.
- Keep the recovery seed card handy — you'll use it during setup.
2. Connect device & visit Trezor.io/Start
Plug your Trezor into your computer with the provided cable. Open your browser and go to trezor.io/start. The page detects your device and guides the remaining steps.
- If prompted, install Trezor Suite or the required helper (the website will advise you for your OS).
- When your browser prompts for permission to communicate with the device, allow it — this is necessary for setup.
3. Install firmware (if needed)
New devices or devices restored from certain states often require official firmware. The website will present an installer. Only accept firmware from the official, detected installer — never from third-party sources.
- Follow the on-screen firmware installation instructions.
- Do not unplug the device during installation; interrupting may require recovery steps.
trezor.io/start.4. Create a new wallet or recover an existing one
The setup flow gives you the option to create a new wallet or recover an existing wallet using your recovery phrase. For most users starting fresh, choose "Create new".
- Select Create new in the web flow or Trezor Suite.
- The device will generate a recovery seed (usually 12, 18, or 24 words). Write these words down—exactly, in order—on the supplied recovery card. Do not abbreviate or use punctuation unless shown.
- Store the written seed securely. Consider using a metal seed backup for durability against fire, water, and aging.
5. Set a PIN
Your Trezor will prompt you to set a PIN. This protects the device if it’s lost or stolen. The PIN is entered on your computer but the device controls the mapping so shoulder-surfers cannot easily learn it.
- Choose a PIN that is long enough to resist guessing but memorable to you.
- Never store the PIN with your recovery seed; keep them separate.
6. Verify your recovery seed and device
After recording the seed, the setup flow will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you wrote them correctly. The device may also show test addresses for verification.
- Complete the verification prompts on the device and website.
- If verification fails, repeat the seed generation process; do not skip verification.
7. Optional: Enable a passphrase (hidden wallet)
Advanced users may enable a passphrase in addition to the seed. A passphrase creates an extra, hidden wallet that is only accessible with the passphrase and seed together.
- Understand the risk: if you lose the passphrase, the hidden wallet cannot be recovered even with the recovery seed.
- Store passphrases securely and separately from the recovery seed if you choose to use them.
8. Add accounts & receive funds
With setup complete, use Trezor Suite or a compatible wallet to add cryptocurrency accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). When receiving funds, always verify the receive address on both the app and the device screen to avoid address-manipulation attacks.
- Open Trezor Suite or your chosen compatible wallet.
- Add accounts for the coins you want to manage and allow the app to synchronize balances.
- Generate receive addresses as needed and confirm them on the device screen before sharing.
Security best practices
- Buy devices only from official channels or authorized resellers to avoid tampered hardware.
- Never share your recovery seed or PIN. No legitimate support agent will ever ask for your seed.
- Keep backups of your seed in at least two geographically separate secure locations.
- Regularly update firmware from official sources when prompted by Trezor Suite or
trezor.io/start. - Consider using a passphrase only if you fully understand the recovery implications.
Troubleshooting & common issues
Device not detected
Try another USB port or cable, ensure the device screen is awake and unlocked, and disable browser extensions that might block the connection. Installing or updating Trezor Bridge/Trezor Suite may resolve detection issues.
Firmware update interrupted
Reconnect the device and retry the official firmware update. If you have trouble, consult official support; do not install firmware from untrusted sources.
Lost seed or damaged backup
If your seed is lost but the device is still accessible, create a new wallet and transfer funds to it immediately. If both the device and the seed are lost, funds cannot be recovered.
Forgot PIN
Forgetting your PIN requires a device reset (factory wipe) and recovery with the seed. Without the seed, the funds are permanently inaccessible.
FAQ
- Can I set up my device offline?
- Critical parts of the setup (seed generation, PIN entry) are performed on the device itself and do not require an online connection. Using Trezor Suite in an offline environment for sensitive tasks is recommended for maximum security.
- Should I use a passphrase?
- Passphrases provide additional security but also increase complexity. Use them only if you fully understand the responsibility: a forgotten passphrase means the hidden wallet cannot be recovered even with the seed.
- What if I receive an unsolicited message asking for my seed?
- Ignore it — it’s a scam. No legitimate support or service will request your recovery seed. If this happens, disconnect and verify you are on the official site
trezor.io/startor contact official support channels.